Chapter 42
Chapter 42
Originally, Arthur hadn’t planned to attend the gathering at all. Such events, typically hosted by high-ranking nobles who also held administrative positions, often turned into political discussions, which held absolutely no interest for him.
He also didn’t enjoy spending time with his overly concerned father, and there were never any young or pretty women among the nobles.
Nevertheless, he ended up attending for a rather forced reason: the Emperor had half-dragged him along, insisting there was much for him to learn.
That was why Arthur wore a bored expression the entire way. But the moment he arrived, his face lit up with a flicker of interest.
“Really, Father… You should have told me Battenberg would be here.”
He wasn’t especially interested in Chloe, but it was undeniable that she was the most beautiful attendee today. Plus, his last encounter with her had been amusing, and he was curious how the duke and duchess had fared since.
On the other hand, Chloe felt uncomfortable at the sight of Arthur, and Alphonse was visibly displeased. Neither had expected him to be present.
Fortunately, since this was a refined gathering with the Emperor and several high-ranking nobles, Arthur didn’t cause a scene. In fact, he was quieter than usual.
They sat in the shade, a soft breeze wafting the scent of blooming flowers through the air, and conversed peacefully. The discussion shifted between politics and casual chatter.
Eventually, the topic turned to personal hobbies.
“My wife’s been obsessed with horseback riding lately, so I decided to build her a private riding ground.”
Marquis Ronefeld said, half-bragging.
Chloe responded with genuine admiration.
“That sounds wonderful. Horseback riding is so elegant.”
She wasn’t good at sports. Even in her previous life, Chloe had always been physically frail—now even more so.
“Oh ho, it’s nothing special. But tell us, Duchess Battenberg, do you have any hobbies you enjoy?”
“Ah, I…”
Chloe reflexively almost answered the Marchioness of Ronefeld’s question, but she glanced at Alphonse instead. Since the necklace incident, they’d both used their busyness as excuses to avoid tea time together.
But then, Alphonse spoke unexpectedly.
“My wife enjoys tea.”
Chloe was a little surprised that he answered first.
Most of those seated were also startled. In the Empire, tea still carried a strong stigma—seen as something consumed only in uncivilized barbarian lands.
“Ha… haha, I see. You must have quite an unusual taste, Duchess Battenberg.”
Duke Winchester gave an awkward reply. Alphonse, calm as ever, responded:
“Despite the Empire’s common prejudice, my wife’s tea possesses depth and refinement. If Your Grace were to take just a sip, your opinion might change.”
“A-ah, no, I didn’t mean it that way…”
The duke flustered, taken aback. While both were dukes in title, the influence and wealth of their households differed, Battenberg was clearly the more powerful.
Then the Marchioness of Ronefeld showed interest.
“Actually, Lady Cloverfield spoke very highly of your tea, Duchess. She said it was amazing—how a brew of leaves could have a milky aroma.”
“A tea that smells like milk? How curious.”
Even the Emperor perked up. Arthur, who had been unusually silent, suddenly cut in.
“That’s pretty normal. Last time, Chloe… no, I mean, Duchess Battenberg brewed me a tea with a floral and fruity scent. It even had flower petals in it, it was quite surprising.”
Arthur was the type who couldn’t resist showing off when he knew something. Since he was the only one here aside from the duke and duchess who had tasted Chloe’s tea, he became excited.
“The aroma was dazzling, and the flavors danced on your tongue, it felt like drinking a fine wine. Ah, what a shame I can’t share that taste with everyone here.”
He declared proudly.
With three people vouching for it, curiosity surged among the guests.
“How fascinating. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d love to try your tea, Duchess.”
Said the Duchess of Winchester.
“Me too. I’m really curious,” added the Marchioness of Ronefeld.
“Then how about this?”
The Emperor interjected.
“Duchess Battenberg, if it’s not too much trouble, would you be willing to brew this tea for us now? I must admit, my curiosity won’t let me sleep tonight otherwise.”
Though clearly a joke, the pressure in his tone was palpable.
Everything happened so fast, Chloe could barely process it.
‘Here? In the Imperial Palace? In front of the Emperor?!’
Even for someone who loved tea as she did, this was an overwhelming request.
Still, with things having gone this far, she couldn’t very well refuse. Hiding her fluster, she spoke politely.
“If my humble skills will not be a disservice to the guests gathered here, it would be my honor.”
“Hoho, such modesty. Tell me what you need, I’ll have it brought right away.”
And so, Chloe found herself tasked with brewing tea in front of the Empire’s highest nobles—and the Emperor himself.
Since it had come to this, she had no choice. She sent for some tea utensils and containers from the Battenberg tea room, reminding the maid to handle the porcelain with care.
The Battenberg estate wasn’t far from the palace, so the items arrived quickly. Once they did, Chloe asked a maid to bring freshly boiled water.
The Emperor was intrigued by the tea leaves.
“Round little balls or beads. Are these really tea leaves?”
Everyone leaned forward to look.
Indeed, the green leaves were tightly rolled into balls, very different from the usual black, loose-leaf teas.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm… rolled tea leaves, I see. But they’re so small. Wouldn’t they be hard to steep?”
Chloe brought out the pre-warmed utensils and answered.
“Once hot water is poured, the leaves unfurl immediately, Your Majesty.”
“Hoho, is that so. These utensils look quite unique. Are they foreign?”
The Emperor pointed at the tools Chloe had set out.
“They look like something from On.”
“You’re correct. These are from On, Your Majesty.”
Chloe poured hot water over the leaves and waited about 30 seconds, rinsing the leaves. Then, she poured fresh hot water and carefully filled the teacups.
With a respectful posture, she offered the first cup to the Emperor.
“This is called Tieguanyin, Your Majesty.”
“It’s not black tea?”
That remark came from Prince Arthur, who peered into the cup with its light green hue.
“No. This is qingcha, or oolong.”
[TL: Qingcha leaves are a type of oolong tea leaves, particularly those that are lightly or partially oxidized, giving them a greenish appearance]
“Qingcha… The scent is really quite something.”
The Emperor examined the tea with interest, then took a sip. Others followed his lead.
Multiple gasps of delight rang out. Mostly from the ladies, but even the men were surprised.
The Emperor’s eyes widened. He looked at Chloe, impressed.
“The aroma… It’s so unique. Almost sweet, like flowers. Could you explain?”
Chloe calmly and clearly explained.
“Of course, Your Majesty. That floral scent is the signature fragrance of Tieguanyin. Though no flavors or additives are used, the tea naturally carries the sweet scent of orchids and fruit.”
“No added flavors, and it still smells like this? Unbelievable.”
The Emperor sipped again. Even without sugar, the tea tasted astonishingly sweet. The flavor wasn’t cloying, the aroma never tiring. It was elegant and delicate—like the noble scent of an orchid.
A satisfied smile tugged at the Emperor’s lips.
“Amazing. That such taste and aroma exist. Thank you for this fine tea, Duchess.”
“I’m deeply honored, Your Majesty.”
Chloe bowed her head.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the tea. Even Alphonse, without a word, emptied his cup.
They sipped the Tieguanyin with light snacks and chatted pleasantly.
Throughout, the Emperor seemed taken with Chloe, lavishing her with praise.
“I now understand why everyone praised your tea so highly. Not only is your skill exceptional, but your humility too. Duke, you must be proud to have such a wife.”
Alphonse replied evenly,
“I consider her far more than I deserve.”
Chloe felt awkward. After the necklace incident, they’d barely had tea together or spoken much, which made the compliment even more uncomfortable.
Eventually, the gathering concluded. The Ronefeld and Winchester couples had already left, but the Battenbergs lingered as the Emperor continued to question Chloe.
Then, Arthur, watching them quietly, suddenly blurted out.
“Why do you two seem so awkward? Did you fight?”
“Eh? N-no, of course not.”
“Excuse me?”
Both Chloe and Alphonse were startled, insisting there had been no argument and nothing was wrong.
Finally, the Battenberg couple also left, guided by an attendant. Watching them go, the Emperor murmured,
“I heard rumors their marriage wasn’t going well, but they seemed better than expected.”
Arthur scoffed.
“What are you talking about? They were totally awkward. That was definitely a fight.”
“Perhaps. But they still maintained perfect decorum. That’s not how estranged couples act. And… call it an old man’s intuition—”
The Emperor thought to himself…
‘There was something between those two. A subtle undercurrent not usually found in politically arranged marriages.’
He smiled.
“A rather well-matched pair.”
To which the prince grumbled petulantly,
“Matched? They didn’t match at all…”
