202 Episode 10 Tea Ceremony (1/2)

Sonia was sitting facing the Emperor of Lemuria.

On the table were three kinds of cakes, cookies, and macaroons.

A servant pours fragrant tea into a teacup.

Which do you prefer, tea or coffee?

...... If I had to say, I'd say coffee.

The Emperor of Lemuria smiled as Sonia said, ”I see.

I see. That's a shame. ...... I prefer tea, though. Oh, well. I'll get you some coffee next time. By the way, do you like milk or sugar in your coffee?

”...... Yes.

Sonia gave a small nod and picked up the cup.

And drink the freshly brewed tea.

(...... delicious)

It was one of the most delicious teas Sonia had ever tasted.

Then Sonia looked at the sweets on the table and gulped.

In the kingdom of Cerda, there is a law against extravagance.

It is a law that restricts the importation and use of luxury goods.

This law was issued by the previous king, Raus I.

The law was issued by the previous king, Raus I. And ...... defines what is considered a luxury in the Kingdom of Chellda.

These are goods imported from the Lemurian Empire.

For example, spices and silk, which are typical examples of luxury goods, all pass through the territory of the Lemurian Empire and come to the Kingdom of Chelda.

Other items such as tea, coffee, sugar, ceramics, jewelry, and glassware are all produced in or imported through the Lemurian Empire.

Purchasing these items is synonymous with bringing wealth to the Lemurian Empire.

Therefore, certain restrictions have been placed on them.

And ...... because of the state of war until recently, Sonia, the daughter of a great nobleman, could not afford luxury either financially or emotionally.

But ......

Sonia is just a girl.

She loved sweets, that is to say, sweets of the Lemurian empire with lavish amounts of sugar, and coffee with lots of milk and sugar.

Her envy of such luxuries was strong because she could rarely eat them.

And now it was right in front of me.

”Do you like sweets?

”........................... ......... I don't really like them.

Sonia replied, desperately looking away from the sweets.

I don't like sweets.

I'm not sure if the Lemurian emperor knew of Sonia's strength or not, but he smiled.

I am proud to say that Lemuria's pastries are the best in the world. I'm sure it will suit your palate.

”............

The sweets of the kingdom of Cerda are better.

I'm sure you'll like it.” Sonia tried to say, but couldn't.

The Kingdom of Cerda, which gets its sugar only through the Lemurian Empire, is not capable of making sweets as sweet as those of the Lemurian Empire.

In the Kingdom of Chelda, sweetness is limited to dates, watermelons, melons, figs, grapes, and other fruits.

(I'll just eat a little bit of ...... and then pretend I don't have a sweet tooth.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

”......!

I'm not sure if you've ever heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

To accentuate this sweetness, the fresh fruit juice overflows, mingling the sour and sweet flavors.

Sonia couldn't help but swoon.

”...... Ah!

She found herself eating the entire slice of cake.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

Sonia's cheeks flushed red from embarrassment.

I'm glad you like it.

”...... Yes.

You can no longer deny that you don't like it.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

There are still two kinds of cake, cookies and macarons left. There are two more cakes, cookies and macaroons left, and there are refills if you want them.

”Oh, I'm not such a picky eater!

Sonia shouted and stood up.

Then she sat down silently, her face flushed red.

Her reaction was clearly a mistake.

”Princess Sonia.

”...... What is it?

The Emperor of Lemuria said in a gentle voice to Sonia, who had reopened her mouth and started eating the sweets.

In a couple of weeks, all the prisoners will be transferred to Nova Lemuria.

”......

”You'll be coming to Nova Lemuria. You will be coming to Nova Lemuria.

Emperor Lemuria said. ......

Sonia glared at the Emperor of Lemuria.

The war is not over yet. The Kingdom of Cerda is not defeated!

Of course we know that. That's why we're transporting the prisoners to the capital. To use them as bargaining chips.

In other words, Sonia herself is a bargaining chip for the Lemurian Empire to extract concessions from the Kingdom of Chelda.

Sonia bit her lip in frustration as she realized this.

It's your fault. Because of you, the Kingdom of Chelda is ......”.

That's right. Because I am the Emperor of the Lemurian Empire.

The Emperor of Lemuria said coldly to Sonia.

It is the sovereign who acts in the best interest of his subjects. I may be the cause, but ...... it is your king who is to blame.

”......

Sonia could not refute any of this.

A month later, in mid-May.

”...... What's for dinner today?

Sonia rubbed her eyes sleepily as she waited for her meal in the guest room she had been given at the Lemuria Palace.

After waiting for a while, a servant brought her a delicious looking breakfast.

It included Sonia's favorite coffee with milk and sugar.

She ate until dessert and stretched out.

It's too comfortable.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

I've been a prisoner of war in Nova Lemuria for a while now, and it's been very comfortable.

Although she was a prisoner of war, she was actually treated as a guest of honor.

Three meals and a snack were provided every day, and she could take a luxurious bath at night.

The undergarments, dresses, and ornaments provided were of a much higher quality than what Sonia possessed.

Moreover, the Emperor of Lemuria had even told her that she could take them all back with her when she returned home, since they had been prepared for her.

I can understand if it was underwear or a dress, but he also gave me a beautiful ruby and pearl necklace and earrings that came with the dress.

It was so generous that Sonia felt sorry for him.

In addition, entertainment was also provided.

They would lend her books as much as she wanted, and sometimes they would even take her to the library.

With permission, I could rent an exercise facility, and at ...... I could even meet the two empresses of the Lemurian Empire, Carolina and Scheherazade, there.

I was allowed to visit churches and chapels every day, and even had an audience with a medium.

If I jokingly said that I wanted to take a walk in Nova Lemuria, I was actually allowed to do so, albeit under supervision.

It was an unbelievably good treatment.