Li was enjoying a short vacation.

In the early afternoon, her younger brother and sister were away at their lessons.

Li was enjoying tea in the garden together with her mother.

It was what you would call afternoon tea.

As they spent that elegant time, the steward Adros appeared smoothly before them.

“Pardon me for interrupting your conversation. We’ve just received word that Her Majesty the Queen will be coming here shortly.”

At those words, it was her mother who let out a soft “Oh my.”

Since they were sisters, she must have been happy.

As for Li, what weighed more heavily on her mind was whether it was really all right for the queen to be going out already.

“Everything has been arranged without issue.”

Ever capable, the steward Adros withdrew smoothly.

“Mother, should we prepare something?”

“There’s no need to be so tense, Li-chan. I think my sister simply wanted to come and thank us.”

Her mother already knew the details from Grandfather and Grandmother.

Of course, she also knew that Li was the one who had resolved everything.

“But maybe, at heart, she just wanted to see you, Li-chan?”

Her mother sipped her tea while giving a playful wink.

Li had been thinking that something felt off as well.

Despite being decided as the crown prince’s fiancée, they had never even met face to face.

That said…

Looking back on this life so far, it was also true that Li had been incredibly busy.

She had regained memories of her previous life during the oracle rite she underwent at the age of seven.

Even before that, by the time she was around her younger sister’s age, she had already been learning reading, writing and arithmetic as part of her lessons.

After her awareness as Li returned, things could only be said to have accelerated further.

In that sense, there was also a reason she had never managed a formal meeting with the royal family.

Still, as she was lost in thought, her mother spoke to her.

“Li-chan, don’t furrow your brows like that. You’ll ruin your pretty face.”

“I’m sorry,” Li apologized honestly.

Just then, the steward Adros returned.

“Her Majesty the Queen will be arriving shortly, so please come to greet her.”

Together with her mother, Li walked to the main gate.

It was just as a single golem carriage glided in.

“Oh my? She’s already using it.”

It was the golem carriage Li had presented to the royal family.

‘As expected of the royal house, even the crest had already been added. They truly worked fast.’

When the escort knight opened the door, a lady practically sprang out.

Her luxurious blonde hair stood out brilliantly against her vivid red dress.

She had a gentle gaze somewhat resembling her mother’s.

And a very ample chest.

“Li-chan! I’ve been wanting to see you!”

She hurried over at a quick pace and the queen wrapped Li in an embrace.

Was being this physically affectionate a family trait, Li wondered calmly.

Apparently, what she herself did to her younger sister was being conveniently ignored.

“Sister, it’s been a while,” her mother said.

“Veronica-chan, I’ve wanted to see you too!”

Li found herself sandwiched between her mother and the queen.

Looking closely, the queen was still somewhat slender.

However, her complexion was good and she did not give the impression of forcing herself despite feeling unwell.

For now, it seemed there was no problem with the queen’s condition and Li felt a sense of relief.