Shuri Mackein being stoic was unexpected. He called his younger sister “little cherry” and was known for shedding tears, so his usual stoicism surprised me. Ileina said that he was indeed like that normally, except with his sister, whom he deeply cared for, having raised her alone after their parents’ early demise.
Before marrying Ileina, Clare was his only family. Shuri, known for his family attachment, showed a different side at home compared to his public demeanor.
In fact, every time he saw me at home, he would still tearfully call me “little cherry.”
This was emotionally uncomfortable for me, but fortunately, he was always busy with work. Due to caring for the ailing Clare, he was so backlogged with work that it was hard to even see his face for a while.
“The main house sent some precious tea as a gift. I wanted to enjoy it with Clare. How are you feeling today?”
“Perfectly fine.”
“You know to be careful, right?”
“Yes.”
“About your memory…”
She cautiously asked me about my memory, but I shook my head. Being not the real Clare, I had no memories of hers to recall. Seeing my solemn expression, perhaps thinking I was worried about my lost memories, Ileina comforted me.
“Don’t worry too much. I’ve inquired about others who’ve experienced similar events, and surprisingly, many have regained their memories.”
Ileina poured a red-tinted tea. It had a fragrance akin to lilies. I recognized it – it was the same tea Ian often served me during my visits to the palace for his treatment.
Teymeron, originally a regional name, became the tea’s name due to its exclusive growth in that area. Grown in high-altitude areas with abundant sunlight, it had a mild bitterness and a distinct red hue. The tea was cherished for its rare production, even if its taste and aroma were appealing.
I didn’t usually like bitter teas, but Teymeron was an exception, although I heavily sweetened it with honey.
Unaware that I was familiar with the tea, Ileina explained it to me. She had been patiently teaching me many things, considering my diagnosed memory loss.
“Teymeron tea, quite a rarity. Most of its production goes to the palace, so I’ve only tasted it a few times. Luckily, we got the chance today.”
To me, accustomed to this tea because of Ian, it was familiar. Yet, I expressed gratitude to Ileina.
“Seems like a precious tea. I’ll enjoy it.”
As always, I scooped a generous amount of honey into my tea.
I’ve always preferred sweet tastes, even in adulthood, and disliked bitter, fishy, or sour foods.
“Clare!”
“Yes? What’s up?”
Startled by her sudden call, I responded. She shook her head.
“Don’t add honey to the tea.”
“Isn’t that why the honey jar is on the table?”
“It’s a courtesy for those who can’t enjoy the tea’s bitterness, but you shouldn’t actually mix it in. Honey’s strong scent masks the tea’s flavor. Especially when having tea with others, be careful. It can make you seem ignorant about tea.”
“Ah…”
The thought of being judged for sweetening my tea was surprising, but I nodded, quietly accepting Ileina’s explanation.
“When you receive tea, first smell the aroma, then take a small sip and savor it slowly. Drink the tea in small sips just enough to quench your thirst.”
“Yes, I will.”
With so many etiquettes even for sipping tea, I wondered if I could ever adapt to noble life.
“It’s fine when you’re with me, but be mindful in front of other nobles.”
“I guess it’s okay since I won’t be meeting other nobles anytime soon?”
At my query, Ileina looked puzzled and asked, “Why wouldn’t you? Soon there will be a ball where you are the guest of honor. You’ll be very busy learning noble etiquette before then.”
“Me? A ball in my honor?”
Surprised by the unexpected news, I stared wide-eyed at Ileina.
“Oh my! Did I not tell you?”
“This is the first I’m hearing of it.”
“I forgot to explain the most important part… While you were unconscious, a lot of discussions took place.”
She calmly explained.
“You risked your life to save the second prince. For that, you’re to be granted a title and lands. It’s a single-generation title, but…”
“A title? For me?”
“It’s a countess title. According to your father, it’s the first time a woman will receive such a title.”
To my knowledge, there were no women in the history of the Calorvanian Empire with a title.
Even if a woman was the sole survivor in a family, she couldn’t inherit the title directly. To continue the lineage, they had to marry or adopt someone to succeed. But bestowing a title directly to Clare was unexpected.
“Originally, the discussion was to bestow it upon the family.”
“But why…”
“The Mackein family already owns vast lands as a count family. Raising the title or giving more lands was concerning, as it would increase their influence. But they couldn’t overlook the act of saving the prince. It must have been a headache for everyone involved.”
It’s common in politics not to want power concentrated in one place. There must have been many opposed to adding more power to the already influential Mackein family.
“That makes sense.”
That must have been the urgent official business Ian mentioned.
“But still, Clare… I mean, bestowing a countess title on me is surprising. Whether it’s given to me or the family, it’s the same in terms of adding power to the Mackein family.”
The associated lands with such a title would be vast, befitting a countess. Even if it’s a single-generation title, it seemed excessive.
Ileina smiled mischievously.
“It’s a single-generation title.”
She emphasized again. I realized why the title and lands were bestowed upon Clare.
“Everyone thought I was going to die?”
A single-generation title would vanish upon her death, so it made sense now.
The memory of the doctor proclaiming a miracle when I woke up in Clare’s body came to mind.
“The skilled doctors unanimously agreed, so that was the decision. If you hadn’t awakened, the title and lands would have disappeared like a bubble. It’s like rewarding enough to show off, but not giving anything to the Mackein family. Quite a cunning move.”
Their choice made sense. If I hadn’t miraculously woken up in Clare’s body, it would have indeed been a clever plan.
“Of course, there was tremendous opposition after the news of your recovery. It seems even the Emperor found it troublesome and considered substituting the title with a treasure from the royal collection.”
“But how did I end up receiving the title?”
“The Empress strongly supported you.”
“The Empress? Does she have significant political power?”
I was curious, as the Empress’s presence had seemed minimal, and it was surprising that her word could influence the granting of a title I almost didn’t receive. I asked Ileina for clarification.
Shaking her head, Ileina replied, “It’s not just political influence; she holds absolute power. In some ways, she might even be more formidable than the Emperor.”
Her response, laced with laughter, made it hard to tell if she was joking or serious.
The Calorvanian Empire was known for its strong imperial authority over religious power. The current Emperor had purged the supporters of his brother when he ascended to the throne, so the nobles rarely spoke out against him.
But to hear that the Empress might have more influence than the Emperor seemed like a jest…
Despite my frequent visits to the palace as a perfumer, I hadn’t heard of the Empress’s family having a strong background to lend her such political weight.
“The Emperor listens to whatever the Empress says. This decision was almost solely influenced by her word. He doesn’t bother with such trivial matters.”
“They must have a good relationship.”
“It’s not just good; it’s extraordinary.”
This was unexpected. I had always thought the relationship between the Emperor and Empress was strained. I even suspected that Ian might have a secret birth story. After all, there had been much talk about Ian and Daniel’s origins.
My Step-brother Is Obsessed With Me (Female-dominant)
A gentle female protagonist vs pitiful in the early stage, and a sick male protagonist in the later stage
Cheng Songer transmigrated into the body of a vicious cannon fodder female supporting character with the same name as her in a female-dominant novel.
In the original story, the cannon fodder female supporting character was inhumane, committing domestic violence, gambling excessively, being lustful, and even wanting to sell her stepbrother to a brothel for money.
As luck would have it, she just happened to transmigrate at this time.
Seeing Cheng Qingzhi biting his lip, enduring the tears in his eyes, looking pitiful, her heart softened.
She stuffed the money back into the Madam’s hand and reached out to him.
“Brother, come home with me.”
