However, Endimion’s actions yesterday were completely different.
‘What does this mean?’
Julia gracefully greeted the minister who was next in line, while she thought of something else.
Now that I’m an adult, does it mean that I should be more like an adult instead of a childhood friend? No way. If it was just that, why would he suddenly act and say such strange things?
Julia was not a fool. She had been praised as a perfect Queen even before she became one because she is quick-witted and clever.
‘……maybe.’
Julia smiled at the old Duke after she finished greeting him, and glanced over at Endimion. The body that was a little over 190 tassens* sat with its long legs crossed, gazing down proudly.
After a moment of hesitation, Julia opened her mouth, unable to withstand her curiosity, to take a chance.
“I…”
“I meet the Great Sun of Semele and the Radiant Glory.”
The voices of a man and woman were heard from in front of me. Julia, who didn’t even know who was coming up because she had been glancing over at Endimion, turned her head.
A middle-aged man with dark brown hair and the young lady who looked just like him stood side by side in front of her. The man lowered his head first.
“Duke Kennedy Sawyer greets you. Your Grace, and Queen-nim, we congratulate you on becoming adults.”
……‘Sawyer’?
Julia, who was wondering about their foreign faces, blinked her eyes.
“Long time no see, Duke Sawyer.”
Endimion greeted in a calm voice. Then the man smiled naturally and offered a ceremonial apology, saying, he was sorry to have not shown up for a long time.
“Kiara Sawyer greets you. Congratulations on holding your coming-of-age ceremony.”
The lady standing next to the man bowed with a proper posture. The fresh green dress spread to the side and combined with her chestnut hair, it created a lively atmosphere.
‘Kiara…’
It was a name she knew.
Julia closed her lips, which were about to gape in surprise. I couldn’t help it if my eyes got a bit bigger.
“Nice to meet you for the first time, Queen-nim. May God bless you.”
The lady who stood up spoke softly and met her with olive eyes. Julia quickly gathered her composure.
“Nice to meet you, Lady Sawyer.”
She’s ‘that’ lady.
“I wasn’t invited directly, but I was invited by the Duchess of Hyde. I was wondering if it was rude, as it is my first time in a royal hunting contest since I was a kid…I apologize if it’s offensive, Queen-nim.”
“There’s no way that’s the case. I’m glad you came. I hope you have a good time.”
Iris said she wouldn’t attend as she is sick, but it seems she has given her invitation to her friend.
Julia greeted the lady in the calm and friendly manner of a Queen, contrary to her alert mind. The lady with an air of abject beauty replied,
“Thank you, Queen-nim.”
Iris’ friend, who is the daughter of a duke with the blood of a foreign country…
“It’s been a long time, Your Majesty.”
Endimion’s ex-fiancée.
“Yes, It’s been a long time.”
Endimion still greeted the lady with boredom.
Julia felt her attention rushing towards this lady compared to everyone who came before her. Although she was smiling brightly as if nothing had happened.
The two exchanged a few more polite words in front of the Duke Sawyer and Julia. The ministers were already done, and it was time to greet the aristocrats and ladies who were invited as concubine candidates. It seemed like Kiara Sawyer had cut the line to be the first among all the ladies.
“I haven’t been able to visit you often because I’ve been ill, and had to stay abroad for a long time.”
“You look healthy now. I hope you stay healthy.”
Even while having a light conversation with Duke Sawyer, Julia focused on Endimion and Kiara’s conversation.
Now, Kiara was telling Endimion about her childhood memories. Julia felt strange because there was no room for her to intervene as it was before she got married.
‘I wish she would finish and leave quickly.‘
As the conversation between Kiara and Endimion continued, Julia felt nervous and fiddled with her fingertips. I’d rather have other ladies come and say hello.
‘……why?’
* Their method of measurement, probably centimeters(as used in Korea)