The Great Wish Volume 1 Chapter 1 part6

Chapter 1: The Princess's Dream
Sienna sent a lady-in-waiting to go to the Knights of the Imperial Palace with the description of the man she was looking for. However, the Knights still had not responded by dusk. She sent the lady-in-waiting back to get an answer, but there was still no word.
The next day, Sienna called for Gilbert, a knight, and sent him to find the man. She had thought that she would have found him by now, but she kept running into delays.
That morning, she was heading back to her residence from the Central Parliament meeting. As she was walking, she saw a group of court ladies busily walking around. She wasn't in a great mood already, so she made an observation.
"What a mess."
A lady-in-waiting spoke up from behind Sienna.
"I believe they are preparing for the upcoming banquet."
"Are you talking about my birthday?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Sienna's twentieth birthday was coming up. In the Empire, one's coming-of-age was celebrated on their twentieth birthday. The upcoming banquet would serve as a party for both the Princess's twentieth birthday as well as her coming-of-age.
A splendid party was thrown every year on Sienna's birthday at the Palace. These party preparations were always taken care of by the department in charge, and Sienna never paid attention to the details.
"Send someone to the Ceremony Department and tell them I have a few questions."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The delegate from the Ceremony Department, Count Dicken, rushed back.
"Can you show me the budget plan for the banquet?"
"What? Oh, of course! I'll have it ready for you now, Your Highness."
The count prepared the papers and came back. Sienna's brow creased as she flipped through the papers.
"Do you spend this much money every year for my birthday banquet?"
"No, Your Highness. We're spending more this year."
"Why?"
"Seeing how it's a more special celebration..."
"What's so special about this year?"
The count glanced at Sienna.
"This year, the Princess's birthday marks her coming-of-age."
"This is too much. Reduce the budget and replan it."
"Forgive me, but the Red King has taken an interest in the banquet and..."
Sienna frowned before relaxing her expression.
"I understand. I will talk directly to the Red King."
After the count left, Sienna went to the palace of the Red King. When she got to the entrance, she observed the new faces that had been posted there before speaking to the lady-in-waiting that had come out to greet her.
"It seems that you have a guest."
"Countess Elio is inside, Your Highness."
"Who?"
"Countess Elio's mother is the Red King's cousin."
"I see."
Sienna replied disinterestedly. She didn't care much for the complicated family tree.
Most of the Empire's aristocracy had some connection to the Imperial family. No matter what kind of relationship or kinship they shared, these people were all vassals and subjects she was going to govern.
"Am I to wait for them to finish?"
"No, Your Highness. I was told to see you in when you arrived."
The lady-in-waiting led Sienna to the sitting room. Inside the sitting room, two women were sitting facing each other. When Sienna entered the room, one of the ladies stood up. The woman was in her mid-twenties. Flustered, she hesitated before greeting her with a blush.
"Greetings, Your Highness. It is my honor to meet you."
Countess Elio was so bewildered that she had forgotten to introduce herself. Sienna didn't point out her mistake. They wouldn't meet again anyways.
The other lady sitting on the sofa looked at Sienna and gently crinkled her eyes. She smiled alluringly as if she were seducing a man.
"Welcome, Princess."
"Have you been well, Mother?"
Sienna calmly greeted her mother.
It was difficult to tell the age of this lady due to her heavy makeup. From afar, she seemed like she was in her twenties, but if one looked close, she looked much older than that.
She languidly stroked the chin of the cat on her lap. The white cat purred, savoring its master's touch.
"Introduce yourselves. This is Countess Elio. She's like a niece to me."
Sienna merely nodded. She didn't introduce herself or smile. Despite this, the countess's eyes gleamed and her lips trembled in excitement. Just meeting the Princess in person made her heart flutter.
"Princess, i-it's an honor. I'm Earl Luke's daughter..."
Having realized her earlier mistake, the countess stammered as she introduced herself. Sienna mercilessly cut her off.
"I have something to discuss with you, Mother."
The Red King, Patricia, slightly scowled at Sienna before tenderly smiling at the countess.
"I enjoyed your company today, Countess. Let's talk more next time. It seems that the Princess has something important to discuss with her mother."
"Yes, Red King. I'll come by whenever you call for me, so please call. I'll take my leave."
After the countess left, Patricia lightly rebuked Sienna.
"Giving a proper greeting wouldn't have been difficult, would it?"
"Was there a reason I had to?"
Patricia was about to lecture her daughter about the importance of networking but decided to leave it alone. No matter how many times she told the Princess, her behavior didn't change anyway. Sienna was her daughter, but the Red King felt like she was a stranger to her.
It was the same with the Emperor. The father-daughter pair were equally cold and haughty. They were incredibly proud of their blood. Both of them looked down on humans and didn't try to have a good relationship with them.
Thankfully, they still respected her as Sienna's mother. Even though everyone talked about how Sienna had so much filial devotion for her mother, they didn't know the truth. It was all thanks to Patricia's great efforts.
"The countess can be someone very important to you in the future. I'm thinking of making her younger brother a candidate for the Blue King."

Chapter end