Tea Party disaster

Minseok had barely stepped through the palace gates when her thoughts were still clouded by Reiner's confession. 

His words, earnest and heartfelt, echoed in his mind, stirring up emotions he didn't quite know how to process. 

He had rejected him, of course, what else could he have done?

But the weight of that moment lingered in his chest. 

Reiner, his loyal captain, had offered his heart, and his response had been cold, necessary. 

He could not afford to open that door. 

Not now.

And probably never.

Shaking his head, he forced himself to push aside the gnawing feeling of guilt and confusion. 

There were more pressing matters at hand. 

His steps carried him toward the palace, where he hoped he could find some semblance of peace in the quiet of his chambers.

But as he neared the entrance, a servant appeared, holding a small envelope sealed with the crest of a noble family. 

Minseok raised an eyebrow, surprised by the unexpected arrival. 

The servant handed it to him, bowing before disappearing as quietly as they had come.

Breaking the seal, Minseok read the delicate, flowing handwriting inside.

Dearest Princess Seraphina,

I hope this note finds you well and in good spirits. I would be most honored if you could join me for an afternoon tea tomorrow. It would be a delightful opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest, and I'm certain your presence would be both enlightening and appreciated.

Please let me know if you are able to attend. It would be a privilege to have you as my guest.

Yours sincerely,

Lady Aldwyn Parley

Minseok's eyes narrowed as he read the invitation once more. 

Lady Aldwyn Parley was not a woman known for her warmth or charity.

She was a sharp, calculating figure in court, a woman whose alliances shifted like the winds, and whose ambitions were as carefully crafted as any noble plot. 

Why would Aldwyn extend such an invitation? 

What could the woman possibly want from him?

His mind raced with possibilities. 

Aldwyn was no fool, she knew that Seraphina was no longer the woman the court once whispered about. 

They were a different person now, changed, yes, but with a past that still cast its shadow over his every move. 

Whatever Aldwyns game was, it would not be a simple social call. 

The question was: 'What did she hope to gain?'

"Well, I suppose I have no choice but to attend," Minseok murmured to himself, his voice resolute despite the uneasy feeling gnawing at him. 

If Lady Aldwyn wanted something, he would make sure to turn the tables in her favor.

"For now… I'll get some sleep and deal with this tomorrow"

The Next Afternoon

Minseok found himself stepping into the sprawling mansion of Lady Aldwyn Parley.

The grand house is situated within the wealthier quarter of the city. 

The scent of fresh roses and the faint trace of brewing tea drifted toward her as the door was opened by a servant, guiding him into a bright, sunlit sitting room where several other noblewomen were already gathered. 

The room was elegantly furnished, with plush chairs arranged around a low table, covered with delicate pastries.

Lady Aldwyn stood, a smile gracing her lips as she welcomed Minseok into the room. 

Her demeanor was outwardly warm, though there was an edge of calculation beneath the polite exterior.

"Princess Seraphina, it is such a pleasure to have you here," Aldwyn said, her voice smooth and measured as she gestured to an empty seat. 

"I must admit, I was rather excited when I received confirmation that you would be able to join us today"

Minseok offered a cool smile in return, bowing her head slightly. 

"Thank you for the invitation, Lady Aldwyn. It's a pleasure to be here"

He sat, his posture graceful yet guarded, as the other women exchanged polite pleasantries. 

Minseok's eyes flicked briefly across the room, noting the faces of those gathered. 

There were a few familiar names among them, mostly noblewomen with ties to influential families, but there was one thing they all shared: a keen interest in the shifting tides of power.

The tea was poured, and the conversation drifted to more casual topics, fashion, the latest royal events, the weather. 

But beneath the surface of these trivialities, Minseok could feel Aldwyns sharp gaze lingering on him, weighing his every word. 

There was something lurking in the air, something unspoken. 

Minseok wasn't here just to drink tea, he knew that much.

"You've been quite busy lately, Princess," Aldwyn said, taking a delicate sip from her cup. 

"I've heard you've been working with the common folk, spreading your knowledge of medicine and healing"

"How admirable. One might wonder, though, what your true intentions are"

"..."

'So… she's playing that game?'

Minseok met her gaze evenly. 

"Hmph, I simply wish to make a difference where I can," he replied, the words almost too rehearsed. 

"I don't believe anyone should suffer when there is something I can do to help"

Aldwyn's smile didn't falter, but there was a glint of something, curiosity, perhaps behind her eyes. 

"How noble," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of something far more dangerous than simple politeness. 

"But as we both know, the world is not always so… straightforward"

"The path you choose to walk can be fraught with obstacles, even from those who seem most eager to help"

Minseok's fingers tightened around his teacup, but he maintained his composure. 

"Obstacles are a part of life," he replied smoothly. 

"But I believe we can overcome them. If the obstacles are worth overcoming"

Aldwyn's eyes flickered with interest. 

"A woman of conviction, then," she said, her voice almost approving. 

"I do admire that. But I wonder, Princess, how long you can maintain such resolve in a world full of those who would prefer you to fall"

The tension in the room thickened, the words hanging in the air like a challenge. 

Minseok could feel the weight of Aldwyn's gaze, as though the woman was peeling back the layers of his soul, looking for a crack, a weakness. 

But he wasn't about to let himself be pushed. 

"I'm not here to fall," he said quietly, his eyes locking with Aldwyns. 

"I'm here to rise"

Aldwyn's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. 

"Of course, Princess. And I do hope you will continue to rise. We wouldn't want you to disappoint your people"

The conversation shifted again, but Minseok's mind was already racing. 

It was clear that none of the ladies here would help him, those fake smiles, the disgusting sound of forced laughter.

It was clear that he needed to be on his toes.

The afternoon wore on, and the tea party, with its elaborate pastries and elegant conversation, continued like a delicate dance. 

But beneath the surface, Minseok felt the weight of the unspoken challenges that loomed over the gathering. 

Lady Aldwyn, with her sharp gaze and carefully measured words, was a puzzle Minseok couldn't yet solve. 

Every polite smile, every subtle jab, seemed to carry a hidden meaning that demanded attention.

As the conversation shifted toward the latest royal fashions, Minseok allowed himself a moment to relax.

Focusing on the tea in front of him, as well as the divine sweets in front of him.

'Finally, a moment to enjoy–'

"Um… Princess?"

'Who?'

Minseok looked to his left and saw a very beautiful lady, with long blonde hair and deep blue eyes. 

She wore a green dress that highlighted her looks, her tone of speech was soft and respectful.

The count's only daughter and most prized child.

Lady Argi Bonnie

Minseok gave his utmost polite smile as he put down his tea cup and chocolate chip cookie.

"Yes, Lady Bonnie?"

Argi put her hands up and stammered, "O-oh! No need to be r-respectful towards me Princess"

"After all, I'm only a daughter of a count–"

Minseok put his hand up, not to be rude but to give him a chance to speak.

"Regardless, Lady Bonnie, you are a noble and I will treat you with the respect that you deserve"

Argi's face grew a bit red, she let out a soft chuckle as she nodded her head with a smile.

"I-is that so? I'm t-thankful Princess"

"No need to be so formal Lady Bonnie, in fact it would make me happy if we could be friends"

Argi's brain fried for a second, a memory of two years ago played in her head.

The first time they met, Seraphina was distant, cold, not rude but she had the aura of a lone wolf.

One that made it very clear they would bite if you kept pushing it.

Argi tried her best to befriend Seraphina but she merely walked away, ignoring her greeting and not even giving the courtesy to bow.

Now, it felt as if the world was slowing down as her next few words came out.

"B-but h-how dare I–"

"Please, it would make me happy if we could start anew as friends, Argi"

"..."

"..."

"T-then, it would be a p-pleasure to be your friend as well, Seraphina"

Minseok smiled, this was his first friend since he came into this world, sure he had people he can trust and call an ally but there is a difference between that and a friend.

He looked at Lady Argi and smiled as he lifted his hand and slowly patted her head.

"To a brighter future my friend"

Argi was a bit surprised at first but leaned into the head pat, her smile so warm and bright that they spent the next few minutes chatting about their favorite desserts.

But throughout the entire conversation, his mind, although paying attention to the conversation with Argi, his eyes were focused on Lady Aldwyn.

Who had been staring at him and Argi, the whole time they had been speaking, it was an uncomfortable feeling of unease.

But he knew the game well enough.

These little mind games that she tried playing weren't going to work as she wished.

Stay composed, keep your thoughts hidden, and never reveal too much.

15 Minutes Later

Minseok smiled and offered his opinions on a recent ball gown, he couldn't help but feel the underlying tension in the room.

Lady Aldwyn seemed to be waiting for something, her poised expression betraying none of the thoughts that must have been swirling behind her eyes. 

Minseok's mind worked quickly, considering every possible angle. 

Aldwyn was no fool. 

This was all set up to find any weakness that Minseok might have, wolves attacking a tiger repeatedly in an attempt to bring him down.

Minseok took a sip of his tea, his thoughts returning to her earlier rejection of Reiner. 

His confession had shaken him in ways he hadn't expected. 

He couldn't afford distractions like that, especially not when there were bigger things at play. 

But he couldn't push his words entirely out of his mind. 

Reiner's loyalty, his devotion… he could use that to his advantage, just as he was using every other resource at his disposal.

"Princess," Lady Aldwyn's voice broke through Minseok's reverie, smooth but insistent. 

"You've been rather quiet. Tell me, what are your thoughts on the recent tensions between the kingdom and the neighboring duchies? Surely a woman of your intelligence has an opinion"

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Minseok. 

The question was loaded, designed to test not just his political acumen but his ability to navigate the delicate web of alliances and rivalries that defined the court.

He met Aldwyn's gaze, his face betraying none of the unease that had crept into his chest. 

"The tensions are certainly concerning," she began, her voice calm and measured. 

"But I believe it's not just the duchies that pose a threat. The true danger lies within our own kingdom"

"When there is division among the nobility, it weakens the crown. And if we cannot unify ourselves, we risk losing everything"

A murmur of approval passed through the women, but he could see that Aldwyn was not entirely satisfied with the answer. 

There was something more beneath the surface, something that had yet to be addressed.

Aldwyn leaned in slightly, her expression softening. 

"A wise observation, Princess. But don't you think that, in times like these, the crown may need to make… uncomfortable decisions?"

"Sometimes, a ruler must take drastic measures to protect their people, even if those measures are unpopular"

Minseok's pulse quickened. 

Aldwyn's words weren't just theoretical. 

She was pushing, probing, testing his stance on power, on authority. 

The room felt suddenly smaller, the tension thickening as the noblewomen waited to see how he would respond.

"I don't believe in making decisions out of fear," he replied, his voice steady. 

"A ruler must lead with both strength and compassion"

"If a leader resorts to cruelty or manipulation to maintain control, they've already lost the trust of the people"

Aldwyn's smile remained, but there was a flicker of something darker in her eyes. 

"Ah, yes. Trust. But trust can be a fickle thing, can't it? It's easily broken, and harder to rebuild"

The words hung in the air, a challenge, a reminder of the precarious position Minseok found himself in. 

Aldwyn was no fool. 

She was drawing a line in the sand, pushing him to reveal his true intentions, to show what kind of ruler he planned to be.

Minseok's thoughts raced. 

He had to be careful. 

The last thing he needed was to show any weakness, any hesitation. 

He needed to make it clear that he was in control of the conversation, of the room, and of his future.

"I believe trust can be earned," he said, his voice quiet but firm. 

"And I also believe a ruler must never give up on the people who have placed their faith in them"

"It's not about power for power's sake"

"It's about ensuring that the kingdom thrives, that it doesn't fall apart at the seams"

Aldwyn's lips curled into a smile, but it wasn't the warm, pleasant smile of a gracious hostess. 

It was the smile of a woman who saw an opportunity, one that had just been revealed. 

"Of course, Princess. You speak with the passion of a true leader. I do admire that"

The conversation shifted once more, but he could feel the weight of Aldwyn's words pressing down on him. 

There was something more beneath the surface, some deeper game that had yet to be fully revealed. 

As the tea party drew to a close, Minseok stood, offering his thanks to Lady Aldwyn for the invitation. 

But inside, he was already preparing for what came next. 

Lady Aldwyn had shown her hand, subtle, yes, but clear enough for him to understand.

And now, Minseok had to decide how to play his own cards. 

An Hour Later.

Minseok stood, and the polite murmurs of the other noblewomen faded into the background. 

He offered a graceful smile, but his mind was still sharp, focused on the lingering question of Lady Aldwyn's true intentions. 

Every word, every gesture had been part of a deliberate strategy, he knew that. 

But there was something else he had sensed. 

When Aldwyn was done with her analysis with him, it was clear that every word he spoke, every question and opinion stated.

Was enough to show her where he stood and where she stood.

'Shit… she won the game today that's for sure… now it's hard to tell who she sides with in the end'

"Princess," Aldwyn said, her voice smooth, but with an edge that sharpened as the others began to rise. 

"It was a pleasure to have you here today. I do hope you'll join us again soon. The court can be a treacherous place, and I think we could have much to discuss in the future"

'I-is… is she threatening me!?!'

Minseok didn't miss the subtle emphasis on the word treacherous. 

Aldwyn's invitation was not only a test but a reminder of where he needs to stand to survive.

And the condition, a price yet to be named. 

Minseok's instincts screamed at him to be cautious, to keep his distance, but he also recognized the power in Aldwyn's network. 

Allies were scarce in the world of politics, especially when one had a history as complicated as Seraphina's.

'Bite your tongue, stop your thoughts, remember that you need allies Minseok, don't make too many enemies now'

"Of course, I would be honored, Lady Aldwyn," he replied evenly, his expression unreadable. 

"And once again I thank you for your hospitality"

Aldwyn's smile was sharp, and calculated. 

Her eyes were clear that this was another win under her belt, making the princess nod her head like a loyal servant.

A small creepy feeling that made her feel satisfied.

"I'll have my people send word of the next gathering. I look forward to our next conversation, Princess"

Lady Aldwyn walked closer, so close that her mouth almost touched Minseok's ear, and in a low tone whisper, spoke.

"It's rare to meet someone who can match wits with me"

Minseok turned to look at her, his eyes on hers, a shiver ran down his spine as it felt as if he was slowly losing himself.

Doing what the original Seraphina would have done when she could not win outright.

Take the hit but bite the prey later, and bite them good so that they may never look down on you again.

"Till our next meeting… I hope you have better questions for me to answer"

"Fu fu fu, till the next meeting indeed… your Highness"

With that, the tea party concluded, and the noblewomen began to depart. 

Minseok made his way out of the grand hall, his thoughts running at full speed. 

What was Lady Aldwyns' end goal? 

Her plans?

Her actual wish?

"S-seraphina!"

Minseok stopped in his tracks and turned to see Lady Argi, who was trying to catch up to him.

With a soft chuckle, he turned and caught her as she tripped.

"Careful now Argi, I would hate it if you were hurt because of me"

A slight blush washed over her face as she propped herself up and flattened her dress out.

"O-of course, um… are you leaving now?"

Minseok gave a slight smile as he patted her head, "Sadly yes, I have my duties to fulfill and my father is not a patient man"

"Oh…"

"..."

"But if you ever seek to see me, let my head maid know, and we can spend some time together, okay!"

Argi's smile perked up as she nodded, "Okay! Till the next time we meet S-seraphina!"

Minseok chuckled as he walked away, his hand resting lightly on the small bag he carried. 

The cool air outside hit his face as he stepped onto the carriage waiting to take him back to the palace. 

He sank into the plush seat, letting the movement of the carriage calm his thoughts, but there was no peace to be found. 

Aldwyn's words kept circling in his mind. 

"Trust can be a fickle thing" 

What did she mean by that? 

An Hour Later

The palace loomed ahead, its high towers reaching toward the sky, and the sense of responsibility that came with it wrapped itself around Minseok like a heavy cloak. 

Ever since he came to this world he viewed the palace as a prison, his father's cold, indifferent gaze, the stifling court politics that had stunted his every move. 

It was suffocating.

But now, it was kind of a refuge, the place where he could begin to rewrite Seraphina's ending by proving his worth.

As the carriage halted, Minseok stepped out, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. 

He wasn't naive. 

The kingdom was in turmoil, and every decision he made, every word he spoke, was being watched. 

Fighting and aiding in the war only fueled his enemies' watch on him.

But Aldwyn's words felt like a warning, one that he would do well to heed.

Upon entering the palace, Minseok was met with the usual flurry of servants and attendants, but he barely noticed them.

His mind was too occupied with what had just transpired. 

He had learned more in the space of a few hours than he had in months. 

Lady Aldwyn, with her cool demeanor and sharp intellect, was a formidable force. 

It was clear that she saw Seraphina as a potential player in whatever game she was masterminding, but what Aldwyn didn't understand was that Minseok wasn't just a pawn.

He was more than that. 

Seraphina's past, though buried deep within the persona of Minseok, was a constant presence in his mind. 

The cold, calculating part of Seraphina was still there, still capable of assessing situations with ruthless clarity. 

But Minseok—Minseok wanted to change. 

He wanted to be different. 

He wanted to prove that he could heal not just the kingdom, but Seraphina's name.

As he entered his chambers, his thoughts turned back to the conversation with Reiner.

He felt terrible, that the woman he loved no longer existed and he blamed himself for that.

He could never truly be Seraphina, he could play the role till it clicks but deep down he will never truly be her.

So he rejected him, but in doing so, he had severed a thread connected to someone he could trust in this world of politics.

He had done what he had to do, but that didn't make it any easier. 

The loyalty in his eyes had been undeniable, and the hurt in his voice had cut deeper than he cared to admit.

"Seraphina's feelings for him must be affecting my thoughts… I'm sorry but since this is my body now, I will live as I wish…"

There was a knock at the door, pulling him from his thoughts.

"Yes?"

The door opened, and Rhea stepped inside. 

Her soft face was concerned, and her brow furrowed as she took in Minseok's posture. 

"Your Highness," Rhea said gently, "is everything well?"

"I've heard you've returned from Lady Aldwyn's estate"

Minseok nodded, forcing a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. 

"It was… an enlightening visit. Lady Aldwyn is a very clever woman"

Rhea nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly in thought. 

"Indeed, she is. But what is it you're truly thinking, Princess? I know that look. I've seen it before"

Minseok sighed and moved toward the large window, his gaze lost in the darkening sky outside. 

The weight of his decisions pressed on his chest. 

"She's playing a game. But the problem is, I don't know what her end goal is"

"I don't know if I should trust her or if she's just another person trying to use me to get ahead"

Rhea stepped forward, her voice soft but firm. 

"Trust is a delicate thing, Princess. And I know you've been betrayed before"

"But not everyone's the same. Not everyone will hurt you. Some people do want to help"

'Seraphina's been betrayed? By who?'

He turned to face her, meeting her eyes. 

"I know that Lady Aldwyn isn't the type to simply offer help without a price. She's far too smart for that"

Rhea placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip warm and comforting. 

"You'll navigate this as you always have. Just be cautious. Don't lose yourself in the games they play"

Minseok smiled faintly, appreciating Rhea's words. 

"Thank you, Rhea. I won't"

The Following Day

Minseok woke early, his thoughts still heavy with the conversation from the previous day. 

He had already decided to take a different approach with Aldwyn, play along for now, but never forget the woman's true nature. 

He dressed quickly, his mind already preparing for the task at hand. 

His thoughts drifted to his father. 

And if he would give him the funding to start an actual hospital or at least a shop that could help those in need.

It was going to be a hard and tiring conversation, after all the stubborn old man only gave him a bag of gold to use to buy dresses and sweets.

"I have enough funding to buy a small shop, the problem is I want to expand this business"

"Heh, I should see if Argi can help me now"

Another dice has been thrown, and Minseok would make his move.

He would continue writing his own story.

And in the process, he would rise higher than anyone could ever anticipate.