Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 183: Wiubens of a Feather...

Sundenelle can't help but feel starstruck by the glittering sea of wealth in front of her, which doesn't just include the Empresses of the Fievegal, but also includes the women of the Stalvaltan family and Queen Heralesse and Princess Erimaya of Mornistae. Their dresses and jewelry are all but drowning in rare stones, impossibly uniform and high quality pearls, and the most luxurious fabric in the world.

The 'lowest' dressed woman on the Fievegal's side is the pink dragon, Dame Roeta, who is still wearing a beautiful silken dress with marble-like white bracers and a large white bow at the back that the blonde empress notices weapons hidden beneath. Roeta is a knight instead of an Empress, along with her partner Magnir, who is not currently present.

She does finally notice that a few other people she was expecting are missing as well. "Forgive me for asking, but will Daniel, Doephluev, Vaergraes, and Aoloan be joining us?"

"In time," replies Hekate. "Doephluev made a mess of her dress, so they're helping her fix it."

"Oh..." replies Sundenelle. At face value, that statement is spine-chilling. It's virtually impossible to quantify the actual financial value of any one of the outfits present, because the pearl 'shawls' that are being worn alone would probably be a country's national treasure, and there are twenty-one separate ones, not to mention Hekate's matching jewel-encrusted crown and boots.

Heralesse is the one to point out what Byleathea seems to have noticed, though. "Hekate, what you just said makes it sound like they're being intimate."

"What!?" asks Hekate, stunned by this statement.

Gwenesphia and Veiranoei, as well as Yanidere and Yormolett all snicker softly, since they apparently understood that, too.

The young Queen of Mornistae explains with exasperation clear in her tone, "'Fixing your dress' is a common excuse used at parties to sneak off."

The fox-eared Empress's cheeks fill with color, and Sundenelle is a little dumbfounded. The first time they 'met', Hekate was haughty, but didn't speak much, since Yaulander interrupted, and it became a verbal sparring match between Daniel and the Grand Prince. This time, it's clear as day how cute Hekate is, which is emphasized rather well by her expressive ears and tail, which all twitch when she's surprised. "Th-That's not what I meant! Doephluev really is a clumsy lady! She's pregnant and careless and a butt."

"Hekate..." warns Geirahoel quietly, trying to maintain a regal air. But, it's clear that Sundenelle has no preconceptions about the Fievegal, and hopefully, her sincerity is coming across as intended. She really is just curious and wants to be friendly with the ladies of the Fievegal.

Deciding to rescue the young fox-eared Empress, Byleathea creates a redirection for the conversation. "Queen Heralesse, it seems you have become quite familiar with the members of the Fievegal. One might be inclined to forget you are a prisoner, no?"

Heralesse looks down briefly, but she replies sincerely, "I am still technically a prisoner of the Fievegal, but... I have been treated very well."

"I would say so. Your dress alone would strain the treasuries of most kingdoms. It's interesting that the Fievegal has lent you one."

The blonde queen starts to speak, but she halts herself. She glances subtly at Hekate and Ryuogriar, but doesn't know what to say.

"They're actually gifts," blurts out Erimaya. "Forgive me if I have spoken out of turn. But, the Fievegal has given these dresses to myself and my Honorable Sister as a token of good faith."

This creates an awkward silence for a long time. "G-Good faith?" asks Sundenelle in disbelief. That's a little unfair, Daniel. Is it because I offered peace too easily?