Lady Felice’s Secret Class - Chapter 5

“Miss Felice.”

Felice’s name was called just as the last of the nobles, who had arrived much later than her, had entered and exited the reception room.

Typically, the audience with the Queen was conducted in the order of arrival, but unusually, Felice’s turn had been pushed back.

“Miss Felice, please come forward.”

“Yes.”

Felice replied briefly to Sir James’s invitation.

Her thoughts were consumed by a somewhat rude question—why would Her Majesty need someone like her? At the same time, the recent headlines from the newspapers kept replaying in her mind.

After becoming a widow and ascending to the throne, the Queen had remained with Viscount Barrot, and as a result, the headlines focused not on her as a ruler but on her as a woman.

“Cough, cough!”

At that moment, Sir James’s loud cough broke her thoughts. Felice, unknowingly looking down at the floor as she walked, suddenly snapped her head up.

“Miss Felice?”

Sir James called her name softly, narrowing his eyes as he looked at her.

“Yes?”

Only then did Felice realize she was moments away from colliding with a massive door.

“Oh, my! I’m sorry.”

Felice quickly apologized and took a small step back.

At that moment, the attendant by the door took the card from Sir James and handed it over.

“…Lady Felice Kelton of Barony Kelton!”

* * *

The massive door opened, and Felice was momentarily startled by an unexpected sight.

There were no other nobles near the Queen, who should have been surrounded by them.

But in the Queen’s audience room, it was crucial not to show any sign of unease or excitement.

For this moment, Felice approached the Queen with the grace and dignity of the most noble aristocrat in the world.

She bent her legs, lowering herself to the floor and curtsied deeply.

“I am so pleased to see you, Miss Felice. Admiral Paul Mellon was an exceptionally skilled strategist. I remember how much he cherished his granddaughter.”

The Queen kissed the back of Felice’s hand softly, bringing up the story of her grandfather.

As the Queen lightly patted her hand, Felice had to fight back the wave of emotion that surged within her.

“Thank you for remembering my grandfather. If he were alive, he would have called this an honor.”

The Queen nodded calmly at Felice’s words before walking toward a table at the edge of the reception room.

As the Queen sat down, her eyes narrowed slightly. Felice swallowed hard and sat down as well.

“I’ve heard much about you from Madam Vanessa.”

“Yes. I’m honored to work as a tutor at the Duke’s estate.”

Felice met the Queen’s gaze while still quite nervous.

At that moment, a gaze not much different from Sir James’s eyes scanned Felice up and down. It was probably because of her unkempt appearance.

Despite this, the Queen finally closed her eyes gently and asked Felice in a soft voice,

“…It’s been five years since your debutante ball, and hasn’t there been anyone who has caught your eye? With your beauty, surely at least one man must have asked for your hand in marriage?”

“Not a single one.”

Felice responded with a sheepish smile.

“My, that’s quite a sad story. With your beauty, I would have thought at least one man would have come forward.”

“Not at all. I have so much debt, I gave up on the idea of marriage a long time ago.”

“Is that so? Well, then this commission will be quite the opportunity for you.”

Felice couldn’t help but grip the bag resting neatly on her lap tighter.

It felt similar to the wariness she often encountered when meeting noblewomen for the first time, as if they were worried she might tempt their husbands or have their lovers fall for her.

It seemed the Queen was uncomfortable with Felice’s unmarried status.

“Unfortunately, I’m well past the age for marriage… Once my debts are paid off, I plan to go to the rural village my grandfather once spoke of, Duvelay.”

“My, still such a young lady…”

Despite her sympathetic gaze, there was a note of satisfaction in her voice.

Thanks to that, the Queen finally spoke of business.

“By the way… I’ve heard from Madam Vanessa. She mentioned that Miss Felice is quite famous for your relationship coaching.”