Vol. 5 Ch. 6: The Criminal

Caroline's designated tea-party venue was the tea table in the courtyard where the tea-party exercise had been held the other day.

Apparently, many young ladies held tea parties here on fine days. Besides the table Monica had been shown to, several other table sets had been set out, each group enjoying its time as it pleased.

With so many people watching, they probably wouldn't resort to obvious violence or dump tea over her head.

Slightly relieved by that thought, Monica took her seat.

Three young ladies besides Monica were seated at the table. Caroline was sitting directly across from Monica.

Caroline was a young lady with large, wide eyes. She was the same age as Monica, but seemed more mature and had a glamorous air about her.

(...Huh? This person's eyes...)

Under the bright afternoon sunlight streaming into the courtyard, Monica sensed a slight incongruity.

But before Monica could say anything about it, Caroline's maid served the tea.

Caroline smiled and took a sip of her tea...