Oh my. (Empress)

The Empresss eyes glinted.

She seems intrigued, but its also obvious that shes trying to sell me something. Thats because Her Majesty, the Empress, is also a skilled economic promoter, so she must be inundated with sales pitches for all kinds of things every day.

The empress giggled.

It is unusual for a young lady such as yourself to value the products of her domain over a fashionable dress. Its a good mindset. (Empress)

Im afraid so. When I look at Your Majestys attire, I am also fascinated by the beauty of silk fabrics from across the sea. I can understand why the ladies who admire you are so eager to wear them. (Ekaterina)

Yes, I think so, without any flattery. The dress, made of silk woven with exquisite geometric patterns that resembled the Middle Eastern patterns of my past world, is absolutely beautiful! It perfectly complements the Empresss already wonderfully feminine facial features.

The Empress really reminds me of the top female stars of Takarazuka, so Im sure shes very popular among women. Thats also probably the reason why women are very eager to wear the same dress. Its a fad.

Oh.

The empress raised her eyebrows, and Ekaterina was about to crumble in disappointment, thinking that she failed to flatter Her Majesty, when she was given a quick wink.

Thats a rather cute thing to say.

A wink from a top star!

If its blue dye, I think we can export it to the other side of the Mountain Range of the Gods. In those countries, the colours blue and green are often favored. For a desert country, colours that remind them of water and trees are very desirable.

Export! Thats an interesting idea.

I see! Come to think of it, even in my previous life, Im sure that Middle Eastern countries liked the color green and often used it on their national flags. Plus, there were a number of mosques painted with beautiful blue.

(Editors note: A reference to Sultanahmet Camii a.k.a The Blue Mosque of Turkey)

Hohoho.

3rd POV

The Empress laughs, somehow enjoying Ekaterinas reaction.

The unenlightened ones, though, sometimes reject the mere mention of a desert country, calling it barbarian or something else degrading. You, on the other hand, have a sparkle in your eye.

No, who are they calling barbariansJust by looking at this weaving, you can see the height of their culture over there.

From that point of view, the emperor is her nephew and the empress is her nephews wife

That old hagno way, even the Empress is being annoyed by your wife, grandfather.

Even when she become the empress, grandmother seems to still have her shadow tormenting and haunting them..is that why

Ekaterina felt a pang of gloom as her mothers voice rang in her ears.

Ekaterina, whats wrong?

Ekaterinas POV

I came to my senses when the Empress called me.

M-My bad your Highness, Im sorry for my rudeness.

Dont worry about it. How are you feeling?

No, its just that I suddenly remembered my mother. Im sorry, but she was very close in age to you.

My, really.

The empress sighed.

Anastasia I still remember her. She was a little younger than me, beautiful and ladylike, the epitome of a noblewoman. Im sorry to hear about your mothers death. You are just like your mother. However, you seem to look much more mature and stronger.

Thats very kind of you. Your warm words are soothing to my ears.

This may be the first time Ive ever heard someone express regret about my mother.