Preparing for Tea
JP with Lorem, Redsword, Lasersexpanther, Jaxx and Cindy
Friday, June 14, 1889
The Royal Palace and Guest House, Oslo, Norway
4:00 PM
Elizabeth had spent the day organizing and making plans for the trip. The carts had arrived as scheduled and Lorem had deemed them in good shape.
The tailors had also arrived, on schedule, the man and woman each taking up one of the sitting rooms. They had left only a few minutes ago.
It was now 4:10 PM, and Elizabeth was changed into an appropriate outfit for tea with a Queen. A blue and white dress, with blue flowers on the overlay.
The Lady arrived at the sitting room in the guest house first, as the team would walk over to the palace together. She looked over some papers as she waited on the others.
Dr. Jackal was dressed in a proper suit selected by Lady Elizabeth as he escorted Ms. Lavigne to the meeting spot with Lady Elizabeth. Lily was also wearing a proper court dress selected by Lady Elizabeth. They were a bit stuffy but required to look presentable before the royal family.
He walked in, watching for the others to arrive. He looked over all the men to make sure they were dressed properly. Sung is dressed in a suit, also known as the dinner jacket. This elegant garment epitomizes sophistication, featuring a silk roll or notched collar matched with trousers. Completing the ensemble was a low-scooped waistcoat in brown, a subtle pattern worn over a crisp white shirt with a plain, Brummel Victorian Ascot Tie Cravat arctic dupioni Silk, the neckwear of choice. For warmth and style, he wore the overcoat, a popular choice for formal outerwear. This long, single-breasted provides comfort and a dash of drama to the ensemble. His cane made him an outstanding gentleman.
It didn't take long before Vor and Cronk came in wearing a proper suit as well. They both looked uncomfortable in the stuffy suits but knew they had to stick it out Lady Elizabeth for a few hours till they could leave. Poor Cronk looked like he was heading to a prison cell with his uncomfortable expression. Vor tried to placate the big orc but it made little difference in the end. At this point Cronk was trying to count the hours and minutes passing by.
"You all look spiffy here, Cronk," said Sung, handing Cronk a glass of whisky. "Relax, it will be over before you know it." said Sung trying to encourage Cronk.
Cronk seemed relieved by Sung's words as well as the offer of booze. He gave a pained smile as he took the drink and downed it like he was drinking water in a desert. He closed his eyes and exhaled as he replied, "Thanks. I needed that." Vor raised an eyebrow to Cronk then looked at Mr. Sung with a smirk. Dr. Jackal then said, "You seemed well prepared for times like this Mr. Sung." Lily smiled as she asked, "I imagine you have been to a good number of court interactions Mr. Sung."
"I would say by the time Lady Elizabeth was 12, I knew, and the Duke made it clear that I was more like family than a retainer. I had to attend every class given in British etiquette. Everything she was touted, I was too. The Duke made a point of that." Sung started to explain.
"After that, I was invited to all family functions and accepted by most of the nobles. The ones that did not like that I was there. They did not want to challenge the Dunk or me personally," Sung explained. "Did I miss anything Lady Elizabeth or add?" asked Sung. (edited)
"No, Mr. Sung, that sounds correct. I had etiquette lessons, of course, before then but yes I was around 12 when you joined me in them." Of course there was a difference between teaching a child and an adult who already had a sense of decorum. "You have, I believe, been to every major and most minor function, with my family, since then. And have been my official chaperone since I was 14." The Eldren gave Sung a smile. "But as anyone can guess Mr. Sung here has been looking out for me for much longer."
Sung looked up, stroking his chin and sporting a playful grin. "Hmm... who has been looking out for who?" he replied with an amused expression. "And Lady Elizabeth has been one of my prized students," added Sung
Lorem arrived to the sitting room dressed appropriately for the occasion in a dress. The engineer took a seat as they waited for the rest of the team to arrive.
You look very striking, Miss Ipsum," said Sung with a warm smile.
Lorem sat gracefully in the corner of the opulent sitting room, her diminutive frame nearly swallowed by the richly upholstered chair. Her usual utilitarian garb was replaced by a striking single-color blue dress that Elizabeth had carefully chosen for the occasion. The gown was a marvel of Victorian-era elegance interwoven with subtle steampunk flair. Its high neckline and fitted bodice were adorned with intricate brass filigree embroidery that shimmered softly in the light of the room’s ornate chandeliers. The puffed sleeves tapered into delicately tailored cuffs, each fastened with small bronze gears that served as decorative buttons. The skirt flowed in layers of soft fabric, falling just above her sturdy, polished leather boots—modified with brass accents and hidden compartments, a nod to Lorem’s practical nature.
Around her neck, a thin brass chain rested against her collarbone, supporting a small locket engraved with a delicate cogwheel design. Her wrists bore slim bangles of the same material, each etched with subtle mechanical patterns. She carried a small matching handbag, designed with hidden compartments for tools—just in case. Despite the formality of her attire, Lorem couldn’t quite abandon her penchant for practicality. A tiny, cleverly concealed multitool hung from her waist on an ornate chain that blended seamlessly into the aesthetic of the dress.
Elizabeth’s help extended to more than just the dress. Lorem’s blonde hair was swept up into a stylish updo, pinned meticulously with a set of brass hair pins shaped like tiny clock hands. A few loose tendrils framed her face, softening her look. Her makeup, subtle and understated, consisted of a light dusting of powder, a faint blush on her cheeks, and a touch of blue-gray eyeshadow to compliment her dress. Her lips bore a hint of rose tint, enough to enhance her youthful features without drawing too much attention
Lorem’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, the compliment catching her off guard. She instinctively reached up to adjust one of the brass hairpins in her carefully styled updo, her fingers brushing against the loose curls framing her face.
“Thank you, Mr. Sung,” she replied, her voice quiet but earnest. “I must admit, this is… rather different from my usual attire. Lady Elizabeth was kind enough to help me prepare for the occasion.”
She smoothed the fabric of her blue dress, glancing down at the intricate brass embroidery along the bodice as if noticing it for the first time. “I usually feel more at home with gears and schematics than silks and lace,” she added with a soft laugh, “but I suppose even an engineer has to dress for royalty now and then.”
Lorem looked up at Sung with a faint, shy smile, her bright blue eyes sparkling with a mixture of humility and curiosity. “You look quite dashing yourself,” she added, a small but genuine compliment, before glancing away briefly, her fingers lightly tapping the tiny locket at her neck.
"You are welcome Miss Ipsum, beauty seldom escapes the eyes." replied Sung with a small bow.
Lorem sat quietly, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her dress. After a moment, she glanced up at Sung, her voice soft and unsure.
“Mr. Sung,” she began, hesitating briefly. “What… is one to do and say when they meet a queen?”
She looked down again, her fingers tracing a faint pattern on the fabric. “I don’t want to get it wrong,” she added simply, her tone almost a whisper.
"I am glad to meet you, Your Majesty, then curtsy. Always use Your Majesty when addressing the queen unless the Queen says otherwise," Sung explained. Do not touch the Queen. If she extended a hand to you, then you could take the hand, but she should not. Only talk if spoken to by the Queen," Sung added, letting her think about what he said. Just follow Lady Elizabeth's lead and example. You will do fine." Sung tells Lorem.
Lorem nodded slowly, absorbing each of Sung’s words with a serious expression. Her fingers stilled in her lap, and she looked up at him with wide, thoughtful eyes.
“Curtsy, ‘Your Majesty,’ speak only if spoken to…” she repeated softly, as if committing it to memory.
She gave him a small, sincere smile, clearly turning his advice over in her mind as she mentally prepared for the meeting ahead.
Lorem nodded slowly, her eyes lowering to the small tool clipped to her outfit. Her fingers deftly unhooked it, spinning the gears and flicking the tiny switches with practiced ease. The rhythmic clicks seemed to calm her nerves.
She thought of Lady Elizabeth—graceful, composed, everything Lorem imagined a proper lady should be. If anyone could guide her through this, it was Elizabeth’s example.
After a moment, Lorem glanced back up at Sung, her fingers still working the device. “Have you met many queens before, Mr. Sung?” she asked softly, her tone curious but restrained.
Sung thought for a moment. "Out of European royalty, I have briefly met Queen Maud, Queen Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, and Marie Antoinette of France, and I spent time in the presence of Queen Elizabeth. Also, countless Dukes, lords, and knights and other nobility. I was raised in a house of nobility. But not European, so things were different," Sung explained in some detail.
Lorem’s eyes widened slightly as she listened, her fingers still gently spinning the little tool in her hands.
“That’s… quite a lot of important people to meet,” she said softly, her tone filled with quiet admiration. She hesitated for a moment, then glanced back up at him, curiosity shining in her blue eyes.
“Did all of that happen while you were working for Lady Elizabeth’s family?” she asked, her voice humble and tentative. She offered a small, shy smile, her hands continuing to fiddle with the tool in her lap; the sounds it made slightly louder than her small voice. “You must have so many stories…”
During the conversation between Lorem and Sung, Masao sauntered in. His clothes at a glance from the corner of your eye looked virtually the same as his moral attire. Though the colors were crisper and more clean. The main and most striking difference when viewed directly head on was the coat was a much richer looking red, perhaps not directly in color but the material used to make it was of a higher quality than his usual coat. The second thing one would notice was the tread used to stitch the coat together was a bold golden color, and the collar of the coat and sleeves had an intricate filigree. "Apologies for my tardiness," he began. "Had to pull my finer clothes out of storage."
Elizabeth gave a nod of approval, not that Maseo needed it but it was just a response. "That is quite alright Captain Masao."
Answering, Lorem Sung looked back into her eyes with a warm smile. "Yes and no. Honestly, I am not sure what my status is back home. I am what they call Yangban, or high-born, much like Lady Elizabeth. I was similar to her when I left home. In Japan, I was like a Lord to a Daimyō, Like a Duke of Chōshū Domain. I had the title of Jikisan Hatamoto and General. So, I have been exposed to nobility my whole life. But the West can be different in dealing with the nobility and my titles. I did meet all of them while with Duke Ellington and his house. I chose not to pursue my titles when I met the Duke. I swore allegiance to his family and his house." Sung said slowly, ensuring he was not losing anything in the transition or speaking in English.
"Miss Ipsum, do not let any of this intimate you. You are a master at your craft. You are respected for your knowledge, and I could never do what you do with machinery. You are an amazing, dutiful woman. You have nothing to fear from anyone here," complemented Sung, trying to instill some courage in Miss Ipsum. "If it helps, just remember everyone puts on their clothing the same way, one leg at a time." Sung says with a polite grin.
He glanced over to Captain Maseo, looked him over, and gave him a nod of acknowledgement.
Lorem’s fingers slowed on the interesting brass tool in her hands, her gaze steady on Master Sung as he spoke. Her bright blue eyes reflected both admiration and intrigue, though she didn’t voice it aloud. Instead, her subtle tilt of the head and the attentive way she leaned forward ever so slightly showed her deep respect for him. She couldn’t help but marvel at his wealth of unfamiliar experience and the quiet dignity with which he carried himself.
When he finished, she turned the tool over in her hands, her fingers deftly spinning its mechanisms as she was simultaneously solving a mechanical puzzle. “Danke, Master Sung,” she said in her soft, lilting German accent. “It helps to hear that. Titles, noble houses… they are far away from what I grew up with. But machines? Ach, they are easier to understand.” A small, self-conscious smile crossed her lips. “If I had to do what you do, I think I’d be spinning like a loose cog.”
She paused for a moment, her gaze lingering on the intricate brass gearwork of the tool, checking to see if she had manipulated the first locking mechanism to proceed to the second challenge, before lifting again to meet his. “May I ask… do you miss it? Your home, or the life you left behind?” Her tone was curious but gentle, as if the question came from a place of genuine wonder rather than formality.