"Then I'll handle all the preparations. Your Highness, just sit back and wait without lifting a finger!"
Determined to showcase his abilities this time around, Wolf left with a bold promise to take care of everything.
Since I couldn't step out in front for something like smuggling anyway, Wolf had to handle the key parts.
And if he insisted on managing the minor details too, I had no reason to stop him.
Inducing a price crash through Indian substitute dyes and then smuggling would take quite some time regardless.
There was no need to rush, so while Wolf got to work, I spent the day as usual.
Lessons were still dull and boring, but the time I spent teaching was always enjoyable.
Today, as I opened the door to the drawing room, Theresa greeted me with a beaming smile.
"Franz! I prepared coffee myself today so we could have it together."
With the maids' help, no doubt. Steam rose warmly from the two cups on the table.
Anyone could see that the coffee in Theresa's cup was much lighter, but I pretended not to notice as I took my seat.
She must have mixed in milk beforehand, thinking it wouldn't be obvious.
A good idea, but she hadn't accounted for how it would lighten the color.
"Maybe it's because you brewed it yourself, Theresa, but the aroma is different. Hmm? Though the coffee in your cup looks a bit different in color..."
"Ahhh, well, you see... umm..."
"Do you prefer it lighter, so you added more water?"
"Ah! Yes, that's it. Last time I tried, I realized I like it a little weaker."
She preferred this excuse over admitting she'd dumped in milk and sugar, nodding vigorously.
"Coffee's a matter of taste, so drinking it how you like is the right way."
"Ah, yes. It's just a tiny bit of water..."
"Perfect, since today's lesson is about another indulgence. Any idea what this is?"
I gently opened the small pouch in front of me, and she tilted her head, cautiously sniffing it.
"Hmm... it stings the nose a little. Like tree bark?"
"It's a spice. You've probably heard of them before."
"Ah! I know! Spices! India!"
Even after all these years, pepper and cinnamon were still luxury items.
A child like Theresa would certainly have heard of such expensive powders.
"There was a time when these were worth their weight in gold. Not as much now, of course. Any guess why?"
"Hmm... From the way you say it, it must be something we learned. Spices mostly come from India, right?"
"Yes. While not exclusively, most come from there."
"So, more are being imported from India? You said scarce goods cost more last time."
"Exactly. You remembered what I taught well."
I'd planned to give more hints if she struggled, but she got it quickly.
A bit of intuition, sure, but that just proves her sharp mind.
Or does it? Watching such a young Theresa makes objective judgment hard.
What do you call this feeling... Not a doting husband yet, since we're unmarried, and not a doting dad either.
Anyway, everything she does seems adorable, which can make teaching tricky at times.
"Of course I remember everything you say and do... I mean, everything you teach! I'm a model student, after all."
See that? How could anyone not melt at such angelic words?
"Your enthusiasm motivates me too. One more thing: spices were once so precious that nations went to war over them."
"Wars? Even for food...?"
"They preserve food, serve as medicine, and most importantly, nobles and royals valued them as luxuries."
"Still, wars over that... a bit scary."
"That's why diplomacy matters. Trading needs or making agreements is far more peaceful and efficient than war."
This time, instead of cute bravado, Theresa listened intently with serious eyes.
"Diplomacy sounds tough, but it's just trade between nations—like buying coffee, chocolate, or pepper at a shop. Give something, get something needed."
"Got it. But do you always have to give? Isn't it a loss? Better to keep yours and take theirs..."
A typical child's response, unaware of diplomacy's nuances.
Even Theresa, early in her reign, barely grasped international affairs—exaggerating a bit, not much different from now.
—Franz, why yield to Prussia? No concessions possible—renegotiate from scratch!
Was that at 22 or 23? The similar words stirred old memories, drawing a natural smile.
"Theresa, diplomacy is complex; no need to grasp it all yet. Simply put, even superpowers must give something."
"...Huh? Why give when we're so much stronger?"
"No eternal enemies or allies between nations. Relations can sour or sweeten anytime. So, build an image of being reasonable with everyone."
"Ah... I think I get it."
"You wouldn't want to associate with a noble who covets others' things but gives nothing, right? Same idea."
Theresa pursed her small lips, deep in thought.
Deeper than during our gold coin talk.
Less my teaching, more her own realization.
These moments will make her a far better prepared ruler than the one I remember.
In other words, she'll become someone else entirely.
Signs are already showing.
The girl chattering happily beside me was brighter and kinder than memory's Theresa.
That warmed me deeply, yet the coffee's lingering bitterness soured it slightly.
If memories had flavor, it'd be like this coffee—aromatic with a hint of bitterness.
As I sipped silently, lost in thought, a maid entered.
"Your Highness, dinner in 30 minutes. His Majesty suggests you two dine together. Shall I confirm?"
"If His Majesty insists, of course. Theresa, are you alright with that?"
"Sure! Oh, if possible, could dinner have lots of these spices?"
"Er... they might be too strong for you."
I tried to dissuade her but sensed my wording was off. Sure enough.
"No! I can handle it! I will eat it!"
I swear I heard the click of her pride button.
A new experience wouldn't hurt, so I gave a wry smile and nodded to the maid, who smiled back.
The result was as everyone expected.
"Hng... hngh, my tongue... tongue, F- Franz, my tongue hurts."
"Here, water. And milder spice dishes are ready—eat those."
"Uwaa~! Why fight wars over this stuff?!"
Even gulping water couldn't wash away the aftertaste; Theresa's tearful defeat ended it.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Hah... finally, I can breathe."
"Wouldn't it have been easier to give up quick?"
"No way. Unfortunate this time, but next time for sure!"
"Try cinnamon in a drink next. Might get used to it faster."
Theresa's repeated challenges against the spice assault ended in total defeat, refusing to admit loss.
Most kids would swear off it after one try, but her pride was exceptional.
Who knew it manifested so young, even over food.
"Still, walking outside helped. Isn't this our first evening stroll in the garden, Franz?"
"Court etiquette doesn't exactly encourage it."
"Hmph, what does etiquette know. You're my tutor—temporarily, sure—but that means nanny duties too."
Irrefutable nonsense, but she wasn't seeking logic.
Nanny wasn't wrong, so I nodded readily.
"Fair point. I'll keep you company today."
"Hehehe, thanks."
The winter garden was bitterly cold, but Theresa danced circles around me joyfully.
Soon, humming to the fountain's spray, she stepped along.
Passing manicured lawns and marble statues, she turned to me.
"Why are you always so kind to me, Franz?"
"Me?"
"Yes. Nine years older, yet you never treat me like a kid like others do. Like... a little sister?"
"Nah. My sisters are nothing like you, Theresa."
Heck, I'd baby actual sisters outright.
Even in my past life, time with them was short; relations weren't bad, but limited.
Might've bonded deeper with brother Karl emotionally.
Whatever the reason, it was the answer she craved—her face lit up.
"Got it. Father asked how you've been lately. I said lessons with you are so fun, I want them every day."
"His Majesty probably said daily's too much."
"Yeah... disappointing. Honestly, your lessons stick way better than the Jesuits'."
"Knowing much doesn't mean teaching well."
Theresa's tutors were the Holy Roman Empire's finest scholars.
But they weren't competing on lecturing skills, so boredom was inevitable.
Main reason: she focused far more on my words than theirs.
Strolling longer, the fountain's sunset sparkle faded as stars emerged in the night sky.
"Franz! Look! Stars are out."
"Stay late, you'll catch cold. Time to head in."
"Aw, I'm bundled up fine. Aren't those stars too pretty to leave?"
I stood beside her, gazing up.
Austria's night sky in the 21st century was starless under city lights.
Maybe that's why I avoided looking up then.
It starkly highlighted my loneliness, so different from the past.
But this sky we shared now twinkled like that day we once gazed together.
I'd almost forgotten.
Even if everything changes, some things never will.
"You're right. Too beautiful to leave just yet."
I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with her, drinking in the stars.
Until memories drifting on the night air filled my heart.
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