Chapter 5 Part 10
Actually, that island, the empire’s premier resort, was originally intended to be used as a mining site before being given to the Empress. The island held many unique minerals. Although the Empress was aware of this, she quickly lost interest since they weren’t gemstones. The deed was done, and the Empress, having lost the upperhand, bit her lip.
“…If I give this to you, will you leave?”
“Of course. You’ve given me such a precious gift.”
The Empress had no choice but to hand over her most cherished possession. She couldn’t show her displeasure in front of Elia’s bright face.
“Fine. I’ll give it to you.”
“I’m really happy.”
Elia smiled, and the Empress gritted her teeth. Elia pretended not to notice and looked happy, shyly, for the first time, receiving something useful from the Empress.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. But…”
Elia glanced past the Empress. Behind Rubieno stood three ladies-in-waiting, all of whom had been brought by the Empress from her family. They were not only of noble origin but also of exceptional appearance.
“…?”
As Elia’s gaze repeatedly swept over them, the ladies returned a disdainful look, as if to say, “What are you staring at?” Finally, Elia spoke up.
“You should punish your attendants. Are they blind or just slow? Such people dare to stay by Your Majesty’s side?”
Elia’s dress was soaked, and the attendants who should have helped didn’t even glance her way. At Elia’s noble reproach, the Empress raised her voice.
“What are you doing? Apologize immediately!”
The ladies-in-waiting were more startled than anyone else at the sudden scolding. But they could not refuse their mistress’s orders and had to bow their heads to the princess they had previously ignored.
“We apologize, Your Highness.”
“Please forgive us.”
Clean handkerchiefs were used to wipe Elia’s wet dress. Though it was of little use as the dress was already soaked with tea, the ladies’ gestures were sincere. They seemed quite humiliated to move merely for what they should have done in the first place.
Elia raised her hand to stop them and spoke.
“Now, shall I accept the gift?”
Elia took the documents and seal related to the island from the Empress and left. Once outside, she found herself alone. Holding the documents, she walked down the corridor.
‘I didn’t expect such a reaction.’
She knew the Empress would bring up Violet, but recalling the prophecy was more a stroke of genius in the moment.
‘Is there something between me and the Empire?’
The closer she got to the root of the Empire’s downfall, the more she felt like she was falling into a labyrinth. Lost in thought, Elia left the Empress’s palace. On her way to the carriage, she bumped into something solid.
“Aksion?”
“I was waiting.”
Elia had bumped into Aksion’s chest. Startled, she ended up in his arms. When she blinked, she heard a faint chuckle. She hadn’t fallen for the Empress’s trick but had instead managed to take something from her, making it a successful fight. Yet seeing Aksion’s face made her want to lean on him.
‘Warm.’
She felt the warmth of his close embrace. The spring of the Empire was much milder than the north. Yet Elia’s hands were as cold as winter.
‘It’s probably because of the tea.’
Thinking this, Elia unconsciously burrowed deeper into Aksion’s arms.
“Elia? Did something happen?”
“It’s the resonance ritual.”
No excuse was needed to seek warmth. Magic in broad daylight at the imperial palace? Aksion knew her words were an excuse but didn’t mind.
“Your clothes are wet.”
“I spilled tea by accident.”
“With the Empress?”
Elia giggled softly at his question.
“This is the imperial palace. You shouldn’t say things like that.”
“That’s why I’m only asking you, Elia. If I get caught, it’s your fault.”
Elia laughed louder at his playful teasing. Aksion removed his outer coat and wrapped it around her wet dress.
“Shall we go back now?”
“Yes.”
Aksion helped her into the carriage. As the carriage moved, Elia opened her eyes. She tried to move away from him, but…
“Aksion?”
“Aren’t we in the middle of the resonance ritual?”
His strong arm pulled her close. The carriage, covered by curtains, was dimly lit. The sound of their beating hearts echoed in the silence, unaware of the light of their excuses enveloping them. For a moment, it felt like the nightmare had stopped.
* * *
Two days later, back in her quarters, Elia was organizing her schedule. Her original purpose was to recruit a wizard, but another item had been added.
‘The Cherry Blossom Banquet.’
One of the grandest parties held by the imperial family to celebrate the arrival of spring. Most of the capital’s nobility flocked to the palace to enjoy the banquet. Violet’s birthday was also in spring. Since the second princess was born, the cherry blossom banquet had always turned into her birthday party. Although the meaning had faded, it was a perfect event to form connections.
‘This time might be different.’
If Violet showed up confidently despite the recent scandals, it would be quite a feat. Elia left her room. On a side table in the corridor lay a newspaper.
‘Newspapers are quite useful.’
In this world, newspapers served the role of broadcast media. The newspaper Elia had established continuously featured scandals about Violet and Kanus on the front page. Although the imperial family had banned the sale of the newspaper, people sought it through illegal means to get the juicy details. Elia glanced at the front page nonchalantly.
‘It’s broken.’
The headline was about the youngest princess’s broken engagement. The main article detailed Violet and Kanus’s argument in the noble district. That evening, the imperial family officially announced their broken engagement.
The problem was what came next.
‘As expected.’
Kanus was unilaterally dumped and faced a huge penalty. It was the natural outcome for tarnishing the imperial family’s honor. He protested but to no avail. In the end, Kanus chose revenge over resolving the situation. The front page featured a scandal involving Violet.
Violet’s Dangerous Night: The Princess and Six Men.
In fact, Kanus wasn’t the only man Violet had met. Although the article mentioned six men, there were actually more. The reason for highlighting these men was their commonality.
‘They are all involved in dishonorable deeds.’
Illegal auctions, slavery, and other dirty dealings. The article stated that Violet was fully supporting them. It was bizarre for a princess to assist in such activities. The parties Violet secretly attended were also mentioned. Dangerous and secretive night parties where Violet ruled like a queen bee.
‘It’s strange that rumors didn’t spread earlier.’
She had been careful, but after her fight with Kanus, she started to slip. Thanks to that, her sister, once the rose of the imperial family, was completely disgraced. But it still wasn’t enough.
‘A mere scandal isn’t sufficient.’
Her fingers tapped the newspaper regretfully. Violet needed to be deposed or at least imprisoned.
‘First, let’s find the wizard.’
Meeting Popetcherian and processing the sapphian was a priority. Elia took a shabby carriage to the market. Passing through the wealthy streets of the nobility, she entered the bustling commoners’ market. Popetcherian’s shop was located deep within an alley there.
‘It should be around here.’
The market was crowded, with numerous alleys and branching paths. As Elia looked around, trying to find her way, a sharp voice caught her attention.
“Let go of that!”
Her head turned toward the sound. In a secluded alley, she saw a woman in a robe. Her back seemed ordinary, but underneath the robe, a luxurious dress peeked out, a sight uncommon in this place.
