Chapter 17: No way… Are you serious?
“You want the guards increased at the Empress’ Palace?”
“Yes.”
Late at night, Leonard spoke in Gabian’s office.
“You’re well aware of how neglected the security at the Empress’ Palace is, aren’t you?”
“……”
Gabian didn’t reply immediately.
After a long moment of thought, he finally opened his mouth.
“Sir Leonard.”
“Yes.”
“Are you truly saying this just out of concern for the Empress’ Palace’s security?”
“…I don’t understand what you mean.”
“This doesn’t seem like you.”
“What doesn’t?”
“You, who are cold, rational, and always distinguish between public and private matters. A knight who serves as a model for others.”
“Are you suggesting my request is unreasonable?”
Gabian shook his head.
“Your request is valid. But this matter goes beyond what’s reasonable. Everyone knows how much His Majesty cherishes the Imperial Consort.”
“I’m not suggesting we neglect the security of the Imperial Consort’s Palace. I’m merely asking that we extend a minimal courtesy to the Empress’ Palace.”
“Ultimately, it’s the same thing. If this goes wrong, it could come back to haunt us.”
“In that case, I will take responsibility. I’ll personally act as Her Majesty’s escort.”
“Sir Leonard!”
Gabian’s voice rose in exasperation.
“Whatever your reasons for this stubbornness may be, you are the Knight Commander. What will the other knights think if you choose to serve as Her Majesty’s escort?”
Leonard met Gabian’s gaze in silence.
“While dozens of knights are stationed at the Imperial Consort’s Palace, it’s unreasonable that the Empress’ Palace doesn’t even have basic protection.”
“……”
“If even a request like this cannot be granted, I’d rather resign from my position as Knight Commander.”
“Surely… you’re not serious.”
Gabian frowned, speaking cautiously.
“I’ve heard rumors about how often you’ve been visiting the Empress’ Palace lately. But… surely you’re not serious?”
“Does that matter?”
“She is Her Majesty, the Empress.”
“I am well aware.”
Leonard replied calmly, turning away.
Behind him, Gabian let out a heavy sigh.
“His Majesty will never approve of this. Even if the request is fair.”
***
Leonard stepped out of the meeting room.
Though it was spring, the wind was sharp and biting.
At first, it had been mere curiosity.
The thought that she knew another side of him, a part he had carefully hidden, piqued his interest.
How did she know?
How much did she know?
That was the only reason he had approached her.
But…
Her radiant golden hair and sparkling violet eyes.
The way her every emotion was revealed on her face.
Being with her brought an inexplicable sense of joy and an uncontrollable smile.
How could someone like that be labeled as a notorious villainess?
It didn’t make sense.
Somehow, his initial curiosity transformed into genuine interest.
A small, endearing warmth grew in his chest.
He wanted to see more of her startled, rabbit-like expressions.
And then today happened.
He found traces of an intruder at the Empress’ Palace.
The trail led directly to the Empress’ chambers.
When he confirmed that the chambers were empty, a chill ran through him.
His body moved on instinct.
He searched the palace frantically, going to every place Helena might have visited.
He couldn’t even recall what thoughts were running through his mind as he ran.
And when he finally found her…
—Don’t worry. As you said, I’m not that bad of a person.
She was standing with a strange man.
Seeing her with him made his heart churn.
It felt like ice had formed in his veins.
The memory left a sour taste in his mouth.
Perhaps that’s why.
Even though he knew better than anyone that it was unwise, he couldn’t stop himself from making an unreasonable demand.
“Commander!”
A young knight ran up to him.
It was Conrad.
“What’s going on? I could hear Commander Gabian’s voice booming all the way outside.”
Eyeing Leonard’s expression cautiously, Conrad asked hesitantly.
“Don’t tell me you got scolded for being late to the last meeting?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Nothing? Then why was there so much shouting? Did Commander Gabian make an unreasonable demand? Just say the word, sir. You know how much the knights respect you.”
“It wasn’t Commander Gabian’s fault. I requested to serve as Her Majesty the Empress’ escort.”
“…!”
Conrad’s eyes widened in shock.
“Y-you asked to serve as the Empress’ escort?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I need to.”
“That’s impossible. Even if Commander Gabian approves, His Majesty the Emperor will never allow it.”
“…So it seems.”
“Do you know how sensitive His Majesty is when it comes to matters involving Her Majesty the Empress? No ordinary method would ever convince him.”
“No ordinary method, you say?”
“Exactly.”
“In that case…”
Suddenly, a dangerous smile appeared on Leonard’s lips.
“Are you saying an extraordinary method might work?”
“…What?”
Wait. Is that where this conversation was heading?
Conrad looked at Leonard in disbelief.
Leonard remained silent, his smile deepening.
That smile sent chills down Conrad’s spine.
“…Commander, you’re having strange thoughts, aren’t you?”
“Of course not.”
“You are! I’m sure of it!”
“…”
“Commander!”
***
The Day of the Ball
“Her Majesty will undoubtedly be the most dazzling figure today.”
The maids were full of confidence.
“This is the best preparation we’ve ever done, without a doubt.”
“It’s not about the dress. It’s because Her Majesty is beautiful.”
“That’s right. With the perfect outfit and accessories, she’s become a work of art!”
A dress adorned with white lace on a fabric of subtle blue.
Accessories emphasizing sophistication with platinum.
Indeed, the maids had excellent taste.
As they wished, I instantly became the center of attention at the ball.
“Oh my, Your Majesty the Empress!”
“You are truly radiant.”
“Where did that stunning necklace come from? It suits Your Majesty’s fair skin so perfectly.”
As soon as I entered the ballroom, all eyes turned to me.
People swarmed around me, and I barely had a moment to breathe as I exchanged greetings.
“It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I am Emmitt of the Selvintz Marquisate.”
“I am Louis of the Mofrang County. It is my privilege to meet you.”
Countless people introduced themselves.
Meeting each gaze and returning each nod was a task in itself.
When the gentlemen showered my hands with kisses, goosebumps ran up my arms.
Ugh, I’m not used to greetings like this!
It’s something I’d seen often in movies and novels, but experiencing it firsthand didn’t feel as pleasant as I’d imagined.
I suppose I’ll have to get used to it.
Just when I thought the introductions were over, a few noblewomen settled near me.
They competed over who was more knowledgeable about society’s gossip, eagerly sharing stories.
Listening to their stories turned out to be more entertaining than I expected.
One family made a hefty profit by investing in a certain trading company.
Another family had some luck in a recent venture.
But the most intriguing tales were always about romance.
Oh my, what?
Someone who was supposed to be at a meeting was seen leaving a neighbor’s house?
Who’s having an affair?
The maid turned out to be a lover?
Goodness! Who’s keeping a mistress now?
It felt like a real-life drama unfolding before my ears.
At some point, I found myself engrossed in their stories, my eyes sparkling with interest.
Mmm, these social rumors are quite captivating.
As I eagerly absorbed the latest gossip from the noblewomen, someone suddenly mentioned:
“By the way, I heard that person was invited to this ball as well?”
“Who?”
“The new king of Kalus.”
At one noblewoman’s words, another clapped her hands.
“Oh my, the King of Kalus? Isn’t he the rising figure these days? I heard he has striking crimson hair.”
…Crimson hair?
Suddenly, I thought of the man with dark red hair I had met the day before.
He had also said he was from Kalus.
‘No way…’
Right, this world has a myriad of hair colors.
Blonde, pink, silver… practically a rainbow parade.
So crimson hair should be common… right?
“Crimson hair isn’t that common, is it? Someone with such a unique feature would certainly stand out anywhere.”
“Exactly. But he’s not here yet, so he must not have arrived.”
Apparently, crimson hair wasn’t as common as I thought.
A chill ran down my spine.
Gulping nervously, I thought:
Who exactly did I meet yesterday?
“By the way, there’s an interesting piece of gossip about the King of Kalus.”
“Interesting gossip?”
“Apparently, he’s still single.”
“What? How is that possible?”
“Exactly! That’s why it’s such interesting gossip.”
“I heard Kalus values martial prowess, and the strongest among the royal family becomes king. Could it be that he’s too intimidating?”
“Oh no, his martial skills are impressive, but his beauty is even more so. People say anyone who sees him once can never forget his charm.”
“Then why…?”
“Rumor has it he simply finds it bothersome. No matter how much others bring up marriage, he outright refuses.”
“Oh dear… But don’t we have someone like that in the Empire as well?”
“Come to think of it, we do. Someone unforgettable after just one glance.”
“And someone utterly uninterested in women.”
At that moment, the lively chatter around me fell silent.
All attention turned to the entrance of the ballroom.
‘Could it be Jerome?’
Given the scale of this reaction, I assumed it must be the main character of the original story.
But my assumption was entirely wrong.
The person parting through the crowd like waves was a striking man with sleek, half-pushed-back black hair.
—
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