IWTMS 10

“Will this really be okay? I did learn etiquette all day yesterday, but I still feel like I’m lacking in many ways…”

Sitting in the carriage heading toward the Imperial Palace, Sylvia said hesitantly to Duke Werner.

As she said, she had studied etiquette, but there had been far too little time. She only managed to quickly learn the basics.

If something unexpected happened, she was sure she wouldn’t be able to respond properly.

Her anxiety came from worrying that she might cause trouble for the Werner Ducal House.

“You don’t need to worry so much,” the Duke said warmly, looking at her with affection. “His Majesty knows that only three days have passed since you returned.”

He gently reassured her.

“The Emperor isn’t expecting perfection from you. He simply wants to confirm that you have safely returned to us. So don’t be too anxious.”

“…Yes.”

She understood it logically, but her heart still pounded uncontrollably.

“Still… it’s strange. Who could have leaked information about you to the Imperial Palace…”

The Duke muttered in confusion.

Sylvia briefly thought of the café manager, but quickly dismissed the idea.

He wasn’t the type to casually spread information about others.

It was also unlikely that anyone close to her had leaked it.

Only the manager knew what had happened to her.

Then Sylvia suddenly thought of the orphanage children.

She had been so overwhelmed for the past two days that she hadn’t even thought about them properly.

They must be worried.

She couldn’t just stay here peacefully without explanation.

“Um, Duke…”

“What is it?”

“After I meet His Majesty today… may I go see the children I grew up with at the orphanage? I left without saying anything, so they must be worried.”

“Of course,” the Duke replied immediately.

“Thank you.”

As they spoke, the carriage passed through the gates of the Imperial Palace.

Sylvia looked out the window at the vast garden and quietly admired it.

It had a different atmosphere from the Werner Ducal Estate, but it was beautiful in its own way.

“I’ll show you the nice places in the palace later,” the Duke said. “There are many worth seeing.”

“If I get the chance, I’d love that,” Sylvia replied with a smile.

The Duke smiled back.

The carriage soon stopped in front of the main palace.

Sylvia stepped out and walked inside, escorted by the Duke.

“Wow…”

She tried to hold back her reaction, but awe slipped out anyway.

The decorations alone were breathtaking—artworks on the walls, and a ceiling painting so detailed it was dizzying.

If the Duke hadn’t been guiding her, she might have forgotten everything she learned about etiquette and stopped in place.

They walked along the long carpet until they reached the audience chamber.

The Duke stopped and looked at Sylvia, who was visibly nervous.

“Don’t worry,” he said once again, taking her hand.

His warm gesture calmed her slightly.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

A servant announced their arrival.

“His Majesty, Duke Royem Werner and Vivian Werner have arrived.”

“Let them in.”

At the Emperor’s voice, the doors opened.

Sylvia repeated the etiquette she had learned from Banein.

“Keep your back straight, chin slightly lowered, eyes forward, and walk steadily.”

She recalled it clearly.

Holding herself properly, she entered the audience chamber with the Duke.

“Greetings to His Majesty the Emperor.”

The Duke bowed, and Sylvia followed, slightly stepping back and curtsying by lifting her dress.

Thankfully, she did it without mistake.

“Welcome, Duke Werner. And Vivian Werner.”

The Emperor spoke calmly.

Sylvia slowly straightened and raised her head.

She saw him.

White hair perfectly groomed, red eyes sharp like a blade.

Even though he was smiling, Sylvia felt it wasn’t a real smile.

‘Doubt…?’

The Emperor’s gaze was filled with suspicion.

And Sylvia immediately understood what he doubted.

That alone made her shrink slightly.

At that moment—

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived.”

Another announcement came.

“Let him in.”

The doors opened again.

A young man walked in with confident steps.

Each step carried certainty and pride.

Sylvia felt uneasy as he approached.

She already felt the Emperor’s doubt-filled gaze, and now she feared the Crown Prince’s scrutiny as well.

But then—

He stopped right in front of her.

He bowed briefly to the Emperor, then stepped up beside him.

“I apologize for the delay, Duke Werner. And Vivian Werner.”

His voice was calm and confident.

The moment Sylvia heard it, she felt something strange.

His voice felt familiar.

She slowly raised her head.

And froze.

A familiar face was right in front of her.

It was the regular customer from the café—the one who had brought small comfort to her tiring daily life.

“……Ed?”

The name slipped out before she could stop herself.

The Crown Prince gave a small nod.

“Seems we meet again here.”

A faint smile formed, deep dimples appearing on both cheeks.

Sylvia took a sharp breath.

Only then did she realize why the Emperor had learned of her return so quickly.

“Esmund, do you know her?” the Emperor asked.

The Crown Prince—Esmund—glanced between them and nodded.

“Yes. We saw each other every day.”

Sylvia forced an awkward smile.

She still couldn’t believe it.

The regular café customer “Ed”… was the Crown Prince.

Esmund spoke again.

“There was a café I frequently visited during my travels in disguise. Vivian Werner worked there.”

The Emperor nodded slowly.

“I see. So that’s how you knew so quickly.”

Then he turned to Sylvia.

“Vivian Werner.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I will not speak long. I am pleased that the Saint of Water from prophecy has returned. I hope you will use your power for the Empire.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Sylvia lowered her head respectfully.