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Chapter 29
“W-Why would His Majesty the Emperor summon me…?!”
Unable to believe it, she checked again, but the name written on the invitation was indeed hers.
‘No matter how officially I’m the Grand Duke’s acknowledged lover, we’re not even married yet….’
No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t understand why she had been summoned, and she felt utterly confused. It seemed Seli felt the same way.
“Dr. Seli, I… I have to go here, don’t I?”
When Seli saw the imperial seal, she froze in shock. After a long silence, she finally spoke with difficulty.
“There’s nothing we can do. No matter what, it’s an order from His Majesty the Emperor—there’s no refusing it.”
For a moment, Lillian found herself wishing that Dr. Seli would tell her not to go. That was how burdened and at a loss she felt.
She rummaged through her wardrobe as thoroughly as possible, searching for the most formal outfit she owned.
“Dr. Seli, what if I make a mistake in front of His Majesty? I… I’m scared.”
As it happened, the Grand Duke had gone on an inspection to the outskirts of the capital, so the only person she could rely on was Dr. Seli.
“It will be fine. At least, if His Majesty is the one I know.”
With that, Dr. Seli briefly explained the basics of imperial etiquette to her.
Sitting in the Sun Palace reception room and waiting for His Majesty the Emperor to arrive made her feel like a student awaiting an exam. Lillian hurriedly memorized everything Dr. Seli had taught her.
‘When His Majesty arrives, don’t go out—stand up in place to greet him. And when bowing, hold the skirt with your left hand and keep your waist bent at a seventy-degree angle. Sit only when His Majesty tells you to sit, and then….’
But no matter how many times she went over it, her nervousness wouldn’t subside.
‘At this rate, I might collapse before I even get to see His Majesty.’
She slowly steadied her trembling breath. Just then, the door suddenly opened and someone entered. It was someone Lillian already knew well.
“Huh! You’re the one I saw at the Sun Festival banquet back then…?”
At that, the young man smiled playfully.
“Lady Lillian, have you been well in the meantime?”
“But what brings you here? Were you summoned by His Majesty the Emperor as well?”
He gave an awkward smile. Now that she looked closely, his outfit seemed a bit strange.
‘I thought purple was a color only the Emperor was allowed to wear—so why…?’
She was about to quietly warn him, thinking perhaps he was as unfamiliar with imperial etiquette as she was, when the chief attendant standing nearby adjusted his glasses and spoke.
“His Majesty the Emperor, milady.”
“…Pardon?”
Lillian froze on the spot.
“I-Is that really true?”
At that moment, Lillian desperately wished it were not true. But as if mocking her earnest hope, the young man nodded. Her world felt like it was collapsing.
‘This can’t be happening! I tried so hard not to make any mistakes, and now I go and commit such a blunder the moment I meet His Majesty….’
At a complete loss, Lillian stammered,
“I-I’m terribly sorry. I failed to recognize Your Majesty and committed a grave discourtesy. Please forgive me.”
She hurriedly dropped to her knees. Startled in turn, the Emperor quickly helped her back up.
“Ah, no! That day, my prank went a bit too far. I didn’t mean to startle you—sorry about that. I was curious about who my uncle was meeting, so before I knew it, I just….”
He scratched the back of his head. The sight of him looked exactly like a teenage boy, creating an odd sense of cognitive dissonance.
“Ah—my apologies.”
She then realized she had been staring too openly. She quickly lowered her head, and His Majesty smiled innocently.
“You’re quite an interesting person.”
“…Pardon?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
That was exactly what she wanted to say. Of course, saying something so reckless to His Majesty would have caused a huge problem, but he really did seem like a very guileless person.
Then suddenly, His Majesty’s eyes lit up as he spoke.
“Oh, and I invited one more person. Is that all right?”
“…Pardon?”
It was just as Lillian answered without thinking.
Knock, knock.
As a knock sounded from outside, His Majesty’s expression instantly turned childlike. He jumped to his feet and personally went to open the door!
‘Ah, but imperial etiquette clearly says one should remain seated when receiving guests….’
The bewilderment didn’t end there. The person who entered, escorted by the Emperor himself, was none other than Lady Bella!
“Lady Lillian, it’s been a while.”
‘Ah….’
Lillian suddenly wanted to go home. Being alone with His Majesty was already awkward enough—now even the uncomfortable Lady Bella had arrived.
Moreover, it was basic courtesy for the host to inform guests in advance if someone else would be present.
Regardless of Lillian’s darkening expression, the Emperor simply beamed at Bella.
“Lady Bella said she wanted to apologize to you, so I specially invited you both together. It seems there was some misunderstanding between you two, and whatever it is, I hope you can clear it up.”
“Ah… yes….”
Lillian couldn’t bring herself to say anything to the Emperor and replied awkwardly instead. At that, Bella stepped forward proactively.
“I’m truly sorry about that day. I never imagined those people would be so rude. I should have stepped in more forcefully to stop them….”
She even bowed deeply toward Lillian. With His Majesty present, Lillian couldn’t exactly refuse the apology, leaving her in an awkward position.
‘Well, if he went so far as to arrange this meeting, maybe she really does feel sorry. Let’s try to think of it positively.’
“No, it’s all right. It was my first time at such a gathering as well, so there were probably many things others found lacking about me.”
At that, the Emperor spoke in a satisfied tone.
“It’s gratifying to see you two getting along so well. I hope you’ll continue to have a good relationship.”
Unlike Lillian, who could only smile stiffly, Bella’s eyes curved warmly, as if she were genuinely pleased.
“Let’s get along well from now on, Lady Lillian.”
“Y-Yes….”
Somehow, even after receiving the apology, she didn’t feel refreshed.
Then the Emperor spoke excitedly.
“Oh, Lady Lillian. Later on, there will be a party at a charity fundraiser I sponsor. Let’s all go together that day—of course, Lady Bella as well.”
Bella nodded gracefully.
“It would be an honor, Your Majesty.”
Lillian had no choice but to accept as well.
“Yes, it would be an honor for me too.”
Just then—
Bang!
The door burst open roughly.
“Uncle, how did you know to come here…?”
Ignoring the bewildered Emperor, Kartan walked straight past him and stopped in front of Lillian.
“May I take Lillian with me?”
“…Pardon? But we’re not finished yet—”
Only then did Kartan look at the Emperor. A killing intent could be felt in his gaze.
“Then let’s handle the rest later, through me.”
Pressed by Kartan’s presence, the Emperor gave an awkward laugh.
“Ah… shall we do that, then? Haha….”
The moment permission was given, Kartan grabbed Lillian’s wrist and pulled her up.
“Let’s go.”
“…Pardon?”
He gave no answer, instead motioning for her to move behind him. He shot a sharp glare in Bella’s direction, then left, taking Lillian with him.
Kartan didn’t say a word until they boarded the carriage. He was usually taciturn, but today she felt especially conscious of his mood.
After some hesitation, Lillian asked cautiously,
“Are you angry? Or did something happen?”
“What could possibly have happened in that short time?”
“Then why…?”
She couldn’t understand his behavior at all.
‘Is he really angry? But I had Dr. Seli’s permission to go. And how could I possibly refuse an invitation from His Majesty the Emperor…?’
Unsure what to do, Lillian bit her lip. Then he let out a deep sigh.
“Ha….”
For a long while after that, silence filled the carriage.
“Lillian.”
At the sudden sound of her name, Lillian turned her head from the window to look at Kartan.
“Don’t get close to Bella Ariana.”
“…Pardon? Yes, I understand….”
‘Does she have a bad reputation? She didn’t really seem like it….’
The nobles present that day had disliked her, but Lady Bella had been the one person who defended her.
‘Still, His Majesty seemed quite fond of Lady Bella. But it looks like His Grace isn’t pleased about it. Then what does that mean?’
For a moment, she imagined a tragic pair of lovers opposed by an uncle.
‘Is that why he’s telling me not to get close to her?’
Finding the reasoning oddly convincing, Lillian let out a small sigh.
‘Even so, I hope things work out well between the two of them.’
Kartan’s profile beside her looked unwaveringly resolute. Unable to voice her thoughts aloud, Lillian decided to quietly cheer the two of them on in her heart.
