SDA 18

Chapter : 18

The empire I live in, the Karnon Empire, wasn’t a background for a strict historical romance novel with accurate depictions. It was simply a female-oriented game made by the platform, focused mainly on entertainment. “So, they sell things like iced Americanos, and there are only about ten or so Grand Dukes from the northern region,” I thought to myself. Nobles walked freely in the streets, far more freely than in the novels.

Honestly, the way the staff treated me comfortably compared to my status as the daughter of an Earl seemed unusual. It wasn’t just the staff; even other commoners shared the same atmosphere. “I guess it’s because the world of this game isn’t that solid.”

However, there was one place that stood out, a place with strict distinctions. “The Imperial Palace.” I had known even before realizing I was possessed that the Imperial Palace was an extremely closed-off space, almost frightening. Even those with the title of Grand Duke couldn’t easily enter. “Is it because the genre is different…?” It felt like a thriller section in an otherwise lively romantic comedy. This conservative palace only opened its gates to the nobility during early summer for the “ball” mentioned earlier.

“Anyway, how could common staff get in?” Of course, there were people who served drinks and did chores during the ball. But they had been working in the palace for a long time. “In short, they were commoners who had already earned the trust of the royal family.” I muttered as I ran my tongue over my mouth. “It’s like a salon situation, where bribery would be impossible, and even with disguises, it’d be useless due to the checks…” A sigh escaped me. “I boldly promised Johann I’d succeed, but I didn’t think about the realistic problems.”

“How am I supposed to solve this…?” It was then.

Ding! The bell rang at the main entrance of the center. “Oh? The youngest is here.” For some reason, the youngest, who hadn’t been at their designated seat today, had finally shown up. Rian was holding a coffee cup. That’s when I realized where he had gone. “He must’ve gone to a coffee shop.” How badly did he want coffee that this lazy person went to town early in the morning?

“You’ve arrived.” I responded absentmindedly while sipping my coffee. As Rian approached, he stopped walking. He stared at me, letting out a small exhale through his nose. It was ridiculous. “Why is he sighing at me when he was late himself?” Meanwhile, Finn and Heaven shot Rian resentful looks, probably thinking that there was nothing else of importance.

But then, suddenly, “Kiiik!” A falcon screeched loudly. It had been sitting in a corner but rushed toward Rian in the blink of an eye. Rian’s eyes widened in surprise. Instead of him, Heaven screamed. “Ugh! What’s going on? Why is it acting like this all of a sudden? Is it crazy?” The falcon, flapping its wings and scattering black feathers, landed on a shelf next to Rian. “Kkiik! Kiiik!” It was so excited, I couldn’t understand why. “Why is it acting like that?” Could it know Rian?

As the falcon stared at Rian, he also returned the gaze. After a while, he narrowed his eyes. “Why is this bird here?” The butter-like expression that was usually on his face disappeared. Honestly, I was a bit puzzled. “Why is he acting so sharp?” Of course, if someone was scared of birds, they’d react like this. But Rian didn’t seem to be frightened. “If he were truly scared, he’d scream like Heaven or step back.”

The stranger thing was… “Why is this bird here?” That was the question he had just asked. “If he’s asking that… it must mean he knows the bird.” I realized quickly. “Wait… Could it be Rian’s bird?” It made sense. Especially since the falcon, which usually ignored everyone else, had gone into a frenzy as soon as Rian arrived. “Yeah. It probably got mad thinking someone had stolen its bird.”

I shrugged. “I brought it here. The falcon suddenly flew into my house yesterday. It kept following me around until it ended up here at the center.”

“…..”

“By the way, is this bird yours, youngest?” Rian raised an eyebrow. “What?” His expression made it seem like I had asked an outrageous question. “Hmm…? Did I just ask something rude?” But my tone wasn’t a problem. The content wasn’t strange either. “I just asked if it was his bird.”

Rian frowned before answering slowly. “No, I can’t be the owner of that bird.” His voice was distinctly different from usual. “It’s like when I feel like I’m someone else.” The staff seemed to sense it too.

Anyway… something had to be done, as I couldn’t stay like this for long. Customers would be coming in soon. The falcon continued to stare at Rian. I walked up to the falcon and covered its eyes. “I’ll hold onto it, so let’s go to the sofa quickly.”

“…”

“Yes? Quickly, please.”

“Center Director.” Suddenly, Rian took a step toward me. While still glaring at the falcon, he whispered to me. “Don’t release this bird.”

“…What?”

“No matter what happens.” His words made no sense to me. “What’s he talking about?” Rian then sighed deeply and, with a subtle smile, spoke again. “I guess you’re really the center director.”

“…?”

“Are you really worried about me, who’s afraid of birds? Still, you act all prickly every time, but you’re like this.” He switched back to his usual butter-like persona, as if nothing had happened. “He changes moods so quickly, it’s like he’s switching souls.”

I almost rolled my eyes but restrained myself. Rian sat on the sofa, and I gently touched the falcon’s beak to keep it from flying toward him. With that, I spoke up. “Anyway, the ball… it’s a great opportunity, but it looks like we’ll have to let it go.” The staff silently nodded.

At that moment, I remembered a conversation I had overheard from Violet earlier.

“Is His Highness the Crown Prince attending the ball this time?”

“Well, it’s not confirmed… but I’ve heard there’s a possibility this time.”

I muttered to myself. “This is troublesome… I heard there’s a chance His Highness might attend the palace ball, although it’s not certain.” Finn looked at me with wide eyes. “Really?”

“They say there’s a chance.”

“Hah…” The staff sighed heavily. Heaven placed a hand on his forehead. “If he really comes, it’s going to be a big problem.”

“Exactly… not just a big problem, but a seriously huge one.” Finn ran his tongue over his lips, looking worried.

Rian, who had his arms crossed, tilted his head. “Why?”

It was truly absurd. “Why? Are you really asking?” Didn’t you go with me and Violet to investigate? “Why are you asking when you already know that Violet likes the Crown Prince?”

I said to Rian, “Are you really asking because you don’t know? The Crown Prince is the competitor to Marquis Johann Belloster.”

“…”

“Violet hasn’t decided on the Marquis yet, so it’s obvious that the Marquis’s rival shouldn’t show up.” I was both the center director and someone who liked Johann. “I hope Johann’s pride doesn’t get hurt.”

If Violet notices that Johann likes her, it’ll be a disaster. “No, Johann! Don’t cry!”

Even though I wasn’t sure if Castilian would come, just imagining it tore at my heart. Rian stared at me, his red eyes locking onto mine.

Then Heaven, who had been lounging, spoke up. “By the way, I’m curious.”

“What about?”

“The Crown Prince. He’s never shown himself before.”

Finn nodded. “Yeah, he’s so hidden, I’d like to see him in person… though it’s impossible for commoners like us.”

“I wonder if there’ll at least be a portrait of him if he comes to the ball.” Isadora added.

In truth, I was the same. “I don’t want to see Castilian just because of the request, I must be dying to see him too.” I blamed my forgetful brain for not remembering the cover of Golden Chamber.

“Why does human memory fade away so quickly?”

Suddenly, Rian asked, “Are you curious? About the Crown Prince?”