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Chapter 20
On a night when the tropical heat lingered endlessly,
the resplendent palace ball, as dazzling as the scorching sun itself, finally began.
Since Edward Keres ascended to the throne, the palace gates, once tightly shut, had swung wide open, and the nobles’ carriages poured in continuously.
“My goodness…”
“Am I seeing things?”
“No, you’re not! I can see it clearly too!”
Their reactions upon stepping down from their carriages were unanimous: disbelief.
Originally, the palace was built from marble so close to a neutral shade that it seemed almost colorless.
Of course, when it was constructed, only the finest craftsmen were gathered to build it. But in the present era, which valued extravagant decoration, it appeared somewhat plain.
But now?
The marble dome had been transformed into multicolored stained glass, and the plain white marble had changed into several shades, displaying the emblems of the invited noble houses.
“How… how is this even possible?”
Their natural question led to an inevitable conclusion:
The Empress was a witch.
It was, after all, merely an illusion.
Once the ball was over, the palace would return to its original appearance.
Yet even those who thought this way could not deny one fact:
The palace, made from the Empress’s illusion, was more splendid than ever.
Expecting the ballroom to be as extravagant as the palace exterior, the nobles stepped inside.
But even for them, the sight that awaited surpassed all imagination.
“…!”
It was a summer night anyone could dream of.
Through the transparent ceiling overhead, stars seemed to cascade down, and a cool breeze drifted through the hall.
Candles floated in the air like will-o’-the-wisps, seemingly within reach if one stretched out a hand.
Couples in the prime of youth gazed at each other more affectionately, and families, close in spirit, delighted in this unexpected pleasure.
“Welcome, esteemed guests.”
The Empress’s soft yet commanding voice echoed clearly.
All heads turned toward the source of the voice.
She stood alone.
Her hair, braided with meticulous care and adorned with flowers, shone like platinum, and her blue eyes were clear and bright like a summer sky.
“Her dress…”
Someone murmured absentmindedly.
It wasn’t about being the finest gown from the capital’s top atelier, nor about the extravagance typical of the royal family.
The dress, neither white nor silver, shimmered in a mysterious hue that shifted subtly with the light.
Though it bore no patterns, its sheer presence was mesmerizing.
“I ask nothing of you all. Simply enjoy this night. That is all my husband and I wish for.”
As her words ended, soft piano music floated from all around.
Although the performer was surely in a corner, the music seemed to play right beside each ear, undoubtedly another of the Empress’s magical creations.
Many were in awe.
They had thought magic was merely a malicious, destructive force, but experiencing it firsthand, they realized it could be gentle and refined.
Of course, some still harbored skepticism, but for a few, their perception of magic began to change.
“Come to think of it, didn’t commoners treasure the Empress’s inventions?”
“I saw one myself through a friendly official. It was really astonishing.”
“Why would the Empress give that to ordinary folk?”
“Why indeed? Though they dared not speak, how many have called her a witch, emboldened by their status?”
Even conversations like this were overheard.
But admiration was fleeting.
“Where is Her Majesty?”
“Surely not… could there be rumors of discord?”
Se Cecilia listened to all of this quietly, smiling.
The main character always appears late.
Since the purpose of the ball was now apparent, Se Cecilia requested Edward to play his part in her ‘performance.’
Edward was visibly reluctant, but ultimately agreed.
The new emperor, barely two months on the throne, had no reason to refuse the opportunity to assert his prestige.
But for now…
‘This is my time.’
Se Cecilia spoke.
“The Emperor is occupied tonight. He will arrive late, so I ask for your understanding.”
The news of the emperor’s delayed attendance left the nobles quietly unsettled.
Perhaps the Emperor would slight the Empress.
If so, might they accept a new empress instead?
Though imperial law forbade divorce between Emperor and Empress, the Emperor’s will was effectively law. If he wished it, who could say otherwise?
No one dared voice this aloud.
No one knew who might report such a thing to the formidable Empress, the witch.
Yet, a few quick-witted individuals still acted.
“Your Majesty, may I dare to pay my respects?”
Se Cecilia slowly turned her head to look at the speaker.
A lovely noblewoman with curly pink hair and green eyes—Lady Christine Cypher, undoubtedly.
Despite the years that had passed, the young noblewoman in her early twenties, striking in appearance, reminded Se Cecilia of her own past.
Unlike her younger self, desperate to escape the fate of becoming empress, this girl was impatient, yearning to become one.
“Of course, Lady Christine.”
Se Cecilia smiled, and Christine bowed so deeply her knees nearly touched the floor.
“I can feel Your Majesty’s meticulous care in every moment. I am truly delighted at your return, regardless of what others may think.”
Her words sounded innocent, but what followed was not.
“I understand that, in your haste, Your Majesty has not yet found handmaidens to serve as your hands and feet.
Though I am lacking, I would consider it the greatest honor of my life to devote myself as your handmaiden.”
Silence fell over the hall.
Even the violins, which had been playing lively music moments ago, seemed to pause.
Se Cecilia exhaled silently.
‘I didn’t expect her to come out like this.’
It seemed Christine Cypher truly desired to become Empress.
Her intentions were as clear as transparent water.
No matter how much she wanted to become Empress, Edward’s feelings would be decisive.
Approaching the busy Edward was nearly impossible.
The Cypher family did not have particular ties with him.
Thus, Christine’s plan was clear: become Se Cecilia’s handmaiden to gain access to Edward.
Had Se Cecilia been an ordinary wife, she might have scolded and driven Christine away.
Others surely would have noticed what Christine was scheming.
But Se Cecilia was no ordinary wife, and this marriage was no ordinary union.
“What a thoughtful gesture. Thank you.”
“Yes, I have admired Your Majesty since childhood.”
Though obviously a lie, Se Cecilia felt no irritation.
On the contrary…
“If someone as trustworthy as Lady Christine were by my side, it would be my greatest fortune. Come closer, Christine.”
The sudden familiarity in her words made Christine beam with joy.
“Enjoy the ball tonight, and tomorrow you may enter the palace—of course, after consulting your parents.”
“My… my parents approve as well.”
So young, so inexperienced.
Se Cecilia regarded her pityingly, thinking, ‘The scheme by the Cypher family is far too obvious.’
