Episode 5

Episode 5: “It’s Him!”

In the original novel, Fay was a gentle heroine—delicate in appearance, pure-hearted, and endlessly kind.

You know, the type who always forgives the villainess? Who endures her circumstances without complaint, no matter how unjust?

“Actually, my dress was completely ruined not long ago,” she had said.

Fay, who used to tremble just at the mere sight of Helena and couldn’t even bring herself to speak in her presence.

…Or at least, that’s how it was in the original story.

“It’s fine. We never found the culprit, but thanks to that, His Majesty gifted me this beautiful dress. I almost feel grateful to whoever did it.”

It’s not just me who thinks this is strange, right?

Fay had clearly acted as though she didn’t know anything about the rumors when speaking to me. She casually boasted about her new dress and said the culprit was never caught.

But then—

“I told you the Empress was the one who tore your dress to shreds.”

“Oh, I’m really okay. His Majesty bought me a new one, didn’t he?”

So she already knew. Jerome had told her. Why pretend otherwise?

Was she simply so tolerant that she chose to act oblivious? Or was she smiling sweetly while secretly plotting behind the scenes?

That thought sent a chill down my spine.

Did she do it on purpose? Because if so… that’s genuinely terrifying.

Just then, someone echoed my exact feelings aloud.

“Oh my, how absolutely chilling!”

“My goodness, how can someone be so shameless?”

“It’s wrong to judge someone based on their background, but this time, I just can’t hold back.”

Huh?

The maids’ reactions were unexpected.

“Didn’t something like this happen before, too? Smiling while talking badly about Her Majesty?”

Wait, who was badmouthing who now?

“Oh yes, and did you see how her expression completely changed the moment His Majesty appeared?”

“She really acts like such an innocent little thing!”

“Innocent”… act?

I looked at them, confused.

“Wait—you’re all talking about the imperial concubine, right?”

“Of course. Who else would we find so creepy?”

The maids nodded as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

…I mean, Helena is the one who ordered the Emperor to be followed. I’m probably be viewed as a little creepy, too.

Anyway, that wasn’t the point.

The way the maids described the female lead was completely different from how I remembered her.

“But I heard she’s very fragile and sensitive,” I said, fishing for information from them.

“Huh? You mean… Her Highness the imperial concubine?”

“Is she’s not?”

“If she’s fragile, then I’m a walking hospital!”

That was quite a reaction.

“I thought she was a modest and innocent person despite her commoner birth…”

“If she’s innocent, then I’m a complete fool!”

Was “complete fool” really necessary?

The maids looked genuinely aggrieved.

“Of course, most people believe what Her Highness says. They’re all fooled by that innocent-looking smile of hers!”

What on earth is happening? I struggled to maintain my composure.

First Jerome seems different, now Fay?

Neither of them seemed like the characters I knew. Were these just things the novel didn’t show? Or had something changed after I was reincarnated into this world?

I was lost in thought when—

“Your Majesty the Empress.”

A tearful voice called out to me.

It was Mary.

Her eyes were brimming with tears, as if the slightest nudge would make them fall.

Come to think of it, she was the one who had torn the imperial concubine’s dress.

“Because of me… Your Majesty had to endure such humiliation…”

“There’s no need to feel sorry. I’m fine.”

“But still…”

“It’s in the past. I don’t care anymore.”

I took out my handkerchief and gently wiped away her tears. Gasps echoed from the surrounding maids, but I ignored them.

What’s wrong with the Empress comforting a maid? Until recently, I had been an ordinary civilian myself.

“Your Majesty…”

Mary’s expression shifted as she accepted the gesture. Then, as if making up her mind, she declared:

“To be honest, I’ve always been afraid of Your Majesty.”

“Really?”

I could understand, Helena had been known for her fierce temper. She lived her life with pride, aloof and unconcerned with others’ opinions. She always had to get what she wanted. It made perfect sense that her maid would be terrified of her.

“But now I realize I misunderstood you.”

Well, not entirely a misunderstanding—Helena really had been awful.

“I’ve made a decision. From now on, I will truly serve Your Majesty. For the rest of my life!”

Mary clenched her fists with determination.

“If Your Majesty tells me to live, I’ll live. If you tell me to die, I’ll die!”

Then she knelt in front of me.

I quickly stopped her.

“You mustn’t kneel like that in front of others. Please, stand up.”

“I wanted to show you my resolve.”

“I understand, but please don’t say things like ‘I’ll die’ so lightly.”

“If Your Majesty hadn’t protected me, I would have died anyway. I would gladly give my life for you.”

“You did that for me, didn’t you? So there’s no need to thank me.”

Enough already. Let’s get you up, I thought. I reached out and helped Mary to her feet. So young, yet burdened with so much. I had even heard she was raising three younger siblings.

Helena had made such a mess of everything. This girl was moved to tears by just a few kind words.

Feeling a strange warmth, I gently patted her head.

“If you ever have any trouble, come talk to me.”

When I looked up, the other maids were staring at me with teary eyes. It was kind of embarrassing. If I just stood here, it might get even more awkward. I needed to change the subject. Fortunately, I had a good excuse.

“Come to think of it, you mentioned there was an intruder? His Majesty advised me to leave this place, so we should head to the Empress’s palace immediately.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

With that, I began walking with the maids in tow.

For some reason, the careful footsteps behind me felt oddly reassuring.

Jerome had been right—there really was an intruder.

In the short time that passed, the royal garden had filled with soldiers and knights. Security had tightened, with checkpoints established throughout the palace.

Even without explanations, the atmosphere made it clear that something serious had happened. But the maids looked strangely calm.

I turned to Countess Chloe.

“Does this sort of thing happen often?”

“You mean intruders in the palace?”

“Yes. It seems serious, but none of you seem very surprised.”

“It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen from time to time.”

Mary, not me, was the one who reacted with alarm.

“Someone dared to intrude into the palace? Then shouldn’t we hurry to the Empress’s palace for safety?”

“You must still be adjusting to the palace, Lady Mary,” Countess Chloe replied gently. “No need to worry. Most of the time, it’s just someone getting lost or acting foolish out of curiosity.”

“But what if someone actually means harm?”

“No need to worry then, either. The royal palace is protected by some of the best knights in the empire.”

“Knights?” Mary’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve heard there are many amazing knights in the royal palace.”

Well, she was still a young girl, after all.

“You seem interested.”

“Of course!” She warmed to the subject. “When noble ladies gather, we maids always talk about the knights.”

She launched into stories of their heroic feats—one knight did this, another did that…

Then, clasping her hands tightly, she said,

“But the most famous of them all is that person!”

Her voice rose with excitement.

“Like when he fought off monsters to protect a remote village, or when he cut down a massive ancient tree with a single strike!”

“Those happened before he became commander of the knights.” Chloe replied, amused. Mary continued unabated.

“There are so many stories, but the most famous one is when he chased down a high-level monster that kidnapped a child from an orphanage, pursuing it for two whole days and nights without rest until he rescued them.”

“That story is a bit off.”

“Oh? It’s not true?” The maid deflated a little.

“He did save the child, yes. But the monster wasn’t alone—there were five high-level monsters.”

“Five? I heard even one requires an entire knight order to defeat!” Another maid chimed in.

“Exactly. That’s why he’s extraordinary.” Chloe said.

“I see…” Mary looked as though she had been given more food for thought.

“So you can rest easy. As long as he’s leading the knight order, the palace is perfectly safe.” Countess Chloe spoke with visible pride.

Whoever he was, he must be incredible.

Commander of the knights. Slayer of high-level monsters.

…Wait. Wasn’t there someone like that in the book?

A mysterious figure with unmatched swordsmanship, exceptional knowledge, and unwavering will. Didn’t his first appearance cause quite a stir?

When the female lead fell from the third-floor balcony at a banquet, he had appeared like the wind.

And then—he caught her mid-fall.

CRASH!

A deafening sound came from above.

Startled, I looked up.

Across the blue sky, a black figure streaked by like a hawk.

Was that a person?!

Two figures burst through a third-floor window, leaping down.

One wore a red cape. He caught my eye.

THUD!

The two clashed violently in the courtyard fountain.

Moments ago, the fountain had been peaceful and ornate, a work of art. Now it was shattered—utterly destroyed.

From the wreckage rose a tall figure dressed in black, his red cape strangely still.

Soaked but composed, his uniform clung to a well-toned frame, firm muscles clearly outlined beneath.

The other—a masked figure—floundered at his feet.

The maids screamed.

The man standing remained eerily calm.

Srrrng—

He drew his sword. Without hesitation, he plunged it into the enemy’s chest. It made a sickening noise as it pierced through flesh and organs.

No hesitation. No mercy.

Dark blood gushed like a burst pipe. It splattered across his face, his hair, his uniform.

“…Ah.”

Only then did I realize—His cape had originally been blue.

A chill ran down my spine. And yet, I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

His black hair, now dripping not with water but blood…

Below it, his piercing blue eyes gleamed.

The fountain statue had been destroyed, but a far more stunning figure now stood in its place.

He looked sculpted by the divine, too beautiful, too perfect. A dangerous aura surrounded him, painted in crimson.

He wiped a streak of blood from his lips with the back of his hand. A faint, languid smile touched his lips.

“It’s him.”

It must be—the commander of the knights.