Episode 68

Chapter 68. A Startling Coincidence

The day of the Founding Festival.

In front of the carriage headed to the venue, an unexpected person was waiting.

“Your Majesty the Empress.”

It was Leonard.

“I didn’t expect you to be the one waiting.”

“I’m Your Majesty’s escort knight. Naturally, it’s my duty to wait.”

Ah—right. That’s true.

He was the commander of the Royal Guard, but he was also my personal escort knight. I hadn’t seen him around lately, so I’d momentarily forgotten.

Still…

I looked at Leonard.

It hadn’t been long since I last saw him, yet somehow, his already dazzling looks seemed even more extraordinary now. Only belatedly did I realize he wasn’t in uniform; instead, he was dressed in formal evening wear.

Just the change of clothes alone gave him an entirely different aura.

And yet, something about that outfit nagged at me.

A matching look…?

To my surprise, his ensemble gave off a strangely similar vibe to my dress. The colors were different, so it wasn’t immediately obvious, but anyone with a sharp eye could notice the uncanny resemblance.

“That outfit… could it be…?”

As if he’d been waiting for the question, he answered without hesitation.

“It was designed by the same person who made Your Majesty’s gown.”

Of course it was.

It even crossed my mind that his recent absence might have been part of a scheme to set this up.

“If we walk in together like this, people might get the wrong idea.”

“You needn’t worry about that.”

He spoke with calm reassurance.

“They’re merely outfits designed by the same person. Naturally, they share a similar atmosphere. It’s a plausible coincidence.”

“Do you think people will believe that kind of coincidence?”

“Let’s just call it a startling coincidence.”

“…”

Somehow, even that coincidence felt like it had been calculated in advance.

Well, it’s not like I can go change now. And honestly, it’d be too much trouble anyway.

Whatever.

If anyone starts speculating, I can just brush it off like Leonard said—say it was pure chance.

“Oh, and I haven’t thanked you yet. I heard you arranged for the designer. Thank you. If it weren’t for you, I’d have been in quite a bind.”

“It’s nothing. I’m just glad I could be of some help to Your Majesty.”

As he finished speaking, his eyes quietly rested on me.

His expression had grown oddly tense and rigid…

“Is something wrong with my outfit?”

“The dress…”

The dress?

I looked down.

A delicate gown of pale lavender, finely embroidered in white thread. The lace at the hem gave it fullness without being excessive, adding a graceful elegance. And the scattered gemstones heightened its beauty to perfection.

It was the kind of dress that anyone would admire at first glance.

Madam Prina herself had proudly declared it her crowning achievement.

Strange. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with it…

“Does it really look that odd?”

“No, not at all. It’s more that… it suits you too well, and that might be the problem.”

“Pardon?”

“In any case, Your Majesty, you should get in the carriage.”

First Cedric, and now Leonard—everyone starts acting strange the moment they see me in this dress.

“I’ll make sure to return the favor for this, by the way.”

“A favor, is it…”

Leonard gave that signature, meaningful smile of his.

“I’ll be looking forward to that day.”

Before I knew it, the carriage had arrived at the entrance of the banquet hall.

Just before stepping out, I took out the mask I had prepared.

A bird-shaped mask adorned with extravagant feathers.

I ran my hand over the feathers once before putting it on.

Today’s Founding Festival had a unique tradition for the afternoon celebration—something that set it apart from other banquets.

Everyone was required to wear a mask.

I wasn’t sure when the custom had started, but the original intent was to make this day a rare occasion when everyone, regardless of class, could mingle and enjoy themselves freely—even commoners.

Of course, due to security concerns, the event had since changed. Now, only a select few could attend. I had learned this from the ladies-in-waiting.

Still, although the mask had once symbolized inclusion, today I was grateful for it for another reason entirely.

“Since I haven’t prepared anything for this event…”

I had made no effort to stand out today. I’d gone out of my way not to clash with the heroine and had intentionally avoided making any special preparations for the banquet.

Naturally, I had given instructions for the basics to be handled. But I hadn’t paid the slightest attention to anything that might rival the empress—or rather, the future empress—in spectacle or style.

The nobles who had been expecting something novel were bound to be disappointed by what they’d find.

Which was why the mask was such a relief.

At least I wouldn’t have to feel everyone’s stares so directly.

With Leonard escorting me, I entered the banquet hall.

I was expecting the usual: sterile white tables for the guests, uninspired food, bland music, and an atmosphere as dull as could be…

“…Wait. No, this isn’t right.”

The banquet I had assumed would be plain and unimpressive… was nothing like what I’d expected.

Mystical mist rolled across the floor, veiling the space in enchantment.

Tables sculpted from ice, intricate decorations crafted with delicate artistry.

And overhead—looming above and along the walls—massive ice sculptures representing symbols of the Empire.

Outside, it was sweltering midsummer.

But in here, it felt as if winter had descended upon the hall.

“What in the world is this…?”

I hadn’t given any orders, and yet this was, without question, the most beautiful, fantastical banquet hall I had ever seen.

“It’s cold in here. Please, wear this.”

At some point, Leonard had draped a thick coat over my shoulders.

Now that I looked, all the nobles in attendance were dressed warmly.

“Surprised, Your Majesty?”

“This banquet… I didn’t plan any of this…”

“Is that so?”

Leonard smiled, soundlessly.

“Perhaps it was arranged by people who care deeply about Your Majesty.”

“What…? But—”

I couldn’t finish the question.

Even with masks on, the noblewomen were beginning to gather around me one by one, clearly recognizing who I was.

“Your Majesty, this venue is truly breathtaking.”

No kidding. Even I think it’s too beautiful.

“It feels like winter has returned. How did you pull this off?”

No idea. I’m wondering the same thing myself.

“We’ve always heard about Your Majesty’s remarkable talents, but we never imagined it was to this extent. It’s simply incredible.”

Apparently, I’ve got talents I didn’t even know about.

For now, I decided to play along.

As curious as I was about what had happened, my priority was to welcome these ladies properly.

So I turned my attention to their ornate masks.

Butterflies, cats, and other animal shapes… Some were made of delicate lace that subtly revealed their faces underneath.

It would’ve been nice if I could immediately recognize who was who—but for some, it was difficult to guess their identity behind the masks.

Still, just by hearing their voices, I could make a rough guess.

With a smile, I said:

“You recognized me right away, I see.”

Honestly, I should’ve chosen a mask that concealed my face a bit better.

In response, the noblewomen let out soft laughs and began showering me with praise.

“Not even a mask can hide Your Majesty’s beauty.”
“You’re absolutely radiant today.”
“And the man standing behind you—isn’t that Sir Leonard?”

Ah, Leonard.

Unlike the other guests, he wasn’t wearing a mask.

That was because he wasn’t here as a guest, but as my escort.

The sight of him standing just behind me was probably what helped them recognize me so quickly.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Oh my!”

I wasn’t sure what exactly they were gasping over, but I could tell from their expressions that it was tinged with envy.

Soon, the compliments shifted to the dress I was wearing.

“Your Majesty’s gown is the most elegant one here tonight.”

“It’s a piece by Madame Prina,” I replied.

Their voices rose with excitement.

“Goodness! The Madame Prina?”
“No wonder—the fabric alone, and just look at the embroidery. This isn’t a dress, it’s a masterpiece.”
“Her eye for design hasn’t dulled a bit.”

I nodded gently.

“I’m quite fond of it too.”

Though I still had a vague sense of unease, there was no denying the dress was exquisite.

We continued chatting—about society gossip, the latest fashion trends, and all the usual things that filled these circles—until…

“By the way…”

A noblewoman sitting beside me leaned in.

She had been glancing toward my back for a while now.

Lowering her voice to a whisper near my ear, she said:

“Sir Leonard… His expression doesn’t look good at all. Did something happen between you two?”