Chapter 22
“Hehe, not bad at all. You did much better than I expected.”
“That’s all thanks to Lady Plendena.”
Every spring, the Temple of Plendena held a banquet to coincide with the Great Festival.
Since apostles, high-ranking clergy, and nobles from other countries often visited, anyone studying at the temple naturally became adept at hosting such events.
Hospitality that respected every nation’s etiquette, appearances befitting the name of Plendena, the goddess of beauty—
Though preparing for a wedding was a first for me, once I grasped the few differences from the temple banquets, it was easy enough.
“That’s true. Yet another thing I owe to Lady Plendena.”
Sister Juela smiled at me, then turned to Lapheche and asked if there was anything she felt had been lacking.
“Oh no, just being here is like a dream come true for me. But…”
“But?”
“I don’t think I’ve gotten very close to Lady Juela or Lady Minuelle… and I’m a little sad about that…”
Lapheche lowered her eyes shyly as she spoke.
‘Who said you could call my sister by name?’
As for not getting close to me, I didn’t even feel the need to deny it.
Sister Juela caught the brief flicker of displeasure on my face, glanced at the calendar sitting on the desk, and said, “That’s unfortunate to hear. We’ll be going to an audience with His Majesty the day after tomorrow—Lady Celeste, you should come too. I imagine you’re curious about the Imperial Palace.”
“Wow, thank you so much!”
Lapheche clasped her hands together and cried out with delight. She truly was adorable. And yet, I still didn’t want to be close to her.
“Minuelle, you too. His Majesty will be pleased to see you.”
“All right.”
I agreed readily.
The Emperor had always been quite fond of me, and I had been feeling a little guilty for not visiting as often as I should.
‘This is perfect. I’ll finally get to see him again.’
Of course, since I’d be at the palace anyway, I also intended to pay a visit to Esadien while I was there.
* * *
Two days later, just as promised, Lapheche accompanied us on our visit to the Imperial Palace—and there, she encountered a truly extraordinary connection.
“…Maya?”
The Emperor stared at Lapheche’s face in disbelief, studying every feature. All eyes in the room turned toward the two of them.
“You look exactly like the younger sister I lost long ago.”
Only then, upon hearing that name, did I remember who he meant.
Maya Roquate. Esadien’s mother—and the Emperor’s beloved younger sister.
‘Come to think of it… In the original work, it was mentioned that Lapheche bore a striking resemblance to the former Princess.’
Lapheche looked up at the Emperor, her eyes trembling. Her expression was a chaotic mix of anxiety and excitement.
But more than anything, what startled me was the unmistakable joy that radiated from her—it was even more vivid than when she’d first met Esadien.
‘She must’ve thought this was her chance—get noticed, and with a bit of luck, even secure something greater.’
I recalled what Sister Juela had said the day Lapheche first entered the Grand Duke’s estate.
‘Does Lapheche truly desire to rise in status?’
That wasn’t even the most surprising part.
The Imperial Chamberlain who had accompanied the Emperor didn’t lead us to the reception room but instead took us to the private tea salon where the Emperor, the Crown Princess, and Esadien gathered weekly.
‘I’ve been here a couple of times, but still…’
I looked around the familiar space, unchanged despite the time that had passed, then flinched slightly.
‘Surely they’re not giving me special treatment just because I came?’
I checked the atmosphere—
The Emperor wore his usual genial smile, and none of the chamberlains seemed particularly surprised.
‘Right. That would’ve been narcissistic of me.’
“Ah, wait a moment—Chamberlain.”
As everyone took their seats and the Chamberlain moved to prepare tea, the Emperor held up a hand to stop him.
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
“Today, I’d like to drink tea brewed by Lady Celeste.”
“But, Your Majesty…”
I had heard that the Chamberlain personally confirmed everything the Emperor consumed, to prevent poisoning.
Especially tea—since mixing leaves from multiple containers provided opportunities to slip in poison, only the chamberlain was permitted to brew it.
“It’s fine. My lady, would you brew a cup for me?”
“Pardon? Me? Ah—yes. Of course!”
There was no way she could refuse a direct request from the Emperor.
Lapheche shot to her feet—but her face was filled with unease.
‘Hmm. That’s a bit worrying.’
Just as expected, clearly unfamiliar with tea preparation, she made a number of small mistakes.
We all did our best to avoid looking directly at her, so as not to embarrass her.
But taste wasn’t something you could cover up with courtesy.
‘This is probably the same tea we have at home…’
Everyone merely lifted their cups to their lips, then silently set them down.
Even Lapheche took a sip, then quickly began dropping sugar cubes one after another.
Only the Emperor seemed thoroughly amused.
“Hahaha, this is nothing like Maya. That girl wouldn’t even touch tea unless she brewed it herself—starting from age seven.”
At that level, Esadien’s mother must’ve been a legendary tea master.
“Now then, let’s receive what was promised. Is it ready?”
The tone sounded more like a backroom mafia deal than anything royal.
Perhaps thinking the same thing, Lapheche’s lips quivered as they curled up in a faint smile.
“Of course, Your Majesty. I’m honored you would accept it.”
In contrast, my sister and Gideon wore expressions of utmost seriousness.
The Emperor unfolded the invitation he must have already received and read through it once more, carefully.
‘Hm? But…’
While waiting for the Emperor’s response, a strange feeling crept in.
‘Lapheche thought the same thing as me?’
At that moment, our eyes met—and Lapheche smiled at me with those innocent eyes.
‘No way. That has to be my imagination.’
“Well then, shall we make the announcement?”
The Emperor, who had been lighthearted up until now, finally wore a solemn expression.
“I, Emperor Alexios Amodan Roquate, give my blessing to the union of two noble houses. I joyfully approve the marriage of Juela Karnian and Gideon Faroi.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“We promise to support and cherish each other always.”
Unlike my composed sister, Gideon was visibly moved, his eyes brimming with tears. Everyone burst into laughter at the sight.
“Hahaha, looks like House Karnian has gained yet another wife-devoted husband.”
The Emperor’s delighted smile darkened slightly.
“If only Esadien could be as well…”
The topic suddenly turned toward Esadien. The Emperor looked at me and asked, his voice subtly probing.
“My dear, when do you plan to take Esadien away?”
Was that his way of telling us to hurry up and get married?
I smiled brightly but let my sentence trail off.
“Oh, well, of course…”
‘I’d do it tomorrow if I could.’
Once we were married, Esadien would be part of House Karnian. Under that protection, the Second Prince wouldn’t be able to target him so easily.
But…what did Esadien think?
There was another problem—my sisters. Even now, Sister Juela, sitting directly across from me, was narrowing her eyes into triangles.
“Your Majesty, really now. Weren’t you the one who told me that marriage should happen only when hearts are aligned and the time is right, when I came to ask for your blessing?”
The Crown Princess entered just then, throwing open the glass doors that faced the garden. Every time I saw her, I was struck by how completely she resembled the Emperor’s boisterous side.
“Ahem, well, that was then…”
“And weren’t you also the one who said a ruler should never change his stance on a whim?”
“Tch. Tch.”
Apparently remembering perfectly well, the Emperor gave no rebuttal and simply clicked his tongue.
The Crown Princess grinned and patted mine and Sister Juela’s shoulders in turn.
“It’s been far too long for both of you. Minuelle, don’t let His Majesty’s words pressure you. And Juela—truly, congratulations.”
“Oh, Your Highness. If you only offer congratulations with words, I’ll be terribly disappointed.”
I’d heard the Crown Princess had been my eldest sister’s closest childhood friend, and because of that, Juela had spent a lot of time with her too. Maybe that’s why they still spoke to each other so comfortably.
“You scoundrel. Of course I’ve prepared something. You’ll see.”
“I’ll be waiting with breathless anticipation, then.”
Soft laughter echoed around us.
After chatting a while longer, we began to rise to leave—only for the Emperor to stop us.
“Just a moment, please.”
“At your command, Your Majesty.”
“This is a personal favor… Lady Celeste, if you have the time, would you visit the palace again and keep this old man company?”
Old man? He was still a vigorous man in his prime.
Still, there was no denying that Lapheche had truly caught a powerful connection.
Maybe I should’ve known the moment the Emperor took Esadien, the late Princess’s son, as a Prince—that was how dearly he’d cherished his sister.
“In that case, what if she entered the palace as my handmaiden?”
The Crown Princess, after a brief moment of thought, made a suggestion.
“You mean your handmaiden?”
“Yes. One of my handmaids is with child, so I need someone to fill in while she’s resting.”
In other words, she was suggesting Lapheche serve as a handmaiden for about eight months.
“That way, it’ll also be easier for His Majesty to call on her whenever he wishes.”
“Hmm, I’m fine with it, but what matters is the Lady’s opinion.”
Though she seemed slightly intimidated by everyone’s attention at first, Lapheche adapted quickly and answered without hesitation.
“It would be an honor for my family, of course, but right now I’m helping out at House Karnian…”
“Oh dear, Lady Celeste.”
Sister Juela smiled gently.
“We’re in the final stages now, so don’t worry about it. We’re not so heartless as to hold you back when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes your way.”
“B-but Lady Minuelle said it’s not over until it’s over…”
“That’s something only family can say. We wouldn’t dream of burdening Lady Celeste, who came all this way to help us.”
She laughed softly and gave the Crown Princess a slight bow.
“Then, Your Highness, I’ll leave Lady Celeste in your care. She’s bright and learns quickly.”
“I almost feel guilty for stealing someone so promising, my Lady. I’ll be sure to send you a wedding gift worthy of the loss.”
“I’ll gladly accept it.”
As the conversation flowed back and forth, progressing without a hitch, I didn’t say a word.
If someone asked whether I was happy that I no longer had to avoid Lapheche, I would’ve said yes—but…
The image of Esadien and Lapheche, sitting across from each other, lingered in my mind like it had been carved there.
Even if I told myself it was only because she resembled his mother…
‘I’m uneasy.’
Even after the rest of the party dropped me off at the Prince’s palace and departed, I remained a little gloomy.
The Imperial Palace was vast, and Esadien hardly ever left the Prince’s quarters, so the chances of him running into Lapheche were slim.
Still, I couldn’t shake this gnawing unease.
“Minuelle?”
Just as I trudged into the sitting room looking dejected, the door to the inner chamber opened—and Esadien appeared, dressed in loose, casual clothes.