Episode 5 — The Woman at the Center of Attention
After the Empire’s Founding Day celebrations ended, the real work began.
It was time for the newly appointed nobles to gather for the first time, while the titles of the former ones—those stripped of power—were being officially cleared away.
As Rosen walked down the long imperial corridor, every servant she passed bowed deeply.
“Good day, Your Grace.”
She replied politely each time, her steps calm and measured.
The once-bustling palace—where revolution and celebration had both swept through—now stood eerily still.
It felt unreal.
And yet, as if to mock the silence, warm sunlight poured through the high windows.
“…At least the weather is pleasant.”
Rosen murmured softly, gazing ahead toward the great assembly hall.
This would be the first meeting.
The first gathering of the new Empire’s nobility.
During Aiden’s temporary leave due to his injury, several nobles had been appointed.
Today’s session would reveal exactly who they were.
“Her Grace, Rosen Barhel Titania, Grand Duke of the North, is entering!”
The knight standing guard announced as the great doors creaked open—
—Creak.—
The heavy door slowly swung inward.
Rosen stepped inside, feeling dozens of gazes fall upon her.
She returned not a single one, simply walking forward with dignified grace.
The Emperor had yet to arrive.
Even with many nobles seated, the assembly room was filled with uneasy quiet.
Rosen took her seat near the Emperor’s chair.
The sounds of tea cups clinking and soft coughs filled the air.
She had already exchanged nods of greeting upon entry; there was no need for more.
Those who had retained their ranks.
Those who had been newly promoted.
Only the highest among them were present—and among these men, Rosen was the sole woman, and one of the highest in rank.
“His Majesty the Emperor enters!”
At the shout, everyone rose from their seats.
—Creak.—
Lante entered in full imperial regalia, with Aiden following close behind.
The nobles bowed deeply. Lante gestured lightly for them to rise before taking his place.
“Thanks to your efforts, the Empire’s Founding Day was a success. Let us begin our first council with glad hearts.”
Rosen’s gaze flicked briefly to Aiden.
Their eyes met—he nodded faintly, as if to say he was fine.
Rosen, understanding, looked away without a word.
“Let’s keep today’s meeting light. You must all still be settling in, and I have much to organize myself.”
“Your thoughtfulness humbles us, Your Majesty.”
The one who responded first was Duke Tarhan, one of the few who had retained his title.
“Thoughtfulness? Hardly that, Duke Tarhan. It is only proper courtesy.”
Lante smiled faintly. Tarhan simply chuckled in return.
But it was not to remain a light discussion for long.
As with any endeavor—
The first button must be fastened properly.
It was a newly appointed count sitting opposite Tarhan who spoke first.
“A letter has arrived from the Kingdom of Feinan, Your Majesty.”
“A letter?”
“A request for military support. They’re seeking aid in their coming war against the Kingdom of Rishi.”
“So it has come to that…”
Lante exhaled quietly.
Rosen picked up her quill and began to jot down notes.
Between Feinan and Rishi lay a small neutral kingdom—separated only by a harsh mountain range, one that remained frozen year-round.
And at the foot of that range lay the Northern Territory, her domain.
It was not surprising that border disputes had escalated into war.
Still—so soon after the Empire’s rebirth?
Reality was as cold and sharp as northern wind.
“How many troops do they request?”
“At least three hundred soldiers, along with an accompanying order of knights.”
“Knights, hm. And what of medical staff?”
“None were mentioned.”
“Then there’s no need to send any.”
Lante nodded grimly.
A war—less than a year after the revolution.
What soldier or knight would willingly march again into bloodshed?
As the Emperor pondered in silence—
Cough.
Duke Tarhan drew attention to himself with a small, practiced sound. He sipped his tea and smiled.
“Why worry, Your Majesty? Do we not have the blessing of the God of War among us?”
“Go on.”
“The Grand Duke of Titania herself! If she leads our support force, victory is certain.”
“Oh…?”
A clever move—too clever.
The same man who had flattered the previous Emperor’s tyranny now proposed to send Rosen to the front lines.
If she were to fall in battle, even by chance—
The seat of Grand Duke would be vacant.
“He calls her a god…”
Both Lante and Aiden shared the same thought.
Still, the logic was undeniable.
If the new Empire wanted to show strength, Rosen’s presence would send a clear message.
“To prove we are not as we were before… this may be necessary.”
After a moment’s quiet reflection, Rosen lowered her quill.
“I have no objections.”
Every head turned toward her. Even Lante looked surprised.
Rosen met his eyes calmly.
“If it will benefit the Empire, what reason could I have to refuse?”
Lante wanted to protest—as a friend—but remembered that he sat now not as Lante the comrade, but as Lante the Emperor.
“Then it is decided. Draft a reply to Feinan. We shall send three hundred soldiers and a knight order led by Grand Duke Titania.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
A shadow crossed his face.
Rosen saw it, but said nothing.
They were not friends in this room.
Only Emperor and vassal.
“That concludes today’s council.”
Lante stood, and the others followed suit.
One by one, the nobles filed out of the chamber.
Rosen too rose from her seat—
“Your Grace, are you terribly busy?”
“Ah, Duke Tarhan.”
The voice stopped her mid-step.
Tarhan approached with a smooth smile, his tone almost friendly.
“Will you be returning to your territory soon?”
“Is there a matter you wish to discuss?”
“Not quite. My daughter is hosting a little tea party today with her friends.”
“I see.”
“Here—an invitation.”
Rosen accepted the small envelope handed to her.
Her name was written elegantly across the bottom.
“My daughter speaks highly of you, Your Grace. She says the Grand Duke Titania is an inspiration to women everywhere.”
“That is… too generous a compliment.”
“I hope you’ll attend, if you find the time. Until then.”
With a bow, Tarhan departed.
Rosen examined the envelope several times, even holding it to her nose.
Ordinary paper. No hidden scent or seal.
“A tea party, huh…”
She muttered, stepping out into the sunlight-dappled corridor, still staring at the invitation.
[To Her Grace Rosen Barhel Titania.]
“A gathering for women, then.”
“A what now?”
She looked up. A familiar voice, half amused, half teasing.
It was Aiden.
The tall, red-haired man tilted his head, his eyes glinting like sunlight on steel.
“Where’s His Majesty?”
“In his office. So—who’s gathering?”
Aiden’s grin said he wouldn’t drop the question until she answered.
With a small sigh, Rosen handed him the letter.
He read aloud:
“To Her Grace Rosen Barhel Titania, an invitation to a tea party… From—Valentina Tarhan? The Duke’s daughter?”
“That’s right. The Duke said she wanted to meet me.”
“Hmph… I see.”
What’s that snake planning now…
Aiden turned the envelope over in his hands. Rosen, meanwhile, took a half-step back.
“Aiden.”
“Yeah?”
“How do I look?”
He glanced up.
Her light violet hair brushed her shoulders; her sharp, commanding eyes gleamed like a predator’s.
Her uniform was immaculate, decorated with the insignia and medals of Castan’s greatest warrior.
“You look… amazing.”
“Good. That’s all I needed to hear.”
Satisfied, Rosen plucked the invitation back.
“Then I’ll be off. The party’s probably already begun.”
“You’re not planning to run there, are you?”
“Of course not. I brought Vanilla.”
“The stables are far, you know. This is the palace, not your barracks.”
“Then I’ll just jog until I get there.”
Without another word, Rosen waved the letter and strode away soundlessly.
Aiden watched her go, muttering under his breath:
“She looks great, sure… but that’s not exactly tea-party attire.”
—Clink.—
—Chirp.—
The sound of fine china and songbirds filled the bright garden, accompanied by soft laughter like birdsong.
Every young lady there wore a dress of brilliant color, every detail from head to toe chosen with care.
“You invited the Grand Duke, Lady Valentina?”
“Has anyone here ever seen her in person?”
“I saw her once at the ceremony… From far away, I thought she was a man!”
Indeed, Rosen Barhel Titania was the subject of everyone’s whispers.
The first and only female Grand Duke under the Castan Empire.
Her violet hair alone made her unforgettable.
Still, few had ever seen her face up close.
—Clink.—
Valentina Tarhan, the Duke’s cherished only daughter, set down her cup gracefully.
“I did send an invitation, but I doubt she’ll actually come.”
Her orange hair gleamed in the sun, braided neatly to match her mint-green gown.
Every detail about her—her dress, her shoes, even her parasol—set the trends among noblewomen.
And Valentina knew it perfectly well.
If you’re the center of attention, you’d better make it work for you.
Besides… Father did say to keep an eye on the Grand Duke.
She lifted her teacup again—
“My lady.”
It was her maid, approaching politely—followed by a tall figure holding a bouquet of flowers.
“Oh?”
“Her Grace, Rosen Barhel Titania, has arrived.”
The garden fell silent.
Rosen stood there, clad in a crisp military uniform, her violet hair brushing her shoulders, eyes sharp as ice.
She looked more like a wolf of the snowfields than a lady of the court.
“Thank you for inviting me, Lady Valentina.”
“Ah—thank you for coming, Your Grace.”
Valentina hastily rose, prompting the others to stand as well.
Rosen approached and handed her the bouquet.
The girl blinked, flustered, as the heavy flowers filled her arms.
“I couldn’t come empty-handed… so I brought these.”
“Oh, that wasn’t necessary… but thank you.”
Receiving flowers—from a Grand Duke, no less—was not something Valentina had ever imagined.
The ladies murmured behind their teacups as Valentina called quickly to her maid:
“Bring a chair for Her Grace, quickly!”
“Yes, my lady.”
“No need, I can—”
“Please, Your Grace, just a moment!”
As the maid scurried away, Rosen remained standing.
Her eyes swept the bright garden—
Sunlight, laughter, fragrance. A perfect scene for a tea party.
When Valentina glanced up, she met Rosen’s gaze and froze.
“The flowers suit you well.”
“Ah… thank you…”
What on earth is with this woman?
Valentina forced a smile to hide her confusion—while Rosen, calm as ever, simply smiled back.
