Chapter 70
The novelty did not end with just the bathroom.
After finishing her bath with the help of the maids who had followed her in, Liana went to the dressing room — and was even more surprised.
The size of the dressing room, being as large as a bedroom, was surprising enough, but what shocked her more was something else.
“…These aren’t the clothes I brought with me.”
The wardrobes were filled with dresses that Liana had not brought.
The answer came from Laura Giselle.
“His Majesty ordered us to prepare them in advance. Only part of it was filled, as he said the rest should be left for Your Highness to choose according to your taste.”
“…What…”
It was only partially filled, true…
But if “partially” meant a dressing room larger than most bedrooms, that changed things entirely.
Just by a rough count, there were over fifty dresses.
And at a glance, they were clearly expensive — more than fifty high-class dresses.
“Forgive me if I speak out of turn, but there is some difference between Roen’s attire and that of Erkal. Perhaps His Majesty anticipated this and ordered these prepared.”
Seeing Liana staring in disbelief at the wardrobe, Lady Giselle carefully added her explanation.
“If you wish, I can summon designers and tailors tomorrow itself.”
What?
“No, that won’t be necessary. This is more than enough.”
Liana quickly stopped her.
Judging by how Giselle had said only part was filled, and that if she wished more clothes could be delivered tomorrow, it seemed pointless to protest that there were already too many.
Besides, although she was a princess, Liana had spent so many years wearing armor and trousers that she didn’t really know how many dresses noble ladies usually owned.
“I was just wondering if this isn’t a bit too much.”
“…This much is rather modest.”
Of course.
Her momentary hesitation before claiming this was modest meant it was, in fact, true that this wardrobe wasn’t considered excessive.
After the slightly overwhelming tour of the dressing room, Liana chose the dress that seemed most comfortable among those the maids had set aside.
“How shall we arrange your hair?”
“Nothing too elaborate. Do as you see fit.”
Leaving her appearance in the maids’ care, Liana closed her eyes.
The usually quiet Ruby Palace soon rang with small bursts of sound.
“Prepare the cold desserts early and place them in the freezer!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“What about the main dish?!”
“There’s still time, chef!”
The kitchen, led by a head chef famous for being one of the Empire’s finest, was bustling in preparation for the upcoming luncheon.
The maids decorating the Ruby Palace moved with speed and precision.
During this, a brown-haired maid with freckles spoke up.
“I’m going to apply for transfer to the Amethyst Palace later.”
“What? To the Amethyst Palace?”
The Amethyst Palace was traditionally used by the Empress.
In other words, it was the residence a princess would move into once she accepted the Emperor’s proposal and held the wedding.
“Yes. I’m a fan of the Princess.”
“…You mean the one who will soon be Empress?”
“Exactly. Our house even has her portrait!”
“…Wait, how do you even know her?”
“You know how I love traveling, right? My mother too.”
The maid spoke with rapid excitement, her hands moving as fast as her tongue.
“Of course. You always say saving your wages for vacations is life’s greatest joy.”
“Hehe, travel is my life! Anyway, last year on vacation I went near the border. But just then, monsters suddenly poured out — the border had been quiet for ages, but it happened right when I was there!”
“Oh my goodness! Then you saw monsters with your own eyes?”
Their voices were quiet, barely above a whisper, but the other maids — all skilled enough to serve in the Ruby Palace — heard them easily.
“I saw them right in front of me! I almost had my face ripped off. But guess who saved me? The Princess herself! She happened to be patrolling near the border and swept them all away!”
“Gasp — she’s literally your lifesaver!”
“Exactly! And do you know what she said to me afterward?”
“What? Tell me!”
‘Oh dear, if I had arrived a little sooner, you wouldn’t have that scratch on your cheek. There are healing mages over that way — don’t forget to go and get treated.’
The maid lowered her voice and imitated Liana’s words from that day.
“My goodness…!”
“Ahh, that’s so dreamy!”
The maids, still working swiftly, perked their ears to the captivating story.
As forgotten warm anecdotes surfaced…
“…Honestly, I still can’t believe it.”
“What do you mean?”
“That His Majesty actually courted her. I thought he had no emotions at all.”
“…True. Beautiful noble ladies tried to tempt him countless times, but he never once gave them a glance.”
“Just two months ago, Lady Shane confessed publicly and was flatly rejected. And three months ago, Lady Reton snuck into his chambers and was thrown out in public.”
“Ugh, that was so embarrassing I felt ashamed for her…”
“But if His Majesty really does love her, then surely he’s kind to her. I wonder what it is about her that captured him so strongly the rumors won’t die down.”
“Seriously. Lady Shane, Lady Reton — they’re all stunning. Some of the most beautiful women in the Empire, and yet he never cared.”
“Exactly! For a man so cold to beauties, what kind of charm did the Princess have that made him go so far as to court her?”
On one side, gossip and curious chatter spread.
Still, despite their whispers being softer than a mosquito’s hum, the servants diligently continued preparing the luncheon for their Emperor and his beloved.
And just when everything was ready—
Click.
“Your Majesty, how many rooms are there in the Ruby Palace?”
“Rooms? I don’t know. More importantly, come here. Don’t trip and fall.”
The pair who had stirred not only the palace but the entire capital entered the dining room arm-in-arm, chatting cheerfully.
The Emperor in a fine suit guided the Princess in her sky-blue dress to her seat.
“Ah, really. You’re still calling me clumsy just because I stumbled once earlier?”
“It wasn’t just once.”
“That’s only because these shoes still feel unfamiliar.”
“Then you should’ve worn something comfortable.”
At his scolding, the Princess’s eyes narrowed sulkily.
“I wore them because they were your gift… Fine. Next time I’ll just come in a shirt and trousers. Will that please you?”
“…Are you upset?”
“No.”
“I was wrong. Don’t be mad.”
The servants froze in shock at the exchange.
His Majesty… apologizing?
And that gentle tone of voice?
The cold Emperor, speaking so tenderly?
It was like the heavens had turned upside down.
Their inner thoughts rippled harder than their wide eyes.
What am I even seeing right now…?
…Is my hearing failing me? Maybe my eyes too?
Mother, I think I need to see a doctor…
Even the handpicked staff of the Ruby Palace struggled to hide their turmoil.
Meanwhile, the very two who had shaken them so deeply remained unbothered.
“I hope the food suits your taste.”
“Sir Rabiel wouldn’t stop bragging about the Ruby Palace chef’s skills.”
“…It’s my palace. Why is he bragging about it?”
When the late luncheon ended, word spread that the Emperor was utterly devoted to the Princess.
And behind that rumor was the Emperor’s tacit approval.
Upon hearing that Leon had gone to inspect certain areas of the Imperial Palace, Liana thought of her knights.
“Ah, right. Where will the guard stay?”
After arriving at the palace, the guards had followed Kion to the lodgings prepared for them.
It felt strange sending them somewhere far away, when they had always been nearby, but Liana knew her previous way of living had been unusual.
A few guards could remain in the same palace, but allowing all twenty-five knights to reside in the quarters of the future Empress was impossible.
They’ll probably be placed in the knights’ barracks.
In the royal palace, some knights commuted, while others, for personal reasons, were assigned lodging within the grounds.
Even though this was the Empire, the basic system would surely be similar.
Ianharte spoke up.
“The Bellrum Knights have their own quarters. It’s attached to the training grounds, not far from here. Your guards will stay there.”
“The Bellrum Knights?”
Liana widened her eyes at the name.
Ianharte, fiddling with his teacup, nodded.
“Yes. The Bellrum Knights have many members with backgrounds similar to your guards. That’s why they’ve been given that lodging.”
