-24-
4. The Meeting
Three days later, the day to visit the Imperial Palace arrived. I woke up a little earlier than usual and dressed more neatly and formally than I normally would.
Several skilled maids swarmed around me, adorning me from head to toe, and by the time they were finished, I felt exhausted—even before setting foot in the palace.
“Milady, it’s all done!”
“Oh my, our lady looks absolutely perfect!”
Still, seeing the maids beaming with pride made me feel good too. Glancing at myself in the mirror, I had to admit the result was flawless.
Instead of the simple dresses I usually wore, I had on an extravagant gown just by its appearance alone, with beautiful accessories to match. Even the earrings and necklace—things I usually avoided due to awkwardness—completed the look, transforming me into the very image of a noble lady.
Even in my plain daily look, I had always been considered pretty. But with a little effort like this, Tiana’s beauty truly shone. I really should start dressing up more often.
Ah, well, I’ll have plenty of chances to dress up anyway. Once I get married, I’ll be active in the social circles as the Grand Duchess.
“Thank you. You’ve all worked hard.”
“There will be no one more beautiful than you today, Milady!”
“Don’t mind those strange rumors. Hold your head high and go with confidence!”
“I will.”
Leaving the supportive maids behind, I descended to the first floor and saw Edwin waiting for me. I approached him with a bright smile, and he looked slightly surprised when he saw me.
“You’re even more beautiful today.”
“Well, I am visiting the palace, after all. I’ll be meeting His Majesty, Her Highness the Crown Princess, and the Imperial Princess… So I wanted to do my best.”
“You must be busy today. Take care and stay safe.”
“I will. But… are you heading out too?”
I asked, noticing the coat he wore over his uniform. He nodded as he accepted some documents from Alfred.
“I have a meeting with some members of the noble faction this afternoon. I was just about to head out early to prepare.”
“Then go together with us. His Highness will be here soon anyway.”
“No need. It would be uncomfortable for me to join the two of you. I’ll go ahead.”
He declined my offer, gave me a brief hug, and walked out. As I followed to see him off, Lucius arrived and stepped out of the carriage.
Surprised, Edwin quickly greeted him with formal courtesy.
“Your Grace, it’s an honor. Thank you for coming in person.”
“It’s nothing. But… are you heading out as well, Duke?”
“Ah, yes… I also have business at the palace and was just about to depart.”
“I see.”
Lucius glanced at both Edwin and me, then looked at the prepared carriage and spoke.
“Then let’s go together.”
“Pardon? But…”
“We’re headed the same way, aren’t we? There’s no need to travel separately.”
“Still…”
“You’re going to be my father-in-law, are you not? I’d like to spend time with you as well. Let’s go together.”
“…Very well.”
Caught off guard, Edwin finally nodded at Lucius’s persistence. Lucius approached me with a satisfied smile and said cheerfully,
“You look absolutely stunning today. Have you waited long?”
“No, not at all. I had just come down. Thank you for coming to pick me up, Your Highness.”
“It’s my pleasure. Coming to see you is always a joy. Shall we go, then?”
I took the hand he offered and climbed into the carriage with him. Edwin got in last, and once the door closed, the carriage began moving.
The route to the palace passed through the capital’s bustling streets and led north to its far end. It was quite a long journey, but the varied scenery outside kept it from being boring.
The only problem was the awkward silence between Lucius and Edwin. Neither of them spoke, and I didn’t know how to break the ice.
I sighed softly and said,
“What is His Majesty like? You’ve both met him before, right?”
“His Majesty is… well. I deeply respect him, but…”
“…He’s a strong man.”
Edwin glanced at Lucius and replied. Considering the emperor’s political power wasn’t especially strong, he must be referring to his personality.
“Strong, you say?”
“He’s a man of firm conviction. Once he makes a decision, he doesn’t go back on it.”
“I see…”
“He clearly draws lines, as befits someone in such a position. And anything he deems unacceptable, he strictly rejects. He can be quite intimidating. But…”
Edwin trailed off. He hesitated, unsure whether to continue while Lucius was present, but then resumed slowly.
“…He’s also a warm-hearted man.”
“…Yes, he is. Warm and deeply compassionate.”
Lucius smiled softly at Edwin’s words and looked at him. The two finally made eye contact, and I couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
“Don’t worry too much. I’m sure His Majesty will like Tiana.”
“…I hope so.”
Lucius squeezed my hand to reassure me, and I nodded. Even though I had read about Rayel’s character in the original story, I still felt nervous about meeting him in person.
After all, I was about to meet one of the story’s main leads—no less than the male protagonist himself.
We paused briefly at the palace gate as the massive doors loomed before us. The carriage slowly entered, and seeing the magnificent Imperial Palace up close, I prayed nothing would go wrong.
***
“This way, please.”
After parting ways with Edwin, Lucius and I were guided by an attendant to the audience chamber. I remained tense the whole way, but something felt off, so I glanced around.
The only sounds in the otherwise silent hall were our footsteps and the attendant’s. No other attendants or maids passed by.
It made sense for workers to be scarce, but no one waiting either? Is this really where the emperor is?
Lucius seemed to sense the oddity too, casting puzzled looks around.
When we reached the doors of the audience chamber, the attendant bowed and said,
“Milady, please wait here.”
“What do you mean?”
“His Majesty wishes to see His Grace the Grand Duke first.”
“…He didn’t say anything about seeing us separately.”
Lucius muttered sharply, reacting to the attendant’s words. Pressured by his presence, the attendant bowed even deeper, now pale.
“I’m only following His Majesty’s orders. He said you would be called in shortly, so please, Your Highness, go ahead.”
“…”
Lucius narrowed his eyes, staring down the attendant. Sensing the growing tension, I grabbed Lucius’s arm and spoke.
“Lucius. It’s fine. Go ahead.”
“Tiana, but—”
“His Majesty must have his reasons. They said I’d be called soon. I don’t mind waiting a little.”
“Still…”
“I said it’s fine. Besides, you don’t want to keep His Majesty waiting. Go on.”
I didn’t know why the Emperor wanted to see me separately, but it was his order—I couldn’t refuse. Smiling gently at Lucius, I pushed him lightly toward the chamber.
“…Very well.”
“See you in a bit.”
I waved at him as he looked at me with concern. As soon as he stepped into the chamber, the doors closed behind him.
Lowering my hand, I stood silently in front of the door and glanced down the empty corridor.
Being left alone made the silence feel heavier. I tapped the ground with the tip of my foot and fidgeted with my fingers.
Didn’t he call me here to meet me? What is this cold shoulder?
If I’m going to be kept waiting, at least show me to a sitting room or something. The strange way this was being handled made my irritation grow.
“Lady Celeste.”
“…!”
About five minutes had passed when a sudden voice behind me startled me. I turned around quickly and calmed my pounding heart to see someone dressed similarly to the earlier attendant.
“I am Terrence Albeur, His Majesty’s chief attendant.”
“Ah… yes.”
“His Majesty has asked me to escort you. Please follow me.”
“Wait, but…”
Lucius just went into the audience chamber. Then what did that earlier attendant mean? Was this what they meant by “calling me shortly”?
I looked back and forth between the chief attendant and the chamber doors in confusion, but he gave me a gentle smile and said,
“His Majesty wished to speak with you privately. By now, His Grace should have been informed as well, so you need not worry.”
“Oh, I see. Then… all right.”
“Yes, this way.”
So he really did want to meet me separately. I nodded, and he immediately turned around and began walking. Matching his pace, I followed him back through the corridor and out of the imperial residence.
He led me behind the palace, down a small path into a garden. Something about the path felt familiar, and I glanced around as we walked until we reached a small garden at the end.
‘…This place…’
The garden we had passed was filled with towering trees and lavish structures—the so-called “Emperor’s Garden.” But this place was completely different.
A field of blooming flowers, butterflies fluttering about. There were many trees, but unlike earlier, they were smaller, with soft, delicate leaves.
That sense of déjà vu—I now realized where it came from. It was from a description in the original novel. The path through the Emperor’s Garden led to the garden within the garden, Rayel’s secret garden.
The scene was exactly as it had been described when the female lead, Angelica, first visited.
“Please wait here a moment. His Majesty will arrive shortly.”
Leaving me standing there dazed, the chief attendant bowed and departed. Left alone in the garden, I couldn’t hide my confusion.
Why did he bring me here?
Only those with explicit permission could enter the emperor’s personal garden. Even his secret garden was unknown to his closest aides.
This place was hidden because it contained his vulnerabilities… so why would he bring me here?
To evaluate me as Lucius’s potential wife? But if so, there were plenty of other suitable places.
Or maybe… the emperor is also a victim of the previous soul’s actions? Did he call me here to assess how I’ve changed?
One question led to another, and I tensed with uncertainty. Just then, a shadow moved behind the trees, startling me enough to take a step back.
Could it be Rayel? Is the male lead finally making his appearance?
Half-anxious, half-expectant, I waited for the figure to emerge…
“Mrow~”
“…A cat?”
