Chapter 27 – The Emperor’s Escort
January 27, 2024
Isn’t this a bit too extravagant?
…That was the first thought that came to my mind when I saw the carriage Hernant had sent.
The carriage was entirely white, with beautiful wave patterns embossed on its surface. Every little component—like the handles—was gilded in gold, and six knights stood by to guard it.
Riding in something this flashy meant I’d become the center of attention the moment I arrived.
It was incredibly burdensome, but I couldn’t exactly refuse a carriage the Emperor had personally sent.
So I cautiously stepped inside.
And then, I was startled once more.
“Your Majesty… you came in person? I thought you’d just send the carriage.”
Hernant was already inside.
While it was customary for the male partner to pick up the female partner, he was the Emperor. I had assumed he would wait at the palace.
To my surprise, he had graciously come all the way here himself.
At my remark, Hernant answered as if it were nothing.
“Do I look like the kind of man who would let his partner enter the banquet alone and lonely?”
“I didn’t mean it like that. But… thank you for coming. Shall we get going?”
The door soon closed, and Hernant signaled for the carriage to depart.
As we rode toward the imperial palace, we sat facing each other, making small talk.
“You look beautiful today. Blue suits you so well.”
“Your Majesty also looks handsome today. The white formalwear suits you perfectly.”
“Is that an honest compliment? Or are you just being polite in response to mine?”
“It’s honest… I mean it.”
Though I didn’t want to admit it, Hernant’s appearance today was flawless.
His white formalwear made his golden hair stand out even more. Unlike usual, his hair was neatly styled, revealing his sharp profile.
If I were the same person I used to be, I probably would’ve been breathless with excitement just from seeing him like this.
Hernant, seemingly aware of how handsome he looked today, smiled confidently.
“I’m glad. Your compliment makes all the effort worth it.”
I gave a small nod and turned to look out the window.
Regardless of how good he looked, this moment still felt awkward and uncomfortable to me.
I turned away, hoping it would signal my desire to end the conversation, but Hernant didn’t seem to pick up on it.
“Are you planning to keep staring out the window until we get there? Is it because you feel awkward facing me?”
“No, it’s just—”
“If it’s awkward, should I sit like this instead?”
Before I could respond, he suddenly moved to sit right next to me—so close our shoulders touched.
With our proximity, the scent of his cologne tickled my nose.
I didn’t dislike the cool, rich scent, but the closeness still made me uneasy.
“Sitting this close is a bit…”
“What’s wrong? We’re partners today, aren’t we?”
“……”
With nothing else to say, I fell into a deeper silence, eyes glued to the window.
Judging by the scenery, we were thankfully close to the palace.
I planned to stay quiet until we arrived, but Hernant once again broke the silence.
“It might’ve been half-forced, but thanks for agreeing to be my partner. As a token of gratitude, I’d like to show you something impressive.”
“Impressive…? What exactly do you mean?”
“That’s a secret. I’ll call you aside near the end of the ball and show you then. You’ll see me in a different light after that.”
Was he planning to show me something so extraordinary that it might change my opinion of him?
Sorry to disappoint, but no matter what he shows me, I won’t change.
Not in this life or the next.
I just wish he would leave me alone…
As I was thinking that, the carriage finally arrived at the imperial palace.
The coachman opened the door, and Hernant stepped out first.
Like a true gentleman, he offered his hand to help me down. With so many eyes watching, I couldn’t refuse, so I accepted and descended with his assistance.
Together, we made our way to the First Imperial Ballroom.
When we arrived, the guards standing at attention opened the grand doors wide.
A booming voice from the imperial attendants echoed through the hall.
“The noble Sun of the Empire lights up the skies. All bow your heads and show your respect!”
It was the formal announcement of the Emperor’s arrival.
The chattering nobles fell silent and bowed deeply to Hernant—and to me standing beside him.
When they finally raised their heads, their gazes immediately focused on me, filled with curiosity and surprise.
It seemed they were quite interested in Hernant’s partner.
As I tried to ignore the stares, Hernant addressed the crowd.
“Please, everyone enjoy yourselves. I intend to do the same.”
Only after he gave permission did the nobles resume their chatting, now with even more excitement.
Except this time, they all swarmed toward us.
I was especially surrounded by young noblewomen, their chatter almost making me dizzy.
“That’s definitely a dress from D’Verry! Oh my, I never imagined you were the one from the rumors! What’s it like being His Majesty’s partner?”
“You look absolutely stunning! I heard you have ice-based abilities? If it’s not too rude to ask, could we get a small demonstration?”
“You defeated monsters with such a small and delicate frame—how amazing!”
No matter how many questions I answered, their curiosity showed no signs of waning.
Between the overpowering perfume and overwhelming noise, I started feeling dizzy.
Just then, like a miracle, the imperial attendant shouted again:
“The noble Moon of the Empire lights the land. All bow your heads and show your respect!”
It signaled the arrival of the Duke of Havihit, Martin—the head of the second-most powerful noble house after the imperial family.
All the nobles, except Hernant, bowed toward the entrance.
I bowed with them, and when I raised my head, I saw Captain Martin and the other knights entering.
They were all dressed smartly in their ceremonial uniforms.
They all looked impressive, but the captain stood out the most.
His black uniform and shoes contrasted sharply with Hernant’s, and suited him perfectly.
His neatly styled hair made his face appear even more radiant. His straight nose, long lashes, and sharp eyes naturally drew attention.
He swept his golden gaze—like molten gold—across the ballroom, until his eyes landed on me.
And then, he froze.
I expected him to quickly look away, but instead, he stared at me intently.
Was my dress that awkward?
Well, this was probably his first time seeing me dressed up like this. No wonder I looked strange—like someone forcing herself into ill-fitting clothes.
Fortunately, his gaze didn’t linger for too long.
Hernant stepped in front of him, cutting off his view.
“You’ve arrived, Duke Havihit. Have you been well?”
Hernant’s tone was surprisingly gentle—perhaps because of the crowd watching.
Martin, hiding the hostility he’d shown before, responded politely.
“I’ve been well. And Your Majesty?”
“I’ve been well too—rather enjoying myself. I even practiced dancing with my partner.”
I didn’t expect him to bring me up so suddenly, and it caught me off guard.
He motioned for me to come over, so I excused myself from the noblewomen and approached.
And as soon as I did—
“…!”
Hernant suddenly pulled me to his side.
Before I could react, I stumbled into him.
He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and smiled at Martin.
“There’s no need for introductions, is there? You know my partner quite well. Though, it’s probably your first time seeing her looking this good.”
Hernant’s bold gesture irritated me a bit—but that wasn’t the important part.
I swallowed dryly and looked at Martin.
His eyes were sharp. Sharper than when facing monsters.
And they were fixed squarely on Hernant’s arm wrapped around my shoulder.
