Lindene Lachman entered the banquet hall with a loud announcement. Tension sat on his well-crafted face.

‘This is unexpected.’

Not only the Emperor, but the Empress as well, was beyond Lindene’s expectations. Of course, in a good way, not a bad one.

Ilarid, was it? Lindene mentally repeated the Empress’s name while formally greeting her. According to what he had learned in advance, her family had been wiped out a few years ago on charges of treason.

‘The relationship with the Emperor… probably as expected.’

She must be enduring while pretending to be fine.

Regardless of the objective facts, he found Ilarid’s presence burdensome. It wasn’t just because of her cold appearance.

Everyone was curious about the foreigner from Pegeia. With so many people’s attention focused on him, his ears were filled with the noise of the banquet hall.

Starting with critiques of the new ambassador’s appearance, to all sorts of crude gossip, and even the dark intentions of those rejecting foreigners from other continents.

At moments like this, Lindene wanted to cover his ears. Why were there so many people whose outsides and insides differed?

In the unbearable pandemonium, he unexpectedly met eyes with the Empress.

‘Why are you so late, hurry up and come.’

The green eyes seemed to say that to Lindene. He could almost hear a low sigh. He barely avoided the crisis of almost smirking.

She was an unexpected woman. What would she think next?

For the first time since learning he was born with mind-reading abilities, Lindene wanted to know about someone else first.

And he wanted to add an excuse to the light reproach the Empress had muttered inwardly. I’m sorry, Your Majesty. My hair ornaments got tangled and I struggled to fix them, you see.

Who would have thought such a variable would occur? Lindene forced a smile as he looked at the Emperor and Empress seated before him.

Perhaps because he had heard she was poisoned, he felt a slight worry. He slowly blinked his eyes and examined Ilarid’s physical condition.

Black energy entered Lindene’s vision. Though traces of the poison remained very faintly, fortunately it wasn’t enough to greatly hinder her recovery.

There was one more reason to find ‘Fog’ and uncover the culprit. Lindene barely sorted out an inexplicable uncomfortable feeling and melded into the atmosphere of the banquet hall.

**

Thanks to the upcoming ball in just over two days, not only the imperial palace but the entire capital was filled with an excited atmosphere. Most hotels in the capital were fully booked, and even at clothing shops it took hours just to wait.

A somewhat brighter energy swirled around the Empress’s palace, which had been quiet for a while. In the afternoon, they were scheduled to visit with the completed dress from Ruchella.

The surprising thing was the visits from the nobles.

Families who would clearly have sided with the Imperial Consort were cautiously sneaking visits to the Empress’s palace.

“I’m late in greeting Your Majesty the Empress.”

Their beginnings were greetings and their ends were gifts. Sometimes it was high-quality fabric or delicacies imported from the Eastern Continent, and other times it was jewels.

Ilarid sent everything back without a moment’s hesitation.

“Those people couldn’t possibly know Your Majesty’s tastes. After not even giving a glance all this time, now they’re…”

Lynette grumbled in a highly annoyed tone. The sight of those who had acted as if only the Imperial Consort existed in the palace suddenly turning around and fawning didn’t look very good.

On the other hand, the Imperial Consort’s palace, which had been so beautiful and full of vitality, was slowly sinking into silence.

Even the nobles who had visited almost daily to curry favor with the Imperial Consort, who monopolized the Emperor’s affection, had completely stopped coming.

This was partly because they couldn’t visit the confined Imperial Consort first, but it also contained the intention to be wary of the Imperial Consort’s palace, which had come back under the Empress.

Looking at the deathly quiet Imperial Consort’s palace, the nobles concluded:

The Imperial Consort is finished now.

Count Diobe dismissed the concerns of those around him about Selina.

‘It, it is the Empress’s deep intention for her to reflect on what she has done. As a father, I also approve of this confinement.’

When someone among the nobles asked with concern, the response was avoidance.

They had barely resolved the embezzlement issue with the Gloria Foundation. Perhaps worried about arousing unnecessary suspicion, the Count didn’t even give a glance to the Imperial Consort’s palace.

Selina shut herself in her bedroom without even turning on the lights. She refused all visitors who occasionally came.

The only ones fulfilling their duties were the maids of the Imperial Consort’s palace. They opened the door between the guards to bring in meals and water.

But even that was left largely untouched without being properly eaten. The maids of the Imperial Consort’s palace reported this fact to the Empress with troubled expressions.

Ilarid found someone who could at least handle Selina. There were only two days left until the ball. Before then, she had to ascertain Selina’s physical condition.

“Call for the Marchioness of Geminia.”

Entering the palace on the Empress’s orders, the Marchioness barely put strength into her trembling legs. Surely she wasn’t going to raise issues about the artworks purchased through the Imperial Consort’s palace?

But the Empress she finally faced brought up something completely unexpected.

“I desperately need the Marchioness’s help. Please visit the Imperial Consort’s palace with a doctor.”

“Pardon?”

“I’ve already sent doctors several times, but I’m greatly concerned because the Imperial Consort has been refusing. No matter how much of a confinement it is, staying in such a small space is bound to damage one’s health.”

“Y-yes, that’s true. I was foolish not to immediately grasp Your Majesty’s great intentions.”

The Marchioness of Geminia clenched and unclenched her cold hands with effort. Is she trying to embrace rather than check the Imperial Consort, or is there some other intention?

The Empress was known for being inherently deep. She may have hidden her true intentions, but her visible appearance was still that of the virtuous Empress.

‘It might really be pure concern. Having a doctor examine her is far better than a corpse coming out of the Imperial Consort’s palace.’

When the Marchioness bowed her body to show agreement, Ilarid’s expression became much gentler.

She promised the Empress that she would immediately inquire about a renowned doctor. This was due to the groundless belief that the Empress’s palace would look favorably upon her in the future.

Alice held an envelope stamped with the Empress’s palace seal in one hand as she stood in front of the bedroom of the Imperial Consort’s palace and briefly dismissed the guards watching the front. Then, as if delivering to her sister from long ago, she knocked lightly.

It was the signal the sisters had decided on in childhood. Three knocks. The first long, the second and third at short intervals.

Selina, who had been lying on the bed, suddenly sat up. Sister. The welcome title made her parched lips move. She slowly approached the door.

“…Selina.”

It was her sister’s voice. Just like when they were young, softly whispering while secretly knocking on the bedroom door.

“Tomorrow the Marchioness of Geminia will visit with a doctor. So don’t refuse, make sure to get examined.”

“…”

“Are you eating your meals? The maids are worried that you’re not eating properly…”

“Why are they?”

The doorknob rattled. It was closer to gripping and locking it than a movement to leave.

“How dare they run their mouths about the Imperial Consort’s meals?”

“Selina. That’s enough.”

A strict voice rang out simultaneously with the sound of a fist striking the door. Selina took a step back from the door at Alice’s unexpected outburst.

“Act in a manner befitting your position as Imperial Consort. You are no longer a child running around the mansion.”

“And you… what makes you so great that you can lecture me?”

Selina felt a surge of resentment. She was only hurt by the attitude that didn’t consider her situation at all, alone in the dark room swallowing her anger.

“Do you know how small I feel every time you act so upright? How much it feels like you’re pointing out that I should live properly…”

“If you know… then live like that from now on.”

No one had demanded that Selina become a saint. Alice living honestly would not diminish Selina’s light.

“Live ordinarily, being good within reason, taking care of yourself adequately.”

The bedroom was quiet. Whether Selina had given up on the conversation and returned to her bed, or was still standing with Alice on the other side of the door.

“Selina. There’s a crossroads of choice in front of you now. Decide how you’ll live from here on. Not thinking about whose side you’ll stand on to live. I sincerely… wish for your happiness.”

Alice brought out the real reason she had come to the Imperial Consort’s palace. She slid the envelope she was holding under the door.

“Her Majesty the Empress asked me to deliver this to Her Highness the Imperial Consort.”

The paper envelope that flowed onto the carpet was surely an invitation to the imperial ball. It was around this time, probably. Selina bit her lip hard as she listened to her sister’s fading footsteps.

The Empress’s handwriting was elegant and perfect, without a single ink blot. Perhaps someone she could never match no matter how desperately she tried. Ilarid, loved by all.

Selina stepped firmly on the Empress’s seal. It was the confined Imperial Consort’s own reply of sorts.

**

In the midst of the clothing shop’s busy time, Gabriel personally visited Ilarid. The reason was that if there were any parts that needed to be altered again, they should be checked immediately.

‘Even if not, I wanted to meet again.’

Gabriel smiled lightly as he opened the box he had brought. When else would he use the excuse of his profession for a meeting?

The maids were bustling around Ilarid. They intended to practice a hairstyle that would match the dress in advance.

The hair that had always been neat was reborn in the maids’ hands. Since they were already styling it, they added a few decorations, and satisfaction spread across the faces of those gathered inside.

“Now, shall we start today’s real purpose?”

A cheerful voice flowed naturally from Gabriel’s lips. The black dress that was spread out looked ordinary at first glance, but it gave a different impression on Ilarid’s body.

The feeling of skin directly touching under the clothes was new. But it was definitely comfortable.

She had worried that the deeply cut neckline might be burdensome, but it was unfounded. The exposed neckline blended naturally with the collarbone, giving an impression that was pure yet provocative.

“It really is. Once you take it off, you won’t want to go back.”

“Right?”

“At this rate, won’t you become a pioneer of capital fashion? It really suits you!”

Ilarid found her own reflection in the mirror unfamiliar. Perhaps due to the surrounding praise and acclaim, her cheeks flushed faintly.

“And there’s one more outfit.”

Gabriel took out the box he had brought together and opened it in front of Ilarid.

“This is a gift for Your Majesty the Empress from someone who requested anonymity.”

It was a white dress. A clean and neat dress without large decorations. Rather, that point captured Ilarid’s heart. She gently placed her hand on the dress. Since it wasn’t flashy, it seemed it would be fine as everyday wear.

“The person who ordered it made a special request. They asked to make clothes that allow breathing and unrestricted activity in daily life.”

“Can I know who ordered it?”

Gabriel raised his index finger like last time. The other side had earnestly begged for secrecy, so there was no choice.

“…I understand. Let’s try it on now.”

The white clothes were surprisingly comfortable. Thanks to the buttons on the front, it wouldn’t be difficult to put on alone.

Whoever it was, they had accurately pierced Ilarid’s tastes. A satisfied smile that she couldn’t quite hide was just about to rise.

“Your Majesty the Empress. The mercenary captain, Lebel, requests an audience.”

It was rare for him to be called separately to the Empress’s palace during the day. The door opened without hesitation, and Lebel slowly entered.

He seemed quite surprised by Ilarid’s appearance, which he was seeing for the first time. A white and dazzling lady. As he barely tried to calm his trembling heart, even breathing felt burdensome.

Ilarid awkwardly gestured and called Lebel again.

“You must be seeing me dressed like this for the first time. It’s a bit awkward, but… how is it, does it suit me?”

Lebel wanted to cry a little.

To think white would suit you this well. The image of the lady he had only imagined in his mind was unfolding before his eyes. If not for the surrounding gazes, if she were a painting rather than a real person, he might have traced every detail with his fingertips.

“You are beautiful, Your Majesty.”

He barely continued speaking. The adjective ‘beautiful’ was insufficient. Even if he brought all the words in the world related to beauty, they would be useless before Ilarid.

“Alright, that’s enough emotion. You said mercenary captain, right?”

Gabriel clapped his hands and stood in front of Lebel.

Of course, they were already acquainted.

A relationship of anonymity and secrecy between the person who placed the order and the person who received it.

She hung the measuring tape around her neck and spoke in a cheerful tone.

“First, take off your clothes.”

At Gabriel’s straightforward pitch without evasion, an earthquake occurred in everyone’s eyes.