“To receive such a thing and not say a word. And it’s not from just anyone, but from Her Majesty the Empress……”

Alice lay sprawled on the bed, staring at the envelope for a long time. If it was an invitation, it was surely a letter asking her to attend the upcoming ball.

Until now, she had postponed her debut in high society due to lack of both financial means and time to buy a dress. During the prime time when she should have been attending balls and showing her face in society, she had been too busy earning money.

There was a time when everything ordinary was a luxury for Alice.

Even her noble status shrank endlessly in the face of money. She thought that perhaps even a society debut, let alone dating, would be impossible. When just making ends meet was urgent, such thoughts would disappear far away.

But now circumstances were different. She was well past marriageable age, and thanks to Selina, the family had gained fame. Naturally, the eldest unmarried daughter caught the eye of the capital’s high society.

‘I could also not get married……’

Alice pouted her lips at the resentful thought. It’s not like her life would end immediately if she missed the prime marriage age. She had experienced enough of feeling suffocated and in dire straits when the family was on the brink of ruin.

At the girls’ school she graduated from, they taught not only basic academics but also the etiquette to become a so-called “virtuous noble lady”. It was a class that most of the female students hated and detested.

Perhaps if she lived according to those lessons, she could live as a wise and modest noblewoman with some refinement. But Alice had no intention of doing so.

‘I’ve had enough of a life of enduring and persevering.’

She had given up all the studies and work she wanted to do, living solely with the determination to support her family. She wanted to walk her desired path for the remaining time.

She had only ever received invitations to balls before, never opening them. Alice decided to be honest with her rising curiosity. Without even using a letter opener, she tore off the fixed wax seal and pulled out the card inside.

“Oh?”

There were two cards inside the envelope. One was an ordinary ball invitation. Alice’s expression gradually froze in shock as she read the other card.

The maid who entered Alice’s room hurriedly ran over, seeing the eldest young lady frozen like a statue.

“Young miss! Has something bad happened? Your face suddenly turned pale……”

“Sally, it’s an incredible event.”

Alice, who had been sitting in a daze, grabbed the maid’s arm.

“Her Majesty the Empress has invited me separately to the palace.”

Her fingertips were trembling. That trembling was closer to an expectant excitement, not fear.

“Wh-what? Her Majesty the Empress invited you to the Empress’s Palace?”

“So I’d like Father to enter the palace with me.”

“Why should I.”

“Because of whom did I miss my society debut and can’t enter the palace alone?”

Ahem. Count Diobe’s awkward cough was heard. Though he knew without being told about his eldest’s hardships, he was concerned that the Empress had specifically sought out Alice.

The Empress wanting to meet the sister of the Emperor’s consort. Thinking positively, one might be grateful that she was kindly looking after a member of the consort’s family who had delayed her society debut, but Count Diobe was not the type to turn his thoughts in such a direction.

What scheme did she have for wanting to see Alice, really. Count Diobe grumbled that he understood. While he was going anyway, he planned to see Selina and look at the painting she said she bought from Marchioness Geminia.

Not just Count Diobe, but Marquis Geminia was also one of the nobles who viewed the Empress unfavorably.

It wasn’t simply because of the issue of not producing an heir. While it was good that they had exterminated the Melpiram family whose influence was growing, the surviving Empress was a stumbling block.

The common people love the Empress. And behind her, they still respect the “Melpiram” name that lives on like a ghost.

‘Count. We must join forces. If those foolish commoners unite under the Melpiram name, it will be a big headache.’

‘Then what should we do from now on……’

‘First, please find out the Empress’s personal schedule. It would be even better if it’s a schedule outside the palace.’

‘Surely, Your Grace, you’re not planning to do what I think you’re……?’

‘My, how can you do great things with such a timid heart? I have my reasons to trust you.’

Can I trust the Marquis’s words? But there had never been a time when following the Marquis’s words hadn’t been good.

For Count Diobe, the Marquis and Marchioness Geminia were close to beings to be revered. Thanks to them, the sponsorship funds from the Gloria Foundation grew day by day, and the money that could be embezzled increased even more.

Even with paintings, how about that? Count Diobe learned for the first time that artworks could be such big money and could secretly hide the flow of funds behind the scenes.

It was all thanks to Selina. Thanks to his well-raised second daughter, he gained such connections, money increased, and the family’s prestige rose. How good it was.

He was even prepared to bow deeply and say that everything was going well thanks to Her Highness the Emperor’s consort when he met her this time. In any case, she’s really a lucky charm. An oily smile spread across Count Diobe’s face.

**

After Lebel woke up, the mercenary camp that had been filled with only silence was once again full of energy. Those who were on the verge of crying just a few days ago started their dinner in a cheerful atmosphere.

“Captain, shouldn’t you rest for a few more days?”

“I feel like my body is stiffening.”

“As expected, no one can say you’re not a workaholic.”

Ignoring Lailo’s hearty laugh, Lebel left words of request to the mercenaries having dinner.

“I hope you won’t neglect training even if I act separately at night from now on.”

“Huh, don’t tell me you’ve taken another request? Those palace people, really, how long has it been since the captain got up from his sickbed? Such inconsiderate people……”

“I’ve become the Empress’s lover.”

Loud choking sounds were heard here and there among those gathered for dinner. Some pounded their chests trying to swallow the food stuck in their throats, while others covered their mouths, denying the captain’s shocking statement.

Why do these captains always make such bombshell statements during mealtimes, making us spit out precious food?

Lailo, who had been pounding the end of his chest, finally swallowed what he was eating and looked at Lebel.

“Captain. I apologize for my rudeness, but may I ask just one thing?”

“Go ahead.”

“Have you lost your mind?”

“I’ve been hearing that I’m crazy quite a few times lately. I like it.”

“He’s really gone mad, properly mad. Did someone else perhaps enter your body after you collapsed? Do you see anything strange in front of you? Did you remember your past life or, don’t tell me, did you come from the past?”

Only someone as seasoned as Lailo could start with asking if he was crazy and then throw out such outlandish questions. The surrounding members nodded endlessly to Lailo, who was asking on their behalf what they wanted to ask.

“And it’s not just anyone, but Her Majesty the Empress…… Honey, now I can die at any time without it being strange. I’ve become someone who might die in their sleep unexpectedly. Just wait a little……”

“Someone shut Lailo’s mouth.”

In the end, Eddie stepped in to cover the mouth of Lailo, who was either praying or complaining to his dead wife.

The instincts of the former married man were not yet dead. He knew that the way Lebel looked at the Empress was unusual. He had only guessed that she was someone he had set his eyes on from the moment he joined the mercenary group, or perhaps much earlier.

Those who have lost something precious before their eyes move more urgently when the opportunity to possess it comes.

The things that disappeared in an instant before Lebel. If they were precious to him, they would be small and shining, beautiful moments, and benefactors who had accumulated over time.

But now the other party was the Empress. The mother of the nation and the Emperor’s wife. A being not easily met by those of ordinary status. And Lebel, strictly speaking, was of a status that could not carelessly stand beside her.

If they accidentally offended the Emperor’s mood, the entire mercenary group could be in danger. Contract termination was secondary; their lives themselves could fly away like candles in the wind.

Unlike the troubled members, Lebel calmly moved his spoon. Lailo, who had barely escaped from Eddie’s embrace that had covered his mouth, spoke gruffly.

“Captain. Is the food going down your throat right now?”

“Today’s cook did a good job. Who was it?”

“It was me. Don’t even think about changing the subject.”

“Excellent. How about we make you the permanent cook while we’re at it?”

Oh, this guy really! Lailo let out a dying groan while tearing at his hair. How can a person be so carefree? Having caused a major accident that may or may not be cleaned up, the captain was only calm.

“Lailo. Don’t pull your hair, you’ll go bald.”

The members realized for certain. No matter how seasoned and experienced Lailo was, he was useless in the face of Lebel’s composure.

In the end, as always, Lailo raised both hands and feet in surrender.

“I believe you’ll handle yourself well, but it would be better to be careful.”

“Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Strictly speaking, Ilarid had first requested to become the “shadow”. Lebel was merely faithfully carrying out the Empress’s orders. Throwing his whole body for Ilarid was Lebel’s most appropriate use.

The evening deepened and darkness suitable for night fell. It was about time for the “shadow” to move.

**

“Your Majesty the Empress. First…… I’m sorry.”

“Why are you suddenly apologizing, Lynette? Let me know the reason first before I accept it.”

“There has been no progress on any of the matters you ordered.”

Lynette’s hand, which had been brushing Ilarid’s hair, stopped midway. Even without turning around, her drooped shoulders could be felt.

Today too, she had looked around the corners of the palace during free moments in the evening, but there were limits in various ways. She moved alone for fear of rumors spreading if she asked others, which made progress even slower.

“I’m realizing anew how vast the palace is.”

How many secrets exist, and how deep are the events buried? Where did the daughter of the Count Darrent family, who was the head maid of the Empress’s Palace, go, and where is the locket pendant? No, what is contained inside it?

Ilarid gently took Lynette’s stopped hand as if to comfort her.

“It’s okay if it’s slow. Your safety comes first.”

“But still……”

Lynette looked quite regretful. Moving secretly at night was one thing, but moving alone was the most overwhelming.

It would be so nice if there was someone quick-witted, swift, and able to move quietly. But where is it easy to find such a person? If they’re not careful, the Emperor’s Palace might barge in saying there are suspicious signs in the Empress’s Palace.

It was right after declaring that she would bring in a “shadow”. Perhaps the Emperor’s surveillance had reached the Empress’s Palace…

Knock knock knock.

There was a knocking sound from outside the bedroom. Who could it be at this late hour? Lynette put down the brush and approached the door.

“What is it?”

“Um, that…… Mercenary Captain Lebel has come.”

Because it was quiet, even the maid’s small voice could be heard in the back of the bedroom where Ilarid was sitting. At first, she thought she must have heard wrong, and then a small expectation arose wondering if he really came.

She thought all these small emotions had died. She thought they were buried so deep below that they couldn’t be retrieved.

Ilarid realized for the first time today that the small beating sound of her heart could be heard so loudly.

“Lynette. Let him in.”

Ilarid, who had been fingering the tips of her fingers, spoke heavily. Soon the door opened, and Lebel, dressed neatly, entered the bedroom.

As always, he was wearing dark attire and holding a sword in one hand. A sword while visiting the Empress’s bedroom. It was typical Lebel behavior.

“Your Majesty the Empress.”

Lebel took a few steps in and paid his respects to the Empress. Do “shadows” usually enter like this? There were no such stories in the records left by empresses. While Ilarid was lost in unnecessary thoughts, he raised his body.

“As the ‘shadow’…… I have come to fulfill my duty to Your Majesty the Empress.”