The capital of the Helterd Empire was beyond imagination. Even the nearby satellite cities passed before reaching the capital were incomparable to the villages encountered so far.

The population, traffic, bustling streets, and magnificent buildings were on a different level from the Kander estate where she was born and raised, and the neighboring villages.

Everything was surprising, as if encountering a new civilization. When the gates of the massive capital walls opened, a new world that couldn’t even be imagined unfolded before her wide eyes.

The Empire’s largest city, the capital of Helterd, Atiner. Atiner was known as the center of the continent’s economy, philosophy, education, culture, and fashion, and was experiencing its peak prosperity under the rule of the 27th Emperor Maxwell.

The highest nobility from the Empire and across the continent showed off their presence with the latest fashions, scholars and inventors with knowledge and ideas, and merchants with new imported goods.

Even the imperial flags hanging on common buildings in the city fluttered in perfect alignment as if measured with a ruler. Even each alley in the market formed a perfectly planned shape befitting the capital’s name.

Few knew that beneath the well-paved roads, where not a single piece of trash could be found, numerous secret passages were hidden. And that in each of those passages, soldiers and weapons were stationed, ready to fight at any time.

Underground military facilities planned to counter enemies inside and outside the capital. Of course, it was Emperor Maxwell’s idea.

While the main purpose was to deal with enemies attacking the capital, it was also quite useful for unexpectedly eliminating opposing forces plotting treason within the Empire.

The underground paths were connected from inside the Emperor’s bedroom in the imperial palace, and the Emperor often used them for secret outings.

Arabel’s head tilted slightly as she looked out the window. Strangely, the Emperor’s procession had entered the capital, but she couldn’t see any greetings directed at the Emperor. No, the people of the capital were too busy with their own affairs to even pay attention.

It was a very different scene from when Baron Kander or other lords returned to their domains, and the people in the fields stopped their work to bow their heads in greeting.

“It’s because I issued a ban. A decree not to pay attention to any royalty or nobility unless it’s a special event like an anniversary.”

The Emperor, who had entered the carriage and was passing through the capital together, said.

“I despise wasting time on unnecessary formalities. It’s more helpful to the Empire to spend that time on productive work. It’s the same inside the imperial palace.”

Arabel nodded as if she understood and carefully said,

“The buildings… The colors are different according to the blocks.”

Rather than a scene where each building expressed its individuality in various colors, dozens of buildings had the same color as a group, such as red, mustard, or gray.

“It’s to manage urban pollution like sewage and garbage more efficiently, and to prevent and recover from natural disasters in the capital.”

Arabel’s brown eyes sparkled as she looked at the Emperor, as if moved by his consideration for the imperial citizens. The Emperor, who didn’t bother to add, ‘It’s especially useful when assassins need to be sent or when military intervention is needed,’ smiled along with Arabel.

Looking at the cityscape woven without a single gap, Arabel murmured softly as if talking to herself,

“I can’t see any trees or flowers.”

The capital was certainly splendid and beautiful, but trees and flowers were hard to find.

The occasional flowers seen were decorations for buildings with colors and sizes deliberately matched, not natural scenery. To Arabel, the brilliantly shining capital somehow felt lonely.

“Hm? What did you just say?”

“Ah, it’s nothing. It’s just so amazing I don’t know where to look.”

Maxwell seemed satisfied with Arabel’s answer and drew an arc above his lips. ‘After returning to the palace, I’ll give you a tour.’ His mouth, which was about to speak, closed into a straight line.

When we return to the palace…… Maxwell thought, looking at the side profile of the delicate woman, like a watercolor painting filled with water.

‘Let alone a tour of the capital, even meeting alone like this will be difficult.’

“For the next two months during the competition,”

When the deep, resonant voice was heard, Arabel took her gaze away from the window and looked at the Emperor.

“You’ll have to stay in a separate palace within the imperial palace. Although it’s said you’re invited to stay, it’s no different from being confined. Will that be alright?”

“Yes.”

“For two months… we won’t be able to have free time like this together.”

Arabel nodded, taking in the red eyes looking at her.

Of course, she knew. Folding her hands together, Arabel turned her head to look out the window.

Even though she was supposedly ignorant, she knew very well that the past week spent with His Majesty the Emperor was a very special exception.

She also knows that once they return to the palace, there will be no chance to have an audience with His Majesty. Except for meeting to break His Majesty’s curse, she shouldn’t bother His Majesty.

Her throat felt blocked as if by a hot ball. Arabel deliberately fixed her gaze on the passing splendid city scenery.

“In the separate palace beyond my reach, unfair and difficult things will happen. To the point where you might want to run away.”

“I won’t run away. I’ll stay until Your Majesty’s curse is broken.”

When the Emperor spoke in a subdued voice, Arabel turned her head again to face him. She promised in a quiet but unwavering voice.

‘When the competition is over… when my curse is broken… let’s go out to the capital together and visit a chocolate shop.’

The words lingering on his lips were never spoken as the Emperor finally got off the carriage and mounted his horse again.

The carriage ran relentlessly between the endlessly sprawling grass on both sides.

After passing through eight gardens, including a garden with an 8-foot tall golden fountain and sculptures of ancient gods lined up, and a maze garden, they arrived in front of the imperial palace, circling the huge lake where the Emperor had said he would teach swimming.

The cream-colored Helterd Imperial Palace, with its golden roof covering a round dome shape, centered in the middle and long wings spread out on both sides. It was the absolute symbol of the Empire’s power and wealth.

Even from afar, it attracted attention with its splendor and grandeur, but up close, it was more appropriate to say one was overwhelmed at once.

“It’s difficult to find the scent of nature here as well.”

The garden and lawn, created to highlight the intricate architecture of the continent’s greatest master, were nothing short of perfect.

But somehow it felt cold and artificial, with a lingering loneliness. Even from the mountain visible behind the palace, Arabel couldn’t sense the vibrant and warm vitality she usually detected.

At that moment, a captivating face filled Arabel’s gaze as she looked out the window.

Bending his waist atop the horse, the Emperor whispered softly.

“The time has come for us to part. Your carriage will head to the separate palace located between the imperial palace and the maze garden.”

With a lump in her throat, Arabel couldn’t answer and tried to force a smile.

She strained her eyes to make a confident expression. When her thin, trembling hands came into view of the red eyes, the back of the Emperor’s hand holding the reins contracted.

This is the first time feeling such anxiety. Even when pushed onto the battlefield, he wasn’t this nervous. It feels like throwing a newborn fawn who knows nothing about the food chain to a pack of wolves.

There’s still so much to tell her… so many words left unsaid… His heart is urgent but time is infinitely pressing, and the Emperor swallowed dryly.

“Your Majesty, the delegation from Bewtge Nation is waiting. It seems to be related to the order you gave.”

As Kyle, the assistant, reported quietly, the Emperor’s face returned to its cool, expressionless state.

“Then, escort the young lady safely to the separate palace.”

At the Emperor’s words, the carriage carrying Arabel began to move again.

The jade-colored separate palace within the imperial palace, called the Lotus Palace, boasted an elegant and beautiful appearance that could rival any small kingdom’s palace.

Twelve separate buildings surrounding three ethereal ponds connected by cloud bridges. Unlike the main imperial palace influenced by ancient Agter, it showcased the architectural style of the eastern continent across the sea.

The carriage arrived at the gate in the center of the high wall hiding the twelve separate buildings.

As the footman politely opened the carriage door, small feet stepped onto the shiny white stone floor from the steps. As Arabel got out of the carriage, holding the hem of her dress with her fingers, a parasol was held over her head.

Looking up, she saw Vera, who had been the housekeeper of the count’s family but was now Arabel’s dedicated maid, holding the parasol.

“This way, you won’t be disrespected. There are eyes watching you from all directions right now.”

Vera whispered to Arabel, who was wrinkling her nose awkwardly.

Vera, who had spent her life serving the rock-bottom personality, queen of tyranny countess and her daughters, thought that her past suffering hadn’t been in vain.

Knowing the speech and behavior of ill-mannered young ladies better than anyone, she could be of help to the kind-hearted Lady Arabel.

“Welcome, Lady Arabel.”

Five or six women in dark gray maid uniforms bowed their heads to greet Arabel in front of the lotus-patterned door.

“I am Bridget, the head maid responsible for the imperial household and employees.”

Vera, who had taken great pride in her title as the renowned housekeeper of a count’s family, unconsciously swallowed when she saw Bridget.

A bun made by tying silver-gray hair without a single strand out of place below the crown.

She wore a stiff, straight gray uniform dress with no accessories except for a silver clover pin symbolizing the rank of marquis. Her wrinkled but neat-looking hands were politely folded in front of her.

The atmosphere she exuded was incomparably more dignified and solemn than the countess she had served.

“I will guide you to your quarters.”

Even though her voice was respectful, it somehow made one feel intimidated. The trio of maids, with hunched shoulders, followed behind the head maid while attending to Arabel.

Watching Arabel’s back as she crossed the main gate of the separate palace, the trio of maids felt both happy and complicated. She would suffer and get hurt a lot.

Of course, they had received a hefty advance payment from the Emperor and were promised an amount more than four times their basic salary. The trio of maids tried to shake off their uneasy feelings, thinking that they just had to carry out the Emperor’s instructions to sincerely help the young lady.

The eleventh separate building where the party arrived exuded a serene beauty.

“As the quarters were prepared suddenly, there may be many aspects not to your liking. Please let us know, and we will modify them immediately.”

Contrary to Bridget’s words, the quarters were spotlessly clean and perfectly organized without a speck of dust.

The young lady’s bedroom and two bedrooms for the maids, a reception room for receiving guests, a drawing room equipped for the young lady’s hobbies. Arabel’s eyes widened as she looked around the beautiful and large separate building she would call her quarters.

“And this is Milli, the girl who will serve you. She’s well-versed in palace affairs, so you’ll find her useful.”

“I thought we were supposed to serve the young lady…?”

As Vera asked, clearing her throat in response to Bridget’s words, the head maid answered with a solemn expression.

“It’s a rule that one imperial maid is assigned to each candidate. Even if you brought maids from your home, you need a maid who knows imperial etiquette and the palace geography.”

She added, addressing Arabel who was looking on with round eyes and no words:

“For fairness, only the maid assigned by the imperial family can enter the competition venue with the young lady.”

As the trio of maids exchanged bewildered glances, Bridget spoke softly:

“Milli, give your greetings. This is Lady Arabel of the Del Sangkre family, whom you will be serving from now on.”

From behind Bridget and her direct maids, a tall girl with black hair tied in two braids stepped forward.

The skinny girl, who looked a head taller than Arabel, bent her knee and bowed her head to the girl of her own age.

“I greet you, young lady. My name is Milli. I will serve you to the best of my ability.”

Arabel’s eyes curved into crescents as her pink lips formed a gentle smile.

“Nice to meet you, Milli. I look forward to working with you.”

Milli’s eyes, cast downward, sparkled intelligently.

The first night in the separate building, eyes closed but sleep wouldn’t come.

Arabel tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep on the soft bed that looked like it would induce slumber just by resting her head.

Plop.

A small sound of something falling onto the bedroom balcony was heard.

Arabel picked up the night lamp on the side table and pulled back the curtain slightly to look outside. It was a dark night except for the soft light flowing from the pond-side lamp.

As she was about to close the curtain, a small object about the size of two palms put together caught her eye right in front of the balcony window. A red velvet box revealed itself under the lamplight.

Arabel, placing the lamp on the floor, gently opened the balcony door and picked up the box with both hands.

Untying the purple ribbon and opening the box, she found twenty-four beautifully wrapped chocolates inside. It was the chocolate Arabel had liked best from the dessert cafe she had visited with the Emperor.

Her surprised round eyes scanned the dark surroundings before quickly curving into crescents.

Arabel hugged the velvet box preciously to her chest and turned towards the darkness.

After bending one knee in greeting to someone below the balcony, she went inside. A tall, slender silhouette watched the balcony for a moment, then quickly walked away from the separate building.