“I have to deal with the immediate tasks first. If the memorial ceremony comforts the dead, the New Year’s celebration is like showing new shoots to the living.”

It was time to look forward rather than dwell on the past. Even though she had no responsibilities for the national soul transition ceremony, the New Year’s celebration was now all hers.

“We need to renovate the central banquet hall.”

“Shall we head to the banquet hall?”

Charlotte looked back at the Imperial Palace. The windows were cleaned neatly, without a trace of cobwebs. Red carpets were laid on the marble corridors, and lanterns were hung on the walls.

“Let’s go to the banquet hall.”

Charlotte turned her back smoothly.

The banquet hall had been closed for a while. It had been busy due to various reasons.

When the central hall’s door was opened, a pale dust rose. The maids waved their hands to blow the dust away.

“Shall we look elsewhere while the dust settles?”

“No, just take a look around for a moment and do what needs to be done.”

Charlotte looked around the New Year’s Palace banquet hall. This place was prepared for big events like New Year’s or the founding day.

By palace law, the banquet hall was only opened for New Year’s or founding day, and it was a memorial in itself.

Its scale was also larger than other banquet halls. It was a hall made of glass. However, it seemed faded here and there due to poor maintenance.

It was understandable since there had been no occasion to use it in the past five years. Charlotte wiped a stair support.

“Although we should have maintained it regularly, the palace has been in disarray for the past few years, so there was no way.”

“We can repair the areas that need it now.”

“Call the workers and thoroughly inspect the areas that need to be renovated.”

This place must have been stylish in the past, but its elegance was now buried under dust.

“It will take some time to restore it to its original state.”

(This is the time separator.)

It was late at night.

“His Majesty the Emperor wishes to spend the night in his study and says you should go to bed first.”

The chamberlain whispered behind Charlotte’s back. While brushing her long hair, Charlotte paused.

“Why?”

He usually slept in his bedroom, even if it was late.

“With the Empress Dowager’s remains taken care of and delayed work to be done, shall I prepare your bed if you are tired?”

Charlotte shook her head, dismissing the chamberlain. The candle flickered at the bedside.

“He said he wouldn’t leave me alone, so today must be an exception.”

Charlotte slapped her arms. She wasn’t sleepy, perhaps because she had taken a short nap during the day.

Had she already become accustomed to having someone sleep beside her?

The warmth unexpectedly faded.

Charlotte put on a shawl and left the bedroom. The corridor outside was empty.

“Your Majesty, where are you going?”

Katarina emerged from the shadows.

They called the information officer and secret agent “shadows,” and she hid in the shadows, erasing any signs of her presence.

“Where is His Majesty the Emperor?”

“He is in his study.”

Charlotte paused as she was about to head that way.

“If I go to him like this, will it be against the palace etiquette?”

“You are soon to be the law of the Imperial family, so why are you asking that?”
Katarina gave a crisp answer, as smoothly as pulling out the answer from the answer sheet.

“If you are going to His Majesty, I will escort you to the office.”

Charlotte declined, waving her arm.

“I can walk since it’s a path anyway.”

“The road is dark.”

“Don’t act like a child left out by the water. It’s too much.”

“I apologize.”

Charlotte carefully fastened her shawl. As she passed through the corridor, a dark shadow settled where she had passed.

Is someone hiding in such a shadow?

Putting aside a vague curiosity, she turned her back when a breath touched beside her cheek.

“Didn’t I tell you to sleep first?”

A voice was heard soon from behind.

“Why did you come out when you said you were in the office?”

Benjamin was looking down at Charlotte.

His attire was looser than when seen during the day. He had loosened the tie that had been choking his neck, and also unbuttoned a couple of buttons.

When Benjamin exhaled, a faint cigar scent wafted. It seemed like she had smelled it once in the office before.

“Have you been smoking a cigar?”

“I thought I would be alone today, but you came.”

“I knew I would see you like this.”

Like you see yourself in me, I also see myself in you. Since we are alike, we know each other well.

“Is work still busy?”

“Perhaps.”

“Without even time to sleep?”

Benjamin narrowed his eyes.

“I think I’m a bit touchy today.”

Charlotte closed the distance with him. Benjamin made a small moan as he noticed the narrowed distance.

“When I keep my distance, it’s good to keep it.”

Benjamin looked down at the documents in his hand and folded his arms behind his back. Then, Rocard approached and took the documents.

“There is no sign of these people.”

“A little gloomy.”

Rocard looked at his lord and answered, “Here, Your Majesty is the gloomiest.”

“The work is almost over. Since Her Majesty the Empress has come personally, please rest comfortably today.”

Rocard nodded to the staff who had been caught without even getting off work. Shouldn’t they also leave work?

(This is a time divider.)

“When the employer is tired, the subordinates are more tired.”

Charlotte returned to the bedroom and put down her shawl.

“It’s okay to sleep late, come to the bedroom and sleep.”

Benjamin closed the bedroom door, tossing his wet hair. His black eyes were clear.

He must have smoked a strong cigar, but now only a faint trace remained.

Benjamin tousled his hair. Droplets of water fell from his wet hair.

“Come up quickly.”

Charlotte tilted her head.

“You called me to put you to sleep, Char.”

Benjamin embraced Charlotte’s shoulders. Without even applying strength, he firmly encircled her shoulders.