The bathroom, paved with white marble, was spacious and luxurious.

Large windows were adorned with stained glass in dazzling colors such as green, red, and gold, making it impossible to see inside from outside, but allowing sunlight to scatter radiant light across the white marble.

The bathtub filled with warm water seemed to have a few drops of perfume, filling the air with a pleasant scent. Next to the tub, a trolley held a plate of cookies and a refreshing glass of grape juice.

Though the journey with Cyrus and his party had made access easier, the fatigue accumulated from the long travel was inevitable.

As Ariana sank her body into the warm water, the tension melted away, and the toxins she’d been holding back flooded over her. Though she yearned to fall asleep just like that, she endured.

“So lavish.”

Tired, Ariana forced her drooping eyes open and looked around the bathroom.

“Yes, the East Realm has always been wealthier than the West Realm. That’s why the West Emperor has always been wary of the East Emperor.”

The North and East Realms were permitted to maintain a strong military force to counter Paganus in the northeast. Already settled in a region rich in resources and blessed with good weather, the East Realm had become as strong as the Empire.

The West Emperor, who dreamt of becoming royal kin one day, was wary of the East Realm growing too powerful. That’s why he sent Rachel to sow discord between the Emperor and the East Emperor.

The already distrustful Emperor turned his back on the East Emperor due to this small discord.

If remnants of Paganus hadn’t lingered, the Emperor would have crushed the East Emperor. However, the Emperor needed a force in the east to check Paganus, so he had no choice but to let the East Realm be.

He simply took away the military command, leaving the East Realm to fend off Paganus on its own strength.

The eastern border of the East Realm was always strictly guarded due to the bizarre spells and false gods of Paganus. Ariana thought the atmosphere would be heavy, but surprisingly, it seemed peaceful.

“So this is where the East Emperor lived.”

Ariana had to survive by watching everyone’s moods, being used and abused, enduring all kinds of humiliation. She had to smile at those who used her as they pleased, sacrificing herself for their whims.

And she had died.

She died living a life so desperate and fierce, while the East Emperor lived in such beauty and peace.

She barely suppressed her rising resentment.

Instead of screaming in sorrow and rage, she picked up a cookie from the side and put it in her mouth. The cookie was sweet, but her heart was bitter.

Only after eating the cookie the size of her face did Ariana finally get out of the tub.

+++

The hospitable housekeeper introduced herself as Lady Efryn Roman.

“Everyone is waiting in the dining room.”

After the warm bath, her body felt so weary she could collapse at any moment, but Ariana composed herself and followed the housekeeper to the dining room.

There were several dining rooms in Chase Castle, and they were led to one of the smaller ones. Lady Efryn had been thoughtful, but Ariana found it uncomfortable to sit so closely at the small table.

Still, she showed no displeasure and sat down on the chair brought by the servant. It was next to the East Emperor.

Across the table sat the ancestors of the East Emperor.

Sitting upright without a flinch, Ariana met their scrutinizing gazes.

The former East Empress, Caeradine, spoke.

“I’m not sure what you like, but we prepared food that our children enjoy.”

Only then did Ariana look at the food in front of her.

The dishes, impressively arranged in a short time, all looked delicious.
“I appreciate anything, so please be at ease, Honorable Duchess. I’m only grateful that you’ve treated me to such fine food even though I came unannounced.”

Upon hearing Ariana’s overly gracious thanks when nothing special had been prepared, Russel narrowed his eyes.

How starved must she have been to consider this fine dining?

Theodore spoke.

“Child, go ahead and eat.”

“Thank you, I will.”

Ariana picked up her fork and began to eat calmly.

Slowly, gracefully, yet not too leisurely, as if she were dining in front of the Empress. With a demeanor that left no room for criticism, Theodore inwardly clicked his tongue.

How cautious must this young girl be in her life, even when eating.

Though Ariana’s behavior appeared as dignified as royalty, it wasn’t the elegance that a girl who hadn’t even had a debut should possess. One could only imagine what Ariana’s life had been like to have learned such manners at a young age.

Finishing her meal under the watchful eyes of the adults, who seemed unable to even lift their forks, Ariana maintained impeccable manners even as she ate the dessert sherbet that was served.

Carradin asked,

“Was it not enough?”

“No, there was no lack at all. I ate well.”

She had bathed well and eaten well, so Ariana was curious how the White family would treat her next.

Would they drive her out, or allow her to prove her worth?