“I expect it to be ready within ten minutes.”

There was enough time.

“Well then, could you prepare a footbath in the meantime?”

Liz didn’t know of a more effective way to refresh herself after fatigue.

“I’ll attend to that. Please wait a moment.”

The swift attendant quickly completed the preparations. After bringing a basin of steaming water, they laid out various fragrances and waited for Liz’s choice. Liz chose lavender. As soon as she did, the subtle scent of lavender spread, and Liz’s feet found rest in the warm water.

She wished it were a bit warmer, but due to time constraints, she let it pass.

Suddenly, Seyra came to mind. The water temperature was set to her liking.

“Is Seyra on vacation today?”

When Liz asked, the attendant replied with a formal tone.

“She’s on vacation, Your Majesty. She will likely return in three days.”

“I see.”

Nodding, Liz added, “I heard she was going on vacation but forgot.”

⭐⭐⭐

The lobby of the Tarienne Theater was crowded with people.

Although there were only five minutes left until the performance began, people seemed to have no intention of entering, chatting with their companions in the lobby.

This strange way of thinking that entering early and waiting was not noble-like was because of their peculiar mindset. Therefore, most people entered at the same time the performance started or slightly later.

To them, a couple hurrying their steps and arriving just now was quite a fresh sight.

“Excuse us for a moment.”

All eyes turned to the couple.

The man wore a silk hat, and the woman covered her face with a veil, making it difficult to identify their status. However, they didn’t seem to belong to the upper nobility.

Their clothes and bags weren’t from luxurious salons, and their jewelry was modest. Moreover, if they were upper nobility, they wouldn’t walk so hastily, considering the possibility of being late.

People began to gossip with a sneer.

“They must be new nobles. Probably bought their titles with money. Otherwise, commoners like them wouldn’t dare to do such things.”

“The clothes and accessories don’t look like they’re from a high-end salon. I think they might be lower nobility, maybe even just a viscount.”

“Ugh, without money, why bother coming to see an expensive play? If it were me, I’d rather spend that money on a proper necklace.”

But none of them knew for sure.
They were the Emperor and Empress, whom they disdainfully looked down upon with their tongues.

⭐⭐⭐

“Didn’t you say this is a popular play? It’s about to start, but why are there so many empty seats?”

Hercesis asked, looking at the sparsely occupied seats with a puzzled expression.

Liz realized that he was not familiar with the cultural trends of the nobility due to spending a long time living a life detached from his original status. She answered, “That’s right. It’s because of a strange habit that only nobles have.”

“A strange habit?”

“Yes. Nobles consider sitting in their seats before the play starts as a behavior that sets them apart. So usually, they come in after the play has started, or occasionally, they come in after Act 1 is finished.”

“Quite a peculiar habit. It must be difficult to understand the later parts if you don’t know what happened in the beginning.”

“That’s why most plays include scenes in Act 1 that are not very important. The protagonist usually appears late. The saying that the protagonist appears last is not for nothing.”

Hercesis still had a face that indicated he didn’t quite understand.

‘Why would they do such an inefficient thing?’

Liz, if she had been reincarnated directly into her current age, would never have understood this part. In her past life, she was a person who, for any performance, had to arrive at least twenty minutes early to feel at ease.

While they were talking, the curtain rose, and supporting actors came out, engaging in small talk to pass the time. People started entering one by one.

Before they knew it, the seats behind the partition were filled with nobles. They looked around and, if they encountered a familiar face, exchanged greetings with a smile. However, no one recognized Liz and Hercesis.

Both of them were wearing wigs and had modest attire. It was inconceivable that they were of royal blood.

It was all Liz’s idea.

“I like it. How did you come up with this idea?”

Hercesis asked with a satisfied expression.

“I just wanted to enjoy it comfortably with you alone.”

While that wasn’t the only reason, it wasn’t a fabricated statement.

Liz didn’t want to be conspicuous to others.

It was enough if only two people recognized her.

“Now the play seems to be starting for real.”

Leaning against the terrace railing, Liz raised the opera glasses to her eyes as if she wanted to watch the play properly. But… in reality, it was to look at a different place.

Specifically, the terrace seats at the diagonal end on the left.

Rene was also using opera glasses to look in this direction.

She made a circle with her fingers, indicating that things were going smoothly. Liz, without letting Hercesis see, raised her thumb in front of her chest.

Then, she put away the opera glasses and turned back to Hercesis, sitting next to him.
Hercesis crossed his legs and lazily observed the stage, not seeming particularly focused on the performance.

“I don’t understand why this is famous.”

“It’s still Act 1. The real highlight of the play is Act 3. Just wait a little longer.”

It was an attempt to reassure him, but Hercesis’s expression became even worse.

‘Do I have to endure watching something this boring in Act 1?’

Liz, as if comforting a restless child, patted his shoulder and said, “Just endure a bit. Besides, the leading lady will be on soon. She’s incredibly beautiful. You might fall for her too.”

“…….”

Hercesis remained silent for a moment. His expression was also noticeably colder.

‘Why? What mistake did I make?’

Liz tilted her head with a playful smile, but there was nothing specific to point out. Then, Hercesis, as if somewhat tired, rubbed his temples and said, “I wonder how long I have to keep telling you this.”

“……?”

“The person who makes me fall is only you.”