Episode 39
When they returned to the ballroom, the Emperor and Empress had already entered. Walking through the path opened by the nobles, Ephelia stood before the imperial couple.
“The star of today’s celebration has arrived.”
The Empress greeted Ephelia with a radiant smile. At that smile, Ephelia’s chest tightened with guilt. They were genuinely happy for her return, yet Ephelia disliked being here. Even though they held such a splendid banquet for her, she felt sorry for intending to use this place as her means to escape.
“I apologize for being late when you prepared such a magnificent event for me.”
Ephelia could clearly feel that the Emperor and Empress meant everything from the bottom of their hearts. A grand hall like this was normally used only for imperial ceremonies; opening it required the Emperor’s permission. They were her parents’ friends and truly cherished her.
“Don’t worry about such things. More importantly, did you rest well?”
“Yes. I’m alright.”
“That’s a relief.”
The Empress’s eyes were warm and gentle—so gentle that it was painful to look at.
“To hold such a grand banquet just for our Ephelia—there are no words to express our gratitude, Your Majesty.”
The Duke, standing beside the Emperor, expressed his thanks with a kind expression.
“Apologies for beating you to it, Duke. Thank you for understanding. Now, everyone, please enjoy the banquet at ease.”
When should she say it? She wanted to speak immediately, to run from this place. But she couldn’t ruin the celebration right at the beginning. Not to the Emperor and Empress, who had done all of this solely for her. When the Emperor announced the start of the banquet, nobles began approaching one by one to congratulate Ephelia.
Irene stood protectively by Seluna’s side. She believed Ephelia had taken Seluna’s place. Was that really only Seluna’s belief?
“Congratulations on your safe return. It’s an honor to meet you.”
This time, it was Irene offering her greeting. Ephelia paused, staring at her. This was the social world—where people could stab each other with words one moment and smile the next.
“Thank y—”
“Do you really mean that?”
Before Ephelia could finish, Regios suddenly cut in. It came right after Irene’s greeting, and his words could not have sounded light. Anyone who heard knew he meant your congratulations aren’t sincere.
“Not everyone seems to be celebrating.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“There was… a small incident earlier.”
“A… an incident? What do you mean? Explain at once.”
The Empress spoke, alarmed. A “trouble” at an imperial celebration—especially one held for Ephelia, who had returned after years—made her heart drop.
“There was a rather interesting conversation not too long ago.”
There was no need to ask what he meant. He must have seen what happened earlier.
“Don’t, Regios.”
Ephelia tried to stop him, but Regios only smiled gently—as if everything was fine. He wasn’t doing it for Irene’s sake. That smile felt ominous.
“What happened earlier?”
“It’s nothing. I fear it may trouble Your Majesty.”
Everyone knew what happened to nobles who dared insult the protagonist of a celebration hosted by the imperial family.
“How can something happen on such a joyous day?”
Regios spoke as calmly as ever, merely stating the facts. But that very calmness made others believe he was suppressing his anger. Which only made them raise their voices even more.
Irene’s face turned pale. She hadn’t imagined the Crown Prince would be listening. Even if he did overhear, she never expected he’d bring it up here.
“Lady Irene. Did you truly say such things to the young lady?”
“How cruel. How could you say something like that to someone who just returned?”
“Your Highness, this is too much. Aren’t you engaged to Seluna?”
“And who said that?”
At the Crown Prince’s question, everyone instinctively turned toward Seluna.
“The day Lady Ephelia returned—everyone knew Seluna was supposed to be chosen.”
Irene looked around. No one affirmed or denied it. Everyone knew, implicitly. Speaking of such things aloud was dangerous. The moment those plans fell through, the person who spoke would be held responsible.
That was why Irene always parroted others—repeating what she heard was safer.
“You— you’re insane, Irene! I apologize, Your Majesty. She’s still immature… Please forgive her.”
Her parents bowed in panic.
“How dare you stand there like that! Kneel and beg for forgiveness!”
“I did nothing wrong.”
The Viscount wanted to hit his daughter, but he held back. Not out of affection—if striking her could fix things, he would have. But now, all he could do was beg and try to contain the damage.
“There were others in the past who dared say such useless things.”
Several nobles averted their gaze. They remembered—those families had been barred from society for a time. It had been devastating.
“There’s no need to explain what punishment they received.”
“I only did it for Lady Seluna!”
“Ah. You care for Lady Seluna that much? Then I do hope that friendship will be strong enough to protect you.”
The meaning was clear: Will Seluna protect you now?
Irene looked to Seluna confidently. They’d been friends for years. As Irene had supported Seluna, surely Seluna would support her.
“Seluna, say something. You were upset too.”
But Seluna’s response was not what Irene expected.
“How could you say something like that to my sister?”
“S-Seluna?”
“That wasn’t what I meant at all. I would never say such a thing to her… Sister—Ephelia—I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Seluna. It’s alright. Calm down.”
Seluna looked like she might cry. No—she was already tearing up.
“You believe me, right?”
Ephelia only had one possible answer. Her uncle was looking at her, pleading with his eyes to settle this.
“Of course.”
“That in itself is an offense to Lady Seluna.”
“She must be devastated as well.”
“And we’ve heard Seluna claimed the Crown Princess position was promised to her. Where did that come from?”
The Emperor’s expression hardened. He had said it. But until it was officially declared, no one was allowed to speak of it.
“The young lady was excited and spoke carelessly among her friends.”
“But speaking of it aloud is quite another matter.”
“I—I got carried away. I made a mistake. I’m sorry.”
“Is the Emperor the one you should apologize to?”
Meaning: apologize to the person you wronged.
“Sister, I’m sorry.”
Ephelia could only answer one way.
“It’s okay.”
“To think that at a celebration held for your return, you had to hear such hurtful words. I am sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry for worrying you. Really, I’m fine.”
Things were settling. Irene, though slow, finally understood. The Emperor and Ephelia had forgiven Seluna. Seluna bore no responsibility now.
What had she done? Would Seluna shield her? Defy the Crown Prince?
Absolutely not. Seluna had already cast her aside.
“S-Seluna.”
Irene called her name, clinging to hope—like grabbing a rotting rope.
“This is an official event. Please mind your manners.”
Cold—mercilessly cold.
Looking back, Seluna had never promised anything. She had been vague, never pushed Irene, never promised protection.
She only said they were old and close friends.
And that implied something else—if Seluna became Crown Princess, Irene would become her closest lady-in-waiting.
That was all Irene had hoped for.
So she did all of this.
And now that Seluna stepped away,
everything Irene had done became solely her crime.
Cold realization drenched her like icy water.
Her face turned ghost-white.
Not knowing what else to do, Irene urgently opened her mouth to speak.
