IPWDP 43

Episode 43

“Lady—Lady Ephelia!”

Gina rushed in noisily and called out to her. Ephelia lifted her gaze from the book she had been reading.

Except for the time when she was organizing the mountain of gifts that had poured in after the banquet, this was the first time Gina had reacted so dramatically. The reason for the flood of gifts was obvious. Even though the banquet had ended in chaos, everyone now believed that Ephelia was practically guaranteed to become the Crown Princess because of Regios’s declaration.

Even her title had changed. Perhaps Gina thought it would cause trouble if someone overheard her calling Ephelia “miss,” as she did back at the duke’s residence. Surprisingly, Gina was quick-witted enough that staying with her wasn’t difficult.

“What is it?”

“T-The Grand Chamberlain has come! He—he requests to see you!”

Even an ordinary attendant would be someone of intimidating rank to Gina. Meeting the Grand Chamberlain was beyond her imagination—especially for someone who had only ever done the lowest chores among the duke’s maids.

“Where is he?”

“In the reception room.”

“You did well.”

Ephelia rose from her seat and headed toward the reception room. The Grand Chamberlain—whom she had seen since childhood, always serving the Emperor—stood as she entered.

“Have you been well, Lady?”

“Yes. Thanks to His Majesty’s consideration, I’ve been comfortable.”

“His Majesty worries that inviting you might have caused you discomfort instead. As an apology, His Majesty invites you for tea.”

“It wouldn’t be discourteous if I go now, would it?”

If the Grand Chamberlain himself had come, it meant that the Emperor was waiting for her at that very moment. The man answered her with a faint smile, as though confirming her guess.

Days had passed since the banquet. Yet Ephelia still had not returned to the duke’s mansion.

The incident had become the scandal of the century. The celebration banquet meant to honor her safe return had become a complete disaster. The air had frozen over; no one spoke. Even the music, which had quietly played throughout, came to a halt.

‘What do you mean by that?’

The Emperor was the first to break the silence. His tone was calm, but everyone knew he was holding back anger.

‘Hailon. What is the meaning of this? This is not the place for such a joke.’

Regios stepped forward, as if to smooth things over.

‘I am not foolish enough to joke about something like this.’

‘Hailon.’

‘Shall I repeat myself? Ephelia does not wish to become the Crown Princess.’

‘That is not for you to say.’

‘But it is something she cannot say. What do you think, Ephelia?’

All gazes turned to Ephelia. It felt like thousands of needles piercing her. The cruelest gaze was Regios’s—cold, demanding an answer.

‘I…’

Hailon had created an opening for her. If she didn’t speak now, she might never get another chance.

She wanted to leave—desperately. There was nothing here for her to love. No one here loved her. It was a lonely, desolate place.

Of course she wanted to escape.

The stares waiting for her answer stung like needles, and a few—her uncle, her aunt, Seluna… and Regios—felt more like knives.

If she imagined living like this forever, she couldn’t breathe. But there was something she needed to protect. Ephelia bit her lip.

‘I… have no complaints about this position.’

The moment she spoke, she sensed her uncle’s expression freeze. Hailon frowned in disbelief. She felt sorry, but she had no other choice.

If Regios hadn’t threatened her with her adoptive parents’ safety, she would have spoken boldly. But now… she couldn’t.

She couldn’t bring herself to look at Hailon. She was afraid of what kind of expression he wore.

‘This is not something to discuss here. We’ll speak of it later.’

‘Your Majesty—!’

‘Crown Prince, restrain yourself.’

If Hailon hadn’t interfered, things would have gone Regios’s way. But now that things had unfolded like this, the issue would have to be addressed separately.

‘We cannot continue the banquet in this state. My apologies, but the banquet ends here. Crown Prince and Second Prince—confine yourselves to reflect on your behavior.’

The Emperor erupted in anger and ordered both Regios and Hailon to undergo confinement. Regios clenched his jaw; Hailon shrugged as if he didn’t care—almost as if satisfied with the chaos he’d caused.

Everyone now knew Regios was fixated on Ephelia as the Crown Princess, yet thanks to Hailon, the plan to make it official had failed. Ironically, both sides had accomplished half of their goals.

‘Ephelia, I’m sorry things turned out like this. We’ll hold another banquet for you.’

‘Yes. I’m sorry for causing trouble.’

‘None of this is your fault. The blame lies with my foolish sons. Ephelia, would you stay in the palace a little longer?’

‘Yes. I will. I’m fine.’

‘Good. I’ll send word soon.’

The Emperor left, laughing heartily. And now—for the first time since the banquet—he had invited her personally.

Upon arriving, Ephelia stopped in surprise.

This wasn’t an audience hall or a reception room—it was the Emperor’s private chambers.

“Only four people have ever entered this place, including you.”

Ephelia could guess who the others were: the Emperor himself, the Grand Chamberlain, and likely the Empress. Not even the Emperor’s own sons had set foot here.

“His Majesty awaits you. Please go in.”

“You’re not coming in?”

“His Majesty said he wanted to speak with you alone. He chased me out.”

The Grand Chamberlain opened the door and stepped back. It was a perfect private meeting—no attendants present. The room was surprisingly cozy for an Emperor’s residence. Curtains fluttered gently in the breeze from the open window.

“Ephelia. You’re here.”

“Thank you for inviting me, Your Majesty.”

“Have you been resting well?”

“Yes.”

Whatever noise existed elsewhere, no one disturbed her. When the Emperor asked her to remain in the palace, she had actually felt relief. The thought of returning to the duke’s mansion after what she said terrified her.

She had declared she didn’t want to be Crown Princess—and in the process betrayed her uncle, aunt, and Seluna.

“I hope I didn’t interrupt your rest.”

His tone was affectionate, like a father speaking to his daughter. She was the closest thing to a daughter for him; the imperial family had no daughter, and he had cherished her since childhood.

“I’m glad you called for me.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t look after you properly after inviting you.”

“No, no—you have. I’m really happy to see you.”

“Then I should have called for you sooner.”

“I know how busy Your Majesty is. And… I’m sorry for the trouble I caused.”

“Oh dear, I should be the one apologizing. I’m sorry for what my sons did.”

“It’s alright, Your Majesty. Please lift their confinement.”

“No. How many days has it been? They need more time to reflect.”

He was firm—but she knew neither boy was reflecting at all. Regios would think he’d done nothing wrong. Hailon would shrug off any remorse within minutes and probably complain about being bored.

“No matter how long you confine them, they won’t reflect.”

“And who do you mean?”

Ephelia hesitated, then answered honestly.

“…Both of them.”

“Hah! That’s true. If they were capable of reflection, they wouldn’t have caused trouble in the first place.”

Despite his words, the Emperor seemed proud. Royals weren’t allowed to regret—only to solve problems. Though he was angry, he was also proud of the sons he had raised so decisively.

“So please, lift their confinement.”

“But I can’t stand the thought of them resting comfortably. I ordered extra work to be piled up—they’re probably buried in paperwork.”

“Then they’re being properly punished.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes. It’s enough.”

“Thank you. Thanks to those brats, you’re staying in the palace longer—and I get to see you like this. I’m glad.”

“Me too.”

And she meant it.

“But Ephelia,”

“Yes?”

Now came the real reason he called her.

“What is your true heart?”