TPA 21

Chapter 21

Invitation from the Imperial Family (2)

The only ones who knew that Ul lived here were Glam and the beastman, Libido. How could the imperial family have known about Ul’s existence and sent an invitation?

There was absolutely no way Glam would have said anything. He knew better than anyone how serious this matter was and wasn’t the type to scatter private information around carelessly.

“Libido… I think that man… might have sent it.”

The Hart family was the one that produced the Empress and had been elevated to royal status.

If Libido, who belonged to the Hart family, sent the invitation, it would make sense.

“Refuse it.”

“That’s impossible. You must always respond to an invitation from the imperial family. To attend an event hosted by the imperial family and not show up would be an insult to them.”

“When is it?”

“Tomorrow evening.”

What kind of trick was this?

Since it was an invitation from the imperial family, Misa had no authority to refuse it.

Still, agreeing to attend when the inviter was so obvious made her uneasy.

“What should we do?”

“What can you do? Refusing would be considered an insult to the imperial family.”

“But what if they’re plotting something?”

“If it’s an event inviting distinguished guests from allied nations, they won’t cause a fuss. They’re not that stupid.”

“Ugh…”

“Maybe it’s for the best.”

“Why?”

“You’ve been doing some background checking, haven’t you?”

Background checking?

Ah, it was regarding Sir Leon Hart.

“Now that I think about it… if we go in person, we can see if that person is a beastman or not.”

“Even if he is, nothing would really change.”

“But knowing is different from not knowing.”

Now that she thought about it, it was indeed a good opportunity.

It was an event where all the nobles of the empire would gather. There could be other beastmen disguised as humans, not just Libido or Leon.

“But it’s strange. Why would Libido invite us? I could understand if it were just me, but he invited you too. Someone who knows full well that beastmen can be identified instantly.”

“No way to know. We’ll only find out by going.”

No matter how much they thought about his motives, they couldn’t gain anything. The only way was to see for themselves.

Even if it turned out to be a trap, there was nothing they could do right now.

“Still… I feel uneasy. Can someone like me even survive in a place like that?”

“You’re not going alone.”

“That’s a relief, but I’m still worried. If people notice you, it could be a problem.”

“It shouldn’t be an issue. It’s a gathering with foreigners too, so my appearance won’t stand out too much.”

“Hmm… I wonder about that.”

Even with foreigners around, could his appearance really go unnoticed?

White hair and blue eyes might be common among outsiders, but his looks were different. A neat and attractive appearance shone wherever he went.

Surely, some would take notice. And if it led to inquiries about Ul… in the worst case, Ul’s identity could be exposed.

“I want to avoid it as much as possible, but an invitation from the imperial family can’t be ignored…”

Could they make it through safely?

Sigh…

Her worry was already mounting.

“What a pitiful little daughter we have.”

Rena sneered at the trembling lamb, as if expecting her to return to her.

“How was freedom?”

“…Put me back the way I was.”

“Why? You don’t like that body?”

“Is that even a question? I’m a monster! Put me back! Restore me to how I was!”

It must be painful because of her memories from when she was human.

All of Rena’s “successful creations” retained memories from their human lives.

Regardless of intelligence or physical ability, this was a trait common to the Twelve Apostles.

They were initially either confused or adapted immediately without confusion. Eventually, they all adapted to their beastman bodies and submitted.

“Aroma, this difficult time will pass quickly.”

“…I feel like I’m going to die. The pain is driving me insane.”

“You suffer because you resist. You suffer because you refuse to accept it.”

Accept it—accept that you’re a monster.

Don’t hold back—eat what you want. Food is everywhere around you.

“If you want to kill, kill. If you want to eat, eat. There’s nothing wrong with that, child.”

Rena stood and embraced the hunched body of Aroma.

Smiling, she whispered,

“If the outside is scary, stay by my side for now. Tomorrow is the ball. Observe the humans and think about how you want to live from now on.”

Aroma could do nothing.

Nothing except be held in the arms of a monstrously terrifying creature.

When the heavily fortified castle gates opened, people entered in dazzling carriages.

The competition to stand out was fierce, with gems and luxurious dresses being standard.

Outside the capital, people starved because they couldn’t buy food, yet here people flaunted unimaginable luxuries.

She understood why humans valued money so highly.

“Wow… How much are all those things? Even if I worked my whole life, I couldn’t afford such extravagances.”

A profound sense of frustration arose.

This world was fundamentally different. Same humans, same eyes, same limbs, yet so alien.

Misa’s own humble appearance felt starkly contrasted, making her face burn with embarrassment.

In contrast, Ul looked at the humans with clear disdain.

“Humans haven’t changed.”

“Let’s go.”

Misa and Ul approached the castle entrance.

The guards stopped them.

“This isn’t a place for just anyone.”

“Excuse me? We’re officially invited guests, isn’t it rude to stop us?”

“…Invited?”

The guards’ hesitation was likely because their appearance seemed shabby compared to others. Even though they were dressed decently, it didn’t compare to the lavish attire of others.

Misa presented the invitation.

The guards examined it carefully, glancing up and down at Misa and Ul, and then repeated checking the invitation.

Finally, reluctantly, the guard said,

“My apologies. You may enter.”

Misa passed without showing any reaction, and they stepped inside.

As expected, Ul and Misa attracted attention.

“Who are they? Which family do they belong to?”

“Not sure, first time seeing them.”

“Are they from a fallen noble family? Their attire is shabby… But the man beside her has quite an aura.”

“Quite? I’d say more than that.”

“Probably a foreign dignitary.”

“Then he must be one of the guests of honor.”

The crowd’s attention shifted from the seemingly shabby couple to the strikingly handsome man.

Even his simple attire did not diminish his presence; it might even have given a neat, minimalist impression.

His shining silver hair outshone any jewelry. He drew all eyes naturally.

Misa fully understood their fascination.

‘Even I, who see him every day, get my heart racing. How much more for them?’

Humans were instinctively visual creatures. Money mattered, but looks mattered too. No matter how rich, an unattractive man couldn’t win women’s favor.

Conversely, handsome men could survive even with no money.

People loved beauty because their eyes delighted in it. They hated ugliness.

This society was revolting—purely materialistic and obsessed with appearances.

“They’re all staring at you, aren’t they?”

“What?”

“Your face. Everyone’s sneaking glances at you.”

“They’re probably looking at my shabby attire.”

“No one would consider you shabby, at least not me.”

Ul had a unique aura, apart from being handsome. His silent, unintentionally heavy presence drew attention.

“Why are all beastmen handsome? Was it intentional?”

“Very much so.”

“Really?”

“Rena became obsessed with creating the perfect being. She wanted to surpass immortality and create something complete. That influence can’t be ignored.”

“So your face is artificial?”

“No, that’s my natural face.”

Misa pouted, feeling it was unfair.

The grand hall displayed food and drinks, with the imperial orchestra playing.

Couples danced in the center, while others ate and conversed.

A hall large enough to hold an entire small town was packed. The marble floor and crystal ceiling sparkled painfully bright.

“I feel sick already, being out of place here.”

“What makes you out of place?”

“Look around. People with money and status, and here I am, just a regular worker. I want to shrink into a corner quietly, but all eyes are on me.”

This was the feeling of wanting to hide in a mouse hole.

“Does a person’s value depend on money?”

“No, but it feels awkward being among only those types of people.”

“You weren’t sneaking in. You were invited. Just enjoy it.”

“You don’t seem to be enjoying it at all.”

“I can barely tolerate the stench.”

“The stench?”

Among all the smells, the beastmen’s were the strongest.

“Are there many beastmen?”

“Quite a few.”

“Can you find them?”

“No need.”

Ul’s gaze fixed on one spot.

When Misa turned, a familiar face greeted her.

“Finally.”

Libido.

He was wearing a neat suit and a hat.

The two men naturally drew all attention. Murmurs arose.

“You sent the invitation, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Thanks, this is quite the experience.”

“Glad you enjoy it.”

“Do you even know what irony is? This is one of the worst experiences of my life.”

“What else could I feel but glad? I’m happy to see you. We’ve been too busy to meet until now.”

Libido’s eyes smiled at Ul.

“It’s a shame the master is still around.”

“Shall we play thief-cat?”

Their exchanged words carried tension, though neither revealed claws or growled. Their calm faces made the observers sweat.

If these insane men fought using pheromones, the ballroom would instantly be ruined.

“Enough, don’t you see all these people?”

Someone approached—a young black-haired beauty. Leon Hart and his entourage were beside her.

Misa instinctively knew that they weren’t human.

Tall, handsome, yet exuding a strange aura, like she felt from Epicureal.

“You’re Ul, and this is the famous Forbidden Child, right? I’m Rize,” said the black-haired, red-eyed beauty.

Ul ignored her. Misa awkwardly shook Rize’s hand.

“Being a Forbidden Human, you smell quite appetizing.”

“….”

“No need to be cautious. I only meant your scent is pleasant, not that I want to eat you.”

It was shocking enough that beastmen were present at an event with top nobles, but the number was significant.

Misa whispered to Ul,

“Are all of them beastmen?”

“Yes.”

They looked entirely human, yet were monsters beneath the disguise. Seeing almost ten of them made her head spin.

Misa frowned at Libido.

“Why did you call me here?”

“My mother wanted to see this one.”

Ul trembled at that. There was only one person they called mother.

“The Emperor is entering!”

A loud announcement. Everyone turned their heads.

The hall went silent.

The empire’s highest authority had arrived. A beautiful blonde followed him.

Her gaze fixed on one person. Ul’s expression stiffened rapidly.

“What’s wrong?”

Ul whispered,

“…Rena.”

The forbidden name.

Misa felt her breath catch and her heart drop.

“What did you just say…?”

He said Rena. Not a joke. She felt faint.

Misa stepped back, frozen in shock.

“Are you scared?”

Libido asked, concerned by Misa’s complexion. But she couldn’t stop stepping back, cold sweat streaming down her face.

She bumped into someone, and a wine glass fell with a clatter.

All eyes turned to the commotion.

The woman spilled wine on her expensive dress.

Standing next to the Emperor, Rena laughed, calming the woman.

“Everyone makes mistakes. No need to tremble. This was an accident, right, Your Majesty?”

Though she spoke to the woman, Rena’s gaze was on Misa.

The Emperor, though slightly displeased, said nothing and took his seat. Rena smiled smugly, taking the seat beside him.

The smile was mocking.

‘…Beside the Emperor.’

The creator and leader of the beastmen stood beside the pinnacle of human power.