Chapter 97
“We can’t allow that, my lady. We’ll be scolded if we don’t assist you.”
“Why would you be scolded for that?”
“Negligence of duty. Unless… Do you have a preferred product? I noticed you brought your own soap earlier.”
Sharp. Katie had no choice but to lie smoothly, ensuring the maid wouldn’t grow suspicious.
“It’s actually a special dyeing soap. Black hair is all the rage these days, you know?”
“Oh, of course! His Highness Helion started that trend!” The maid giggled in agreement. It seemed every nation shared this same trait—commoners idolized nobles, and nobles idolized royalty.
Within the palace walls, Helion was nothing more than a powerless wastrel, but outside, he was a national hero celebrated for his wartime exploits. People revered his strength and worshipped his radiant, sun-like beauty. His fashion, his jewelry—even his hair color—all became trends to emulate.
At one point, rumors swirled that the Emperor’s dislike for Helion stemmed from his overwhelming popularity. No ruler enjoyed seeing power dispersed, and the Emperor was no exception. Watching the people cheer for Helion might well have stirred unease about his own position.
“Still, it’s a bit odd…”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, His Highness has such strong preferences. I assumed you’d want to match his tastes—silver hair, that is. Among noble ladies, bleaching is actually more popular than black dye these days.”
“Maria, that’s rude! His Highness cherishes Lady Katie—what does hair color matter?”
“Oh! Forgive me!”
Katie forced a vague smile. This was the problem with palace life, gossip spread too fast.
News of Helion’s “partner proposal” to Katie had taken flight like a bird in the wind. Servants who heard the rumors were convinced he’d fallen head over heels for her.
But that wasn’t the truth. His proposal had been nothing more than a ploy to tighten her guard duties.
Of course, she couldn’t explain that to the maids. Matters concerning the prince’s security were confidential—if word reached the Empress, it would spell trouble.
“Now, let’s rinse your hair.”
The maid named Maria poured water over Katie’s head, while another worked soap into a lather and massaged her scalp. Katie stiffened, her neck rigid with tension. The maids coaxed her to relax, but it was impossible.
This luxury was a first for her, and unfamiliar comforts were still discomforts. All Katie could do was pray for this awkward bathing ordeal to end as quickly as possible.
* * *
“Behold the Sun and Morning Star of the Empire.”
Anaka bowed at the waist. Before the Emperor and Empress, protocol would normally demand a knee to the ground—but today was different. This was no formal audience, but a private meeting.
“We’ve exchanged letters, but this is our first face-to-face meeting. You’re the fifth son of Ahyul, if I recall.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.”
“Shall I address you as ‘Prince’?”
“You may simply call me Anaka. In our kingdom, a royal’s name is their title. Even my knights and servants call me by name alone.”
“Very well. We have much to discuss—please, sit.”
Emperor Cain gestured to the chair opposite. As Anaka took his seat and dismissed his attendants with a glance, Cain did the same, retaining only two knights to guard them.
“I wish to speak about the letter you recently sent my Empress.”
“Jumping straight to the point—you must be impatient.”
“Can you blame me? The promised date has already passed by ten years.”
The Empress’ interjection might have been seen as a breach of decorum—an affront to imperial authority. Yet the Emperor made no move to silence her, as if this were commonplace.
Anaka suppressed a smirk. So the rumors are true—the Emperor truly dotes on his wife.
How ironic. A man cold-blooded enough to kill his own son plays the devoted husband.
He lifted his teacup to hide the twist of his lips. Before drinking, he inhaled deeply—Anaka was a beastfolk, capable of detecting scents beyond human perception.
Only the ordinary aroma of chamomile (a flower) greeted him. Good. At least they haven’t poisoned the tea.
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