Chapter 19
There must have been a terrible misunderstanding. It was unsettling, the way they treated her, as if she were the Emperor’s… plaything. Jia felt like a doll. Standing before the mirror, she saw a beautiful reflection. The maids had meticulously applied her makeup, complementing her features, and the dress flowed gracefully against her skin. The glittering jewels, perfectly matched to the gown, shimmered and shone.
…But none of this was what she wanted. It was what the Emperor desired.
“Hey, Yoon Jia! Wake up! Hurry!” She remembered scrambling out of bed, splashing water on her face, brushing her teeth, and then heading off to school with her sister, both wearing the same uniform. They hadn’t bothered with makeup, barely even washing their faces properly, but they’d both beamed with youthful joy. They’d teased each other about being grubby, yet they’d shone brighter than anyone.
“Sis, are we eating lunch together today? You know, with your friends. I don’t want you to get ostracized just because you’re always eating with me…”
“Don’t be silly! Don’t worry about that. It’s bulgogi today, so as soon as the bell rings, we’re sprinting to the cafeteria. Got it?”
She missed her sister. Tears welled up without warning, rolling down her cheeks. Two maids gasped in surprise.
“Oh my, is something not to your liking? You look absolutely beautiful…”
“Are you longing to see His Majesty? He will be here soon, once he has finished his affairs of state.”
No, that’s not it. I, I…
“…I want to be alone.”
The two maids hovered uncertainly around her, unsure what to do. Then, one of them, who had introduced herself as Regina, placed a hand on her chest and spoke.
“Very well. If you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to call. My name is Regina Loctana. You may call me Regina.”
The other maid remained silent. Turning her head, Jia met her gaze. She was a captivating beauty with alluring red hair and matching eyes. Jia hadn’t noticed before, but the maid’s dress, low-cut and clinging to her body, made her look more like a noble lady than a servant. Even Jia, unfamiliar with the inner workings of the palace, found the daring dress unusual.
“Lady Jia. Do you… perhaps not wish for this situation?”
“Lady Distevan, what are you—!” Regina exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock. Unfazed, the red-haired maid continued.
“Is it… burdensome?”
“Lady Julia Distevan! If you continue to speak in this manner, I will inform Enadys!”
“Silence, Regina.”
The sharp command cut Regina short. She fumed, then, with a curt nod to Jia, stormed out of the room.
Alone with the red-haired beauty, Jia waited for her to speak.
“My name is Julia Distevan. My brother is Enadys of the Council of Elders.”
The Council of Elders, Enadys… it was all meaningless to Jia. Flustered, she stammered, “Um…I…”
“If you are uncomfortable, I will take my leave.” Julia dipped her head and gracefully backed away. Jia parted her lips to speak.
“…What is… Enadys?”
“It is the title given to the most influential leader of the Council of Elders.”
There was so much she didn’t know. What was the Council of Elders? What kind of place was this Eustanville? She had deliberately avoided thinking about it, not wanting to know, but she realized she couldn’t remain passive any longer.
She wanted to go back to Earth… to see her sister again.
“I… I’m from Standa. So I… I don’t know much about the Eustanville Empire…”
“You may speak informally, Lady Jia.”
“I… I’m sorry. That’s…”
A strange emotion flickered across Julia’s face, then vanished. Unaware, Jia fidgeted with her oiled hair.
“Very well. Please, do not be concerned. You may address me informally whenever you wish.”
Julia bowed her head and withdrew. Regina did not return.
“What… what happened to Regina?”
“She is likely with Enadys.”
Julia’s detached tone was puzzling, but Jia didn’t press the matter, instead focusing on a book. Julia stood silently by the door. Jia wanted to ask her to leave, but she remembered being told it was the Emperor’s command that she be there, so she remained silent.
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