Chapter 28
“She’s a prisoner from Standa. I’ve never heard of a Standa noble with black hair. At best, she’s a commoner or a slave.” Baroness Loctana continued, filling the silence left by Saville. Those around them murmured in agreement, carefully observing Saville.
Saville smiled, the corners of his lips lifting. His red eyes, the same shade as his sister Julia’s, curved softly.
“Well, how long will it last?” She was the first to reach the imperial bedroom, but many women had passed through the Emperor’s life. None had met a happy ending.
“His Majesty has seemed rather bored lately, so I’m pleased, as a loyal subject, that he seems to be enjoying himself thanks to this slave.” Saville looked around, as if asking for agreement. Those around him, sensing his intent, readily agreed, laughing and drinking.
“The Hunting Festival is coming soon.”
By then, they would see how this change, the first in centuries, would play out. Saville took a long swallow of wine, darker than his hair, his smile unwavering.
***
Just as Jia couldn’t sleep, neither could the Emperor. Both were accustomed to enduring sleepless nights under the moonlight. Being alone would be better… The Emperor’s presence beside her was unsettling. Jia turned her back to him, trying to ignore him. But his steady breathing drew her attention. She could no longer pretend to ignore him. Feeling his gaze, she cautiously turned to face him. Looking up into his indifferent blue eyes, she spoke.
“Do… do you need something…?”
The Emperor, without a word, took her hand and placed it on his head. Confused by the gesture, Jia tilted her head.
“Use your holy power.”
A short, simple command. Again, she didn’t understand, but she obeyed. White light illuminated his silver hair. His eyes slowly closed, a look of peace settling upon his features. The sight was unsettling.
“…It’s strange, as I thought.”
“….”
“No matter how much I think about it, your existence is suspicious.”
Jia remained silent, unsure how to respond. They weren’t close enough to engage in a heart-to-heart.
“Did the gods send you?”
“No, I’m… from Earth…”
“Where is that? The heavens?”
“No, it’s a different world. There’s no magic, no slaves… Everyone is equal.”
The Emperor chuckled.
“Equality? There’s no such thing as an equal nation. Even if there isn’t a clearly defined class system, it’s just cleverly hidden.”
“….”
She couldn’t entirely deny his words. Not every country on Earth was a democratic society built on equality. As he said, under capitalism, class distinctions based on wealth, though not overtly visible, were deeply entrenched. And there were countries that weren’t capitalist, too.
“I’m… an ordinary human. On Earth, I lived with my mom, dad, and sister… peacefully and happily. I went to school, just like everyone else…”
“You weren’t a slave?”
“…No, I wasn’t. I became one when I came here…”
The Emperor stared intently at her black hair and black eyes.
“Is black hair common in your world?”
“Yes. In my country, at least in South Korea, it is.”
This was the first time she’d had a proper conversation with the Emperor. It was strange; even though she was talking to the man who had tried to kill her, she wasn’t as afraid as before.
“I want to… go back.” The thought of her mother, father, and sister brought a pang of longing to her chest.
“I miss… my family.”
Tears welled up in her eyes and streamed down her cheeks. The Emperor’s gaze followed the path of the tears, from her eyes to her cheeks, and down to her chin.
Even as Jia sobbed, the Emperor offered no comfort or solace. He seemed incapable of such emotions, as if devoid of any human feeling. Has this man ever cried for someone else? Has he ever longed for or loved anyone?
“Your Majesty… don’t you miss your family…?”
“Why would I miss those who are already dead and gone, nothing but bones?”
So, he doesn’t. Jia understood from his single answer. She closed her mouth, choosing not to speak further.
“Continue to touch my hair and imbue it with your holy power.”
“…Yes.”
His silver hair flowed through her fingers. The brighter the white light shone, the further his eyes closed. Soon, his breathing became even. Jia looked down at the sleeping Emperor. Unlike her, who couldn’t sleep, he had fallen into a deep slumber. Why…?
Jia clenched her fists. She felt a sense of helplessness, her pride trampled, as if she had been ‘sent’ here for the Emperor’s sake. All I want is to go back. She turned her head to look at the bars on the window. It wasn’t yet time for Mutatio. Finally, she lay down beside the Emperor and closed her eyes.
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