The Emperor’s Obsession - Chapter 5

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Tears welled, and then overflowed. Jia crumpled to the floor, burying her face in her knees as she sobbed. She ached for her parents, for her sister. She longed to hear her sister’s teasing voice, the playful smack on her back, the familiar “Oh, Jia!” echoing in her ears.

Had she done something wrong? She’d always strived to live an honorable life, one she could be proud of. She couldn’t understand any of this. It felt so unfair. Was this some kind of karmic punishment for sins of a past life? If not, there was no explanation.

“Haah…”

After two hours, the storm of grief finally subsided. Jia stared blankly ahead, then rose and opened the wardrobe. Several dresses hung inside, ready to be worn. On the table, a linen handkerchief lay folded.

Jia couldn’t pinpoint this world’s equivalent on Earth’s historical timeline. It was similar, yet vastly different. The most astonishing differences were the existence of magic and divine power. While possessing a pre-modern aesthetic, this world surpassed Earth in certain aspects. Witnessing the use of magic for cleaning and construction had nearly shocked her into unconsciousness.

Those capable of wielding magic were called mages, and they were few. Others relied on expensive magic stones, a luxury beyond the reach of commoners. It was a strange world—better than Earth in some ways, worse in others. One thing was certain: having come from a modern democratic society, Jia found the rigid class system stifling and oppressive.

A knock echoed, followed by the entry of a large knight with golden hair and green eyes—the same one who had given her the token. “It is late. His Majesty requests your presence at the temple.”

“Oh, oh, yes…” He must have been waiting. Jia scrambled to her feet, checked for the token in her pocket, and hurried out the door.

The knight walked in silence, Jia trailing awkwardly behind. The imperial palace was vast. Knights stood guard throughout the hallways, and ornate doors, though not as grand as the Emperor’s bedchamber, lined the corridors.

Everywhere she went, eyes followed her, mostly with disdain. Jia instinctively recoiled, lowering her head. Yet, whenever something new caught her eye, she couldn’t help but look.

The palace bustled with people. Unlike on Earth, hair and eye colors varied dramatically. Having spent so long in the mines, everything felt new and strange to Jia. When she inadvertently met someone’s gaze, she quickly looked away, unable to bear the scorn.

Statues of the god Erun dotted the hallways. On the stairway, a large statue depicted a winged figure with an outstretched hand. Jia paused, her gaze fixed on the statue. A single fig rested on the outstretched hand of the goddess, whose long hair draped around her body. Noticing Jia’s interest, the knight finally spoke. “The fig symbolizes prosperity in Erendia.”

“Oh… Th-thank you.” Jia hadn’t expected an explanation. It was a pleasant surprise. It’s like Earth in some ways, she thought, as she followed the knight.

Outside the palace, they boarded a carriage in the square. Jia gazed out the window at the pristine roads and the magnificent palace, so grand and imposing. It felt like she was on a sightseeing tour. Everything was fascinating and new.

The vast palace square teemed with people. Some sketched, others recited poetry or sang. They must be commoners or higher—not slaves like me. She imagined it was all a dream, that she was on a family trip to Greece, riding in a horse-drawn carriage.

“Hey, Yoon Jia! Look outside! It’s so beautiful!” Her sister’s excited voice echoed in her mind. She pictured her mother and father laughing beside her, and herself giggling as she looked out the window.