Chapter 29
“W-Why would His Majesty the Emperor summon me…?!”
Unable to believe it, Lillian checked again, but the name written on the invitation was unmistakably hers.
Even if I’m officially the Grand Duke’s partner… we’re not married yet.
No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t understand why she had been summoned. Dr. Selly seemed just as confused.
“Dr. Selly, I… I should go, right?”
Seeing the imperial seal, Selly froze in shock. After a long silence, she finally spoke with difficulty.
“There’s no choice. No matter what, it’s an order from His Majesty. You can’t refuse.”
For a moment, Lillian wished Selly would tell her not to go. That was how overwhelming this felt.
She rummaged through her wardrobe, searching for the most formal outfit she owned.
“Dr. Selly, what if I make a mistake in front of His Majesty? I—I’m scared.”
The Grand Duke had gone on an inspection outside the capital, leaving Selly as the only person she could rely on.
“You’ll be fine. At least, if the Emperor I know is still the same.”
Then Selly briefly taught her imperial etiquette.
***
Sitting in the Sun Palace reception room while waiting for the Emperor felt like waiting to take an exam. Lillian hurriedly reviewed everything Selly had taught her.
When His Majesty enters, don’t step forward—stand and greet him. When bowing, hold your skirt with your left hand and bend at a seventy-degree angle. Sit only when permitted…
No matter how many times she repeated it, her nerves wouldn’t settle.
At this rate, I’ll collapse before I even meet the Emperor.
She slowly steadied her breathing.
Just then, the door opened and someone entered—someone Lillian recognized.
“Huh? You’re the one I saw at the Sun Festival banquet—?”
The young nobleman grinned playfully.
“Lady Lillian, have you been well?”
“Why are you here? Did His Majesty summon you too?”
The boy laughed awkwardly. Now that she looked closely, his attire seemed odd.
Isn’t purple a color reserved only for the Emperor? Why is he wearing it…?
Thinking he might simply be unfamiliar with court etiquette like herself, she was about to quietly warn him when the Chief Chamberlain, standing nearby, adjusted his glasses and spoke.
“That is His Majesty, Lady.”
“…What?”
Lillian froze on the spot.
“Y-You’re serious?”
She desperately hoped it wasn’t true—but the boy nodded. At that moment, it felt like the sky was collapsing.
This can’t be happening! I was trying so hard not to make a mistake—and I insulted His Majesty the moment I met him…!
Flustered, Lillian stammered,
“I—I’m terribly sorry! I didn’t recognize Your Majesty and behaved rudely—please forgive me!”
She immediately dropped to her knees. The Emperor panicked and hurriedly pulled her back up.
“N-No! That day, I went a little too far with my joke. I didn’t mean to scare you—sorry. I was just curious about the woman my uncle is seeing, so I acted without thinking…”
He scratched his head. He looked exactly like a teenage boy, which felt strangely disorienting.
“Oh—I’m sorry.”
Only then did Lillian realize she’d been staring. She quickly lowered her head, and the Emperor laughed brightly.
“You’re quite an interesting person.”
“…Pardon?”
“Oh, nothing.”
That was exactly what she wanted to say. Of course, saying something like that to the Emperor would be disastrous—but he seemed unexpectedly innocent.
Then suddenly, the Emperor’s eyes sparkled.
“Oh, and I invited one more person. Is that okay?”
“…What?”
Before Lillian could process it—
Knock, knock.
Someone knocked on the door. The Emperor immediately looked like an excited child and jumped up to open it himself.
But… imperial etiquette says the Emperor should remain seated…
The confusion didn’t end there.
The person entering with the Emperor’s escort was none other than Lady Bella.
“Lady Lillian. It’s been a while.”
“…Ah.”
Lillian suddenly wanted to go home. Being alone with the Emperor was already awkward—now Bella was here too.
Moreover, informing guests in advance was basic courtesy.
Ignoring Lillian’s darkened expression, the Emperor smiled brightly at Bella.
“Lady Bella said she wanted to apologize to you, so I invited you both. It seems there was some misunderstanding between you. I don’t know the details, but I hope you can resolve it.”
“Oh… yes.”
Lillian couldn’t bring herself to protest and replied awkwardly. Bella immediately stepped forward.
“I’m truly sorry about that day. I never imagined they would be so rude. I should have stopped them more firmly…”
She even bowed deeply toward Lillian. In front of the Emperor, Lillian couldn’t exactly refuse the apology.
Since he even arranged this meeting… maybe she really does feel bad. Let’s think positively.
“No, it’s fine. It was my first time at such an event, so I must have appeared inexperienced to others.”
The Emperor spoke with satisfaction.
“I’m glad to see you two getting along. I hope you’ll continue to do so.”
Unlike Lillian’s stiff smile, Bella’s eyes curved genuinely.
“Let’s get along well from now on, Lady Lillian.”
“Yes… of course.”
Strangely, even after the apology, Lillian didn’t feel relieved.
Then the Emperor added cheerfully,
“Oh, Lady Lillian. I’m hosting a charity gala later. Let’s attend together. Lady Bella too, of course.”
Bella nodded gracefully.
“It would be an honor, Your Majesty.”
Lillian had no choice but to accept as well.
“Yes… it would be an honor.”
At that moment—
Bang!
The door burst open violently.
“Uncle, how did you even know—”
Ignoring the bewildered Emperor, Cartan walked straight up to Lillian.
“May I take Lillian with me?”
“…What? But we’re not finished—”
Only then did Cartan look at the Emperor. There was unmistakable hostility in his gaze.
“We can discuss the rest later—through me.”
Overwhelmed by Cartan’s presence, the Emperor laughed awkwardly.
“Ah… yes, let’s do that. Haha…”
The moment permission was given, Cartan grabbed Lillian’s wrist and pulled her up.
“Let’s go.”
“…Pardon?”
Without answering, Cartan positioned Lillian behind him as if urging her to follow. He shot a sharp glare in Bella’s direction—then led Lillian out.
***
Cartan remained silent until they boarded the carriage. He was usually quiet, but today, his mood felt particularly heavy.
After hesitating, Lillian asked carefully,
“Are you… angry? Or did something happen?”
“What could have happened in such a short time?”
“Then why—?”
She couldn’t understand him at all.
Is he really upset? But I had Dr. Selly’s permission to come… and how could I refuse an imperial summons…
Lillian bit her lip, unsure what to do. Then Cartan let out a deep sigh.
“Hah…”
Silence filled the carriage.
“Lillian.”
She turned from the window to look at him.
“Don’t get close to Bella Arianna.”
“…What? Yes, I understand.”
Does she have a bad reputation? She didn’t seem that way…
The nobles with her had been hostile, but Bella herself had defended Lillian.
And the Emperor seems fond of Bella, but His Grace clearly isn’t. So… what does that mean?
A tragic romance blocked by a disapproving uncle flashed through Lillian’s mind.
Is that why he’s telling me to stay away?
The explanation seemed plausible. Lillian let out a small sigh.
I hope things work out between the two of them.
Cartan’s profile remained firm and unyielding. Lillian couldn’t bring herself to say anything out loud—so she quietly decided to support them in her heart.
