Episode 3:
The Emperor’s Perfume
Morning sunlight poured into Seraphina’s room through the window.
Standing before the mirror, she made a final check of her appearance.
She had taken special care for today.
Her soft lavender dress was both modest and elegant. The wide boat neckline exposed her delicate collarbones and neckline, accentuating her graceful figure.
Her thick, auburn hair was styled in a rose-shaped updo, with a few soft tendrils cascading gently around her face, softening her features.
The half-mask covering the upper part of her face had now become her trademark—an intentional choice to maintain the mysterious image of Lady Mist.
“I’m ready now.”
She carefully placed a few perfume bottles into her small bag—
A special one for the Emperor, and others prepared for different purposes.
Taking a deep breath, Seraphina left the room.
The royal carriage sent from the palace was already waiting outside.
It was adorned with golden decorations and bore the crest of the Astoria Empire.
The coachman politely greeted her and opened the door.
“Lady Mist, His Majesty has summoned you urgently.”
Seraphina nodded gracefully and stepped into the carriage.
The road to the imperial palace was a familiar one.
Eight years ago, she had traveled this path countless times.
Back then, as the daughter of House Aldemir.
Now, as a mysterious perfumer.
By the time the carriage reached the palace gates, her heart was pounding so fiercely it felt like it might burst.
Calm down, Seraphina. You’re not that naïve girl anymore,
she whispered to herself.
The imperial palace of Astoria rose majestically in the center of the city.
Its tall white spires and the central golden dome shimmered under the sunlight. The vast gardens were fragrant with blooming flowers of every season.
“This way, Lady Mist.”
A royal attendant led her inside.
The palace interior dazzled her—marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and gold-adorned walls.
Portraits of past emperors lined the corridors, their dignified gazes seeming to follow her.
Walking between these grand decorations brought back memories of when she used to run down these halls as a child.
But the attendant’s next words made her tense.
A private audience room…?
She had expected to meet the Emperor in the formal audience chamber.
The attendant brought her to a door at the end of the corridor.
“Please wait here.”
He knocked and stepped inside. A moment later, the door opened.
“Lady Mist, come in.”
A deep, authoritative voice called out.
Seraphina took a deep breath and stepped into the room with an elegant gait.
Emperor Kairus stood by the window.
He looked more mature than he had eight years ago, and the sight of him made her chest tighten.
Clad in a black imperial uniform, his back radiated strength and authority.
His tall stature and broad shoulders blocked the sunlight, casting a silhouette that exuded power.
His black hair was neatly trimmed, and his gloved hands were clasped behind his back.
“It’s an honor to meet Your Majesty.”
Seraphina bowed respectfully.
Kairus turned slowly.
His blue eyes examined her—eyes pale like dawn mist, deep and cold like a lake.
His sharp features and strong jawline were nearly perfect, and his thin lips remained pressed into a firm line.
“Lady Mist… I’ve heard much about your perfumes.”
His voice was cold, but Seraphina could sense a faint curiosity beneath it.
“You flatter me, Your Majesty.”
She lowered her head.
“The scent you presented at last night’s banquet was particularly intriguing. ‘Forgotten Promise,’ wasn’t it?”
Kairus stepped toward her slowly.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Seraphina tried to stay composed.
The closer he came, the more she worried her racing heart might echo through the room.
“I’d like to smell it again. You brought it with you, I assume?”
His gaze was sharp.
Seraphina took a purple bottle from her bag.
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
She carefully opened the cap.
Kairus closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
His expression shifted ever so slightly.
It was as if a crack appeared in his cold mask.
“This perfume… what’s it made of?”
He opened his eyes and asked.
“Special herbs and floral essences, Your Majesty. And… it’s infused with a magic of memory.”
Seraphina answered cautiously.
Kairus raised an eyebrow.
“Memory magic, you say…”
He seemed lost in thought for a moment.
“What does it make people remember?”
Seraphina hesitated briefly at his question.
“It brings back promises they’ve kept deep in their hearts, Your Majesty. Especially… the ones they couldn’t keep.”
Kairus’s expression hardened.
A cold silence filled the room.
He turned back toward the window.
His voice came low and quiet.
“Where are you from, Lady Mist?”
Seraphina’s heart raced.
“I’m from a coastal village in the empire’s southern region, Your Majesty.”
She lied, just as she had planned.
“Strange…”
Kairus turned slowly again.
“Your accent sounds like the highborns of the capital.”
Seraphina kept her composure.
“I served in a noble household as a maid when I was young. I must’ve picked it up there.”
Kairus studied her closely, as if trying to see beneath her mask.
Seraphina instinctively lowered her gaze.
“Interesting.”
Kairus walked over to the desk.
“Lady Mist, create a perfume for me.”
His sudden request caught her by surprise.
“It would be an honor, Your Majesty. What kind of perfume would you like?”
He paused before replying.
“I don’t know. Make one you think suits me. Consider it a chance to show your talent.”
“One month,” he added firmly.
“Stay in the palace and work here. You’ll be given everything you need—materials, space, and support.”
Seraphina was secretly delighted.
This was exactly the opportunity she had hoped for.
Living inside the palace would be the perfect chance to uncover evidence of Grand Duke Vityan’s schemes.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my best.”
Kairus nodded.
“Starting today, you may use the workshop in the East Palace. An attendant will escort you.”
The East Palace.
Her heart pounded again.
That was the residence area of the royal family.
Having a workspace there meant she was receiving extremely special treatment.
“Thank you once again, Your Majesty.”
Just as Seraphina was about to bow, Kairus stepped closer.
“Lady Mist, one more thing…”
His voice lowered further.
“Leave the perfume—‘Forgotten Promise’—with me.”
Seraphina handed him the purple bottle.
Kairus’s gloved hand took it from her.
As their fingers brushed, a faint shiver ran through her.
“Lady Mist.”
He called to her again, and she looked up.
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
“That mask…”
He paused.
“Do you always wear it?”
Seraphina tensed but replied calmly.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I have burn scars on my face…”
She lied again, just as she had prepared.
Kairus studied her briefly, then nodded.
“Very well. You may leave. The attendant will guide you to your workshop.”
Seraphina bowed politely and stepped back.
Just before the door closed behind her, she looked back.
