Episode 4:
The Garden Banquet at the Imperial Palace
“This is the workshop prepared for Lady Mist.”
As the attendant opened the door, Seraphina couldn’t hide her surprise.
The workshop, located within the Eastern Palace, far exceeded her expectations.
Sunlight streamed generously through the wide windows. Along the walls were pristine white marble workbenches, and shelves neatly organized with various fragrances and tools.
“We’ve stocked everything you might need,” the attendant continued.
“All materials were sourced from the finest perfumers across the Empire. If you require anything else, please don’t hesitate to let us know.”
Seraphina slowly looked around the room.
On one side of the workshop stood an array of glass bottles, distillers, and mixing tools; on the other, a comfortable resting area had been arranged.
“His Majesty gave specific instructions,” the attendant added. “He wanted everything prepared to the highest standard so you could work in comfort.”
Seraphina smiled gently.
“Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty.”
The attendant bowed respectfully.
“The room next door will be your living quarters. Meals will be delivered at any time you wish. If there’s anything else you need, just pull the call cord on the wall.”
Once the attendant had left, Seraphina let out a deep breath.
Staying in the Eastern Palace of the imperial grounds was a greater fortune than she had imagined.
The Eastern Palace was only accessible to royal family members and their closest allies. It greatly increased her chances of finding information related to Grand Duke Vitian, the man she had been seeking.
She walked over to the window and looked out.
Beyond the glass stretched the Emperor’s Garden.
Eight years ago, this had been the place where she and Kairos often met.
“Everything has changed, but this garden remains the same…”
She murmured quietly.
Even now, it felt unreal that she was truly back in the palace.
Seraphina turned to the workbench.
She now had two tasks ahead of her:
To create a fragrance for Kairos —
And to uncover the truth behind her family’s downfall, caused by the hidden enemies who now wanted to experience her newest perfume.
Seraphina carefully unveiled “First Encounter.”
“This fragrance is meant to capture that special moment when we first meet someone. It holds curiosity, excitement, and potential.”
As she opened the bottle cap, a refreshing, delicate scent began to fill the air.
She could feel the atmosphere lift — the guests’ expressions brightened, and conversations became livelier.
Even while mingling with the nobles, Seraphina kept scanning the garden.
She was searching for Grand Duke Vitian.
“That man over there — that’s Grand Duke Vitian,”
a noblewoman whispered to her.
“He’s the Emperor’s uncle by marriage — one of the most influential figures in the Empire.”
Seraphina turned her gaze toward him.
Grand Duke Vitian was a man in his early sixties, still with a strong and commanding presence.
His silver hair, neatly groomed beard, and sharp eyes stood out.
He was speaking with foreign envoys, yet his eyes constantly observed the surroundings.
Seraphina felt her heart race.
She vividly remembered the subtle smile he wore the night her family had been ruined eight years ago.
Just then, silence swept across the garden.
Emperor Kairos had arrived.
Everyone bowed deeply to greet him.
Seraphina also lowered her head with grace.
Kairos wore a black imperial uniform adorned with a golden breastplate.
He looked majestic and imposing.
Royal guards stood watch around him.
He walked slowly through the crowd, exchanging greetings.
And then, he stopped at Seraphina’s table.
“Lady Mist,”
His deep, commanding voice drew everyone’s attention.
“Your Majesty,”
Seraphina responded elegantly.
“Let me see your new fragrance.”
At his request, Seraphina handed him “First Encounter.”
“This perfume is called First Encounter, Your Majesty. It captures the essence of that unique moment when you first meet someone.”
Kairos took the bottle and inhaled deeply.
His expression shifted slightly —
as if a memory had surfaced.
“Interesting,” he murmured.
The imperial garden was decorated with ornate details and vibrant flowers.
White canopies and tables were arranged among tall trees, and graceful melodies filled the air as musicians performed.
The banquet was already in full swing, with nobles and foreign envoys mingling across the garden.
As Seraphina entered, many curious eyes turned toward her.
The name “Lady Mist” was already well known.
“Lady Mist, welcome!”
The steward in charge of royal events greeted her.
“His Majesty prepared a special spot just for you. Please, this way.”
Seraphina followed him toward the center of the garden.
There, a small table had been arranged to display and introduce her perfumes.
Nobles were already gathering around.
“So I finally get to meet Lady Mist in person.”
A noblewoman approached to greet her.
“Thanks to your Moonlight Garden fragrance, I was able to relive the day my husband proposed to me — it truly was a magical scent.”
Seraphina smiled and bowed her head in appreciation.
“Interesting.”
He spoke briefly.
“I like this perfume. Distribute it to the nobles and the foreign envoys as a gift.”
At the emperor’s sudden command, the chamberlain quickly bowed his head.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Though surprised, Seraphina responded calmly.
“It is an honor, Your Majesty.”
Kairus looked at her for a moment longer before moving on.
Soon after, the attendants began distributing her perfume to all the nobles and envoys.
This was an incredible honor for her.
As a perfumer personally recognized by the emperor, her reputation would now spread not only across the empire but to neighboring countries as well.
However, Seraphina’s heart was conflicted.
In Kairus’s expression, she had seen something.
When he smelled the perfume First Encounter, he had clearly recalled a particular memory.
Was he remembering their first meeting?
As Seraphina was lost in thought, someone approached her.
“Lady Mist, you truly possess a remarkable talent.”
At the deep voice, Seraphina lifted her head.
Standing before her was Grand Duke Vitian.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
Seraphina did her best to remain composed.
Up close, Vitian’s gaze looked even sharper and more calculating.
“It seems His Majesty holds you in high regard. Being allowed to reside in the Eastern Palace is an exceedingly rare privilege.”
There was a hint of suspicion in his voice.
“I am deeply grateful for His Majesty’s generosity,” she replied.
“Where do you come from, Lady Mist?”
At his sharp question, Seraphina answered as she had prepared.
“I am from a coastal village in the southern part of the empire, Your Grace.”
Vitian tilted his head slightly.
“Interesting. Your perfume-making techniques are quite unique. Where did you learn them?”
“From my mother. She was also an excellent perfumer.”
Vitian studied her closely.
“That mask of yours… do you always wear it?”
“Yes. Due to burn scars from childhood…”
Seraphina tried to continue, but Vitian interrupted.
“I see. That’s unfortunate.”
He smiled, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.
“It was an honor, Your Grace.”
Though he took his leave, Seraphina could sense his interest was more than simple curiosity.
He was suspicious of her.
As the audience continued, Seraphina conversed with various nobles, discreetly gathering information.
She paid special attention to anything related to Grand Duke Vitian.
“Though he’s the emperor’s uncle by marriage, Grand Duke Vitian is effectively the one pulling the strings in Astiria’s politics,” one noble whispered.
“Even after His Majesty ascended the throne, most of the Senate still supports the Grand Duke,” another added.
“But lately, things seem tense between them. His Majesty has started making more independent decisions.”
Seraphina carefully memorized every detail.
As the banquet neared its end, she walked to a quiet part of the garden for a short break.
“Lady Mist.”
Startled by the sudden voice, she turned around.
It was Emperor Kairus.
“Your Majesty.”
She bowed deeply.
“Your perfume has truly enhanced the banquet.”
“You flatter me, Your Majesty.”
Kairus stepped beside her and looked out over the garden.
“This garden is my favorite place.”
His voice was softer than usual.
“Unlike other places in the palace, this garden sometimes vividly brings back memories of the past.”
Seraphina’s heart raced.
“It’s a beautiful place, Your Majesty.”
Kairus turned to look at her.
“Lady Mist, you stir a strange sense of familiarity in me.”
At his words, Seraphina held her breath.
“It… may be the effect of my perfume, Your Majesty,” she answered cautiously.
Kairus was silent for a moment.
“Perhaps…”
He spoke lowly.
“When will my perfume be ready?”
“I’ve completed the initial concept, but to create a fragrance that perfectly suits Your Majesty, I will need a bit more time.”
Seraphina answered sincerely.
Kairus nodded.
“Very well. Don’t rush. Just make sure it’s the best.”
He gazed at the garden a moment longer, then said,
“Grand Duke Vitian approached you.”
Though surprised, Seraphina remained calm.
“Yes. His Grace showed interest in my perfume.”
Kairus’s expression hardened.
“Be careful, Lady Mist. Vitian is far more dangerous than he appears.”
At his warning, Seraphina tensed.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will be cautious.”
Kairus nodded and began to walk away—but after a few steps, he turned back.
“Your perfume… First Encounter reminded me of a very special memory.”
His voice held a faint emotion.
“Long ago, I met a young girl in this garden…”
Seraphina felt her heart nearly stop.
“What kind of girl was she, Your Majesty?” she asked carefully.
A hint of sorrow passed through Kairus’s eyes.
“It doesn’t matter. She’s no longer in this world.”
With those words, he turned and walked away.
Seraphina stood frozen in place.
‘He thinks I’m dead…’
Though the banquet continued into the evening, Seraphina’s mind was already elsewhere.
On her way back to the palace, she made a firm decision.
She would uncover the truth behind her family’s downfall—and also fully understand what lingering memories of her still remained in Kairus’s heart.
That would determine the path she must take moving forward.
[To Be Continued]
