Episode 6:
The First Crisis
In the early morning, as the garden was veiled in mist, Seraphina made her way to the East Palace garden.
Her heart was pounding.
She was going to meet Kairus.
At the very fountain where they had often met as children.
Over her pink dress, Seraphina wore a white shawl. The morning air was chilly, but not as cold as the tension she felt inside.
“Why did Kairus ask to meet me here?”
She wondered if his choice of this place, steeped in memories of their past, was intentional. If he suspected her true identity, this could be a test.
Unlike the other palace gardens, the East Palace garden was more private and quiet. It was used mainly by the royal family for rest, so early in the morning, it was almost deserted.
Seraphina walked slowly.
Dew-kissed flowers lined the path, shimmering faintly in the dim light, and only the chirping of birds echoed through the still garden.
At last, she reached the Starflower Fountain.
It looked almost the same as it had eight years ago.
In the center stood a sculpture shaped like a starflower — the symbol of the Astiria Empire — with water gently cascading around it.
Memories from her childhood came flooding back.
Times spent with Kairus around the fountain, whispered secrets, and finally… the day they got engaged.
“Still beautiful, even after eight years,” she murmured softly.
“You seem to appreciate the beauty of this place as well.”
Startled by the sudden voice, Seraphina turned quickly.
Kairus stood behind her.
He wore a simple deep-blue top and black trousers instead of his usual formal uniform — an outfit that emphasized the personal nature of their meeting.
“Your Majesty,” Seraphina greeted politely.
Kairus approached her.
“There’s no need for formality here. Please speak freely, Lady Mist.”
His voice was gentler than usual.
“This fountain has a special meaning for me.”
Seraphina felt her heart beat faster.
“What kind of meaning, Your Majesty?”
“It holds memories from my childhood. Innocent, pure memories…”
A trace of sadness flickered in his eyes.
“Especially the times I spent here with a certain girl.”
Seraphina stayed silent.
Kairus turned toward her.
“Your perfume brought those memories vividly back to me.”
Seraphina asked carefully, “This girl… Who was she?”
A bitter smile appeared on Kairus’s face.
“She was my only friend. No, more than that.”
He paused for a moment and took a deep breath.
“As I told you yesterday, she’s no longer in this world. Eight years ago, when her family was destroyed for treason, she disappeared as well.”
Seraphina felt a tightening in her chest.
“That’s truly heartbreaking.”
Kairus slowly nodded.
“The most tragic part is that I couldn’t save her. When her family was accused of treason, I was torn between my duty as crown prince and my feelings for her.”
His voice was laced with regret.
“By the time I tried to reach her… it was already too late.”
Seraphina was stunned.
He tried to save me?
But on that night, he was nowhere to be found.
“You tried to save her, Your Majesty?”
Kairus gave a wistful smile.
“I tried, but I failed. And that failure still haunts me.”
He sat on the edge of the fountain.
“You may wonder why I’m telling you all this, Lady Mist.”
Seraphina nodded.
“To be honest, yes, I do wonder, Your Majesty.”
Kairus looked at her intently.
“Your perfume deeply affected me. ‘Forgotten Promise’—that scent brought back long-buried memories.”
He paused briefly.
“And… I felt something in you that reminded me of her.”
Seraphina’s heart skipped a beat.
“Reminded you… of her?”
Kairus nodded.
“That’s why I asked you to create a perfume for me. Perhaps that fragrance might bring me peace.”
Seraphina was overwhelmed by the realization that Kairus still mourned her — the girl he once knew.
“I understand, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to help.”
Kairus gave a grateful nod.
“How is the progress on the perfume?”
Seraphina shifted into her professional demeanor.
“I’ve finished the basic concept. I believe your perfume should be more than a simple scent.”
She explained carefully.
“I’m designing it in three layers. The first will symbolize authority and power. The second will represent wisdom and discernment. And the final layer…”
She hesitated for a moment.
“The final layer will reflect Your Majesty’s true self — your deepest emotions and memories.”
Kairus looked intrigued.
“Interesting. And I suppose you’ll need to hear more of my story for that last part.”
Seraphina nodded.
“Yes, Your Majesty. If possible, I’d like to speak with you more.”
Kairus paused in thought.
“Very well. Let’s meet more often from now on.”
As he stood, he added, “And I heard that the Duke of Vitian met you.”
His tone held a subtle edge.
Seraphina replied calmly.
“Yes, yesterday afternoon. The Duke expressed interest in my perfume.”
Kairus’s expression hardened.
“Be careful of Vitian. He’s… a complicated man.”
Seraphina nodded.
“I understand, Your Majesty.”
Kairus gave her a small smile.
“I enjoyed our conversation, Lady Mist. I look forward to our next meeting.”
After he left, Seraphina remained by the fountain.
Her heart was in turmoil.
He tried to save me… he still longs for me.
But why wasn’t he there that night?
Lost in thought, she returned to her workshop.
That afternoon, Seraphina was absorbed in crafting Kairus’s perfume.
She carefully mixed various essences, experimenting to find the perfect blend.
“The Emperor’s fragrance… must capture his true self.”
She murmured, carefully combining the deep aroma of sandalwood, the crispness of sea salt, and a faint hint of cherry blossom.
“This is the first layer — his exterior, symbolizing strength and authority.”
She picked up another vial.
This time, she blended rich fig, a touch of tobacco leaf, and sharp black pepper.
“This is the second layer — his wisdom and discernment.”
Finally, she reached for a small crystal vial that contained her most precious essence.
“And this…”
Suddenly, the door burst open and a servant rushed in.
“Lady Mist, His Majesty requests a scent presentation — immediately!”
Seraphina was startled.
“Right now? But the perfume isn’t complete yet.”
The servant looked nervous.
“His Majesty wishes to see the progress. He’s waiting in the South Garden with several nobles.”
Seraphina hesitated, then regained her composure.
“Understood. I’ll prepare at once.”
After the servant left, she quickly gathered the test samples.
Though incomplete, she could at least show her current progress.
She packed the three sample vials in a special case and prepared scent-testing paper strips.
“A sudden scent presentation…?”
She was puzzled but couldn’t defy the Emperor’s command.
Seraphina hurried to the South Garden.
It was often used for official royal events.
When she arrived, about twenty high-ranking nobles were gathered, including Kairus and the Duke of Vitian.
“Lady Mist has arrived,” Kairus said with a nod.
Seraphina bowed respectfully.
“Your Majesty.”
Kairus approached her.
“Yes, Your Majesty. But please understand that this is still a work in progress.”
She opened the case and presented three small bottles.
“These are the three layers of Your Majesty’s perfume. They haven’t yet been unified.”
Seraphina held up the first bottle.
“The first layer represents authority and power — a blend of sandalwood, sea salt, and delicate cherry blossom.”
She sprayed the perfume onto a test strip and passed it around.
The nobles reacted with interest.
“The second layer represents wisdom and discernment — fig, tobacco leaf, and black pepper.”
She repeated the process.
The response remained mostly positive.
Seraphina picked up the final vial.
“The last layer embodies the most personal and profound emotions. This is—”
But the moment she opened the bottle, something unexpected happened.
A stronger-than-anticipated scent spread rapidly — even Seraphina hadn’t anticipated its intensity.
The fragrance immediately affected everyone present, but Kairus reacted most strongly.
His face turned pale, eyes filled with confusion.
He staggered.
“Your Majesty!”
Seraphina cried out in alarm.
Kairus clutched his forehead, trying to steady himself.
“This… this scent…”
His voice trembled.
Seraphina rushed to his side.
“Your Majesty, are you alright?”
As she reached out to support him, her sleeve slipped slightly, revealing a small star-shaped birthmark on her wrist.
A hereditary trait unique to the Aldemir family.
Duke Vitian’s sharp eyes caught it instantly.
His expression subtly changed, his gaze sharpening.
Seraphina sensed the danger but focused first on Kairus.
“Breathe slowly, Your Majesty. This scent may trigger intense memories.”
Kairus began to calm his breathing.
Though his eyes still showed confusion, he seemed to regain his composure.
“I… I’m alright, Lady Mist.”
He finally steadied himself.
“This scent… is very powerful.”
Seraphina quickly closed the vial.
“I apologize, Your Majesty. The fragrance still needs refinement — it was too concentrated.”
Kairus stared at her intently.
His gaze held not just questions, but deeper, more complex emotions.
“We’ll end the scent presentation here for today.”
He turned to the nobles.
“Lady Mist, come with me.”
Feeling Vitian’s suspicious gaze on her back, Seraphina followed Kairus out of the garden.
She knew now — her first true crisis had begun.
Vitian had found a clue about her origin, and Kairus had reacted unexpectedly to her perfume.
From this point on, she would have to be more cautious than ever.
[To Be Continued]
