Chapter 5. Even If I Have to Become the Crazy Lady of This District (3)
“No, Tasha. You just don’t know. I have to wear something like this for the dignity of the Imperial Family.”
“My lady, please. What will people say? If you wear that dress, even the Duchess could be criticized.”
“Stop talking about my outfit, Tasha.”
“B-but…”
“I said, stop.”
For the first time, I frowned at Tasha. When we were younger, I didn’t know she was a maid and had grown up thinking she was a friend. That’s why I had always been gentle and kind to her.
But this time, I had no choice but to put on a stern expression—and it worked better than expected.
I might have to use this expression more often.
At this point, Tasha looked at me with suspicion, as if wondering if I had lost my mind from nerves. They say some young ladies act strangely when they become candidates for the Crown Princess—either from overwhelming joy or crushing anxiety.
For example, some suddenly put on vulgar makeup like the women in salons, or bring along a beloved stuffed animal they can’t part with even at seventeen. That’s the mild stuff. One girl even brought an emotional support snake and caused a ruckus.
If Tasha thinks I’ve gone mad, then I must be halfway to success.
Anyway, I—who, if I were in my right mind, would’ve been too embarrassed to wear such a flashy dress in front of the Empress—walked confidently down the corridor toward the main palace hall where the selection would take place.
Even as I walked down the corridor, everyone who passed by stared at me in shock. After all, it wasn’t every day you saw a young lady in a dress that sparkled like this.
After leaving the disapproving Tasha outside the grand doors of the hall, I pushed open the heavy entrance and stepped inside.
“My lady, please do well! You must!”
The main palace hall was long and wide, with an exceptionally high ceiling. Although the walls were sealed, tall windows stretched up to the ceiling, letting in bright sunlight. The pillars and ceilings were adorned with masterpieces from the most prestigious painters of the age.
The throne remained unoccupied, and the young ladies who had also received invitations were standing along one side of the hall, heads bowed respectfully.
As I entered, the other ladies glanced up at me, then couldn’t take their eyes off.
Even to fellow noble daughters, my appearance in this dazzling dress must have been shocking.
There were many open-mouthed stares—just like Tasha’s earlier—which I found surprisingly satisfying.
Wanting to look even more like a thoughtless, crazy noble lady, I raised my chin in an exaggeratedly elegant way as I walked in. Everyone watched in stunned silence at the arrival of the district’s most unhinged young lady.
Soaking in their attention, I took my place along the wall and bowed my head. I noticed Rosalie and several others sneaking glances at me. Before long, Her Majesty the Empress entered the hall.
“Her Majesty the Empress is arriving!”
At the maid’s announcement, we all bowed deeply in unison. I couldn’t see Her Majesty’s face with my head lowered, but even her entrance seemed to weigh down the air with solemnity.
For a moment, I wavered, wondering if I could truly pull this off under such pressure—but then I remembered my past life and steeled myself.
From the corner of my eye, I saw the Empress’s and her maidens’ dresses sweeping past us. The Empress walked with a light, dignified step that made it hard to breathe under the overwhelming aura. Even at a glance, her dress looked refined and graceful rather than flashy.
Then, Her Majesty paused briefly in front of me.
Was she stopping to gawk at my ridiculous outfit?
I caught a glimpse of her turning slightly toward me. My heart thudded in my chest from the tension.
I couldn’t flinch here. I couldn’t let her see me tremble. I had to stand my ground with every ounce of strength in my body.
In my past life, Her Majesty had taken an interest in my calm and composed demeanor. That’s why this time, I chose to attract her attention by doing the opposite—drawing scorn instead.
If I looked gaudy and vain instead of refined, she’d likely dismiss me early on.
After a moment, the Empress began walking again. During those few minutes, I endured the trembling of every inch of my skin and stood firm.
“Raise your heads.”
“Her Majesty commands you to raise your heads.”
As I lifted mine, I saw the elegant and regal face of Empress Ranessa Reynos. She looked exactly as I remembered her. Graceful and beautiful, yes—but not kind or merciful.
Despite her appearance, she was sharp, commanding, and unflinchingly direct.
She was the kind of Empress who held daggers in her hands, not mercy. I remembered trembling every time I went to pay my respects.
“I am pleased to greet the morning of Reynos with all of you.”
“We are honored to greet the morning of Reynos with Your Majesty.”
“The glory of Hanos has led you here, and thus it is the Empire’s honor. A joyful occasion indeed.”
“We are deeply honored, Your Majesty.”
The Empress maintained a faint smile, clearly satisfied with our response.
Among the Empress’s maids, Countess Elika Benyami stood out as her most trusted attendant. She rarely smiled and always wore a cold expression, which alone was enough to make people uneasy.
Despite being noble daughters, in this unfamiliar and solemn imperial setting, everyone seemed barely able to breathe, visibly intimidated by the Empress and her intimidating entourage.
“Please begin the introductions of the young ladies.”
Elika’s voice was icy and devoid of warmth.
As instructed during our training, we lined up in a row before the Empress. The young ladies, lips pressed tightly together, began their introductions one by one—each clearly trying not to tremble.
Even Rosalie wasn’t immune.
“I—I am Rosalie Helelion, eldest daughter of House Helelion. I am honored to stand before Your Majesty thanks to your grace and the use of the royal carriage.”
“Rosalie Helelion. I’ve heard of you. Daughter of Duke Roman Helelion, who aided Archduke Dükro in the successful northern campaign, correct?”
“Y-yes. That is correct, Your Majesty.”
“I believe I met you once as a child—you’ve grown into a lovely young lady.”
“Th-thank you for your gracious words, Your Majesty.”
“Then may I look forward to seeing just how well you’ve grown today?”
Rosalie was trembling so noticeably, anyone could tell how nervous she was.
“I—I am deeply honored.”
After the Empress gave a pleased smile, it was my turn.
In my past life, I had used every polite phrase and flattery at my disposal. But not this time.
This time, I planned to speak with no thought—deliberately making them wonder why I was even here.
“Hello. I’m Benity Reynos, the only daughter of House Reynos.”
Hello? Even I found it hilarious. It sounded like something a peasant woman in the countryside would say, not a noble. And I had just said it to the Empress.
Her Majesty and the maids waited for my next words, but I simply stared back at them wide-eyed, as if I had nothing more to add.
Looking around, the other young ladies were drenched in cold sweat. Maybe they feared my casual tone would provoke the Empress and earn them scolding by association. Maybe they were just dreading the storm that might follow.
“You give quite the spirited greeting, Lady Benity.”
I was sure that was her polite way of saying I was utterly uncultured, but her expression remained unreadable.
Then again, if I could understand the true feelings of the great Empress, I’d probably be able to sniff out the faction plotting to kill Prince Karzan too.
I wondered… did the Empress know? That someone was trying to kill her son? That the seeds of this scheme were already sown?
After the last young lady finished her introduction, Lady Elika stepped forward again.
“Before entering the trial chamber, we will now assess your historical knowledge.”
This part was a quiz on the history of the Reynos Empire. No one knew who would be asked or what would be asked—so unless you’d memorized every detail, there was no way to be sure you’d get it right. The questions changed every year, so the young ladies were understandably nervous.
Of course, I knew all the answers. But I wasn’t going to get a single one right.
“Elvia, explain the meaning of the imperial wing crest.”
“The wing crest symbolizes the wings of a dragon. Emperor Alendra the Great broke the dragon’s wings, defeating it, and united the land to found the Reynos Empire.”
Elvia gave a forced smile, but I could already tell those brown eyes were about to fill with tears. She preferred gossiping over studying, so preparing for this day must have been excruciating.
I could see her hands trembling.
Her heartbeat felt so loud, I could almost hear it right beside me.
