Chapter 06
6. The Imperial Palace
The journey to the imperial capital was far too comfortable.
Even inside the carriage, I was served tea—and not just any tea, but incredibly delicious tea—along with sweets. The carriage ran so smoothly that there was hardly any jolting. On top of that, the cushions were so fluffy that if I let my guard down, I might have fallen asleep.
To doze off while seated beside His Majesty the Emperor would be far too disrespectful.
I ended up talking with His Majesty, but I may have gone on a bit too much about embroidery.
“For small items like handkerchiefs, the price is five copper coins. For a bolt of cloth, it depends on the complexity of the embroidery, but usually one to three silver coins. If tailored into clothing, that becomes one gold coin to one and a half gold coins. For bridal gowns and veils, the price goes even higher.”
“Remarkable. Lacey, can you make men’s clothing as well?”
“Up until now, I’ve mostly worked on women’s garments, but if commissioned, I can make men’s clothing too.”
“In that case, would you make me a jacket?”
“You would allow me to create attire for Your Majesty!?”
Oh no.
I couldn’t help but let my merchant instincts show.
If it’s His Majesty’s clothing, I’d be free to use the most luxurious fabrics, and embroidery threads could be silk, however elaborate I wished. Just imagining it thrilled me so much that I had to fight to keep my voice from betraying my excitement.
In the carriage, there was also one of His Majesty’s noble retainers.
He stood silently, like part of the air itself, perfectly upright at the edge of the carriage.
I was not going to the palace as a seamstress—I knew that. And yet, my business-minded side kept surfacing.
A small jolt of the carriage caused me to spill some tea onto my lap. Before I could set down the cup and grab my handkerchief, His Majesty produced one and handed it to me. After thanking him and blotting up the tea, I couldn’t help but stare at the handkerchief.
Blue vine embroidery.
Wasn’t this one of the pieces I had sold back when I was in the academy in the capital?
“This embroidery…”
“So it was yours after all, Lacey. I heard that the daughter of Viscount Dian was selling embroidered goods to shops, so I ordered that all of them be delivered directly to the palace whenever they arrived.”
“Huh?”
So His Majesty’s interest in me wasn’t first piqued when my engagement was broken off at the graduation party?
He had claimed that he felt fate the moment I greeted him at my debutante, and it seems he wasn’t lying.
But no, no, no.
At the debutante, each person’s greeting was barely thirty seconds. Could I really have left an impression in such a short time?
I don’t recall doing anything unusual during my greeting—I thought I handled it smoothly. Did something happen then that caught His Majesty’s attention?
My head was spinning with questions when the carriage arrived at the palace.
His Majesty stepped out first and extended his hand to me. Refusing would have been rude, so I placed my hand in his and descended the steps. But then, still holding my hand, His Majesty began walking with me down the long corridors of the palace.
“This palace is my residence—it is called the Imperial Palace. I had considered giving you a separate palace of your own, Lacey, but if you lived elsewhere it would make visiting you more troublesome. So I had a set of rooms prepared for you here, inside the Imperial Palace.”
He said it so casually, but this palace looked to be about five times the size of Viscount Dian’s manor. The scale was staggering; I was left dumbfounded.
The room I was led to was as large as five of my own rooms back home, and it was further divided into three chambers.
“You may redecorate the furniture and interior as you like. These three rooms—including the inner one and the one beside it—are yours, Lacey. There’s also a bath attached, though it’s a bit small.”
“A bath, in the room!?”
My astonishment slipped into my voice.
At home, there had only been one bathroom for the entire family—shared between my parents, Sophia, and myself. To have one inside my own chambers was incredible.
“My own room is this way. If you need anything, you may come to me at any time.”
He led me down the hall to a grand door. When he opened it, the sheer size of the chamber inside nearly made me transcend earthly concerns—it was that overwhelming.
Of course, I could never simply drop in on His Majesty’s private chambers, but at least I knew where they were.
The primary duty of imperial consorts and concubines is to bear children. If summoned, I would be expected to come here.
Please, may it never come to that.
May this marriage remain a performance to silence gossip, nothing more—a marriage in name only.
Whether he sensed my inner prayer or not, His Majesty’s noble retainer whispered to him.
“Your Majesty, it is nearly time.”
“Understood. Stay away from Lacey. The only ones permitted near her are her tutors, her maids, and Madame Laval.”
“As you command.”
The retainer bowed deeply. I hesitated to address him, but before I could, His Majesty took my hand again.
“Lacey, forgive me. I wish I could stay with you always, but duty prevents it. I have entrusted everything regarding you to Madame Catherine Laval, the marchioness who once served as my mother’s lady-in-waiting. If you are uncertain about anything, rely on her. Should you have any requests, tell her, and they will reach me without delay.”
Saying this, His Majesty gently raised my hand and pressed his lips to the back of it.
His Majesty kissed my hand!?
Perhaps this is just a customary greeting, and I must grow used to it. But never before had anyone kissed the back of my hand with such reverence, and I nearly jumped in shock.
“It pains me to leave, but I shall return. Wait for me, Lacey.”
“Please go safely, Your Majesty.”
“‘Go safely,’ you say. How delightful… to be sent off by one’s betrothed.”
For some reason, His Majesty clutched his chest, as though deeply moved. Worried I had said something odd, I bowed my head and watched him depart.
Afterwards, while waiting in my chambers, a woman in her mid-forties knocked and entered. She wore a modest yet finely made gown, her beautiful strawberry-blonde hair gathered neatly at the back of her head.
“How do you do. I am Catherine of House Laval, Marchioness Laval.”
“Lady Laval, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Lacey of House Dian.”
“From this day, I shall serve as your tutor, Lady Lacey. Please call me Madame Laval.”
“Yes, Madame Laval.”
Her bearing was noble and strict, yet she did not look down on me. Straightening my posture, I met her gaze.
“First, we must take your measurements. To ensure you are comfortable here in the palace, we shall begin by providing suitable attire.”
“I look forward to your guidance.”
As His Majesty’s favored consort—albeit in name only—it would not do for me to have just one dress, especially one of my own making.
I had no intention of resisting, so I obediently followed Madame Laval’s instructions.
At her signal, several female seamstresses entered, which put me at ease.
“That embroidery on your dress is unusual. Is it not a traditional motif?”
“It is. It has been passed down in Viscount Dian’s lands.”
“Then we shall have the same motif embroidered on your new dresses.”
“Um… would it be possible for me to embroider them myself—?”
“Ah yes, I understand embroidery is your hobby, Lady Lacey. His Majesty did say to honor your wishes. However, as we must prepare a full wardrobe for you quickly, allow the seamstresses to handle it this time. In the future, we shall arrange for you to incorporate your own designs as you like.”
“I—I see.”
Perhaps I had sounded demanding, but Madame Laval responded with patience. Clearly, His Majesty had ordered that my wishes be respected as much as possible. For that, I could only feel gratitude.
Changing into my undergarments, I had my measurements taken, then chose from samples of fabrics. It was quite fun to select the designs for my dresses, and I was content as I rested on the sofa. Meanwhile, Madame Laval spoke with the seamstresses.
“How soon can you complete them?”
“For the first order, all of us shall work together. We can have them finished within two days.”
“Very well, see to it.”
The seamstresses bowed deeply and departed. Soon tea was brought, and Madame Laval sat opposite me.
“Lady Lacey, you will now begin your education as a consort. How much language study have you had?”
“I learned to a fair degree at the academy. In both general and specialized studies, I believe I can read and write most of the languages of our vassal states.”
“I am told you graduated at the top of your class. Very impressive. How about speaking?”
“I am not confident in my pronunciation. I’ve never spoken directly with a native, so while I know the grammar, I may not be able to speak fluently.”
“Then we shall converse daily in the vassal tongues. Now, it is time for luncheon. I would like to observe your table manners, so may I accompany you?”
“Please do, and correct me if I make any mistakes.”
Though businesslike, Madame Laval did not seem unkind. She had clearly researched me thoroughly and even praised my abilities.
For luncheon, we moved to one of the palace dining rooms. Apparently, there were several: one solely for His Majesty, another for family meals, one for small gatherings, and yet another for large banquets.
I was taken to the dining room meant for small groups.
