Chapter 10
“Will it really be okay? I did learn etiquette all day yesterday, but I still feel like I’m lacking a lot…”
Sylvia spoke hesitantly to the Duke of Werner as she sat in the carriage heading toward the Imperial Palace.
Just as she said, she had learned etiquette—but there wasn’t enough time, so she only learned the basics in a rush.
If something unexpected happened, she knew she wouldn’t be able to respond properly.
Her anxiety came from the fear that she might bring trouble to the Werner family.
“You don’t need to worry too much. His Majesty also knows that it hasn’t even been three days since your return.”
The Duke looked at her warmly and tried to comfort her.
“His Majesty does not expect perfection from you. He simply wants to confirm that you have safely returned to us. So don’t worry too much.”
“…Yes.”
She understood it in her head, but her heart still kept pounding.
“It’s strange, though. Who could have leaked information about you to the Imperial Palace…?”
The Duke muttered while touching his chin, clearly puzzled.
For a moment, Sylvia thought of the café manager, but quickly dismissed the idea.
She knew he wasn’t the kind of person to spread rumors carelessly.
There was also no one else around her who knew about what had happened—only the manager did.
Then suddenly, Sylvia thought of the children at the orphanage.
She had been too busy the past two days to think about it, but leaving without saying anything wasn’t right.
They must be worried about her.
“Um, Duke…”
“Yes? What is it?”
“After meeting His Majesty today, may I go visit the children I grew up with at the orphanage? I left without saying goodbye, so they must be worried.”
“Of course. Let’s do that.”
“Thank you.”
While they talked, the carriage passed through the gates of the Imperial Palace.
Looking out the window at the vast garden, Sylvia let out a small gasp.
It felt different from the garden of the Werner mansion, but it was beautiful in its own way.
“Later, I’ll show you some of the best places in the palace. There are many wonderful sights here.”
“If I get the chance, I’d love that.”
Sylvia smiled brightly.
The Duke returned her smile.
* * *
The carriage stopped in front of the main palace.
Sylvia stepped down and entered with the Duke’s escort.
“Wow…”
Even though she tried hard not to show it, she couldn’t stop herself from gasping.
The walls were covered with luxurious artworks, and the ceiling paintings were so detailed that they almost made her dizzy.
Everything was overwhelmingly grand.
If the Duke hadn’t been guiding her, Sylvia might have stopped and stared in awe, forgetting all the etiquette she had learned.
After walking along the long carpet into the center of the palace, they finally reached the audience chamber.
The Duke stopped and looked at Sylvia, who was clearly nervous.
“Don’t worry too much, alright?”
He repeated his reassurance and gently held the hand resting on his arm.
Feeling encouraged, Sylvia looked up and smiled.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
The Duke instructed a servant to announce their arrival.
The servant bowed deeply and spoke inside.
“Your Majesty, Duke Royum Werner and Vivian Werner have arrived.”
“Let them enter.”
The Emperor’s voice came from inside.
Soon, the doors opened.
Sylvia recalled what Mrs. Varein had taught her.
“Keep your back straight, lower your chin slightly, and walk forward steadily without wavering.”
It felt like her voice echoed in Sylvia’s ears.
Following that, Sylvia carefully walked into the audience chamber with the Duke.
“We greet Your Majesty.”
As the Duke bowed, Sylvia stepped slightly aside, lifted both sides of her skirt, and bent her knees in a proper curtsy.
Thankfully, she made no mistakes.
“Welcome, Duke Werner. And Vivian Werner.”
The Emperor spoke as he accepted their greeting.
Sylvia straightened her posture and raised her head to look at him.
His white hair was neatly arranged, and his red eyes were as sharp as a blade sharpened over time.
He was smiling—but Sylvia felt like it wasn’t truly a smile.
“Is it… distrust?”
Just as she thought, his eyes held a sharp sense of doubt.
Sylvia immediately understood what he doubted.
Because of that, she unconsciously shrank back.
At that moment—
“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived.”
The servant announced again.
“Let him enter.”
The Emperor allowed it.
The doors opened once more, and the Crown Prince walked in.
His confident and steady steps showed his strong personality.
As his footsteps got closer, Sylvia felt more and more nervous.
She had already faced the Emperor’s suspicious gaze—she wasn’t ready to face the Crown Prince’s as well.
Even though she herself doubted she was Vivian, being looked at like that still hurt.
Finally, the Crown Prince stopped near her.
After briefly greeting the Emperor, he stepped up and stood beside him.
“My apologies for being late, Duke Werner. And Vivian Werner.”
He spoke confidently.
The moment Sylvia heard his voice, she felt something strange.
For some reason, his voice sounded familiar.
She tilted her head slightly and looked up at his face.
Then she froze.
It was a face she knew well.
He was Ed—the regular customer at the café who had been a small comfort in her difficult daily life.
“…Ed?”
Without realizing it, Sylvia called out his name.
The Crown Prince nodded slightly.
“We meet again.”
When he smiled, the dimples on both sides of his cheeks deepened.
Seeing that he didn’t deny it, Sylvia gasped softly.
Only then did she understand how the Emperor had learned about her return so quickly.
“Edmond, do you know her?”
The Emperor looked between them with curiosity.
Edmond nodded lightly.
“Yes. I saw her every day.”
He smiled as if asking her to confirm it.
Sylvia gave an awkward smile.
She couldn’t believe it.
The regular café customer Ed was actually the Crown Prince.
“I used to visit a café every day while I was on an undercover outing. Vivian Werner worked there.”
“I see. That’s how you found out so quickly.”
“Yes.”
The Emperor nodded as if everything made sense now.
Then he turned his gaze to Sylvia.
“Vivian Werner.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Sylvia bowed her head as she answered.
“You must be overwhelmed by the sudden situation, so I will not speak long. I am very pleased that the Saint of Water from the prophecy has returned. I hope you will use your power well for the sake of the empire.”
“I am honored, Your Majesty.”
