CHAPTER 14
I Made a Friend. She’s Pretty and Kind!
We arrived at the bright white Imperial Palace, decorated with gold everywhere.
Uncle got out of the carriage first, but I jumped out before he could help me.
The big necklace clinked against the buttons on my dress.
Uncle gave me a sharp glare, but I just laughed and smiled to smooth it over.
Then I grabbed his coat and stood there with my mouth wide open, trying to take in the entire palace with one look.
“Uncle, this place is huge. Right?”
“That’s why you need to stay close.”
“Okay!”
I held onto Uncle’s coat tightly and followed him closely.
Uncle had long legs, so if I didn’t walk fast, I’d get left behind. But today, strangely, he was walking slowly.
The golden necklace sparkled under the sunlight.
Because of it, I felt like everyone we passed by was staring at me.
“Uncle, I think everyone’s looking at me.”
“Maybe because a walking peanut is unusual.”
“I think it’s because of the necklace.”
“If you just stay quiet, no one will look.”
I pouted at his answer.
“Uncle, why are some people wearing white clothes and some wearing black?”
“Different places have different uniforms. Simply put, the ones who meet outsiders often wear white. Those who do more physical work wear dark green uniforms.”
Gerard kindly explained for Uncle.
“Oh! Mom wore black too. Like you, with gold stripes. Oh, and sometimes white too!”
“Yes. People who work in the Emperor’s palace mostly wear black. She probably wore white on special events or big gatherings.”
“That’s cool. Then is there yellow too?”
“Hmm, I’m not sure. Maybe for ceremonies? If I find out, I’ll tell you.”
“Thanks, Gerard!”
Uncle walked through the palace halls, talking here and there with people in black uniforms.
After a while, we were guided into a big room.
“Uncle, where is this?”
“This is the waiting room before meeting His Majesty. We’ll wait here for now.”
“I’ll wait here too, Miss.”
“Jenda too?”
“Yes. There are some very kind people inside who will help you. I’ll see you later, Miss.”
Uncle told me that normally I could go in with him, but today they said it would be better to meet separately.
“Okay then, see you later!”
Uncle and I walked somewhere together, and another short hallway appeared.
I held onto his pinky finger and asked,
“Uncle, is it really hard to meet the Emperor?”
“Only because your legs are short.”
“Ugh! That’s not what I meant.”
Like a little adventure, we passed through halls and rooms until we finally arrived at the meeting place.
There was a big table already filled with all sorts of snacks and food.
Even though we were indoors, there were lots of flowers, and in one corner stood a huge harp and other instruments.
The person who guided us said His Majesty was still busy with work and would be a bit late.
Just like how Mom was always busy, the Emperor must be too.
Uncle warned me not to cause any trouble, so I quietly walked around and explored the room.
When I had just finished looking around, the door that had been tightly shut suddenly opened.
“I set this time aside in the morning, but things ran late. I’m really sorry.”
It was the Emperor.
