Chapter 21
Sure enough, the maids were now more careful in how they treated Lia.
It wasn’t out of respect, but at least they no longer ignored her or acted rudely.
That alone was enough to satisfy Lia. She wasn’t planning to change everything perfectly right away anyway.
Today was finally the day of the ball. Because of that, Lia had been fussed over by the maids since early morning.
She had to try on several dresses, choose the one she would wear to the ball, and also pick the jewelry she would wear with it.
Of course, that wasn’t all. She had started the day with skincare and other treatments, and after choosing the dress and accessories, it took hours just to get ready.
Back in Korea, she had found makeup and dressing up annoying and only ever used light BB cream and lipstick.
Even though she wasn’t dressing herself, she didn’t like this situation at all.
Sitting quietly like a doll while being fussed over was exhausting.
But what could she do? This wasn’t Korea.
When she finally finished getting ready, Lia looked completely different. Unlike the simple dresses she usually wore, the dress she now had on was more luxurious than anything before.
It was one of the dresses the Emperor had given her as a gift—the most extravagant one, which she had liked the least at first.
A small tiara sat on her head. Decorated with colorful gems, it was so beautiful that anyone would envy it.
That wasn’t the only accessory she wore. Around her neck was a necklace, also a gift from the Emperor. Her ears, fingers, and wrists were covered in jewelry he had given her.
Since the dress was already very fancy, she chose the simplest, most understated pieces from her collection.
Her makeup made her face shine even more. Her milky, smooth skin looked soft like a baby’s.
Her eyeliner was drawn gently to soften her sharp eyes, and her fluttering eyelashes danced like butterflies.
Her lips weren’t colored, but their natural red looked lively and plump.
A touch of pink blush on her cheeks added a delicate freshness to her look.
She had always been stunning, but with makeup, she was dazzling, impossible to look away from.
It wasn’t just her face. Her corseted waist was slim and defined, showing clear, elegant lines.
“All ready,” said the maid, and Lia nodded in acknowledgment.
Just then, the door opened, and Kartian entered. Seeing him, the maids bowed deeply to the Emperor and then left the room.
“Greetings, Your Majesty,” Lia said simply. As Empress, she didn’t have to give the same formal greeting as other nobles or maids.
Kartian didn’t respond. Not because he ignored her, but because he couldn’t speak.
Lia had always been beautiful, but now… seeing her like this made his heart pound so fast it felt like it would explode.
Why did she keep getting more beautiful every day?
Every part of her was perfect. She shone so brightly that even the sun wouldn’t be this dazzling.
Kartian’s ears rang with the sound of his own racing heart.
What should he even say?
Her deep, clear blue eyes, silver hair glinting in the sunlight, porcelain skin, rosy cheeks, and glossy red lips—he could hardly believe she was real.
He staggered slightly.
“Tian?” he muttered.
“Is Lia… an angel?”
Kartian whispered, dazed.
“No, no… even an angel couldn’t be this beautiful.”
His face turned red in disbelief.
“Are you okay?” Lia asked, confused at the sudden mention of angels.
“But she’s too beautiful. We can’t have a ball today. I can’t let anyone see her like this,” Kartian said firmly.
“What are you talking about?” Lia said, looking bewildered.
“What if people fall for Lia?”
Even if she didn’t return their feelings, others might fall for her. And of course, Lia was technically the Empress, so someone might try to court her.
Lia didn’t care about foolish people falling for her looks, but she didn’t want anyone else seeing her like this.
“Don’t you care about those shallow fools who only like someone for their looks?”
“I don’t!”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t like Lia just because she’s pretty! Of course, she’s beautiful, but I like Lia for who she is,” Kartian said quickly, afraid she might misunderstand.
“Ah… okay,” Lia replied. She thought maybe Kartian had first liked her for her looks, but she would believe him if he said otherwise.
“Anyway, I like everything about Lia.”
Sometimes Lia’s cold words hurt him, but even that, he liked.
“I really like Lia,” Kartian said firmly again.
“Sure,” Lia said indifferently. She had heard that line too many times already.
“…Hmm.”
But what should she do? She wanted to be the only one who saw this beautiful face. Even if she had been ugly, it would have been easier. No matter what, in her eyes, Lia would always look beautiful.
Kartian kept looking at her anxiously, not wanting anyone else to see her.
After thinking for a while, he finally spoke. He took off his jacket and draped it over Lia’s shoulders.
“What’s this for?”
“So no one else can touch you,” he said.
It was the Emperor’s jacket—like part of his body. No one could dare touch her now.
Even though Lia was already Empress, he felt uneasy unless he did this.
“It’s mine,” Kartian added softly, almost whining.
“I think you’re mistaken. I’m the Empress,” Lia said.
“…I know,” Kartian nodded. Even though she was his Empress, she wasn’t truly “his.”
“Shall we go, then?” Lia said, not wanting to waste time.
Kartian hesitated but eventually followed her.
