PLML 45

CHAPTER 45………

Invitations for tea with a famous society madam, debutante balls for the daughters of tycoons who could sway the nation’s economy—Jaina sifted through the mountain of envelopes piled high on her desk and pulled one out.

“What’s this now?”

The ornate crest engraved into the hard wax seal was unmistakably that of the imperial family.

Wait, this isn’t the only one?

One…

Two, three, four…

Five, six?

There were six letters from the imperial family in total.

Jaina hurriedly tore one open.

—Masquerade Ball Invitation—

To commemorate in advance the 101st anniversary of the Empire’s founding, a masquerade ball will be held on X month, X day, in the imperial banquet hall.
As this is a once-a-year grand event, invitees are kindly requested to attend.

The ball has special rules. Wearing a mask to conceal your identity and presenting this invitation will grant you entry.

Special rules are as follows:

1. If your identity is discovered beneath your mask, you must remove it.
2. Any participant whose identity remains hidden until the end will receive a prize.
3. There will be a special participant at the ball; anyone who discovers this person’s identity will receive a special prize.

We eagerly await your attendance, Lady Jaina Blake, to grace the occasion with your presence.

Every single invitation was identical. The fact that they kept sending them without waiting for a reply made it clear they were determined for Jaina to attend.

X day Saturday—that’s only three days away?

“Theo, how could you hide something this important?”

“It’s merely a party for entertainment. There’s no need to attend if you don’t wish to.”

At Theoris’s reply, Jaina pressed her forehead.

She knew well that Theoris had no interest in social gatherings. Jaina herself disliked mingling in high society, where people carried knives behind their smiles.

But if the host was the imperial family, that was another matter entirely.

Anyone who skipped such a grand social event would inevitably become fodder for gossip among the nobility. Theoris was already on bad terms with both the imperial family and the aristocrats—if he didn’t show up, it was obvious what would be said behind closed doors.

No matter how much of a “my-way” type he is, this isn’t it.

“Send a letter of acceptance immediately.”

“Yes, Jaina.”

Her firm tone left Theoris no room to argue. Hearing his reply, Jaina continued.

“And for the next three days, let’s live separately. We’ll even eat separately.”

Theoris looked at her as though the world had ended.

“Jaina, it was wrong of me to handle your letters without telling you. I promise it won’t happen again. But…”

“If you’re sorry, then do as I say.”

“…Understood.”

With a heavy voice, Theoris bit his lip and turned away.

Normally, she wouldn’t have gone this far. But there was no choice.

Only three days remained. To fit into her dress perfectly, she had to shed weight desperately.

Alright. Fasting diet, here we go.

The reason she insisted on separate meals was to fast without raising his suspicion. If she simply skipped meals, Theoris would worry. But if she claimed they’d be eating apart, he’d have no way to check whether she was eating or not.

Three days of nothing but water and exercise. I can do this, Jaina.

The day of the masquerade ball—judgment day.

“Kkyuu!”

“Kraang!”

Cotton Candy and the black dragon tumbled around on the bed, wrestling from early morning.

“Kkyuuk!”

Cotton Candy leapt at the black dragon, who lazily flapped his wings to dodge. The little creature landed squarely on Jaina’s back as she was stretching beside the bed.

“Cotton Candy, Black Dragon! I told you not to fight!”

On any other day, she would’ve laughed it off, but today her voice was sharp. Startled, Cotton Candy rolled off and flattened himself against the floor, ears and tail drooping. Seeing him so dejected, Jaina snapped out of it.

“Sorry. Mommy’s just on edge right now. Go play with Ppoppi, both of you.”

The two creatures glanced at her cautiously before leaving the room.

Alone in the empty room, Jaina let out a deep sigh.

So it’s true—cutting carbs and sugar really does make people irritable.

She collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. Without proper meals, her body had no strength. Even though she hadn’t been drinking, the ceiling spun.

At this rate, I’m going to die.

For three whole days, she’d consumed nothing but water. The weight loss was obvious.

Slowly rising to her feet, she looked in the mirror. Her once-chubby cheeks were now slim, her jawline sharp. The softness on her stomach had smoothed out.

This should be enough to keep anyone from criticizing me.

Knock, knock.

Ellie entered after a short knock.

“Ellie, what is it?”

“It’s time to change into your dress!”

Ellie opened the wardrobe and brought out the gown.

It had been custom-made by Angelie for the ball.

White sheer fabric graced the neck and arms, offering tasteful exposure. Elegant silver embellishments and blue gemstones adorned the bodice. The combination of white and soft pink fabrics created a gentle glow, as though bathed in rosy light.

Dressed, Jaina spun once in place. Even to her own eyes, she looked stunning.

Wearing a corset she normally avoided, her waistline was accentuated.

Perfect.

She smiled victoriously at her reflection.

She’d worked so hard for this day.

Slipping on her matching glass shoes, Jaina left the room with confidence. Thinking of Theoris’s reaction made her heart flutter.

“Huh? Where’s Theo?”

She’d assumed he’d be waiting outside her door, but the corridor was empty.

“His Grace went down ahead of you.”

Seriously? Did he not even want to see me?

Swallowing her disappointment, she headed toward the carriage. Homel informed her that Theoris was already resting inside.

Wow… I thought at least he’d wait by the carriage…

She stomped her glass heel on the carriage floor as she stepped inside. Theoris, leaning against the wall, slowly opened his eyes.

Today, his face looked unusually pale. He seemed thinner. The once-clear moonlit glow in his eyes now carried faint redness, and dark circles shadowed beneath them. The sight melted her irritation.

He must have been really busy.

Looking that tired, it was easy to forgive him for not waiting.

“You’re here.”

His voice sounded colder than usual, but surely it was just from fatigue. Jaina hid her disappointment behind a smile.

“It’s been a while, Theo.”

His eyes twitched.

“It has.”

That was all he said before falling silent again. An awkward stillness filled the carriage.

I get that he’s tired, but after so long apart, that’s all I get?

Her earlier disappointment began to simmer again.

Couldn’t he at least say I look beautiful?

Pouting, she turned her head away. She wanted the compliment but didn’t want to beg for it.

I worked so hard for today…

She wanted to scold him for being cold, but she was too exhausted.

After three days of fasting, her body felt like it was running on fumes. The tight corset made breathing difficult.

Like Theoris earlier, she leaned against the carriage wall and closed her eyes.

“Your Grace, we’ve arrived.”

At Homel’s voice, Jaina opened her eyes.

She must have dozed off.

Stretching, she noticed the soft cushion under her head and the blanket draped over her shoulders. A small smile formed.

“Where’s Theo?”

“His Grace has gone in ahead.”

“…I see.”

The warmth she’d felt at his care while she slept quickly froze over again.

So, we’re doing this all the way, huh?

Her face hardened as she stepped out.

She was angry at him.

She didn’t think he was entirely to blame. She regretted avoiding his touch and insisting on eating apart.

But I had my reasons.

It was only natural to want to look good for the one you loved. Jaina always wanted Theoris to see her at her best.

And he really was wrong to hide my letters.

If she’d gotten the imperial invitations earlier, she wouldn’t have needed to crash diet like this. Thinking of the grueling three days she’d just endured only made her emotions surge.

I’m not speaking to him until he apologizes first.

Muttering inwardly, Jaina walked toward the ballroom.

“Are you alright, milady?”

Levan, who had caught her from stumbling several times, asked.

“I’m fine.”

“If you’re unwell, perhaps you should rest—”

“No, the party’s about to start. Let’s go.”

Levan’s worried gaze only made her more irritated.

Where is Theo, and what is he even doing?

She walked more slowly than usual and finally reached the hall. Levan went off to the area reserved for the knights.

Under the dazzling chandeliers, masked guests enjoyed themselves. Beneath a golden lion statue, a fountain glittered under the lights. Trays laden with delicious-looking food were scattered throughout the room.

Jaina’s eyes were drawn to a dessert tray.

A chocolate cupcake topped with a bright cherry made her mouth water.

She hadn’t had anything sweet in three days. Her brain was screaming for sugar.

One won’t hurt… right?

Her hand moved on its own. Just as she reached for the cupcake, the lights went out. A murmur spread through the now-darkened hall.