The Masked Performance
The dried lily was still beautiful, yet it looked so pathetic compared to the fresh bloom held in the hands of that handsome young man. It was only natural, yet a strange heat rose in her chest. The withered flower felt just like her own self. She struggled to convince herself that it was simply because she hadn't yet shaken off the lingering sentiments of the day.
“Your Majesty the Empress.”
Sophia, the head lady-in-waiting, entered the powder room carrying a silver tray with a letter envelope resting upon it. Lilian glanced over the tray in the mirror and spoke with indifference.
“Turn away all invitations. I have no desire to go out.”
“I brought this because I remembered you mentioning to Lady Laila at the salon that you wished to see the premiere of the opera.”
“…….”
Lilian had not forgotten what she said back then. However, while it had felt natural at the time, caught up in the afterglow of the performance, it now felt terribly awkward. Or perhaps, rather than awkward, it would be more accurate to say she felt a prick of conscience.
Sophia spoke respectfully.
“The premiere of When the Curtain Opens is being held at the Rih Theater. It is a refined and quiet theater, so perhaps you might consider attending?”
Lilian briefly wondered if Sophia’s suggestion was the will of the Schwaben Duchy. It seemed like too trivial a matter for the Schwaben family to be involved in, but perhaps they were simply ordering it because they thought she wasn't engaging in enough outside activities.
However, even if Sophia was a loyalist to the Schwabens, not every situation was governed by direct orders. She had served Lilian for over a decade, and while she was not in a position to show it openly, she felt a human affection for her. Thus, she had likely recommended it in the hope that it would comfort her depressed heart.
Awkwardness and desire seesawed in her heart for a moment. But Lilian soon decided there was no reason she couldn't go. After all, she had already told Lady Laila that she would attend.
“I shall do so.”
In the end, she let out a soft sound from her throat and gave her consent.
The maids began to chatter in bright voices.
“You’ve made a good decision, Your Majesty. The Rih Theater is a dignified and beautiful place, so you will surely enjoy yourself.”
“To think they are holding the premiere at the Rih Theater; Lady Laila certainly has talent.”
“Isn't that all thanks to Your Majesty looking upon her favorably?”
“Your Majesty, you will take us with you, won't you?”
Lilian only offered an ambiguous smile and did not answer. The maids were right. It would surely be a suitable distraction.
For the first time in a long while, the Rih Theater hung bright lanterns all the way out to the street. It had been a very long time since they had held a premiere for a work destined to be a massive hit.
Those who wished to see the premiere of When the Curtain Opens sent messengers to the Marell Troupe and the Rih Theater without rest, but only a few were able to obtain invitations. The Rih Theater itself had a limited number of seats to begin with.
Empress Lilian had forbidden anyone from knowing she was going to see the premiere. She did not bring many maids, accompanying herself only with a young maid named Frederica.
“I don't want to make a scene. I just want to watch the performance and leave.”
Since she was going for a change of pace, Sophia did not object, knowing that if it became an official imperial procession, it would be no different from her usual life.
When she arrived, three carriages were already standing in front. A theater usher wearing a white mask signaled the coachman of Lilian’s carriage to wait for a moment.
Because she had borrowed Frederica’s carriage to avoid drawing attention to the fact that it was the Empress’s procession, Lilian did not feel offended. She was merely a bit puzzled. She wondered why they couldn't just get out and go inside.
Looking out the window, two guests wearing black masks stepped out of the carriage at the very front and followed the usher into the theater. The coachman moved the carriage to clear the way, and then, after a short interval, the guests from the second carriage also stepped out, wearing black masks. Frederica said in a voice trembling with excitement.
“It seems there was a dress code.”
“Was there?”
Lilian tilted her head.
“You brought the invitation, right?”
“Ah, yes.”
Frederica quickly took the invitation out of her small bag. As Lilian took it and tried to read it by the light of the streetlamp, someone knocked on the carriage door.
Beyond the carriage window, she saw a man wearing a white mask. It seemed the guards had let him pass as he was a theater usher.
When she nodded, the man in the white mask opened the carriage door.
“It is an infinite honor to have you visit, Your Majesty the Empress.”
A single, fresh lily with a long stem was held out to her. Lilian felt her breath hitch for a moment and pressed a hand to her chest. It felt as if her heart had plummeted.
He was the man she had thought of every chance she got over the past few weeks. There was no way she wouldn't recognize him just because his face was covered by a mask. Not his smooth, refreshing voice, nor his playfully crinkling blue-gray eyes and well-colored lips.
However, Lilian could not let it show that she recognized Zion Miller. She feared that if she did, it would be revealed that she hadn't forgotten him.
Instead, she took the lily in silence. She felt the illusion that the withered lily was newly drinking in water and blooming again.
Frederica asked.
“Was there a separate dress code for today? We weren't informed.”
“Not at all. We are providing masks to everyone today in the hope that you will purely enjoy the performance. Of course, you are free not to wear them.”
Zion spoke in a clear, melodic tone that didn't quite suit an usher, and held up a black mask and a pamphlet for Lilian.
Frederica tried to take them instead, but Lilian reached out and took them directly from Zion’s hand first.
“Thank you.”
Lilian prayed that her voice hadn't betrayed her agitation. Zion handed a mask and pamphlet to Frederica as well, then stepped back.
“If you wear the mask, another usher will guide you to your seats. I hope you enjoy tonight’s performance.”
He soon disappeared. Lilian quietly stroked the stem of the lily. It seemed the usher who opened the carriage door for the carriage in front was also guiding them to their seats, so the fact that they had changed personnel for her must have been because Zion was the lead actor and had no time.
Had he intentionally cleared his schedule to meet her?
‘That wouldn't be strange. I am a special guest.’
If the Empress wasn't a special guest, who would be? Even as she thought this, Lilian couldn't help but be bothered, feeling that there must be some other meaning behind Zion appearing instead of the theater owner or Lady Laila.
Frederica said, putting on her mask with a slightly excited face.
“This is quite a new event. Masquerade balls happen occasionally, but a masked performance?”
“It’s probably because I said I wanted to visit quietly.”
“Ah, that must be it! The theater made a good choice. This way, even if someone knows Your Majesty the Empress has arrived, they won't be able to approach you and bother you.”
Lilian nodded and put on her own mask. The mask made of black silk covered her entire face, yet it was light and had large breathing holes, making it not uncomfortable at all. The fact that the mouth area was blocked felt like a hint not to speak, which she found somewhat amusing.
Soon, a second usher approached. She got out of the carriage and entered the theater with Frederica.
The seat provided in the best location was plush and comfortable. She was satisfied that low partitions were placed on the left and right of the seat, preventing other guests from peeking at her once she sat down.
She sat down and placed the pamphlet and the lily on her lap. Then, she unfolded the pamphlet and realized there was a small note tucked inside.
At waiting room number 3. After the 3rd act.
She didn't know Zion’s handwriting, but it was undoubtedly written by him. Lilian felt her heart racing and covered her mouth with her hand.
A foolish impulse.
Sitting alone in his seat, Ezekiel stared at the stage while lost in other thoughts.
He had never been interested in opera. Yet, his decision to get his hands on an invitation and come to the Rih Theater had been an impulsive one.
He wanted to see Lady Laila once more.
It wasn't as if she would be standing on that stage. He already knew that the performance that day was likely due to the unique nature of the Imperial Palace’s music salon and Princess Roella’s spite.
‘But as the troupe leader, she would be paying attention to this premiere, so she must be at this theater.’
No, it wasn't necessarily that he wanted to see her again. Even if a different woman stood behind the same direction, he would feel the same desire.
Therefore, the direction that day had been excellent.
As he leaned back in his armchair with such thoughts, he heard the sound of rustling fabric, and a woman wearing a black mask entered the space where his seat was and sat in the empty seat next to him.
It was Laila. Even though she was wearing a mask, Ezekiel recognized her at a glance.