Yulia Hesenia Stella
"Stop that."
At that moment, an elderly man who had stepped down from his carriage spoke sternly. Adjusting his flowing silk robes, he strode forward—a noble at first glance. Even Elizabeth knew immediately who he was. The imperial guards who spotted the old man looked annoyed.
"Lord Gaius, why do you always do this? You could just pass by..."
"How could I ignore you cowards doing such despicable things? Release her at once!"
At the old man's shout, the guard clicked his tongue and roughly let go of the woman's hand.
"Even His Majesty has his limits for overlooking this."
"How dare you presume to know His Majesty's will?"
The guards grumbled as they brushed past the old man. The woman bowed repeatedly in gratitude before hurrying away.
"A brave young lady, aren't you?"
The old man approached Elizabeth with a kindly smile. She turned to look at him.
"...!"
The old man's eyes widened for a moment upon seeing her face. Elizabeth asked,
"Is something wrong?"
"...No, nothing. You just reminded me of someone I know—that's all. Anyway, where are you headed, miss?"
"To the Imperial Palace."
"The Imperial Palace? Whatever for?"
"Do I have to tell you?"
Elizabeth replied coolly. He was a stranger from a distant land. She had no need to reveal her movements in detail.
The old man shook his head.
"Of course not. I was just surprised—it's unexpected. Care to ride in my carriage? I'm headed to the Mint, but we'll pass right by the palace."
He gestured toward his carriage. Elizabeth hesitated briefly before nodding.
"Then, if you don't mind."
And so the two boarded the carriage and set off. Elizabeth leaned against the window, gazing expressionlessly at the bleak streets of Hesenia. Gray streets flashed by outside: crumbling buildings, starving children, silent people. She took it all in without a flicker of emotion.
"So, what's your name, miss?"
At the old man's question, she let out a short laugh.
"Shouldn't you give your name before asking for mine? Isn't that proper etiquette?"
"Feisty one, aren't you? I'm Julius Gaius Gavrianus."
"I know. You're the former prime minister, aren't you?"
"I didn't realize this old man was so famous."
"You enacted the Judicial Supplement Ordinance and the Social Safety Net Expansion Act. I picked up a bit studying law."
"Oh ho, a law student, eh? Well, now that I've given my name, perhaps you'll share yours?"
"Hestia Rivlin."
Elizabeth lied without batting an eye.
"Any notable family from the provinces, perhaps?"
"I'm not from the Empire. I'm from Eisenwaldt—born in Dürenberg."
"Ah... I see. That explains the accent."
The old man nodded, then ventured cautiously,
"...But really, why are you going to the Imperial Palace?"
"Are you that curious?"
"More like I'd like to dissuade you. You must know His Majesty favors beautiful women more than gold. No matter the nation... once he sets his sights, no one can stop him."
"Don't worry about that. But why are you going to the Mint, sir? Haven't you retired?"
"Heh heh, retired? I petitioned His Majesty to reinstate me. Thanks to that, I'm working for the Empire again at my age. Isn't that wonderful?"
"For someone working so hard..."
Elizabeth turned to look out the window. People with lifeless expressions.
"...these folks don't look happy."
"...You're right."
"You don't either, sir. Are you really happy?"
She asked with a blank face. Gaius worked his mouth before replying.
"Truth be told, just ten years ago, it was the complete opposite. The streets overflowed with laughter—no one went hungry."
He gave a wistful smile.
"But... it ended up like this. You're right. I'm no longer happy. Even this worthless old man has to step up and take responsibility for the Empire, doesn't he?"
"Out of patriotism?"
"No, I swore to His Majesty. That even without him, I'd protect the Empire."
Elizabeth intuited that the "His Majesty" he meant was the late Emperor Marcus.
"And his daughter too... no, forget I said that."
"No, go on."
Gaius sighed deeply.
"Truth be told, looking at you reminds me of His Majesty."
"Emperor Marcus?"
"Both him and the current His Majesty. They're both beauties carved from the same mold—as are you."
Elizabeth had thought the same once. The first time she saw the emperor's face in the papers, she felt an uncanny resemblance.
"If the princess had lived, she'd be just your age now."
"...The princess."
"Princess Yulia, I mean. She's His Majesty's younger sister now. He doted on her endlessly. You must know—you can't miss her; she's infamous."
"Yes, of course. I know her well."
Yulia the princess. The one figure never absent from imperial newspapers or wanted posters.
*Crack.*
A distant, faint splitting sound, as if from afar. But she knew it was a rupture within herself.
"I've gone off track. Anyway, I meant you're just as beautiful."
Gaius chuckled lightly. Elizabeth's facial muscles twitched as she forced a smile.
"Thank you."
"What meaning do such words hold for a beauty like you? Though it's a pity your jewelry doesn't match—it's too plain."
Gaius eyed her index finger. The plain silver ring clashed awkwardly with her stunning looks.
"This... I just wear it."
Elizabeth covered the ring with her hand. She hadn't entered the Empire unprepared. A 7th Circle mage, yes—but powerless against the emperor or the monsters gathered in Hesenia. That ring was her last safeguard for such cases.
A ring that could summon one of the Ten Demon Lords, the demon of memory, Oblivius. With that power alone, she wouldn't be captured and killed.
"We're here. This is the Imperial Palace."
"This is..."
Arriving at the grand gates of the Imperial Palace, Elizabeth widened her eyes. She'd toured many places on school trips to gain experience, but nothing prepared her for this.
The Hessen Palace. It was no longer a mere human structure. Roofs gleaming gold in the sunlight seemed to pierce the heavens. Marble columns, vast gardens—everything made one doubt human hands had built it. Fountains aligned in geometric precision, grand avenues for foreign envoys—it all evoked classical imperial styles of old.
Myriad windows reflected the sky and clouds. Atop the gates, a black eagle spread its wings, clutching a world map. Majestic and oppressive, it symbolized absolute dominion over the land.
Elizabeth drew a quiet breath. No turning back now.
"I'll be off, then. Whatever your goal, I wish you success."
"Take care, sir."
She bowed, and the carriage rattled away. Slowly, Elizabeth raised her head to the palace gates.
The truth lay beyond. She didn't hesitate. With firm steps, she marched toward the gates.
Clank!
The sound of iron boots rang out as two soldiers blocked her path.
"This is His Majesty's palace. State your origin and name."
"My name is..."
Elizabeth paused briefly. Then, slowly and resolutely, she spoke.
*
Fingers rested on the piano keys. The emperor pressed each note with elegant ceremony. Well-tempered dynamics filled the opulent room.
A massive chandelier hung from the ceiling; priceless glassware lined the walls. The so-called Glass Room, draped in expensive crystal and gold.
Eyes closed, the emperor played masterfully. The scene was like something from a masterpiece painting—and indeed, one was being created. The court painter sat in the corner, meticulously capturing the emperor at the piano with heartfelt strokes on canvas.
The performance crescendoed, ending with a resounding chord.
Clap clap clap!!
"Your Majesty's musical sense is the finest in the Empire."
"Even Amadeus himself would weep at such resonance."
"This composure is why the Empire stands unshaken."
The lined-up figures rose abruptly, offering standing ovations and flattery. Not mere sycophants—these were the Home Minister, Foreign Minister, War Minister, Finance Minister, and top officials.
Shouldn't officials be working? To them, this was work. Fawning over the emperor. They'd risen not through talent, but through flattery.
"Eh, this much is nothing—"
As the emperor smirked and rose from his chair,
Bang!
A soldier burst into the Glass Room unannounced. The emperor froze mid-motion. One official scowled fiercely and bellowed,
"What the hell are you!? Do you know where you are!?"
"S-sorry! B-but there's urgent news I m-must report."
"Speak properly! What news disrupts this precious time!?"
"W-well..."
The soldier faced the icy emperor and finally spoke.
"P-Princess Yulia... has arrived!"