Chapter 4
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 004
Chapter Title: From Now On, Kill Each Other
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"This shop's chocolate really is the best!"
"You don't get this flavor anywhere else, right? What's their secret...?"
"I heard the rumors that the lady of the Everglow house loves it..."
"Really? Come to think of it, I heard this place is run by that family too."
It was a common sight in the capital to see women chattering away at a window seat with a good view of the street outside.
Especially in a shop perched a bit higher than the surrounding area, overlooking the road.
What do nobles with plenty of money and time gather to do?
Women sitting in a cafe, ordering a single cup of coffee, and gossiping for an hour or two—it was a timeless, universal truth.
"Mmm, this really goes best with a strong coffee."
"Personally, I prefer black tea."
"Warm milk works great too, you know?"
They weren't bickering over whether milk or tea goes in first for milk tea, which showed they were truly close friends.
You could often see factions using such topics as excuses for power plays.
"Pardon the interruption while you're enjoying your chat."
The cafe manager approached quietly as they shared out the assortment of chocolates they'd ordered, murmuring among themselves.
He placed something on the table—covered with a lid on a silver tray—and gestured politely.
Even as a cafe manager, he hailed from a noble family.
They handpicked and trained people who worked hard and followed orders well, targeting noble clientele.
"This is...?"
"It's an 'event' gift for our valued regular customers."
With familiar ease, he silently lifted the lid and pointed to three luxurious letter envelopes.
"You've probably heard about the new business our president is launching."
"A hotel, right?"
"I heard it's a lodging facility differentiated from other inns."
"Even so, why would people like us pay to spend a night there...?"
They each had different thoughts on Julian's new venture, but one thing was common.
The most important: they were all intrigued.
"But it's the Everglow family doing it—not just anyone. It might be different."
"Yeah, I wouldn't mind checking it out once."
"Hasn't it not opened yet, though?"
"You ladies know your stuff. This event is for trendsetters like you who lead the capital's fashions."
Take one each, he said, stepping back a pace.
"No way?"
A rumored new business.
An event at a cafe run by the Everglow family behind it.
Envelopes prepared exactly matching their number, as if inviting them to pick—like there were prizes to win.
"Well then, once you've chosen, shall we open them? Or you can take them home and check alone."
But the moment he said it was fine to open them, the young ladies tore into the envelopes without hesitation.
Normally, such letters were opened with a proper letter knife, not ripped by hand...
But honestly, these 'draws' were way more fun done together than alone.
"Huh? Mine says 'blank'."
"Mine says 'better luck next time'."
It was like spinning gachas together—laughing at the jackpot haters, pitying the duds with a burger offer. Proper culture.
"... 'Congratulations. You've won a spot in the Everglow Hotel preview event'?"
From the envelope of a young lady with distinctive curly hair came an invitation embossed in gold on black.
She blinked her big eyes wide as she read the back.
"Ho ho, our shop's first winner. Congratulations!"
"R-Really? I actually won?!"
Clutching the invitation tight, she turned it over and over in disbelief.
"Yes, indeed. It's a custom-made invitation ordered 'personally' by the president, secured with anti-forgery and tampering magic. Please don't lose it."
"!!!"
Forgetting her status as a noble lady, she simply reveled in her win, hugging her friends and shrieking with joy.
The manager explained the detailed schedule would be announced in a week, and there were still more invitations left for non-winners, then moved on, leaving her celebrating.
"Hmmm."
The recent commotion had etched the 'invitation' firmly in the minds of the other customers.
Proving it, they were all pretending nonchalance while stealing glances at the bouncing young ladies.
No need to buy expensive specials—just order as usual for a chance.
"Maybe I should ask for a raise this month..."
This dessert cafe already did brisk business normally, but today promised to be busier. The manager sighed, a mix of emotions in it.
"Lady, this is from the gentleman over there."
"Oh my, this again..."
Soft orange lighting bathed the sleek black bar table.
A room sealed shut on all sides, no windows.
No sunlight penetrated; only artificial lights filled the space.
A famous cocktail bar, said to be opened for forgetting past and future, savoring only the 'now'.
Tonight too, patrons nursing drinks exchanged heated gazes.
She glanced across the table after receiving her glass from the bartender. A man there raised his lightly in silent greeting.
Confirming it was her usual cocktail, she smirked, brushing hair behind her ear.
She sipped slowly, deliberately, letting it slide down her throat for him to see, then set the glass down.
Propping her chin on her hand, she met his eyes.
The bartender handled the steady orders as usual amid the hazy, noisy-yet-quiet vibe.
Without a word on who first, they locked eyes intensely and rose from their seats.
"Got some time tonight?"
"As much as you want, if it's with you."
"You say it like you've been waiting just for today."
"Good drinks require patience too."
As the man took her offered hand with a cheesy reply and they moved to leave, the bartender held out two envelopes.
"Sorry to interrupt, but it's an event from our president."
"This is...?"
"You'll see when you open it."
Not wanting to kill the mood, he handed over only the fancy envelopes and resumed polishing glasses.
"Hmm, the owner here is..."
"One of the Everglow sons, right?"
Already arm-in-arm, they looked around.
Solo sippers, intense gazers, groups huddled at large back tables whispering secrets.
All sneaking peeks at the envelopes in their hands.
"Whatever it is, seems important."
"Opening something like that here... a bit much, right?"
The man slipped the envelopes into his pocket, hand on her shoulder as she suggested somewhere private.
On darkening streets at dusk.
Heading to his nearby mansion, they talked deeply until the sun set fully and the moon rose high.
"Haa... haa..."
"Hoo... You sure it's been that long?"
"That's my line, isn't it? Haha."
Sitting on the bed in a robe, he poured water from the bedside pitcher, downed the glass, and swept back sweat-dampened bangs.
"Want some?"
She nodded silently; he passed the pitcher. Then he remembered something.
"Thought I was gonna choke. Isn't it too strong?"
"Can't be helped after so long."
Shambling over, he pulled the envelopes from his haphazardly draped shirt on a chair and plopped beside her.
"Oh, right. Those from earlier."
"Totally forgot. Shall we open now?"
"Knife..."
He grabbed the letter knife from the table, deftly slit the wax seal, pulled out the contents, held it to the light, and read.
"Let's see... 'Congratulations. You've won a spot in the Everglow Hotel preview event'? What is this?"
"Mmm, looks like I won too."
Wiping her mouth, she waved her own invitation.
"Come to think of it, I heard the Everglows are launching something big under their name in a few months."
"Ah, so this is a pre-opening preview event."
"Says just bring this. No dress code or anything."
"Details TBA... Can't use it right away, huh."
"Hehe, still exciting."
"Lucky we both won. Wanna go together?"
"Oh, can we?"
"If you're okay with it, I'd love to. What do you say?"
"Then..."
Lifting the covers to reveal her bare form, she grinned playfully.
"Prove it?"
Provocative, eyes narrowed in a smile. He laughed back.
"Hah, gladly."
"Kyaa!"
He tackled her seductive laugh, and they tangled once more.
The abode of the empire's master.
The capital's most beautiful spot, the empire's heart.
The imperial palace, inspiring awe in all who beheld it.
Deep within, where imperial power converged.
The residence of the imperial bloodline.
"So, that guy's up to something fun again?"
Clouds parted from the moon, white moonlight flooding through the open window.
"Without even telling me..."
Eyes gleaming in the lunar glow, the room's master rose after a detailed report on outside happenings.
"Guess it's time I paid him a visit."