Chapter 96
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 96
Chapter Title: I Won't Back Down This Time (3)
The carriage leisurely rolled through the streets of the capital. It was simply etiquette not to speed along these roads, and besides, there was no particular hurry.
I gazed at Elena, feeling the sunlight streaming through the window unusually warm. She sat with her hands demurely folded on her lap, staring out at the passing scenery.
"Milady, what are you thinking about so deeply?"
"I'm wondering what kind of prank Her Highness the Imperial Princess might pull this time."
"I see..."
It was a perfectly understandable worry. Erze wasn't the type to just sit idly by.
'No way the invitation itself is part of some massive prank, right...?'
Even so, that felt like too much of a leap. Erze loved her pranks, but she'd never once crossed the line.
Sometimes her more risqué jokes blurred that line just a bit, but otherwise, she was always careful.
I realized my thoughts were spot on a little while later.
The massive castle, visible in the distance before, was now right before our eyes. The carriage slowed along the path and soon came to a complete stop.
A simple identity check followed. It was only natural, since uninvited guests weren't allowed in a place like this.
The knights guarding the gates cleared the way, and the carriage resumed its journey.
'So this is the imperial palace...'
The original novel had described it a couple of times. Luxurious and beautiful, it had said. I'd prepared myself somewhat, but the reality made any preparation feel pointless.
The garden bursting with vibrant flowers was breathtaking enough to leave one entranced, and the decorative pieces scattered throughout seemed infused with the souls of countless artists. And the grand main palace straight ahead was utterly overwhelming.
Things that might have seemed dull before now struck me as fresh and new. Maybe I'd become a bit more noble-like after all.
Elena, peering out the window as well, spoke up.
"I'd heard rumors it was impressive, but I never imagined it would be this magnificent..."
"I think it's on par with the Frozenheart Ducal Castle."
"Even so, we don't have a garden this beautiful."
"But we get plenty of pure white snow instead. I love sitting by the window with a cup of tea on snowy days."
A leisurely cup of tea while watching the snow fall outside. That had been my one true pleasure during my time in the North.
Of course, there was a time when I hated snow. So much so that I'd called it trash falling from the sky.
But not anymore. After all, I wasn't the one shoveling it. That was for the knight order stationed at the castle and the other servants.
Tragic from up close, comedic from afar—perfectly fitting.
"I may say that, but I do love the North dearly."
"Having seen it by your side all this time, I know your feelings all too well, milady."
As we exchanged light banter, the carriage pressed on diligently, soon beginning to slow once more.
Visible outside was a building massive enough to qualify as a mansion. Likely the venue for today's banquet. The Academy's had been grand, but this dwarfed it.
And lined up in front were rows of servants, no doubt assigned to guide the guests.
Of course, even as fellow servants, these were imperial palace staff—mostly nobles themselves—so they weren't exactly approachable.
The carriage halted, and the door swung open. Thanks to Elena's magic, the cool air inside was swiftly swallowed by the sweltering heat outside.
I rose immediately and said,
"I'll assist you, milady."
"Just escort me. We're both guests today, remember."
"Understood."
I bowed my head and stepped down from the carriage.
As Elena prepared to follow, I offered my hand. She took it carefully and descended.
Serving her and escorting her might not differ much in practice, but the feeling was worlds apart. Not that one was inherently better.
Pushing such thoughts aside, I walked slowly alongside Elena.
"A pleasure to meet you. I am Bella Sneider, the servant assigned to attend you."
A woman in servant's attire curtsied gracefully, holding the hem of her skirt. Her refined poise and the luxurious fabric of her uniform clearly marked her as imperial palace staff.
Come to think of it, the Sneider family was an earldom, wasn't it...?
"Likewise, Bella. I'm Elena Frozenheart."
"And I'm Luke Nineheart."
As Elena and I greeted her, Bella offered a gentle smile.
"I'll remember that well. The banquet hasn't started yet, so may I escort you to the waiting room?"
"Yes, please lead the way."
Since Elena answered, I held my tongue. As always. When the master decided, the servant simply followed.
The problem was, I wasn't here as Elena's servant.
Bella, awaiting a response, tilted her head.
"Lord Luke, is something the matter? If you have other business, I can assist."
"No, nothing like that. I was just momentarily distracted..."
"In that case, I'll guide you to the waiting room."
"Yes, thank you."
Bella clasped her hands neatly, bowed, and took the lead.
As I moved to follow, a sudden gaze prickled from the side. Not an ordinary look—this one dripped with enough killing intent to raise goosebumps all over.
I turned to find Elena smiling at me with her eyes.
"Luke, we'll talk later."
It was undoubtedly my fault for spacing out. She'd emphasized it several times earlier, after all.
But for some reason, it didn't seem like anger over that. Maybe just my imagination.
Setting aside my lingering doubts, I followed Bella with Elena.
'So this is the imperial palace's banquet hall...'
From simple vases of flowers to enormous paintings on the walls. Nobles loved their pomp and splendor, and the imperial family was nobility among nobles. Naturally, the interior was dazzling.
Honestly, at this point, even envy had faded. Our worlds were just too far apart.
We soon arrived at the waiting room after traversing the corridor. It was lavish too, but after the earlier sights, it didn't surprise me.
Bella asked,
"Shall I prepare some tea?"
"No, that's fine. Luke, what about you?"
"I'm good, thank you."
Elena's casual question let me respond naturally.
I appreciated it, but I couldn't exactly be thrilled. What a pathetic display for a servant.
Bella excused herself to wait outside and left the room.
Now it was just Elena and me. Her sharp gaze turned my way.
"Luke, have a seat."
"Yes, milady."
I sat as bidden. She took the seat across from me.
We faced each other across the table, our eyes meeting in midair amid an awkward silence.
Elena broke it first, as expected.
"I get that you're a man and might take an interest in women. But spacing out and staring like that?"
"Pardon? What do you mean...?"
"Don't play dumb. You were gawking at Miss Bella for ages."
In short, Elena thought I'd been so smitten with Bella that I forgot to reply.
Of course, she was reasonably pretty—likely popular with men.
But who was I? The guy who'd spent ten years glued to this world's heroine, Elena. It took more than average looks to steal my attention.
"I still think you're the most beautiful, milady. From the day we met ten years ago to now, that hasn't changed."
"Then why?"
"Truth be told, I was just zoning out."
"R-Really?"
Elena's eyes darted about before returning to me.
Her lips still pursed, but she didn't seem truly upset.
"Guess I misunderstood then. Sorry."
"No need. It was my fault for giving the wrong impression."
"No, it was entirely mine."
"How could I possibly accept an apology from you, milady—"
Our back-and-forth was about to continue when the door burst open. Far too forceful for a servant.
But then again, it was only natural. The one entering wasn't Bella, but...
"What are you two even doing? I was eavesdropping outside, and... seriously."
It was Erze. She shook her head in exasperation, her airy dress swishing around her.