Chapter 520: The Entrance
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 520: The Entrance
That night, the Imperial Palace was a sea of lights.
As the most luxurious residence in the city—and indeed, the entire empire—it was illuminated as bright as day by the glow of countless precious magic stones.
Carriages bearing various family crests rolled down the grand avenue, a thoroughfare wide enough for a hundred horses to ride abreast. They passed through gates guarded by exquisite sculptures and toward the sprawling, majestic palace.
Knights in polished, gleaming armor stood watch with solemn expressions. Carriages were forbidden from proceeding any further, so the noble lords in their crisp formal suits stepped out, escorting exquisitely made-up noble ladies. With heads held high, they walked slowly into the palace.
Their hosts were already waiting inside. Greetings were polite and restrained, punctuated by the occasional witty remark that drew perfectly timed, practiced laughter amidst the clinking of glasses.
However, a portion of the crowd lingered near the entrance. These were the ones waiting for people they wished to greet—or rather, curry favor with—who had not yet arrived. Others were there on orders to keep watch for any heavyweights, ready to rush inside and inform their masters so a proper reception could be prepared.
"Ah, it’s Marquis Angus. Has he already returned from abroad?"
"Indeed. It’s quite a rarity to see the Minister of Foreign Affairs at a ball."
"Count Rhode is here as well. Wait, who is his companion tonight? I don't recognize her."
"Supposedly his new wife. His previous lady passed away from illness brought on by grief after their youngest son’s accidental death. This woman moved in only a few months later; they were likely seeing each other long before that."
"Tsk, that fellow Sean is here too. How unlucky."
"A low-born upstart. Does he really think becoming the Magistrate of the Lower District earns him a seat in high society? Ridiculous."
"And Bugard’s bastard daughter is here as well."
"Shh... She has been officially confirmed as the next heir to the Bugard family. Saying such things in public will only offend them."
The air was thick with hushed whispers. Even at a Royal Ball where the elite gathered, slander and gossip were unavoidable.
However, the chatter came to an abrupt halt when a black carriage arrived.
It appeared to be an ordinary carriage, looking somewhat out of place among the surrounding opulence. Yet, the single emblem hanging casually from its side was enough to make every person of status there hold their tongue.
It was a magnificent crown suspended over a jewel-encrusted sword.
The Crown and Sword—the Royal Crest. Only members of the imperial family were permitted to display it.
There was no need to guess which member of the royalty would be arriving from outside the palace tonight.
A waiter stepped forward and respectfully opened the carriage door.
Tap.
With a crisp sound, a slender, delicate leg entered the public's view, a crystal high heel stepping firmly onto the floor.
Then, a tall, beautiful girl emerged from the carriage. Her gaze was shy and timid, yet possessed a strange, sharp edge as she looked around. Her flawless face carried a hint of gloom, yet her presence made the hearts of everyone nearby skip a beat.
Except...
"Huh? That’s not Princess Celicia?"
Someone couldn't help but cry out in surprise.
Though she had stepped out of a carriage bearing the Royal Crest, those conspicuous, voluminous golden waves of hair could never belong to the well-known silver-haired Princess.
While the crowd was still reeling in confusion, the blonde beauty suddenly rubbed her face and took a deep breath. The gloom on her face vanished, replaced by a bright, handsome smile. She turned back and reached a hand into the carriage.
A slender hand encased in a white lace glove slowly reached out, resting in the blonde girl's palm. With an elegant pull from the blonde beauty, the silver-haired Princess finally stepped gracefully out of the carriage.
The two stunning faces complemented each other so perfectly that many in the crowd were left dazed.
It took several seconds before they remembered to bow and greet the Princess.
"Your Highness."
"Good evening, Your Highness."
Celicia gave a slight nod in response. "Good evening."
"Ah, Thea, you’ve arrived."
At that moment, a familiar figure stepped out of the palace at just the right time, affectionately calling Celicia by her pet name.
Second Prince Andrew approached with a smile, personally coming to welcome his sister, who had arrived a bit late.
"I trust you didn't run into any trouble on the way? You insist on living in the Lower District, and it isn't exactly safe there."
"Thank you for your concern, brother. The journey was smooth."
Celicia elegantly pinched the sides of her skirt. The blonde beauty beside her froze for a moment, and only after her shin was struck by a lightning-fast kick—invisible to the onlookers—did she seem to react. With awkward, stiff movements, she gave her own skirt a clumsy tug.
"And this is..."
Andrew’s attention had naturally been drawn to the unfamiliar blonde beauty from the start. He was surprised that his cold, distant sister would invite someone to a ball—especially a beauty this striking whom he didn't recognize.
"This is the younger daughter of Count Rudorn, Muse Rudorn. She is a dear friend of mine," Celicia introduced.
"She has been frail and bedridden for years, so she never had the chance to appear in social circles. I took this opportunity to bring her along to the ball."
"I see. I didn't realize you had such close personal friends, Celicia. How rare. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Muse."
"H-Hello, Prince Andrew."
The blonde beauty forced a stiff smile.
That slightly bizarre expression made Andrew frown slightly... She didn't exactly look like a well-bred young lady.
"Because Muse has been ill for so long, she hasn't had the chance to study lady's etiquette. If she causes any offense, I hope my brother will be lenient," Celicia explained quickly.
"Oh, I see."
Andrew nodded in understanding. "Since she is Thea’s friend, she is my friend as well. Please, enjoy the ball, Miss Muse."
"Th-Thank you."
After the pleasantries, the blonde beauty didn't seem to want to linger. She walked into the palace alongside Celicia.
However, her gait was still somewhat awkward, as if she were extremely uncomfortable with the way people were looking at her.
"Celicia, this isn't what we agreed on!"
The blonde beauty was, of course, Muen. Taking advantage of the fact that they hadn't yet entered the main hall, Muen lowered his voice and hissed a question.
"We agreed on a maid! What’s with this 'friend' business? This is way too conspicuous!"
"Do you think I wanted this?"
Celicia’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Muen’s currently flawless, stunning face. She said coldly, "With a face as eye-catching as yours, do you think people wouldn't get suspicious if I claimed you were my maid?"
"...Is it my fault I'm beautiful?"
"Shut up."
"..."
"In any case, you will use this identity for now. Count Rudorn is one of my people; I’ve already made the arrangements on his end. Even if someone investigates your identity, they won't find any issues. Being the daughter of a Count also gives you more freedom of movement."
"...Fine."
At this point, Muen had no way to back out. He could only steel himself and follow Celicia into the ballroom.
Before the crowd could swarm Celicia, Muen quickly scanned the hall. He realized that his target for this trip had not yet appeared.
Has Prince Albert not arrived yet?
Muen murmured under his breath. However, just as he turned his head to say something to Celicia...
"Celicia!"
A familiar voice caused Muen’s expression to change instantly.