CHAPTER 023
The capital of the Helterd Empire was beyond Arabelle's imagination. Even the surrounding satellite cities they passed through before reaching the capital were incomparable to the towns she had seen so far.
The population, traffic, bustling streets, and magnificent buildings were on a completely different level than those of Kender, the barony where she was born and raised, and the neighboring towns.
It was as if she had encountered a new civilization; everything was astonishing. When the gates of the huge capital's walls opened, an unimaginable new world unfolded before her wide eyes.
Athener, the capital of Helterd's largest city. Athener was known as the center of the continent's economy, philosophy, education, culture, and fashion, and under the rule of the 27th Emperor Maxwell, it was experiencing its peak prosperity.
The highest nobles from across the empire and the continent flaunted the latest trends, scholars and inventors boasted their knowledge and ideas, and traders showcased new items they had brought. Even the flags of the empire hung on common buildings were meticulously aligned and fluttering in unison. Every alley of the market was perfectly planned, befitting the name of the capital.
Few knew that beneath the well-paved streets with not a speck of trash in sight, numerous secret passages were hidden. Nor did many know that soldiers and weapons were stationed in those passages, always ready for battle.
The underground military facilities were planned to deal with enemies inside and outside the capital. Of course, it was Emperor Maxwell's idea.
While the primary purpose was to counter external enemies attacking the capital, the facilities were also quite useful for unexpectedly dealing with internal factions plotting rebellion within the empire.
The underground paths were connected to the emperor's bed-chamber in the palace, and the emperor often used them for secret excursions.
Arabelle, gazing out the window, tilted her head slightly. Strangely, although the emperor's procession had entered the capital, there were no greetings directed at him. In fact, the citizens of the capital seemed too busy with their own tasks to even care.
It was very different from how the people in the barony or other lords' domains would stop their work in the fields to bow their heads in greeting when their lords returned.
"I issued a decree banning it. Unless it's a special event like a commemorative day, they should not show any interest in royalty or nobles," the emperor, who had joined Arabelle in the carriage to pass through the capital, explained.
"I despise wasting time on unnecessary formalities. Doing something productive with that time is more beneficial to the empire. The same applies within the palace."
Arabelle nodded, indicating she understood, and carefully spoke, "The buildings... their colors differ by blocks."
Instead of a variety of buildings showcasing individuality, groups of dozens of buildings shared the same colors, such as red, mustard, and gray.
"It's for managing city pollution like sewers and garbage, as well as preventing and recovering from natural disasters. It makes managing the capital more efficient."
The emperor's thoughtfulness for the citizens of the empire moved Arabelle, and her hazel eyes sparkled as she looked at him. The emperor, who didn’t bother to add that it was especially useful when sending assassins or deploying soldiers, smiled along with her.
Looking at the perfectly organized cityscape, Arabelle muttered to herself, "I don't see any trees or flowers."
The capital was indeed splendid and beautiful, but trees and flowers were hard to find.
The few flowers visible were for building decoration, intentionally matched in color and size, rather than natural scenery. To Arabelle, the dazzling capital felt somehow lonely.
"What did you say?" the emperor asked.
"Oh, nothing. Everything is so overwhelming that I don't know where to look," Arabelle replied cautiously.
Satisfied with her answer, Maxwell's lips curved into a smile. 'I'll show you around the capital after returning to the palace,' he thought but then kept his mouth shut.
Once we return to the palace... Looking at the delicate profile of the young lady, who seemed like a watercolor soaked with water, Maxwell thought, 'It will be hard to have such time together again.'
"For the next two months while the contest unfolds," his deep, resonant voice caught Arabelle's attention, making her turn from the window to look at him.
"You will have to stay in the annex palace within the main palace. Though it's said you are invited to stay, it's no different from being confined. Are you alright with that?"
"Yes."
"For the next two months... we won't be able to have such free time together," the emperor continued, meeting Arabelle's eyes with his red ones.
Arabelle nodded, understanding.
She knew well that the past week spent with the emperor had been an exceptional exception. Once they returned to the palace, she wouldn't have many opportunities to meet him. Apart from trying to break the emperor's curse, she shouldn't bother him.
Her throat felt as if it were blocked with hot air. Arabelle tried to fix her gaze on the dazzling cityscape passing by.
"There will be unjust and difficult times in the annex palace, where my reach cannot extend. Times when you might want to flee," the emperor's voice, low and heavy, made Arabelle turn to face him again.
"I won't run away. I will stay until the emperor's curse is lifted," she promised in a quiet but unwavering voice.
'After the contest ends... after my curse is broken... we'll visit the chocolate shop in the capital together,' the emperor thought but couldn't say. He got off the carriage and mounted his horse again.
***
The carriage moved without hesitation through endless expanses of grass on both sides.
After passing the grand fountain, eight feet tall and made of gold, and statues of ancient gods arranged in a line, they went through eight gardens, including the one where the emperor had promised to teach her to swim, and finally reached the front of the palace.
The Helterd Imperial Palace, with its golden-domed roof and sprawling wings extending from a central cream-colored structure, symbolized the empire's absolute power and wealth.
Though it caught the eye with its splendor and grandeur from afar, it was even more overwhelming up close.
"This place also lacks the scent of nature."
The gardens and lawns, designed to highlight the intricate architecture by the continent's greatest master, were perfect in every way.
However, there was a certain coldness and artificiality to them that made them feel lonely. Even from the mountain visible behind the palace, Arabelle couldn’t sense the usual lively and warm vitality.
At that moment, as Arabelle gazed out the window, a captivating face filled her view.
Sitting on his horse and leaning down, the emperor whispered softly, "It's time for us to part now. Your carriage will head to the annex palace, separated by the maze garden from the main palace."
Unable to speak, Arabelle forced a smile.
She tried to appear confident, giving a slight nod. Seeing her thin hands trembling slightly within her wide eyes, the emperor's grip on the reins tightened.
This was the first time he felt such unease. He hadn’t been this anxious even when thrown onto the battlefield. It felt as if he was throwing a newborn fawn, completely ignorant of the food chain, to a pack of wolves.
There were still so many things he needed to teach her... so many things he wanted to say... Feeling pressed for time, the emperor swallowed dryly.
"Your Majesty, the envoy from the Beyute Kingdom is waiting. It seems related to the orders you gave," reported Kyle, the advisor, in a low voice, making the emperor's face return to its usual cold, expressionless state.
"Then, escort the young lady safely to the annex palace," the emperor ordered, and the carriage carrying Arabelle began to move again.
The annex palace within the imperial palace, known as the Lotus Palace, was elegant and beautiful enough to rival any small kingdom's royal palace.
Surrounded by twelve annex buildings encircling three enchanting ponds connected by bridges, it showcased the architectural style of the eastern continent beyond the sea, unlike the main palace influenced by the ancient Agter.
The carriage arrived at the gate in the high wall enclosing the twelve annexes.
As a footman respectfully opened the carriage door, a small foot stepped down onto the smooth white stone floor. As Arabelle lifted the hem of her dress and alighted from the carriage, a parasol was held over her head.
Looking up, she saw Vera, who had been the head maid of the count’s household but was now Arabelle's personal maid, holding the parasol.
"You must do this to avoid being disrespected. There are eyes everywhere watching you."
Vera whispered to Arabelle, who wrinkled her nose awkwardly. Having spent her life serving the haughty countess and her daughters, Vera felt her past grievances had not been in vain. Knowing the mannerisms and behaviors of those haughty ladies well, she could be of help to the kind Arabelle.
"Welcome, Lady Arabelle."
Half a dozen women in dark gray maid uniforms bowed to greet Arabelle at the entrance adorned with lotus motifs.
"I am Bridget, head maid in charge of the imperial household and staff."
Vera, who had taken pride in her title as the head maid of a reputable count’s household, unconsciously swallowed upon seeing Bridget. With not a hair out of place, Bridget's silver-gray hair was neatly tied into a bun below her crown. She wore a stiff, plain gray uniform dress devoid of any accessories except for a silver clover pin symbolizing a marquess's rank. Her hands, though wrinkled, were neatly folded in front of her.
Her presence was dignified and imposing, incomparable even to the countess Vera had served.
"I will escort you to your quarters."
Her courteous voice somehow made one feel intimidated. Following Bridget, the three maids escorted Arabelle.
As Arabelle crossed the main gate of the annex, the maids felt a mix of joy and concern. She would endure much pain and hardship. They had already received a generous advance from the Emperor, and their promised wages were over four times their regular pay. The maids tried to shake off their anxiety, focusing on the Emperor’s order to serve Lady Arabelle faithfully.
The eleventh annex they arrived at exuded a serene beauty.
"Since this residence was prepared in haste, there may be many aspects you find unsatisfactory. Please let me know, and they will be immediately addressed."
Contrary to Bridget's words, the residence was immaculate and perfectly organized.
There were rooms for Arabelle, her maids, a guest reception room, and a drawing room for hobbies. Arabelle's eyes widened as she took in the beautiful and spacious annex she could now call her own.
"And this is Millie, who will serve you. She is well-versed in the ways of the imperial household and will be very useful to you."
"We were supposed to serve the lady..." Vera began, trying to keep her voice steady.
"It is customary for each candidate to be assigned a maid from the imperial household," Bridget explained solemnly. "Even if you brought maids from home, you need someone familiar with the imperial customs and the layout of the palace."
With wide eyes, Arabelle listened silently as Bridget added, "During the competition, only the maid assigned by the imperial household may accompany you to ensure fairness."
The three maids exchanged uneasy glances, but Bridget continued in a low voice, "Millie, greet your lady. This is Lady Arabelle of the Delceacre family."
From behind Bridget and her maids, a tall, thin girl with black hair in pigtails stepped forward and bowed to her peer.
"Greetings, my lady. My name is Millie. I will serve you to the best of my ability."
Arabelle's eyes crinkled into a warm smile as she replied, "Nice to meet you, Millie. I look forward to your assistance."
Millie's downcast eyes sparkled with intelligence.
***
It was the first night in the annex, but despite closing her eyes, Arabelle couldn't sleep. Resting on a soft bed that seemed like it would bring sleep easily, she tossed and turned restlessly.
Thud.
A small sound came from the balcony above the bedroom. Arabelle picked up the night lamp from the bedside table and carefully peeked outside through a slightly opened curtain. Aside from the gentle light spilling in from the lamp by the pond, it was a dark night.
As she was about to close the curtain, a small object the size of two palms joined together caught her eye on the balcony just outside the window. In the lamp's glow, a small red velvet box came into view.
Placing the lamp on the floor, Arabelle carefully opened the balcony door and picked up the box with both hands.
Untying the purple ribbon, she opened the box to reveal twenty-four beautifully wrapped chocolates. It was the chocolate she had loved most from the dessert cafe she visited with the Emperor.
Arabelle’s eyes widened in surprise, then curved into crescent shapes as she took in the surrounding darkness.
Holding the velvet box close to her chest, she turned towards the darkness.
After bowing deeply to someone below the balcony, she went back inside. A tall, slender silhouette watched her for a moment from the balcony above, then quickly walked away from the annex.
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