Published: August 1, 2025
The royal palace at night. Gas lamps hung here and there, so it wasn’t too dark to walk through. In a dim hallway, where the shadows grew even deeper, I sensed someone’s presence.
“Who’s there?”
I wasn’t afraid to call out. This was the royal palace, and the topmost floor—the floor where the king and queen’s private chambers were. The security here was tighter than anywhere else in the country; no thief could possibly sneak in. I was certain it was someone from the royal family.
As expected, the figure didn’t resist with something like, “Damn! You’ve found me!” but immediately stepped out of the darkness.
Around twenty years old, with dull dark brown bangs and thick glasses. A completely plain and unremarkable silhouette—that was my lady’s maid, Mao. She gracefully spread the hem of her skirt and bowed before me.
“Lady Reimia, what brings you here at this hour?”
She asked me instead. I had nothing to hide, so I replied.
“I wanted to speak with Brother Lionel. He’s been busy all day, so it’s hard to meet him.”
“…The Crown Prince’s room is on the second floor, just like yours, Lady Reimia…?”
“Oh, Mao just arrived at the palace, so she doesn’t know. That’s true, but Lionel is already the central figure in the government as the king’s proxy. Since his office connects to Father’s room, he spends time in there.”
I passed Mao and continued walking. Lionel was really busy; he never leisurely enjoyed tea in his room. I had to visit him quickly before he fell asleep, preparing for tomorrow. As I walked briskly, Mao spoke from behind.
“I thought the Crown Prince was practicing royal duties as the next king.”
“Yes, that’s what the people have been told.”
“Is that not the case? Even as a proxy, it seems odd to vacate his private chambers. Speaking of which, His Majesty hasn’t been seen in public since around two years ago…”
Mao unusually pressed the matter, her voice dropping very low.
“Could it be that His Majesty is… suffering from some illness—”
I chuckled.
“No, no, Father is well! He even attended my debut in society just the other day. He gave me this ring.”
I turned around and held up the ring on my right ring finger. In the dim light, the sapphire gleamed. Every girl’s heart would flutter at such a sparkle, but Mao’s gaze hardened.
“Is that… the queen’s ring?”
“Yes, a keepsake. Father told me he gave it to her.”
I smiled.
Mother… Consort Ekaterina passed away five years ago. After a long illness, my siblings and I accepted her death peacefully.
Speaking of which, Father mourned more than anyone. It was an arranged marriage; they only met at the wedding, yet Father loved Mother. He was deeply shocked by her death and struggled to recover even after the mourning period ended. That, in fact, was why Lionel emerged publicly.
Suddenly remembering my purpose, I resumed walking.
“Brother Lionel is strict but a fine man.”
Mao’s footsteps followed behind.
“Replacing the king, who can no longer even manage a polite smile, in carrying out public duties—that’s my brother. Otherwise, Dilz might have been ostracized by the international community by now.”
“…Is His Majesty still depressed?”
I nodded once, then shook my head.
“No, he has recovered somewhat. Two years ago, he thanked Lionel and returned to the throne. But immediately after, he complained of chest pains…”
I heard Mao gasp. I hurriedly shook my head again.
“It’s nothing serious. But because the cause was unknown and the symptoms resembled Mother’s illness, precautions were taken.”
“Those symptoms persist?”
“Yes. Just when it seemed better, they recurred. Father now recuperates in the detached cylindrical tower. Lionel is used to acting as the king’s proxy, so there’s no need for him to push himself.”
“The detached cylindrical tower…?”
“It used to be a watchtower, but Lionel arranged renovations because it has the best air in the palace.”
I had visited twice myself; it was a very lovely room. Being on the top floor of the tower, the view was magnificent, with a full view of the garden from the window. Flowers Mother loved were always planted there… Father liked it because it was comfortable. I was impressed by how thoughtful Brother Lionel was.