ETL – Chapter 9
I touched the area where the wound was and was relieved. I wiped my face with a handkerchief when someone interrupted my refreshment time.
He was a young servant of the temple named Melon. The pronunciation was the same as melon in korean so I remembered his name easily. There were a few hundred people at the temple but I memorized them all using tricks like that.
I took the papers from him and passed him one of the cakes that were next to the muffins.
“Do you want to try some?”
“Ha, but…”
The child had mint colored hair which matched his name. He looked at the cake and hesitated but he eventually took it.
I flipped through the papers before putting them down. It was difficult to learn the culture and economy of this world. I worked hard and did my best to learn it as quickly as I could.
I picked up the fork and put another bite of the muffin in my mouth.
I thought it was a good idea to eat more today, especially sweets, since I spent yesterday destroying the demon. To me, delicious food was more valuable than glittering jewelry. Although apparently if I removed a couple of jewels from dresses in my room that I never wore, I could live comfortably for several years. Those gems were expensive and could probably feed me well if it was down on my last luck.
Right now, happiness is eating what is in front of my face. I guess I was hungrier than I thought. I had a muffin, 2 pieces of cake, and now I was starting on the macaroons.
The other ladies were telling me to stop eating before the party that evening. They have already started starving themselves since yesterday. I replied by putting another macaroon in my mouth.
Getting ready… there should be enough time if I start an hour before it is time to leave.
That was my thought.
I spent my time eating snacks and reading a popular romance novel these days <The Majesty’s Secret Meeting at the Masquerade>.
I read half the novel before the maids said that time was running out and they ushered me to take a bath again.
The only parties I attended were the Emperor’s Birthday and the Founding Day celebration. Because of this, I did not know much about aristocratic parties. I thought it was a hassle spending all that time preparing beforehand.
“So annoying…”
“I’m not finished yet. Oh! Where did my mind go? I forgot to wash your nails. Terilla, come here and clean the Saintess’s nails,” said the general manager of the temple.
She was 30 years older than me. At first she could not talk to me, let alone make eye contact with me. But now I know that she’ll interact with me in moderation.
Was the first impression of me that scary? I closed my eyes as they continued to bathe me.
After they finished, my hair really sparkled like a pearl and my nails were painted red, the same color as my eyes. They also drew little pictures on my nails.
The white priest outfit they chose for the occasion was fancy. I firmly said that I would not wear it and they eventually gave up on it.
“I don’t think I can wear this one.”
Going in my usual outfits would have been enough, why do I have to dress up so much for the emperor and nobles?
“I would like to wear something else.”
The head maid coughed loudly.
“All… the other clothes will be the same… first of all, this outfit…”
Even though she’s more than twice my age, she can’t seem to speak to me.
I can’t imagine myself walking around wearing something like that…
Unlike the priest’s uniform, this dress was colorful and full of intricate patterns.
It took 2 hours to bathe, 1.5 hours for preparations, and 1 hour to get dressed. As a result, evening already came. I skipped lunch and the party was quickly approaching. Parties were not really my thing.
“Reneben…”
“Did you call?”
I checked my reflection in the mirror. There seemed to be nothing different than usual at first but then you notice a big difference.
My hair sparkled as if there was a pearl shimmer on it. My red lips were more lively than usual. The white priest uniform twirled beautifully as I turned around. I felt like I had to be careful with my movements.
Reneben also seemed to look better than usual for the party. Since the princess will also be there, he had to dress to impress compared to his usual outfit.
Among the people here, I had a soft spot for Reneben. I had a satisfying smile as I looked over him.
I looked at him for a while and Reneben did not avoid my gaze so I took a step forward. Only then, he broke free from his thoughts and placed his hand out.
“I’ll escort you.”
Holding onto Reneben’s hand, I climbed onto the carriage. Reneben went on horseback again, leaving me alone in the carriage.
There was not much to do on the carriage ride so I brought along the novel I was reading earlier.
**********
Cars were definitely superior than carriages. No matter how good a carriage was, riding in one for a long time was stressful due to the rattling movements and varying speeds.
I stood in front of the Imperial Palace and presented my invitation. The knights then opened the door to the banquet hall.
Reneben was familiar with the protocol but I was not. Our names were announced as we entered the hall.
Maybe I was a little late but there were already so many people in the hall. My body stiffened a little because of it.
It seems that the princess has not arrived yet. A silence fell over the hall when I entered. I hate stuff like this.
I noticed the curtain moving over there, with clothing peeking through. As I looked closer, there was a man and woman hiding there. The woman was clinging to the man with her arms around his waist as the man was kissing her.
Interesting…
It was not the princess but I did not expect to see this type of secret meeting. Both were nobles I did not know but suddenly the party seemed more interesting.
Come to think of it, I heard that there was an aristocratic party of alcohol and pleasure that happens after midnight across the street. I have to see it one day.
Without knowing what I was thinking, Reneben smiled innocently and asked, “If you need anything, please let me know.”
I looked over the crowd and was able to identify the groups that were either friendly or hostile towards each other. As I walked through the hall, there were many eyes on me. I wanted them to stop.
“I think it’s better to sit down first.”
Reneben was more than happy to guide me to a sofa in the corner.
I sat down on the sofa but was not able to get myself comfortable. My legs were the only thing that was comfortable as I was not putting any weight on it. I stretched my back and put my hands on my lap. I wanted to lean back comfortably but it was not possible right now.
“Normally high ranking aristocrats arrive at the peak of the party. We were supposed to be the last to enter but I did not expect to arrive earlier due to the newly paved road.”
“I did feel like the time to reach the palace was shorter than usual…”
Then that means that the main characters will appear at the end.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
I was whining to myself I could have at least an hour more of rest.
I observed the room hoping to find something interesting. However, everybody was minding their manners and talking to each other.
“We came too early. His Majesty has not arrived yet and neither the princess or duke…”
I spoke too early. The knight opened his mouth to announce another guest. Reneben’s face changed visibly but I was still relaxed. At the doorway stood the princess with her long black hair. A fancy dress adorned her child-like figure and her face was free of make-up.