Masquerade - Chapter 0
Prologue
Unlike yesterday, today is unsettling.
Elia glared at the source of anxiety that had arrived since dawn. It was a letter brought by her maid, Marie.
[To Your Highness, the Princess.
I have heard the news that you will be having your coming-of-age ceremony this year.
Having observed Your Highness’s growth, I have no doubt that you will excel at the Dedante Ball.
Would you grant me the honor of revealing myself before Your Highness?
I wish to meet you at the Marquis of Dint’s masquerade ball on the day of the full moon.]
Even after rereading, the ominous feeling remained. The first letter sent by the princess’s sponsor, who had been supporting her for years, was anonymous.
The loyal maid, sensing Elia’s mood, added,
“It was already here at dawn, so I’m not sure exactly who sent it. I plan to meet with the royal postmaster this afternoon.”
“If they deliberately sent it anonymously, meeting the postmaster won’t yield any results. The more I think about it, the more suspicious it seems. And to suggest meeting at a masquerade ball? Isn’t that perverted?”
As Elia frowned, Marie carefully made an excuse.
“Surely not, Your Highness. Look at the doctors and teachers that person has sent so far. They’ve all been serious and are highly skilled. They sent them all the way to this remote place to ensure Your Highness could study without lacking anything. They must truly care for Your Highness, without a doubt.”
Elia was a princess of the kingdom and the daughter of the late king, but she had been living in a separate palace, almost in convalescence, after suffering from illness for many years. In fact, she had been healthy for quite some time, but since no one paid attention to her, she was still officially known as the sickly princess. And since it was convenient to stay alone, she didn’t bother to correct the misconception. As a result of living too comfortably, she was having her coming-of-age ceremony this year, five years after turning 20.
Apart from those who visit regularly to examine or teach the princess, there were hardly any visitors. Even Marie, her maid, was not from a noble family, so there were no formal social activities.
“I was expecting them to visit me around the time of my coming-of-age ceremony. But to approach like this……”
A lukewarm autumn breeze blew through the open window. The chiffon curtains lightly swelled and subsided. The spire of the main palace was visible in the distance, smaller than a fingernail. The separate palace where Elia stayed was quiet, separated from the main palace by a vast garden and forest.
She was used to living alone. Planting leafy vegetables and flowers in the garden, receiving lessons daily, getting medical check-ups monthly, occasionally writing books, and sometimes going outside the palace.
It suddenly occurred to her that she had been living alone for over 10 years. Elia recalled the education she had received. Even she had to acknowledge her sponsor’s discernment in how they managed to send such unknown but talented individuals. That’s why this invitation was even more perplexing. After investing so much effort, to make such a rude first invitation.
“Still, given my current situation, anyone would find a masquerade ball invitation suspicious.”
“What’s wrong with Your Highness’s situation?”
“Are you seriously asking that?”
Elia looked around the palace where not even the sound of people could be heard.
“It must be a pervert.”
“Well, who knows? That remains to be seen.”
“No matter how I look at it, it’s suspicious. Why are you so positive about this?”
“Has there ever been a day when I wasn’t?”
Well, that’s true too.
Thanks to the always positive Marie, Elia was able to avoid falling into depression despite her isolated life. Not just Marie, but most of the maids and servants working in the separate palace took care of the princess wholeheartedly.
Since Elia started to regain her health five years ago, the princess’s palace has been running very smoothly. Even Crensen I, the late king’s brother and Elia’s uncle, didn’t interfere with the separate palace, only regularly sending medicinal herbs that were said to be good for health.
“First of all, it’s too strange to suggest meeting at a masquerade ball. Isn’t that where people go to find lovers? You seem to have forgotten too, but I’m a princess. What an absurd invitation is this?”
“It’s also a place where one can meet without attracting anyone’s attention. I’ve heard that even domestic and international confidential contacts take place in such settings. Perhaps, whoever they are, they’re being cautious because coming directly to this palace to see Your Highness would immediately cause rumors.”
“Secondly, if they wanted my response, they could have revealed their identity. They hid their personal information even in the letter. It’s rude and arrogant. It means they have something to hide.”
“They’re being cautious too. Hmm… given how careful they’re being, it must be one of two things: either they’re a big shot or…”
“Or someone insignificant.”
Elia clenched her fist without Marie noticing. For over 10 years, she had only been in contact with doctors and scholars from the Academia. In reality, she had no power within the court, and her coming of age was approaching. She needed at least some voices to create a favorable public opinion when she appeared at official events. Otherwise, as soon as she had her coming-of-age ceremony, she would be married off to a foreign royal family like a commodity. The fate of princesses and princes who don’t succeed to the throne was often similar.
Elia glared briefly at the suspicious invitation.
“Order a mask for me.”
rompom
I love Song Yun! Will follow this story 😊