Chapter 5 – It Was That Face Again (2)

By the time Seilia returned home that night, her entire body felt as heavy as lead.  

‘Drawing a line? What nonsense…!’  

Even while discussing the terms of the contract, Leo’s constant, subtle provocations drained even Seilia’s incredible patience.  

Her hands, which had been gripping and releasing the cushion beside her to suppress her rising anger, were now red and swollen.  

Seilia, too exhausted to even lift her weary body, lay down sideways.  

At that moment, her maid Anna burst into the bedroom with a loud clatter. She was panting heavily, clutching a letter in her hand, and seemed to be struggling to convey something.  

“L-Lady…!”  

Just as Seilia thought she could finally rest, it started again. 

Couldn’t I just get some peace?  

Seilia let out a deep sigh, but her nanny, who had been sewing nearby, spoke up in her place.  

“What is it? What could possibly be causing such a commotion?”  

Anna, who had been oblivious until now, finally began to notice the sharpness in the nanny’s scolding tone. She handed over the crumpled letter, which she had gripped tightly while running. The nanny passed it to Seilia.  

Seilia slowly sat up and took the letter.  

“Where is this letter from?”  

It wasn’t the kind of hour when letters would usually arrive. The envelope looked expensive at a glance, and Seilia’s gaze, as she inspected it, was filled with suspicion.  

“A secretary from the Imperial Palace just delivered it, saying it was imperative that it be given to you, My Lady.”  

The moment the word “Imperial Palace” left Anna’s lips, Seilia didn’t need to hear any more. She tore the envelope open roughly.  

The letter detailed a schedule of dates, beginning tomorrow, for her to visit the Imperial Palace under the pretense of “finalizing the contract.”  

What’s more, the dates were so closely packed that there was barely a day’s gap between them.  

She couldn’t hold back her words.  

“This insane Emperor…”  

***

The next afternoon.  

In the garden of the Ernian Ducal villa, Seilia was having tea with a young lady whose vibrant green hair reminded one of a bright summer day.  

Seilia, her eyes hollow and tired, repeatedly picked up and set down her teacup, while Revelia, the green-haired lady, watched her with disbelief.  

There was a reason behind Revelia’s wide-eyed shock.  

Seilia, who had always shared everything with her childhood friend without holding back, had confided in Revelia about all the events of the past few days.  

“So… what you’re saying… is that it’s all true? Every word of it?”  

“Yes, it’s true. Even I thought it was utter nonsense at first.”  

Though this was the fifth time Revelia had asked the same question, Seilia hadn’t expected her to believe such an unbelievable story so easily.  

A proposal from her ex-lover, who had betrayed her? It sounded like a melodrama.  

“So, are you really going to go through with it?”  

Revelia, the only person who knew everything about the long two years of this twisted relationship, was more worried about Seilia’s impulsive nature than her decision-making.  

“I’m not in a position to take my time. If not for Leo—or rather, that man—I’ll have no choice but to marry whoever my father wants.”  

Even though her parents didn’t want her in a political marriage, as the sole direct descendant, they would undoubtedly stir up a storm to find her a suitable match.  

Though she didn’t fully agree, Revelia seemed to understand Seilia’s reasoning.  

“Are you sure you’ve thought this through? I mean, marrying someone like him…”  

“I’ve thought about it all night. It’s not like we’ll actually live together as a real couple, so what’s the big deal?”  

Revelia was at a loss for words, stunned by Seilia’s overly simplistic response.  

Realizing that Seilia’s mind was already made up, Revelia decided to let the matter drop.  

“The bigger problem is how you’ll be chosen. You need the approval of all three High Priests, don’t you? Plus, if Leo picks you over Princess Blair and the other candidates, people will cry foul about fairness.”  

The Selection Day, hosted by the High Temple, was a significant event. Before the ceremony, the temple would choose the most outstanding candidate from the list.  

But with so many daughters of noble families filling the list, even if Leo chose her, it would all be for nothing if the temple didn’t select her.  

As Seilia’s gaze turned serious, Revelia reassured her with a calm tone.  

“Don’t worry. Surely the noble daughter of the Ernian Dukedom won’t be overlooked. Well… unless Princess Blair is involved, in which case things might get tricky…”  

“Is that supposed to be comforting or not?”  

Seilia bit her plump lip in frustration, while Revelia, who had been watching her intently, suddenly let out a knowing hum.  

“What?”  

Revelia’s gaze, as if she could see through everything, was met by Seilia’s sharp, cat-like eyes, forcing her to lower her own.  

“Why are you so against not being chosen? You sound like someone who really wants it. Could it be that you…”  

Before Revelia could finish, Seilia cut her off decisively.  

“If you’re hoping I still have feelings for him, you’d be better off waiting for a chick to hatch from a boiled egg.”  

Though her words were harsh, Seilia delivered them with a calm demeanor. However, it was impossible to fool Revelia, who had known her since infancy.  

Still, knowing how fiery Seilia’s temper could be, Revelia decided not to push further and let it slide.  

Annoyed by Revelia’s skepticism, Seilia irritably removed her wide-brimmed hat, letting her platinum blonde hair cascade in waves, caught by the wind.  

Watching her, Revelia sighed and said in a scolding tone, 

“Seilia, you’re wonderful in every way, but your temper is a real problem.”  

Unable to meet Seilia’s piercing gaze, Revelia turned her head and cleared her throat awkwardly.  

Seilia pressed her tired eyes with the back of her hand, stood up, and ordered the maids to prepare the carriage.  

“Are you heading to the palace now?”  

“Yes. The damned Emperor’s summons can’t be ignored.”  

While Seilia nonchalantly adjusted her hat, Revelia gasped and tried to cover her mouth.  

Worried that someone might overhear, Revelia frantically looked around, only to see the maids wearing expressions that suggested they were used to this. Relieved, Revelia relaxed.  

“Once you get used to her temper, it’s not so bad.” 

Revelia joked to the maids, who chuckled in agreement.  

Seilia gave Revelia a light pat and said, 

“I’ll be off, then.” 

***

Shortly after, Seilia arrived at the Imperial Palace—or rather, just at its entrance.  

Her fingers drummed nervously on the seat of the carriage as she waited.  

Leo had arranged for her to enter discreetly to avoid rumors of a private meeting between a candidate and the Emperor before Selection Day. However, her carriage had been stopped.  

“If you do not declare your house’s affiliation, the passenger must step out personally.”  

Outside, the guards stationed at the back gate were arguing with the attendants.  

The nanny, sitting beside Seilia, looked utterly exasperated, while the attendants, sworn to secrecy, dared not call for her.  

With no insignia to prove the carriage belonged to the Ernian Dukedom, there was no other option.  

“Such an annoyance. Open the door.”  

“No, My Lady, please stay seated!”  

Ignoring her nanny’s protests, Seilia threw the door open with a forceful bang.  

As she stepped down gracefully, the soldiers, mesmerized by her commanding presence and striking appearance, could only stare.  

Seilia’s cold gaze swept over them like a winter storm.  

“I’ve stepped out, as you wished. Now, continue.”  

Her tone, naturally condescending, filled the soldiers with a creeping sense of unease. But having already caused a scene, they had no choice but to proceed.  

“Forgive us, My Lady. May I ask which house you belong to and why you are entering through the back gate?”  

“House of Ernian.”  

The guard, who had been scowling, was so shocked by her answer that he stammered, 

“Pardon?!”  

Though the carriage lacked any identifying insignia, its luxurious design had hinted at high nobility. However, the realization of her rank left the guard trembling.  

“I entered through the back gate under His Majesty’s orders for secrecy. I wasn’t aware I needed your permission as well.”  

Seilia’s sharp words left the guard flustered, his face pale.  

With a faint smile, she added,

“If you understand the gravity of your mistake, then shut up and open the gate.”