“The First Prince?”

At the same time, the Emperor, who was attending to his duties, widened his eyes in surprise. He had heard earlier about Ludwig’s desire to take the eldest daughter of the Brioden family as his wife. It was something Ludwig had personally told him when he came to visit.

The Duke’s family had been discussing marriage proposals anyway, and Ludwig had requested to bring Sezlin to the palace as a reward for bringing news of victory. So there was no reason or grounds to object, nominally speaking.

But he never imagined Ludwig would bring her immediately after receiving permission. It wasn’t a major issue, but it was an unexpected decision from Ludwig, who typically used caution as his weapon. No matter how urgent the entry, one usually went through proper procedures before entering the palace. Even in exceptional circumstances, such an abrupt entry was extremely unusual.

‘The eldest daughter of Brioden.’

Since Sezlin was also a noble, the Emperor had seen her before. But it wasn’t a particularly good memory.

The outcast of high society. The ruffian lady. She was a woman full of the arrogance typical of high nobles, as rumors suggested. So when the marriage was first proposed, the person the Emperor had wanted was not Sezlin but April.

Though she was an illegitimate child, she was more suited to royalty than Sezlin.

However, the partner Ludwig had chosen was none other than Sezlin, the eldest daughter of Brioden.

“I’m told quarters have been prepared next to the First Prince’s room. His Highness gave these instructions three days ago, they said.”

Three days ago would be the day after receiving the Emperor’s permission.

“So the Prince and the Lady entered together?”

“Yes. They entered the palace together with the First Prince just now.”

“Ho ho…”

The Emperor let out a hearty laugh and put down his quill. To think he would choose her as his marriage partner.

“Aren’t you surprised, Empress?”

The Emperor looked at the woman sitting a little distance away. The Second Empress, Mazelina, who was covering her mouth with a fan, fluttered her long eyelashes.

“Is there anything to be surprised about?”

Her elegant eyes gradually curved. Behind the ornate fan sat a satisfied smile.

However, what that smile contained was not just satisfaction.

“They say their hearts matched, so it’s rather a good thing.”

Doubt. It was doubt.

The corners of her lips, which had risen skyward, bent crookedly.

Soon, Mazelina rose from the sofa and moved leisurely. She headed toward the window where the sunset glowed. Looking outside, Mazelina murmured.

“Since the Lady has arrived.”

Snap—

The fan covering her mouth closed quickly.

“Shouldn’t we hold a celebration?”

* * *

The Emperor wasn’t the only one surprised by the news of Sezlin’s entry into the palace. The employees of the First Prince’s palace, where she would stay, were so anxious about the arrival of a new mistress that they couldn’t sleep at night.

After all, who was she?

The villainess of Brioden.

Lady Sezlin Brioden, famous for her outlandish, crazy acts. To think he would get engaged to such a person. Most of the employees trembled at the hardships that would unfold. But before Sezlin, Ludwig himself was by no means an easy master.

A monster who had lived his entire life on the battlefield. An inexplicable chill was felt when approaching Ludwig. His nerves were so sensitive. He seemed easy to serve yet was extremely demanding.

“Will it be alright? They said she’ll stay from today.”

“Rumors say he fell in love at first sight. Honestly, who would believe that?”

“But in a way, they seem well-matched…”

Ludwig fell for Lady Brioden. That was the reason Ludwig brought Sezlin to his side. The most common yet most powerful reason. With the Emperor’s permission, nothing could stop him from wanting to bring the woman he loved.

Thanks to this, Sezlin was able to enter the palace without any special procedures.

“I greet Lady Brioden. I am Joan, the palace chamberlain who greeted you previously.”

“Nice to meet you.”

It was a concise greeting, full of the arrogance typical of nobles. However, her voice, which resonated calmly like a lake, carried an indescribable dignity.

Her steps, which were said to have run across ballrooms, were as calm and careful as walking on glass. Her dress was simpler than at the previous meeting, but this seemed more natural.

“It is an honor to meet our new mistress.”

“My room?”

“This way. Maids have already been placed in the room.”

“I see, good work.”

Good work?

Joan realized for the first time how unfamiliar that phrase could be. Especially coming from someone like Sezlin Brioden. If she had been a youngster unable to manage her expressions, she would have been thoroughly surprised.

After conveying her thanks, Joan unconsciously tensed her body. The Sezlin she had met before had a more raw atmosphere, but now it was closer to something static.

“This is…”

Sezlin, who had followed Joan up the stairs, murmured as she looked at the tightly closed door. The pattern and decoration were somehow familiar. Sezlin looked at the side door. That place was similar to here.

Joan, who gestured to the knights, explained briefly.

“It seems you will stay in the room next to His Highness until an official palace is prepared. However, we will do our best to ensure there is no discomfort during your stay. If you need anything, please let us know through the maids.”

‘The next room.’

Is he saying he wants to keep her close and monitor her? No, it might be better to be close to him. The imperial palace was an expanded version of the Duke’s mansion. Just as many eyes and ears would be monitoring her as if breathing. To meet and consult with Ludwig at any time, it would be better to be close to him. Even in terms of acting as a loving couple, this was preferable.

‘There will also be assassination threats.’

Just looking at Ludwig, assassins were rampant. That’s how dangerous his position was. The probability of Sezlin, who was by his side, becoming a target was very high.

It might be safer to be near the Sword Master than the knights.

Sezlin responded that she roughly understood and moved her steps. When she entered the door that the knights had opened in advance, she saw an interior even more classic than the exterior.

It was evident that careful preparations had been made.

‘I like it.’

Sezlin didn’t particularly have a favorite color. If she had to pick one, it would be red, and this room was also predominantly in a red tone. But it didn’t look frivolous; black and white were exquisitely mixed, giving it a luxurious appearance.

‘He gave me a room just like him.’

While looking around the room, the corner of her mouth rose slightly. At this moment, sensing a presence, Sezlin turned around.

It was the maids who had been placed in advance.

But they were familiar faces.

“We have assigned the girls who served the Lady previously.”

After finishing her words, Joan gestured to the maids.

The brown-haired maid standing on the far left paid her respects first.

“I am Joanna, Lady. It is an honor to serve you.”

“I am Marilyn.”

“I am Asha.”

Sezlin lightly scanned the maids in front of her. Unlike at the Duke’s mansion, their etiquette was flawless. As if they were truly treating a noble lady.

‘There doesn’t seem to be anything suspicious either.’

For now, this should be enough. Sezlin pulled at the ribbon on her chest. The shawl draped over her shoulders loosened.

“I’d like to rest today. I’m tired from the long journey.”

“We will help you, Lady.”

“The bath water is ready, and we will prepare the face wash.”

Marilyn, who approached Sezlin, gently smoothed the fallen shawl. Joan also seemed to have no more business, emphasizing only that if she needed anything, she should let them know, before leaving the room.

Asha, who came behind her, carefully untied the ribbon around her waist. The tightly fastened corset soon fell down.

After gathering the outer garments, just as Asha was about to touch the petticoat,

“I’ll do this myself.”

Wariness appeared on her calm face. Asha, pretending to be flustered, bowed her upper body. Though her voice was calm, one never knew when a harsh command might fall. She had heard that Sezlin had previously dismissed a colleague when they entered the bathroom, but she didn’t expect her to stop them from helping with the dress.

As questions gradually arose, Sezlin added:

“I don’t like anyone touching my body. I can put on petticoats or underwear myself, so please take care of other aspects. I don’t need assistance with bathing either.”

“…Understood, Lady.”

After such a statement, she didn’t have the confidence to insist on helping. Before any unnecessary scolding fell, Asha obediently answered. Holding only the outer garments in her arms, she glanced at Marilyn. Marilyn, who had roughly arranged the shawl, bowed her head.

“Then we will place underwear and towels in front of the bathroom for you to change into. Please call us anytime.”

Sezlin nodded, indicating they should leave now. With her permission, the three maids quietly left the room. The presence, without even a footstep sound, gradually disappeared. Fortunately, there was no need to move separately; the door on the opposite side, connected to Ludwig’s room, led to the bathroom.

Sezlin, stepping into a place where everything was prepared, removed the underwear she was wearing.

“Haah.”

Black bruises immediately caught the eye.

If only she hadn’t been beaten before. Clicking her tongue, Sezlin threw the removed clothes nearby. Putting one foot at a time into the tub where hot steam was rising, Sezlin surrendered her body to the water.

Swallowing her breath in the hot steam, Sezlin let out a long sigh.

‘Friedrich.’

Taking advantage of the moment when no one was around, Sezlin’s face distorted terribly. Friedrich. Chewing on that name, Sezlin recalled what had happened earlier.