Chapter 5:
Lucina
A month has passed since my arrival in this world.
I sit by the window, enjoying juicy grapes while delving into a book titled Solana'sImperialLaws. It's crucial for me to fully understand this world's workings. I need to avoid any fatal mistakes that could cost me my life.
I found some interesting things while scouring the library.
The first time I went there, though, the scholar in charge was a disgusting piece of trash. I found him trying to force himself on a maid.
I simply ordered his death.
I cut off his offending organ and left him to bleed to death.
Being royalty comes in handy.
I should be concerned about my lack of empathy for people's deaths.
Honestly? I don't care.
*
Stacy, the maid I rescued, has become my exclusive maid.
She hails from a fallen noble family and was sold to the imperial palace by her own relatives. A tragic tale for her, but advantageous for me.
Stacy has a knack for herbs—she grew up in the countryside. My skin and hair have never been healthier under her care.
"Your Majesty!"
Stacy rushes into the room, holding a piece of cake.
"Thank you." I take the cake and savor its sweet flavor.
"Your Majesty, it's important!" She looks flustered.
I sigh.
"What is it?"
"You have dinner with the Emperor and all the royalty tonight!"
"That's today?"
I realize with a start. Every four months, there's a 'familydinner' where the Emperor, his children, and concubines gather for a meal. I completely forgot.
I've never met my 'family' during my time here.
Tonight's dinner will be quite interesting.
Stacy immediately begins to prepare me for the occasion.
*
I stand outside the greenhouse.
I'm dressed in a very heavy green dress adorned with practically a million pieces of jewelry. I look like one of those royal princesses from fantasy worlds—which I suppose I am now.
Stacy truly outdid herself.
I enter the greenhouse.
A breathtaking sight greets me. Ten chairs surround a long table placed at the center of a mini Garden of Eden. Some flowers emit a soft glow, creating a beautiful ambiance as they blend with the light crystals that provide illumination.
The Empress must have arranged this dinner. She certainly outdid herself.
I head toward my seat at the end of the table.
I realize I'm the first to arrive.
The Emperor's children:
He has six in total. Three from the Empress. Three from three different concubines.
The Empress has:
· First Prince Linus
· The twins: Third Prince Luan and Fourth Princess Stella
Interesting fact: Third Prince Luan is the one possessed by the transmigrator from that novel I discarded.
First Concubine Nessa has one son: Second Prince Artem.
Second Concubine Daisy has a daughter: Second Princess Rose.
And finally, I am the daughter of Third Concubine Zira. Princess Lucina.
This will be the third family dinner without Zira since she passed away mysteriously a year ago.
Based on my novel experience, I suspect the Empress or one of the concubines may have been involved. My mother was favored by the Emperor despite not being of nobility. She was simply a very beautiful street dancer who caught his fancy.
How unlucky in this life, Zira is as she was in my previous life. I hope the goddess' gives her a happy life at some point.
The concubines and their children enter the room and take their seats.
They pointedly ignore me.
Not surprising, really.
A few minutes later, the Empress and her children enter and take their seats as well. She shoots me a contemptuous look before looking away.
I can't fathom what I've done to earn her disdain.
We all rise and bow our heads as Emperor Kale enters.
His presence is immense and suffocating.
"Take your seats," he commands.
We sit.
I finally get a good look at him.
!!!
He looks exactly like Mayor Brown from my previous life.
It shouldn't surprise me. Lucina and I look alike. Just as Zira did.
I quickly avert my gaze and zone out as he asks superficial questions about our well-being and recent activities.
The Empress boasts about her sons' talents in swordsmanship while subtly jabbing at Concubine Nessa and her son Artem, who has average mage talent.
"Prince Linus recently achieved four-star swordsman status at only twenty-three," the Empress proclaims loudly.
"And Prince Luan is on the verge of breaking through the two-star realm at sixteen."
I'm certain Concubine Nessa is close to dragging her across the table.
"As expected of my children! Ha ha ha!" The Emperor laughs joyously.
I resist the urge to gag.
Artem looks like he wants to bury himself in the ground. His mother seethes.
This is so entertaining.
"The music instructor mentioned that two colors emanate when you play the Ererse, my little sunshine." The Emperor sounds pleased.
His 'little sunshine' refers to the youngest princess, Stella.
The Ererse is an instrument similar to a harp from my previous world. Instrumental arts are incredibly difficult to master, founded by Biolm Cent. By infusing mana into the instrument while playing, colors are produced as sound.
Not easy.
Some take years of practice to emit even a simple glimmer of color. Others are extremely talented and can produce up to three colors.
It's understandable why the Emperor is so happy and proud.
"It's nothing, Father. I'm just fortunate," Stella responds shyly.
I suppress another urge to gag.
"Come to the royal treasury with me tomorrow! Ha ha ha!" The Emperor chuckles and rubs his beard.
"Sister Rose is talented at embroidery. The teacher praised her the other day." Stella pauses.
"What about you, Sister Lucina?"
She says it sweetly.
I wonder why I was dragged into this conversation.
All eyes turn to me.
"Sister Stella, you see, I don't know." I put on a sad expression.
"For some reason, I've never had any teachers despite being royalty. I couldn't possibly intrude into lessons without an invitation."
The Emperor, though seemingly indifferent, won't let this slide. He has to save face.
"Grace." His voice hardens.
"What is the meaning of this? Are you telling me that one of my children is being left uneducated?"
The Empress looks down.
Shame, anger, or embarrassment colors her expression. Maybe all three.
"Deal with it."
The meal is served.
We all eat in uncomfortable silence.
After the meal, the Emperor hastily excuses himself and leaves the rest of us at the table.
Poor Stella. In her attempt to embarrass me, she inadvertently got her mother scolded.
The Empress leaves in a huff, her children trailing behind.
But the third prince—Luan—turns back. He gives me a lingering look before following his family out.
Interesting.
Soon the concubines and their children leave as well.
I am alone at the table.
I gather my composure and stand.
Stacy waits for me.
"Let's go, Stacy. I need to get out of this attire as soon as possible."
I'm eager to shed the heavy, uncomfortable dress and jewelry.