1KWI Ch 7

It was only then that I noticed something was off, so I cautiously looked at the Emperor.

To my surprise, instead of the anger I expected—something like “Bring the guillotine immediately!”—he was sitting on his golden throne, maintaining his dignified posture as if nothing had happened.

The suffocating silence that had filled the room was gone, and I could hear disappointed murmurs rising from below.

“Well, I guess it wasn’t anything serious. I was startled for a moment, thinking that the Emperor had taken a liking to this concubine.”

“It seems like a concubine who forgot to greet properly. She must be the thirtieth, given her low origins and lack of education.”

“Heh, she probably offered her dignity just to get the chance to greet His Majesty, but now she’s in an embarrassing situation.”

I can hear everything!

As I heard their subtle voices mocking me as a fool, I frowned instinctively.

However, realizing I was still in front of the Emperor, I quickly composed myself, bowed deeply, and hurried down the platform as if my life depended on it.

I survived! I really survived!

When I finally stepped off the last stair onto the floor of the hall, tears pricked in my eyes. The tension that had kept me rigid from head to toe drained away, and my legs wobbled so much I nearly fell.

Before I knew it, the party atmosphere had returned to normal.

The orchestra resumed its lively music, and the nobles, dressed in extravagant clothing, partnered up to dance.

I felt utterly drained. Checking the reactions around me, I couldn’t ignore the glances that darted in my direction as I passed by.

Forcing a bright smile, I did my best to project an air of ignorance.

Fortunately, no one seemed to have noticed the brief incident with the Emperor, as it had happened so quickly.

Once the Emperor’s attention moved elsewhere, everyone else quickly dismissed me, as if it were no big deal.

Perhaps that was to be expected since my presence was so insignificant.

However, once people found out I was a concubine, they began avoiding me altogether.

Even the Tarantella sisters, who had been with me earlier, quietly slipped away. Left alone, I retreated to a corner and sipped wine in solitude.

Meanwhile, Yurisina, the 31st concubine, was happily laughing and chatting with a group of five noblewomen at a nearby table.

Yurisina’s dazzling looks and her role as the star of the evening ensured she was never without company.

Though no one invited her to dance due to her status as a concubine, men of all ages couldn’t tear their eyes away from her.

For me, staying unnoticed was ideal, so I didn’t mind. Getting involved would only bring unnecessary complications.

Still, being alone and drinking in the middle of such a lively crowd wasn’t exactly enjoyable.

I couldn’t understand why they’d bother calling two concubines. With so many guests here, who would even notice my absence?

But I couldn’t stop glancing at Yurisina, glowing in the midst of the crowd. Sob, I wished I could laugh and chat with others too! It’s so lonely!

The party was a social affair, with young men and women pairing off to dance and create a sweet, romantic atmosphere.

Blushing faces and close embraces seemed to stir emotions even where none existed. It was like they were surrounded by flowers in their own little world.

Meanwhile, middle-aged nobles supported their children’s love lives or gathered in groups to talk politics and economics, topics that seemed far removed from me.

After what felt like hours of aimlessly toying with my champagne glass, I finally stood up.

The loneliness and envy were unbearable, and I feared I might approach someone, begging for conversation.

Being trapped in a novel was bad enough, but now I had to willingly become an outcast? How much worse could things get? Sob, sob.

I glanced up at the distant platform and saw the emperor, still seated rigidly on his golden throne.

Even at the ball, he seemed to be working, deeply focused as he read from something resembling a thick scroll.

I turned my head to look at the table ahead, where Yurisina was still laughing gracefully among a group of noblewomen. Scanning the room, I saw everyone else either dancing to the orchestra’s lively tunes or chatting in small clusters.

In other words, no one was paying any attention to me!

Carefully, I moved along the wall, ensuring my footsteps were silent. Then, like a rabbit fleeing danger, I darted toward a small door tucked into the corner of the room.

It wasn’t the main entrance I had come through earlier but a discreet side door.

The Imperial Palace, like my castle, had smaller entrances like these, used by attendants in a hurry. At home, I often used one myself as a shortcut, since I didn’t have maids to assist me.

Before any attendants carrying food could arrive, I quickly slipped through the door. From what I’d heard, the ball was supposed to last until dawn.

How could anyone possibly endure that? There was no way I could! I was already exhausted!

My plan was to return to my castle, catch a nap, and then sneak back in just as the ball was wrapping up. I carefully observed to ensure no one noticed me after the earlier commotion, but fortunately, the only reaction I got was utter indifference.

It stung a little, even though I had expected it. Still, it meant I could finally carry out my plan without worry.

Staying here would only wear me out, both mentally and physically. More importantly, this place—where the Emperor and Yurisina are—is far too dangerous. A single misstep could cost me my life. It’s better to quietly slip away while I can.

Tap.

The hallway was eerily silent, with not a single knight or attendant in sight.

Where could I go to summon a carriage?

I walked quickly, lost in thought, through the corridor. A cool breeze swept through the quiet air, likely from an open window nearby.

As I turned a corner, the flames from the large torches on the walls flickered, casting unsteady light. My vision swam, and I found myself gasping for air. I stopped abruptly, bracing myself against the wall as I tried to steady my breathing.

“It’s happening again…”

It’s becoming clear—my previous self, the one from Earth, must have died in a fire.

In my final memory, I’d been reading a novel and had dozed off. I remember the scent of burning filling the air. Thinking back, I’m sure I couldn’t breathe then, either.

It must have been a fire. There’s no other explanation for why I’d suddenly develop this overwhelming fear of flames.

Whenever I encounter roaring fire or when large flames come too close, I feel breathless and dizzy. That’s why I usually only use small, controlled flames. But this time, I let my guard down. I should have expected large fires in the Emperor’s palace.

After several deep breaths, my head cleared, and my vision gradually came back into focus.

…Phew, what a relief.

If anyone had seen me collapse and rumors started about me trying to flee, it would’ve been a catastrophe!

As a concubine and symbol of the peace treaty, any escape attempt could be considered rebellion, sparking a war.

Shuddering at the thought, I shook off my anxiety and took a step forward, eager to retreat to my castle for some rest.

“Lydia Odette?”

A sharp voice suddenly cut through the air, grabbing my attention like a hook.

Startled, I froze in place, holding my breath.

What’s going on? Who could it be?

“Where are you hurrying off to?”

The voice was melodious but laced with sharpness.

I swallowed nervously and turned around, my face tinged with unease.

Flaming red hair, as vivid as fire, came into view.

‘Caroline Rayleigh?’

She was one of the concubines invited to the ball, just like me.

Why does this feel so ominous? Was she following me?

As she confidently approached, the click of her heels echoed against the floor, making me blink anxiously.

What do I even say to her?

I had no preparation for this—I’d never interacted with other concubines before!

I barely managed to throw together my preparations for the ball in a matter of hours, and all my etiquette lessons had come from books. But those only covered interactions with the Emperor and Empress, not other concubines…

“L-Lady Rayleigh, it’s an honor to meet you…”

I instinctively bent my knees, bowing to her, but Caroline Rayleigh stopped just in front of me and pushed down firmly on my bowed head.

Her sharp nails dug painfully into the back of my neck.

Startled, I almost pushed her away on impulse but quickly remembered that I couldn’t do such a thing. I bit my lip hard to endure it.

“This thirty-something ranked girl…”

Press, press.

Her nails painfully sank into my skin. Ugh, what on earth is she doing?

“How did you manage this? How could someone as insignificant as you receive an invitation that even I, ranked third, struggled to get? Was it the chancellor? The minister of military affairs? Come on, tell me—who did you seduce?”

“L-lady Rayleigh, please, let me go!”

Her ring had tangled painfully in my hair, making me wince.

I grimaced and grabbed her wrist, not intending to fight back but purely reacting to the pain. But Caroline seemed to take it as an affront, grabbing my hair even tighter and yanking it hard.

“Ack!”

“You sly fox! You should’ve stayed in the corner like you always do, but now you’re trying to steal His Majesty’s attention?”

What is she even talking about?! When did I ever—?!

Despite her slender wrist, her strength was overwhelming.

Caroline, clearly experienced in how fights start, had grabbed my hair first and began shaking me violently. I flailed helplessly, unable to free myself. My neatly styled hair was ruined, and some strands were pulled out, causing tears to prick at my eyes.

“It seems you were nervous because the thirty-first one was coming in, huh? Right?”

“No, I never did that, eek!”

I couldn’t even grab her hair, and I couldn’t just stand here taking this pain.

Frustrated, I could only raise my voice, but Caroline, still holding me, let out a dismissive snort and suddenly shoved me hard against the wall.

Ouch, my waist! My hip!

With my beautiful dress and hair all in disarray, I collapsed onto the floor.

Ah, what am I supposed to do about this? I really want to tear off my rank badge and grab her hair in return!

But if I did that, the rumors would start spreading immediately.

It’s fine when someone of a higher rank hits someone lower, but if the lower rank hits the higher, it would cause a scandal.

Do I really have to survive like this? It’s so humiliating!

As I clenched my trembling fist, trying to control my anger, I heard Caroline’s voice, full of mockery.

“Even the first and second girls are annoying enough, so I don’t have the patience to watch some insignificant brat like you act out without knowing your place. If you had just stayed in the corner and let time pass, it would have been better for both you and me. This is all your fault.”

Caroline, arrogantly crossing her arms, clicked her tongue and sneered.

I, biting my lip tightly in disbelief, couldn’t believe what was happening.

I already felt wronged enough living as a self-imposed outsider for three years, but now I was being misunderstood like this, and I felt like I was going to snap.

“I haven’t done anything! It seems there’s been some misunderstanding…”

“All the women who’ve been caught by me have said the same thing. Do you think I’m a fool?”

I tried to stay as calm as possible, holding back my boiling emotions and speaking politely, but Caroline pressed her finger firmly into my forehead and mocked me.

At the same time, she flicked her other finger, making a sharp snapping sound.

Just then, a man appeared from the hallway behind her, holding a torch in one hand. He was large and looked strong, and his attire wasn’t that of a knight or servant but that of someone unfamiliar.

“It’s time for you to leave. I tend to be a bit hasty, you know. Ted?”

“Yes, Miss.”

Caroline nodded coldly, and the large man, Ted, started approaching me.