The banquet's close to ending.But I've got one more thing to do before this banquet truly ends.I need to observe the Northern Imperial Commander—or at least see how he's holding up after clashing with his twin sister.
I look for the Northern Imperial Commander in the second banquet hall, which only a select few know about.I only know about it because I'm part of the Imperial Family. I've been called here quite a few times for important business.
After going through many twisting and winding hallways, I finally end up in the second banquet hall.The people—sorry, the important people—of the Northern Empire can all be spotted here.Holding wine glasses, spreading everything they've heard to whoever will listen.While Father and my brother sit atop their thrones.Father has his usual smug look, while my brother, unusually, has a blank one.He normally wears a smug one just like Father.
Something's happened.
I start making circling movements around the hall, like a vulture looking for its prey.At the end of the day, I'm looking for the person who's going to give me the most information—And maybe a clue as to why my brother looks like a dejected pig.
The Northern Imperial Commander.He has access to my brother's information and everything the Dukes and Duchesses whisper behind their fans.He also happens to have a bit of a loose-lipped mouth—one that starts spilling once it's had a little alcohol poured into it.
Found him!He's in the middle of the hall with many others.Good. He already looks a little drunk.
Eavesdropping Gods!Let me use the special skill of eavesdropping at its finest. Please.
"Crown Prince... Rejected... Lady Zoey"
"Little shit... Twin... Usurp... MINE!"
"No, imagine flying with the clouds or jumping high."
...Huh!?
I turn my head to look at where the Northern Imperial Commander was standing...Only to see a horde of people chatting.
How am I supposed to eavesdrop now!?My ears work fine when there's no obstacle between my target and me.But if there's an obstacle in between, I only hear the obstacle—not the target.
I start lightly jogging through the banquet hall and slip outside.It's not like anyone can see my legs underneath this dress.It hides my legs, just like it hides my athleticism.People will only see me moving faster than normal.If they even know what my normal looks like.
The cool wind floats through my legs, slightly uplifting my dress.The wind giving my legs a shower.The moonlit garden full of dead flowers.
The garden I've entered—no one uses.It used to be the Imperial Mother's garden, but once she died, no one cared for it anymore.Many think the garden's still here because the King didn't want to remove all traces of his wife.But the real reason it's still here?It takes more resources to remove it and make something else... than they care to use.
I gently caress the roses with my hand.Grab them. Crush them. Watch them flutter down to the ground.Accepting that their life is over.
A Blood Rose.A rose that's submerged in the color of blood.But to be submerged in blood, there must first be blood.So, saying that a Blood Rose has bloomed means blood has either been spilt—or will be.
An ominous sign for our Empire.
The monsters approaching.The Blood Rose blooming.
It's a sign.It's all connected.And our Empire is in the center of it.
The future of this Empire has been foretold.It's the battleground where drama, politics, and revenge will all collide.And me? I plan to survive.I plan to thrive.
After all...All is fair in love and war.