Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: Father's Wound
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Lena first met her birth parents when she was six years old. Until then, she had lived in a villa outside the city. It was because the adults advised the viscountess that if she wanted to focus on bearing and raising an heir, she should keep her daughter out of the way. So Lena had been sent to the villa at a very young age. The suburban villa was serene and pleasant to live in, but even so, Lena was always plagued by loneliness. She missed her family. She imagined her parents while gazing at their portrait and honed her etiquette and manners, dreaming only of the day she would return home. Then one day, word came from the main estate. The young master had grown enough, so it was time to bring the young lady back. Lena joyfully headed home. And upon arriving, she was overcome with emotion. The Rubel family's main estate was far grander than the villa, and the servants displayed even more refined manners. And her parents, the viscount and his wife, were even more beautiful than in the portrait. As Lena stared at it all in fascination, the viscount who had come to greet her spoke.
"Welcome home, Lena."
Hearing her father's voice for the first time made Lena want to burst into tears. Though she was very young, having lived apart, Lena already knew it bone-deep. The preciousness of family, that desperate longing. So with a heart fallen in love, she knelt before her long-yearned-for parents.
"It's an honor to meet you. Father, Mother. I'm Lena Rubel."
It was a perfect greeting, practiced countless times. Seeing her parents smile, Lena thought she had finally reclaimed her family. That belief lasted about six years. Until the viscount sold her off.
. . .
"Young Lady, look, there's the imperial palace!"
Uni threw open the carriage window and shouted. At the tip of the child's finger loomed a white spire rising above the cityscape. It was part of the palace where the emperor resided.
"Young Lady, have you ever been to the imperial palace? Look over there, …Young Lady?"
Uni chattered excitedly but belatedly noticed Lena's dazed expression. Lena was resting her chin on her hand, lost in deep thought as she gazed out the window.
"Young Lady? Young Lady, Lena!"
Only after Uni called her three times did Lena snap out of it. As Lena blinked, Uni asked worriedly.
"Are you all right?"
"Hm?"
"You look listless."
"Oh...."
Lena smiled as if it were nothing, and Uni narrowed her eyes, whispering.
"Are you missing Lin?"
"Lin?"
"You wanted him to travel with you all the way to the capital. Are you upset that he couldn't?"
"No way, I'm not that smitten."
"So you're a little smitten?"
Lena burst out laughing at the mischievous leading question. It had been two days since she parted with Lin. With the money she'd earned the night before, Lena had rented a carriage, and the journey had gone smoothly since. But as the capital drew near, something was off with Lena. Her words grew fewer and fewer, and once inside the city, she began staring off at the distant sky. Uni suspected lovesickness, but Lena laughed it off and denied it.
"No, it's not that."
"Then what's wrong?"
"Just… old memories."
Lena confessed honestly. She had been six years old, the day she first came home. Back then, too, she had passed through the capital's gates in a carriage just like now. Passing the same road had stirred up those recollections.
"It hasn't changed."
Lena murmured as she looked out the window. The empire's capital, Grandis Grasha, was a dingy gray despite its beautiful name. Just a glance off the main avenue revealed ramshackle huts woven from planks and cloth, little better than ruins. Gaunt people huddled there, with rats the size of cats scurrying alongside. Uni muttered with a grimace.
"The capital really has gone to hell."
"Don't stare too much. They're not a sideshow."
Rebuked by Lena, Uni pulled away from the window and slumped against the seatback. But her eyes remained fixed outside.
"What's the point of founding an empire and playing emperor when people are homeless like that?"
"People who do their jobs properly are rare to begin with."
Uni pouted at Lena's words. People who didn't do their jobs properly. It wasn't just about the emperor. Sensing her lady's feelings, Uni asked.
"Young Lady, what will you say first when you see your father?"
"First, I'll ask if he's been well."
"And then?"
"Then I'll give him a chance."
"A chance?"
At Uni's question, Lena's smile deepened. She turned her gaze to the window and whispered softly.
"A chance to be forgiven by me."
Lena's voice was as gentle as ever. That made it all the more eerie. Uni stared at her lady for a moment before looking back out the window. It was filled with the forsaken, just like Lena.
***
The carriage pressed into the city center. The squalor gradually improved, and by the time it reached the palace, the scene had transformed completely. This district, forbidden to the poor, lived up to the name Grandis Grasha—pure and radiant. The roads were paved with gleaming marble, lined with early-blooming spring flowers. And it was in full festival mode.
"Wow, so many people."
Uni marveled at the crowds packing the square and streets. People in white garments adorned with colorful flowers were laughing. White and flowers were symbols of the emperor. Everyone was dressed up to celebrate the upcoming Founding Day. While Uni gawked at the festivities, the carriage arrived at the palace. But the main gate was already lined with countless visitors.
"If we line up now, we won't get in till nightfall."
"We're going right in."
"Huh?"
"You have the invitation, right?"
"Oh."
At Lena's words, Uni hurriedly rummaged through her bag. She soon pulled out the wax-sealed invitation. Handing it to the coachman, she told him not to queue. As the modest carriage approached the VIP entrance, guards stepped forward to block it. But there was no altercation. Uni presented the invitation, and they waved the carriage through to the Lake Palace without a word.
. . .
"The imperial palace really is something else!"
Uni exclaimed at the three rooms assigned to them. But Lena paid no mind to the imperial grandeur or the lake view. She was busy primping in front of the mirror.
"Off to see Old Man?"
Old Man—that's what Uni called the one who gave them the imperial invitation.
"No, they'll summon me if needed."
"Then where are you going?"
When Uni pressed, Lena tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled brightly. At that innocent face, Uni realized it. Her lady was positively buzzing with excitement. And there was only one reason Lena would be excited at the palace.
"No way, you're going to see him right now?"
"Does a child need permission to see her parent?"
Uni, half-doubting, was left speechless by Lena's confident reply. Meanwhile, having finished preparing, Lena said briskly with a fresh face.
"Then I'll go see Father."
***
The Lake Palace housed the palace's VIP guests. But with the empire's Founding Day upon them, the four dukes from east, west, south, and north had all arrived at once, dividing the palace into quadrants like the empire's territories. Loathing each other, the dukes claimed the farthest corners possible. Some even posted knights to assert their domains—like King Iura Plenus of the North.
"This is the residence of His Highness Plenus. State your business."
"I've come to see His Excellency Cardo Rubel, an old friend of His Highness."
Lena answered the knight blocking the corridor politely. The knights eyed her suspiciously. She was beautiful but unfamiliar. Which made it stranger. A lady this stunning should be well-known. Yet this nameless beauty had come alone, without escort, demanding to see the Northern Duke's confidant. Absurd. The knight asked again.
"May I have your name?"
"Lena Rubel."
The knights startled at the name Rubel. Unlike Lin's capable secretary, the North's young officers didn't know the name of the already-dead girl. They exchanged glances before reluctantly replying.
"Please wait a moment."
One knight slipped away. He returned much later, alone, holding a paper. With an ambiguous expression, he handed it to Lena. It bore a curt warning.
—Do not exploit father's wound. This is a warning; next time it won't be.
Lena unfolded it and looked shocked. The knight said.
"Message from His Excellency Rubel. He has no desire to meet guests."
"Please relay once more. Lena Rubel earnestly requests an audience."
It was a dismissal, but Lena pleaded again. The knights said nothing. No reason to irk the marquis for a stranger. As they moved to eject the suspicious lady.
"Wait. Hold on."
From the end of the knight-blocked corridor, a man hurried out. Lena spotted him and widened her eyes. She knew him well.
"Steward...!"
***
Around the same time, in the Lake Palace's eastern guest quarters, Eastern lord Rig-nan Aiterner held his breath. Lin lay prone on the floor, balancing his weight on his fingertips. His bare torso glistened with sweat, and his overworked biceps bulged in silent screams.
'Founding Day is two days away. The dukes will meet at least once before the emperor's audience, but no word yet. They plan to exclude me… Can't just sit back.'
Lin secretly sweated over future plans as he quietly but busily composed himself.
"Your Highness, a lady has come seeking Marquis Rubel."
Deka, just returned from outside, reported.
"She claims to be Lena Rubel. Does that ring any bells?"
'She's here.'
Lin didn't twitch, smiling inwardly at Deka's report. Lena, parted two days ago, had safely entered the palace.
'Straight to the marquis?'
Lin was pleased yet equally impressed by her boldness, audacity, and oddity. Showing up unannounced. Announcing her name, no less. Was it no plan, no need for one, or was that the plan? Unfathomable girl. Lin flicked sweat from his nose and asked.
"And? The marquis?"
"Turned her away without meeting."
Seemed ordinary at first. But pondering it, suspicious.
'Wouldn't you meet a daughter back from the dead?'
Out of curiosity, disbelief, anger, or to avoid scandal. Lin assessed Marquis Rubel's reaction. But the situation was too bizarre for guesses. Lost in thought, Lin unwittingly sighed. Lena's smiling face had floated up.
'Hope she's okay.'
Rejected after coming so far. Lin hoped she held up. So he could see her again soon.
***
"Steward...!"
Six years apart, but Lena recognized the old man instantly. He had served House Rubel since the marquis was a boy.
"Steward, all these years...."
"Enough."
As Lena eagerly opened her mouth, the steward raised a hand to silence her.
"Let's move first."
Unlike the beaming Lena, the steward wouldn't even meet her eyes. Mindful of the knights' stares, apparently. At his stern tone, Lena obediently shut her mouth. He led her to a small audience chamber inside the palace, away from prying eyes. Before she could speak, he quietly demanded.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Her lips parted then froze at the sharp interrogation. And at the following scolding, Lena swallowed empty air.
"Impersonating the dead… There are other things to do...!"
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