Prologue 16: The Mask That Smiles

And then, the day arrived.

It was the day of His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday celebration.

On this day, when not only the Imperial Capital but the entire country was filled with festive cheer, there was no way the Royal Palace would do nothing.

From morning, a grand party was held, and by nightfall, the dance party would begin.

On such a day when the whole nation wore smiles, Patricia simply stared at her own reflection in the mirror.

“……”

Dressed up. 

A deep blue dress incorporating the latest fashion, exactly as specified.

Her hair was pinned up, with the loose strands curled elegantly.

The jewels she wore were arranged in shades of blue and green, and the maids who had tended to her showered praise without end.

If she went to the party dressed like this, there was no doubt she would attract attention.

Despite the impeccable result, somehow her heart remained calm.

Quietly and peacefully, she merely gazed at her own reflection.

“It’s almost time.”

“Yes.”

Slowly standing, she headed for the carriage with Emma’s help.

Once aboard and secured safely, the carriage began to move, and she looked outside.

The city streets were noisy with the festival’s uproar, but everyone looked happy, and seeing that naturally brought a smile to her face.

Petals danced in the air, fireworks lit up the high sky.

Even witnessing such a beautiful sight, Patricia’s heart remained still.

“…………”

Her mind was filled with just one thought.

‘Is this really okay?’

Something she had never considered before.

No matter how much she turned it over in her mind, no answer came.

What exactly did she want?

Until now, she had never doubted or questioned the path laid out before her, taking it as it was.

But recent events had caused a flicker of unease to arise within Patricia.

An anxiety she could no longer ignore.

A quiet voice that asked her if it was really fine to simply go along with the flow.

The single ripple in her otherwise calm heart was not caused by expectation or joy.

It was something a little sad.

“It’s almost time to arrive.”

“…Yes.”

The carriage slowly came to a stop.

Guided by knights and maids waiting to receive her, Patricia entered the waiting room.

There, Alex sat with a sullen expression.

“I offer my greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“…………”

It seemed there was no reply.

Judging by the stern look on his face, the atmosphere was not one for ordinary conversation.

Well, that was fine too, Patricia thought, and took a seat opposite him.

Soon they would enter the ballroom together and dance.

After that, she could do as she pleased.

Once the required duties were done, she planned to stroll in the garden.

There was no need to stay in such a suffocating place longer than necessary.

“…………Patricia.”

“Yes?”

“……………What’s wrong?”

When called, she turned to Alex, but for some reason, he looked surprised.

“What do you mean, ‘what’s wrong’?”

“Nothing… you’re not saying anything…”

“I did greet you, though?”

“No, not that…”

He was strange. 

She didn’t understand what he wanted to ask.

Tilting her head at his unusual hesitation, a knock sounded at the door.

“It’s time.”

“Understood.”

“…………”

It seemed the time to enter the party had arrived.

Alex still seemed to want to say something, but since it was time, he reluctantly stood and offered his arm.

With practiced ease, Patricia linked her arm with his, and together they entered.

The Crown Prince and his fiancée attracted all eyes.

“――”

“――”

When she was young, such attention had been frightening.

Patricia, who was smart, understood that not all those gazes were kind.

Unconsciously, she had frowned before, even lowered her eyes.

All of which had been corrected with strict reprimands.

For the dignity befitting a Crown Princess, and the grace expected of a future Empress.

Eventually, she grew accustomed to those gazes, straightened her back, and found herself facing forward.

She must have gained both dignity and grace.

But that didn’t mean she was unafraid. 

Those feelings from back then surely still lay deep within her.

“I offer my greetings to the Sun of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor, and the Moon of the Empire, Her Majesty the Empress.”

“Father, congratulations. I pray for the continued prosperity of our country and your good health… Empress, it’s been a long time.”

“Thank you both for your greetings.”

“Thank you.”

After finishing their greetings and stepping back, all that was left was to wait.

There was still time before the dance, so she sipped a light drink and chatted with the guests.

As she skillfully carried on light conversation, something caught the corner of her eye.

“――…………”

‘What was this? Why was Mia here?’

At the sight of her, Patricia’s heart became deeply unsettled.

A dress layered with pale pastel-colored fabrics, the latest fashion.

Because she had long loved that brand, Patricia recognized it immediately. 

It was a Charmont piece, the same brand as her own dress.

‘Why was she wearing a dress favored by nobles? No, more importantly, why was she here as a guest?’

Of all places, the Emperor’s birthday celebration.

Despite still being a slave in status, she was here.

Dressed up, she was indeed beautiful and charming.

Even in her usual work clothes, Patricia thought she was cute, so with makeup and a dress, she naturally drew attention.

From the men, admiring looks. 

From the women, suspicious eyes.

Receiving both, she was now smiling and chatting with an unfamiliar man.

Patricia just stared blankly at the scene.

“…Pati?”

“—Yes!”

Apparently, she had been so stunned that Clive was standing nearby without her realizing it.

She focused on his worried face and forced a smile.

“My apologies, Your Highness Clive. I greet you.”

“Thank you, Pati. Is something wrong? Are you okay?”

Just by glancing in that direction for a moment, Clive had noticed.

He always did. 

He noticed the smallest changes.

How many times had that saved her?

“…No, Your Highness. I am fine, thank you.”

“……Pati?”

“Yes?”

“…Is something the matter?”

Why did both Alex and Clive ask that?

Patricia tilted her head, wondering if something was wrong with her.

“What do you mean, ‘what’?”

“……No, if you’re okay, then that’s all that matters.”

“I’m sorry to trouble you… but I am alright.”

Yes, she was alright.

Even though she had spotted Mia and Alex disappearing into the garden from the corner of her eye, she was.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

“……Alright.”

Still, there was such a thing as scandal.

Some might have noticed her true identity after seeing the two together.

Either way, it was a celebratory occasion today. 

Everyone had to maintain decorum.

That was why she had intended to follow them, but Clive grabbed her arm and stopped her.

“Pati, don’t forget. No matter what happens, I’m on your side.”

“Your Highness Clive… thank you. I won’t forget. Because of those words, I can smile now.”

Bowing once more, she left his side.

Her destination was the garden where the two were.

There, she had to speak with them.

“――……”

With heavy steps, Patricia moved forward, and then suddenly thought.

If, if she were to reveal everything in her heart now, would Clive still be on her side?

Would he say it was alright?

“I’m so selfish, aren’t I?”

The hope that he would say yes gave her just a little strength.