Marigold's Point of View
I slowly opened my eyes. It wasn't too dark, but it wasn't too bright either. I blinked.
Hmm, what happe—
Before I could even finish the thought, my long dream quickly replayed in my mind. I knew it—
But it felt as though the heavens and earth had come crashing down on my shoulders when, as soon as I sat up, I was met with an ancient chamber filled with golden ornaments.
I was sitting on a massive, soft bed with red, veil-like curtains draped around its four posts.
The air in the room smelled fragrant—a mixture of lavender and medicinal herbs.
I bit my lower lip.
"So it wasn't a dream? Is this really my reality now?" I quietly asked myself.
I slowly removed the thick blanket, and what greeted me was the white chemise dress I was wearing. I think it falls past my knees. It also has the gold Altos Empire logo embroidered on the chest area. The fabric is thin, making it very comfortable against my skin.
The memory of what happened earlier came rushing back to me.
Yeah, right! I fainted because I couldn't handle what I witnessed! I still get chills whenever I remember everything that happened.
Gosh, what if they start questioning my reaction? I bet this wasn't the first time Empress Faenys witnessed something like that—she wouldn't have ordered it if she weren't already used to it.
I walked back and forth, thinking about the things I needed to do. Can I really keep up this act? How did I even end up here?
"Remember, these books… they're not like any other. You might… go back further than you expect," Mrs. Calle's words echoed in my mind.
My feet suddenly stopped moving as my eyes widened.
Could it be that Mrs. Calle knew this might happen to me? Was that the reason she didn't want to lend me the book in the first place?
My gaze drifted to the ancient brown double doors when someone suddenly knocked. The doors opened, and a beautiful woman with jet-black curly hair stepped inside.
She was wearing a long Renaissance-style dress in forest green and creamy white fabric.
The top part of the dress was a fitted green bodice with a square neckline and gold buttons down the front, decorated with gold embroidery along the edges. She had large, flowing sleeves that were split to reveal white, puffy fabric underneath.
The skirt was very full, with a wide white panel in the center surrounded by heavy green fabric that reached the floor.
Her eyes widened when our gazes met. "Praise be to the heavens, Your Majesty hath awakened!"
[All praise to the heavens, Your Majesty has awakened!]
Without thinking, I asked, "Who are you?"
Only afterward did I realize the words that had left my mouth. I mentally scolded myself because of that.
Gosh, Marigold. What are you doing?!
Her face literally lost its color, and she quickly knelt, making me instinctively step back.
"H-Have I offended thee, Your Majesty? Pray forgive this lady if she hath erred!" she said in a panic, bowing over and over while kneeling. She was just short of hitting her forehead against the floor.
[Have I offended you, Your Majesty? Please forgive me if I made a mistake!]
I turned away. I couldn't bear to see someone kneeling before me when she hadn't done anything wrong. Is this how Faenys feels too? Well, I doubt it; she's heartless.
"I only wanted to hear you say your name," I said as if it were nothing. I silently prayed that she wouldn't find my behavior strange.
"I am Lady Celara Vail from the House of Vail, Your Majesty. Thy lady-in-waiting since thy coronation," she said. She didn't seem surprised by my question.
[I am Lady Celara Vail from the House of Vail, Your Majesty. I have been your lady-in-waiting since your coronation.]
So she's Faenys' lady-in-waiting? Should I trust her? Should I trust Faenys' judgment?
Gosh, I really need some information about Faenys. I can't always be like this.
I gulped. "From now on, Lady Celara, I do not want anyone entering my chamber without my permission. Do you understand?"
"B-But, Your Majes—"
I turned to her. "Do you understand, Lady Celara Vail?" I repeated.
Please, don't argue anymore. Don't make this harder for me.
I need a more private place for now. Aside from this room, I have no other space I can consider truly private. I won't be able to move properly as Marigold if I always have someone trailing behind me.
She hesitated before nodding, "Y-Yes, Your Majesty."
I turned my back on her once again and then looked out the window of my chamber. From here, the vast garden of the palace can be clearly seen.
"How long was I unconscious?" I asked.
"Thou hast lain unconscious nigh two days, Your Majesty. The royal physician doth report that 'tis by reason of overmuch toil, having laboured nigh a month in preparation for the Festival of Silver Hearts which approacheth next week," she said respectfully.
[You have been unconscious for nearly two days, Your Majesty. The royal physician says it was caused by exhaustion—you have been working for almost a month preparing for the Festival of Silver Hearts, which will take place next week.]
My eyes widened slightly at what I heard. I read that in the book!
If my memory serves me right, the Festival of the Silver Hearts is somewhat like Valentine's Day in the future. It's the festival where couples exchange silver rings or ribbons as a symbol of their devotion to each other.
The nobles attend silver masquerade balls, while the common people—or commoners—gather in the town squares of Cavendell to dance and celebrate. However, once the clock strikes midnight, everyone must stop celebrating because the festival is over.
I suddenly felt a surge of excitement. Hmm, I think there is also an advantage to having come here in the past.
"How's the preparation?" I asked casually. I think she's the one I can get more credible information from about Faenys, since she's probably the one who spends the most time with her.
But I need to think of a way so she won't find it strange that I keep asking about things I should know better than she does.
Gosh, this is tough.
"All proceedeth well, Your Majesty. Whilst thou wert unconscious, the Grand Chamberlain, with the other palace attendants, hath diligently overseen the arranging of all for the coming festival. Lady Chismora likewise cometh unto the palace from time to time, to bear temporary charge whilst thou remainest yet unconscious," she explained.
[Everything is going well, Your Majesty. While you were unconscious, the Grand Chamberlain and the other palace attendants carefully managed the preparations for the upcoming festival. Lady Chismora has also been coming to the palace from time to time to temporarily take charge while you remained unconscious.]
I frowned. "You mean Lady Chismora Devina Polularis of the House of Polularis?"
Celara immediately bowed her head. "Y-Yes, Your Majesty…"
According to what I read in the book, Lady Chismora Devina Polularis became the next Empress six months after Empress Faenys died. Based on the records, she was the complete opposite of Faenys. She is soft-spoken, gentle, and flawless. She is not cruel either, which is why the people of the Altos Empire adore her.
She also became the longest-reigning Empress in the history of the Cavendish Dynasty.
Oh my gosh, is this real? I only admired her in the book, but now I'm actually going to meet her in person?
"Is she still in the palace?" I couldn't help but ask, trying to hide the excitement I was feeling.
Celara's eyes widened, and she seemed uneasy. "Y-Your Majesty, I pray thee, do not—I mean—Lady Mora hath committed no wrong…" she said, unable to find the right words.
[Your Majesty, please don't—I mean—Lady Mora hasn't done anything wrong…]
I raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
She knelt again, bowing repeatedly. "I beg thy pardon, Your Majesty. For my insolence, I am worthy of punishment."
[I apologize, Your Majesty. For my disrespect, I deserve to be punished.]
What? I'm just asking a question!
I winced. "You may leave. I want to rest. Remember what I told you earlier—I don't want anyone entering my chamber without my permission. Whoever disobeys this order, I will hold you accountable. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty."
As soon as she finally left my room, I let out a deep, relieved breath. I immediately went to the window to close the curtains, just in case I got caught off guard again.
I scanned the entire room with my eyes. It was way too spacious. If I wanted to find any information about Faenys, I'd have to start in her own room. Maybe she had some belongings there that could help make sorting out her life easier.
She couldn't die—and neither could I!
I rummaged through her room. I started in her walk-in closet, which was even bigger than my own home in the future, then moved on to the massive bathroom, the vanity, and so on—but I didn't find anything truly important.
"Ugh!" I groaned, tugging at my hair and stomping on the bed like a child throwing a tantrum.
Faenys… why did you have to run away from your responsibilities? You actually chose me to pass it onto, even though I already have so many problems in my life, and you just made it even worse!
"What else can I—"
"What art thou doing?"
[What are you doing?]
"Holy moly!" I couldn't help but shout as someone suddenly spoke inside my chamber.
I turned toward the door—and our eyes met the gaze of the most powerful man in this empire—the Emperor himself.
"Y-Your Majesty!"