episode_0065

The Lily Palace, where Galatea Empire’s First Princess, Dominic Ayla Galatea resided, was situated at the outermost edge of the grand and spacious imperial city, despite being located within the magnificent walls of the palace.

Even a man would have to walk for 40 minutes from the entrance of the palace. Princess Dominic’s Lily Palace, which required another 10-minute walk even to reach the nearest secondary palace, seemed almost intentionally designed to deter people from approaching.

Of course, it wasn’t built for that purpose.

Back when the Galatea Empire was still a kingdom, the Lily Palace played a significant role as the palace of the queens, just as beautiful as its name implied.

However, as the kingdom transitioned into an empire and expanded in size, the scale of the imperial palaces grew larger over time. Gradually pushed to the outskirts, the Lily Palace naturally evolved in its purpose.

It became a place to hide away undesirable things from the royal sight.

Some used it to conceal their less favored children.

Others used it to remove from sight a discordant empress or queen mother.

Blind to women, some brought their own governments to hide within the Lily Palace.

As the most esteemed woman in the empire, Princess Dominic Ayla Galatea entered the Lily Palace on her own accord.

Regarding the reasons behind her decision, courtiers often shared their opinions during drinking sessions.

Some speculated that she aimed to cultivate her own power away from the empress’s scrutiny in the selection of the heir.

Or perhaps it was simply because she disliked witnessing a new empress moving about the imperial palace.

There were also whispers of resentment towards her father, who had left her mother alone and lonely, circulating from time to time.

However, no clear answer was ever revealed.

Partly due to Dominic’s meticulous nature.

And also because those bold enough to delve into the palace’s intrigues had already been caught and executed by the emperor.

One thing was certain, though—the current emperor preferred his son over his daughter.

The empress, who came as a bride from a small vassal state in the eastern continent, held her precious treasure in a foreign land, leading to her frailty in various aspects.

It was said that the emperor paid little attention to his daughter except for sharing a bed with her once a month.

Rumors even circulated linking the emperor to the empress’s death.

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Contrary to its infamous reputation, the Lily Palace, located in the most secluded corner of the imperial city, stood out as the most splendid and beautiful among the numerous secondary palaces within the imperial walls.

Despite its intimidating location, welcoming guests with flowers blooming in every season in the gardens to the east, south, and west of the mansion, the Lily Palace exuded warmth and elegance.

With spring flowers reaching their peak splendor and white, pure lilies beginning to bud in the center of the garden, Eleanor and Dominic gracefully tilted their teacups towards each other.

“So, are you feeling better, Elli?”

Dominic’s voice was filled with concern, and a hint of guilt could be sensed in her golden eyes.

Observing Dominic’s demeanor, Eleanor let out a soft sigh.

Whether it was Empress Nidia or Violetta, truly… it shouldn’t weigh so heavily on everyone’s minds.

Embracing the welling emotions, Eleanor gently raised the corner of her pink-tinted lips towards Dominic.

“Yes, Domi. Thanks to your worries, I’ve recovered completely. According to the priest who visited, even the scars will disappear cleanly.”

“Thank goodness, really. Ah, if only I hadn’t taken Dmitri with me back then… Dmitri would have been by your side.”

“Oh, where is that coming from? Dmitri wasn’t mine to begin with.”

The words came to an end, and Dominique’s golden eyes sparkled ominously.

Until recently, she had been called Eleanor with a somewhat distant and stiff title of “Your Highness.” But now, it was neither Verbrütz nor Dimitri that she was being addressed as.

“Hmm. Are you calling me Dimitri so familiarly now?”

Whenever she showed a hint of apology.

As if becoming a predator eyeing its prey, Dominique gazed at Eleanor, whose face began to blush again as she chewed on her lip.

“Oh, no. That’s not it.”

“Well, Dimitri did hold you so dearly in his arms. Even a stone-hearted person would feel some emotion for a nymph like you.”

Chuckling softly, Dominique lightly brushed Eleanor’s hand with the back of hers. Frowning, Eleanor looked at Dominique.

“Really… It’s not like that. Don’t tease me, Domi!”

“I’m not teasing you!”

Like a mischievous child, Dominique pouted, then changed her expression.

With a serious look, she took Eleanor’s hand from atop the teacup.

“Elli, to Dimitri, you may seem a bit naive, but he is a man with deep feelings. Seeing how he cherishes his younger sister, he will treat you well too.”

At Dominique’s solemn tone and her words, Eleanor shuddered and dared to remove the Princess’s hand from hers.

“Oh, really! Domi! Dimitri and I are not really close!”

“It’s not what it seems. It’s obvious.”

Dominique leaned closer to Eleanor. As Eleanor caught a whiff of the citrusy perfume emanating from her embrace, she swallowed hard.

“Elli, do you truly have no feelings for Dimitri?”

Over the lavish banquet table on the white tablecloth, silence lingered for a while. Eleanor pressed her lips tightly at the Princess’s question.

However, by lowering her head and blushing, she had answered just the same.

“Alright. I see. It’s time to educate Dimitri as well. Our cute Elli is more shy than other girls, so he must show persistent affection towards you when he sees it.”

“Really. It’s not like that…”

“Why is our Elli so adorable? How did such a cute creature pop out of the Blancpain couple, really!”

Suddenly pulling her chair closer, Dominique playfully poked Eleanor’s flushed cheek with her fingertip.

“What about you, Domi! Is there no man who has captured your heart?”

“Me?”

Despite Eleanor’s earnest question, Dominique’s expression remained indifferent.

“Well… I’m not drawn to any man in particular. I’ve never dared to court a man in all my years.”

Casually sipping from her teacup, Dominique continued.

“Besides, my marriage isn’t something I can decide on my own.”

In Dominique’s continuing voice, there was a hint of bitterness.

“If I inherit the throne, I must bring a son-in-law from a nearby vassal state. If the throne is taken from me, I must be sold off to that vassal state.”

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Inside the carriage returning to the mansion.

The carriage was bathed in red hues streaming through the window.

Unlike last time, today, Dominique did not easily release Eleanor, who didn’t particularly mind conversing with her, and they chatted for a long time as the carriage rumbled on.

Most of their conversation revolved around the upcoming coronation ceremony.

On the night of Geon-gukje, starting from what dress to wear, Ellie found it more beautiful to expose her shoulders, and Dohmi said that masculine clothes suited her well, surprising everyone.

Recalling their earlier conversation, Eleanor gently smiled.

Honestly, she never knew she could enjoy chatting with a woman this much. Especially about dresses, clothes, and jewelry.

Suppressing her smile, Eleanor glanced at the lady in ivory sitting next to her.

Strangely, the seat next to her was unusually quiet today.

Normally, Eugene would have asked, “What’s so interesting?” but when Eleanor turned to check, the ivory lady was nodding her head up and down.

Seems like she’s tired too, Eugene.

Eleanor subtly leaned Eugene’s head, nodding continuously, against her shoulder. The scent of elegant lily perfume enveloped Eleanor, now a familiar fragrance.

Eleanor cautiously observed Eugene’s face as she closed her eyes slightly.

With her eyes gently shut, Eugene drifted off to sleep, looking exceptionally serene compared to usual.

Both herself and Eugene, now just turning 18. In their original world, they were closer to the age of girls than women. Certainly not old enough to live alone or drink alcohol.

Somehow, Eleanor’s heart began to beat rapidly at the sight.

Placing her hand softly on her chest, Eleanor felt puzzled.

It was strange.

The current trembling felt different from what she had experienced before. It was a kind of tremor distinct from the flutter she felt towards Dmitri and Julian.

When she felt tremors around them, making eye contact was difficult, but now, she could easily meet their gaze.

This trembling was nothing but a mysterious feeling of maternal love, which was a bit challenging for Eleanor, who still had remnants of masculinity in her mind.