Chapter 7

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 2

Chapter Title: The Crown Prince's Investiture

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The imperial family of the Hamel Empire had always been blessed with few children.

Though the emperors kept numerous concubines in hopes of producing more heirs, the imperial line never flourished.

Each emperor barely managed to sire just one prince capable of succeeding him.

It was only after the Guardian's Fragrance fully vanished a century ago that the imperial bloodline began to grow.

For reasons unknown, the severance of the fragrance coincided with a slight increase in the imperial descendants.

Yet the number of princes born remained few.

The current emperor was no exception.

After ascending the throne, he took an empress and dozens of concubines, but had only sired two princes thus far.

The empress bore the eldest, a concubine the second—and among them, the rightful heir had died suddenly, leaving the emperor with just one child to inherit the throne.

"Crown Prince Kamin Rudel swears to uphold His Majesty's great achievements, to devote himself fully to the empire's strength and prosperity, and to conquer the barbaric tribes threatening our realm, thereby completing Father's vision of 'continental unification' without sparing this one body."

The voice of Kamin Rudel, newly elevated to Crown Prince, rang out loudly across the vast plaza before the Revival Palace.

From the high dais, the aged emperor gazed indifferently down at the new Crown Prince kneeling at his feet.

At that moment, Gerard, standing behind Kamin, handed over a silver cloak embroidered with a blue hawk.

Kamin received the cloak with both hands, holding it high toward the emperor so the blue hawk emblem was clearly visible.

The emperor took the legendary White Sword from an attendant and drew the blade from its scabbard.

The pure white blade, unchanged after centuries, gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.

The emperor lightly scored his palm with the sword's edge.

He then tilted his hand, letting drops of red blood fall onto the blue hawk's chest on the cloak.

"I hereby designate Kamin Rudel as Crown Prince to succeed me upon the throne."

The emperor declared in a weary voice.

Kamin rose and bowed deeply to the emperor.

As Kamin stood, Gerard took the cloak and draped it over his back.

Kamin turned to face the plaza.

The silver cloak billowed grandly behind him.

The nobles assembled in the plaza and the officials of the Six Departments bowed to the new Crown Prince, swearing their loyalty in loud voices.

The unified oath, carried on the wind, reached Leona's ears in the rear garden of the Crown Prince Palace.

Leona clasped her hands over her pounding heart, gazing toward the Revival Palace.

"I swear it. Maid Leona vows to dedicate this body entirely to protecting Your Highness until you ascend the throne as emperor. No one, nothing shall endanger Your Highness's position. I will protect you."

Like a sacred rite, Leona swore solemnly with all her heart.

Opening her eyes after her private oath of loyalty, she found Nacha nuzzling into her bosom.

"Your nose is like a ghost's, Nacha."

Leona smiled and pulled an apple from her hidden pocket.

Nacha neighed long and happily, snorting with delight.

After feeding Nacha the apple, Leona picked up the empty feed trough.

Nacha's breakfast had come late today.

The prince had been so busy with the investiture that he'd forgotten to feed Nacha.

He only remembered upon arriving at the Revival Palace for the ceremony and sent word to Leona.

Leona had stayed behind in the Crown Prince Palace, preparing the prince's ceremonial uniform.

Upon receiving the message, she'd rushed to the rear garden to feed Nacha.

"Sorry. I should have taken care of you ahead of time..."

Seeing the empty trough, Leona felt even sorrier for Nacha's hunger.

Leona promised Nacha she'd bring an apple as a special treat every day from now on.

On her way back after tidying the trough, Leona spotted the Crown Prince in the front garden of the palace.

As the prince, clad in robes of silver-white with a blue hawk on the chest, entered the palace, the lined-up Chief Supervisors' attendants and maids prostrated themselves in unison.

"Congratulations on your investiture, Your Highness."

Leona, standing a bit apart from the ranks, prostrated herself right there.

"Thank you. I know it's grueling, but please see it through to the end today. I won't forget—I’ll reward you all generously later."

"We are deeply grateful, Your Highness."

"Good. Carry on."

As the Crown Prince stepped forward, the Chief Servant Supervisor and Chief Maid Supervisor followed.

This signaled the attendant servants and maids, close attendant servants and maids to rise in turn and fall in behind him.

The Crown Prince, trailed by dozens of attendants, suddenly halted just inside the palace and turned around.

Those behind quickly stepped aside to avoid blocking his view.

"Leona."

The Crown Prince called her softly.

Leona sprang up and approached him swiftly.

"You called, Your Highness?"

"Did you feed Nacha?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Good. I'll be too busy to tend to Nacha for a while, so look after him in my stead."

"Yes. I'll care for Nacha diligently without neglect. Worry not, Your Highness."

"Mm."

The Crown Prince turned and entered the palace.

As the close attendant maids followed him inside, they shot sidelong glances at Leona standing off to the side.

The Crown Prince had to return to the outer hall for a luncheon with the envoys.

He changed out of his ceremonial robes into his dark blue Crown Prince uniform.

Soon, eight seasoned close attendant maids surrounded him like a wall after seating him, moving with perfect coordination.

Given the investiture, all close attendant maids were out in force today to attend him.

Considering the heavy workload, the Crown Prince left them be without complaint, just this once.

The close attendant maids wiped his face, trimmed his nails, and fussed over his hair—retouching what they'd done at dawn.

Miranda and Leona, with no chance to join in, stood in a corner watching their seniors work.

The close attendant maids, thrilled to serve their master after so long, poured their pent-up zeal into grooming him.

The process rivaled a noblewoman's pre-party primping, aimed at making the Crown Prince shine.

Thanks to them, the Crown Prince's usual wild, rugged edge was much softened today; his noble, elegant imperial bearing seemed mismatched to his sturdy build.

Leona smirked seeing the Crown Prince endure it all with eyes closed.

Knowing his disdain for formality, she could imagine his torment.

Leona poured cold water into a glass and brought it to him.

"Your Highness, please quench your thirst."

The Crown Prince's eyes snapped open, gratefully accepting the glass. He drained it in one go and ordered another from Leona.

After five in a row, he scowled as the close attendant maids swarmed back.

"Enough. That's plenty. Stop."

"But Your Highness..."

The maids pleaded earnestly, but he cut them off firmly.

"I said enough. I need rest—dismissed."

In the end, everyone but Gerard was chased from the room.

The sullen close attendant maids glared fiercely at Leona the moment the door shut.

Their murderous stares made even the close attendant servants flinch unnecessarily.

Leona feigned innocence, returning a bright smile.

Sonya, the Chief Maid Supervisor also ejected, watched and spoke up.

"Leona."

"Yes, Chief Maid Supervisor."

"Too many hands here today—you're not needed. Can't waste your talents idling, so help out elsewhere."

Leona barely suppressed a bitter smile.

"...Where shall I assist?"

"Let me see... It's a fine day, so go to the quarters and launder the Chief Maid Division's bedding."

"...The bedding?"

Leona's eyes widened in disbelief.

Sonya smirked, issuing the order in a kindly tone.

"Yes. A joyous day like this calls for freshening up our Chief Maid Division too. Wash every piece in the annex thoroughly. You'll resume attending His Highness tomorrow, so finish today. Don't bother the laundry maids—they're busy. Do it alone. Understood?"

Leona was speechless, missing her chance to reply.

Miranda cut in.

"Chief Maid Supervisor, Leona can't handle that alone. Let me help."

"No need. Leona's competent enough—His Highness trusts her for a reason. She can manage solo."

"Chief Maid Supervisor..."

"Am I wrong? Leona."

Sonya ignored Miranda, addressing Leona directly.

"I'll obey your command."

Leona bowed calmly to Sonya and withdrew.

Miranda and Barts stomped anxiously watching Leona go, while the close attendant maids exchanged satisfied grins.

"Let me see..."

Leona opened Sonya the Chief Maid Supervisor's bedroom door.

The room was spacious and well-appointed, rivaling the one Leona had in her past life.

"Hm..."

Leona stood in the center, turning a full circle.

True to her meticulous nature, Sonya's room appeared impeccable at first glance.

But at her rank, power made illicit gains easy.

Especially for a greedy sort like Sonya.

Leona thoroughly searched hidden spots: wardrobe corners, under the bed, drawer bottoms.

As expected, contraband poured out in numbers too many to count, violating palace rules.

Leona pondered her options.

Which to use against her?

"She told me to wash the bedding... so the bedding it is."

Leona pulled out a fine bedsheet, smirking triumphantly.

She fetched ink from Sonya's desk and spilled it across the pristine fabric.

Clutching the soiled sheet, she headed straight for West Lake Court.

Soon, she reached a small garden near the Maid's Quarters.

Leona slipped in unseen by other maids, spread the sheet, and lay down amid the bushes.

To catch the right moment, she'd kill time here.

She savored the rare leisurely break.

How much time passed?

Footsteps and voices approached.

Not the one Leona awaited.

Two young maids, sneaking a break from superiors, crept quietly into the garden.

They didn't spot her.

Oblivious to company, they squatted on the grass, sharing snacks and gossiping.

They vented about grueling work and superiors' bullying, then shifted to the investiture.

"At least the investiture was scaled down. Otherwise, I'd have been run ragged."

"True. Skipping major rites cut the workload. They even nixed the festival... but canceling the street parade was too much. That's the highlight..."

"His Majesty must still be grieving. He doted on the former Crown Prince."

"I get it, but... did you see the new Crown Prince up close? He doesn't resemble His Majesty at all."

"Yeah, definitely..."

"Right? The former Crown Prince was His Majesty's spitting image. Compared to that... hey, you know?"

"What?"

"Heard that rumor?"

"What rumor?"

"Why His Majesty dislikes the new Crown Prince..."

The speaking maid whispered into the other's ear.

"What? Really? That rumor exists?"

"Yeah. It circulated once."

"No way it's true."

"Probably not, but..."

The two exchanged uneasy looks, then fell silent. Soon, claiming time was up, they left together.

Alone again, Leona frowned and sat up.

She hadn't heard the whisper, but could guess.

'Crown Prince bloodline doubts.'

In her past life, it was one weapon the Empress wielded against him.

The current Crown Prince outshone the former in talent and deeds, but couldn't counter the quietly spreading rumor.

Bloodline doubts!

Kamin Rudel, born to the emperor's 19th concubine as Second Prince.

The emperor had rejoiced at his birth, they say.

But the Second Prince resembled the emperor not one bit.

Rumors stirred covertly in the palace.

The concubine had cuckolded him, birthing the prince from adultery.

The suspected lover: her half-brother.

He shared the prince's black hair and green eyes.

Initially palace whispers among underlings, it escalated when letters between concubine and brother were discovered.

Sibling letters of affection and longing, seen by others as adultery evidence.

The emperor investigated discreetly.

They were cleared, but the seed of doubt lingered in his heart.

Ultimately, the brother was conscripted to war against barbarians and died in battle.

The Second Prince was four then.

Three years later.

The Second Prince fell mysteriously ill, left the palace for recovery—and soon after, his birth mother took her own life within the palace.

Years passed, and today the Second Prince ascended as new Crown Prince.

With his return, the old rumor slowly resurfaced.

In her past life, Leona investigated thoroughly and confirmed it false.

But to the Empress, truth mattered not. She knew the emperor well.

One thread of doubt sufficed.

The Empress twisted lies into truth to pressure the Crown Prince.

"I must stop that somehow."

Leona agonized.

She wanted to hunt down and eliminate the Empress now.

But Leona lacked the power yet.

She'd only met the Empress after entering as concubine, unclear on her path to the emperor's favor.

Rumors said commoner origins, but Leona wasn't sure.

Now, even her name seemed suspect.

Leona resolved to do what she could now.

Just then, the hourly chime sounded.

Leona rolled up the sheet, hugging it as she rose.

Time for her target.

Supreme Maid Chief Odel was a stickler for rules.

Inflexible, but strict, incorruptible—earning the emperor's deep trust.

Even in her high post, she never sought personal gain.

Leona hid at the garden entrance, watching.

Odel strolled the garden daily at this hour with her attendant maid, Bess.

A short wait, and Odel appeared precisely on time.

Their voices grew nearer.

Leona timed it and dashed out, sheet over her head.

"Watch out—!"

Thud!

"Oof!"

"Supreme Maid Chief!"

The three collided, tumbling to the ground.

Bess recovered first, aiding Odel.

"Supreme Maid Chief, are you all right?"

"Oof... what in the world?"

Bess helped Odel up, then the maid flailing under the white cloth.

With Bess's help, Leona shook off the sheet—but checked the now-dirty fabric first, ignoring Odel.

"Oh no, oh no..."

Leona clutched the sheet, bursting into tears.

Bess, expecting an apology, finally snapped.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing? The Supreme Maid Chief is here. Greet her properly!"

"Ah...!"

Leona trembled, face tear-streaked.

"Crown Prince Palace Chief Maid Division... Maid Leona greets the Supreme Maid Chief..."

"Hm? Leona?"

Odel recognized her.

"You're the new close attendant to His Highness, aren't you?"

"Y-yes."

Odel scanned Leona's disheveled state, tilting her head.

"On a day like today, why aren't you at His Highness's side?"

"I... Chief Maid Supervisor Sonya ordered me to launder bedding."

"Bedding?"

Only then did Odel notice the treasured sheet Leona hugged.

Recalling Sonya's character, Odel clicked her tongue.

Bess, supporting Odel, caught the oddity.

"East Lake Court has a laundry too—why come all the way here?"

Odel eyed Leona curiously at Bess's point.

Leona fidgeted with the sheet, mumbling.

"W-well... While tidying Sonya-nim's bedding, I spilled ink... ruined her cherished sheet... I panicked and rushed to wash it, but don't know how to remove ink stains... Plus, Sonya-nim forbade asking East Lake Court laundry maids... so I came to West Lake Court's laundry for help..."

Odel and Bess softened at the tearful young maid's plea.

"Tsk tsk, you must have been shocked. Ink stains don't come out easily, even with ash water..."

As Odel trailed off, Leona quickly added.

"Yes. And Sonya-nim's sheet is special fabric—my poor skills can't clean it..."

"Special fabric? What do you mean?"

"See for yourself. I've never touched such fine cloth. I've ruined something precious—what shall I do? Supreme Maid Chief, please help."

Leona sobbed, pleading with Odel.

Odel's kindly face turned stern as she ordered Bess.

"Bess, bring the sheet here."

"Yes."

Bess snatched it and showed Odel.

Odel examined the fabric delicately with aged eyes.

"Bess, what do you think?"

"Looks like high-grade Jeran cloth to me."

"Same here. Bess, what's His Highness's schedule now?"

"...Probably finished the envoy luncheon by now."

"And after?"

"No schedules until the evening banquet, as far as I know."

"Good. Send for Sonya at once."

"Yes, Supreme Maid Chief."

Bess hurried off. Odel looked down at bewildered Leona.

"Do you understand why I summoned Sonya?"

"No, Supreme Maid Chief."

"Our maid division may only use palace-issued items. Bringing in unapproved luxuries violates regulations—no exceptions, even for supervisors. Remember that, Leona."

"Yes. I'll keep it in mind, Supreme Maid Chief."

Leona replied like an obedient pupil.

"Isn't that going too far?"

Gerard voiced his discomfort.

Sonya brazenly retorted.

"Don't meddle in my Chief Maid Division. That's overstepping."

"What if His Highness asks for her?"

"Plenty here to replace her—no worries."

While the Crown Prince rested alone, Gerard and Sonya clashed tensely in the corridor.

Their poor rapport boiled over Leona's treatment.

Underlings watched warily, unable to intervene.

A maid approached Sonya briskly and bowed.

"Sonya-nim, the Supreme Maid Chief summons you."

Caught off guard, Sonya faltered.

"The Supreme Maid Chief? For what?"

"You'll see. Follow me."

Clueless, Sonya was summoned to the Supreme Maid Chief's office.

Odel greeted her sternly.

"Supreme Maid Chief, you summoned me?"

"Wait outside a moment, Sonya. Leona."

"Yes."

Sonya was shocked—Leona here? Unthinkable.

"Return to His Highness's side."

"Yes, I'll withdraw."

Leona bowed deeply to Odel and left.

She even bowed properly to stunned Sonya before exiting.

The close attendant maids gaped as Leona reappeared soon after Sonya's summons.

Gerard was curious too.

Leona simply said she'd returned by Supreme Maid Chief's order and resumed duties.

That afternoon, rumors spread: Chief Maid Supervisor Sonya of Crown Prince Palace faced room search and suspension.

The Crown Prince finished all investiture duties late into the night before retiring.

Gerard granted Leona and Miranda the next day off for staying till the end.

Leona and Miranda returned to their room, washed roughly, and collapsed into bed exhausted.

Miranda was out the moment her head hit the pillow.

Leona, however, lay wide awake, mind clear.

Waiting till Miranda's breathing steadied, Leona slipped out quietly.

In nightclothes, she tiptoed to attendant maid Ellie's room in the silent predawn.

She knocked lightly on Ellie's door.

A startled rustle inside, then puffy-eyed Ellie cracked the door.

Spotting Leona, Ellie jumped.

"Wh-what brings you here..."

"I have urgent business to discuss. May we talk briefly?"

"Uh... now's not great... c-can't it wait till tomorrow?"

Ellie fidgeted, avoiding eye contact.

Leona thrust her arm through the gap, gripping Ellie's hand tightly.

Ellie flinched, whimpering.

"Eek..."

Leona released and barged in, shutting the door.

Overpowered, Ellie said nothing.

Leona gently took Ellie's hand, rolling up her sleeve.

Ellie trembled but didn't resist.

Her slender white arm bore countless whip marks.

Leona's face hardened.

Ellie pulled away shyly.

"Ellie-nim..."

Ellie bowed her head, tears falling.

"P-please... don't tell anyone..."

"I..."

Leona approached, whispering huskily.

"I can help you, Ellie-nim."

Ellie watched Leona's extended hand warily, then slowly lifted her head.

Post-investiture, the Crown Prince began formally receiving authority transfer.

The emperor, bereft of his eldest, lost all will and handed power willingly.

The Crown Prince smoothly gathered forces, proactively managing state affairs.

As he handled all administrative reports directly, the Six Departments buzzed with talk of abdication.

Furious upon hearing, the Crown Prince suspended duties and secluded in Crown Prince Palace.

His absence stalled governance, forcing the Prime Minister and department heads to visit and persuade him.

After three hours' parley, he agreed to resume tomorrow; the ministers left relieved.

The Prime Minister stayed for more talk.

Leona entered the audience chamber, cleared empty teacups, prepared fresh tea, and served the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

"Mm, excellent tea."

The Prime Minister praised Leona after sipping.

Leona smiled modestly, bowed to the Crown Prince, and withdrew with the others.

Barts excused himself to the Chief Servant Supervisor's office.

Gerard delegated close attendance to them, handling his own duties elsewhere.

With Sonya suspended, Ellie acted as Chief Maid Supervisor.

Thus, Barts shuttled tirelessly between Chief Division and Crown Prince as aide.

While Prime Minister conferred privately, Miranda took dirty cups to the kitchen; Leona stood guard.

Besides Leona, three close attendant servants and one guard knight waited in the corridor.

The silent close attendant servants exchanged glances; one sidled up to Leona.

"First time seeing the Prime Minister praise tea. Impressive skill, Leona-nim."

"You're too kind. My skills are lacking."

Prime Minister Sujen Dorian needed no finesse—just drown in sugar.

"No, you tailored it differently for each minister's taste. I learn watching you."

"I have much to improve. Guide me well."

"Haha. So humble."

The others nodded amiably.

Post-Sonya, Leona's standing in Crown Prince Palace shifted dramatically.

Not just close attendant maids—even veteran senior maids fawned; servants sought rapport.

Leona neither rebuffed nor embraced, just observed keenly.

The Chief Division had nearly 80 members; over half were Empress spies in her past life.

Some clung to power, others coerced.

Weeding them out wouldn't counter the Empress.

Times had changed—new spies possible.

Leona thus scrutinized all, gauging personalities.

Essential to avert worst futures.

Half an hour later, the Prime Minister emerged.

Leona and close attendant servants entered to prep next schedule.

But the Crown Prince, worn from meetings, dozed on the long sofa.

Not wanting to disturb, Leona signaled them out.

They withdrew quietly, understanding.

Leona tiptoed to him.

She planned to tidy the messy table with cups, then leave.

She cleared silently, efficiently—never glancing his way.

Another maid might cover him with a blanket.

But Leona knew his innately hot constitution.

Despite formal layers now, he'd soon strip to undergarments.

Finishing, she turned to go—but paused, returning to his side.

Kneeling by the sofa, she untied and gently removed his boots.

His bare feet emerged.

He'd ditched socks somewhere unseen.

Leona bit her lip to stifle laughter.

Suppressing giggles, she placed boots neatly under the sofa.

Rising, she looked down at him.

His uniform buttons were done to the neck—stifling.

One or two undone, she thought, reaching for his collar.

Suddenly, he seized her wrist.

Startled inwardly, Leona stayed still.

He opened his eyes.

His clear green gaze held no sleepiness.

Meeting his direct stare, Leona explained.

"You looked uncomfortable, so I meant to loosen a few collar buttons."

"..."

"Shall I not?"

He released her wrist silently.

Leona took it as assent, calmly undoing two buttons.

She stepped back, expression neutral.

"Your Highness, ample time till next schedule. So..."

Her dry tone proffered advice—then his bare feet caught her eye.

Unwittingly, her eyes softened.

Absently, she spoke to him as if soothing a child.

"Forget everything for a bit and rest easy."

Leona bowed and left.

The Crown Prince gazed at his bare feet with a peculiar expression.