n

n

n

"And the day when magic was sealed…

" I whispered in a trance.

nThat's right. The day of the founding was also when that founder of the tower had sealed everyone's magic abilities, with a few exceptions.

nIt's the reason why Janus decided to show up at the ball to commemorate that day. The Emperor had specifically given the tower a special gift in memory of Solomon. After all, what he did stopped the war that lasted for hundreds of years.

n

"Ohh? You read the history books, huh?

" Janus says while grinning.

nI was truly taken aback from that grin just now. It looked so out of character of him.

nYou see, the novel describes him as a cool and collected person.. The type who wears poker face all the time so seeing him look so playful was just…

n'Ah, but he's handsome though… Ahem.'

n

"It's only natural for a citizen to know the history of their empire, Lord Janus,

" I replied.

n'Wow. Calling him that feels strange…'

n

"Is that really the reason?

" He countered.

nI glanced at him and saw a strange glint in his eyes. It was very fast so I wasn't sure if I did see it correctly, or I was just hallucinating.

nWhat was that…

n

"But regarding Her Majesty's question, I definitely would. It's the Founding Ball, after all.

"

nHe is saying these words but in the book, he seriously hated attending parties. What an amazing bluff…

n

"I'm glad,

" the Empress beamed at him, seemingly satisfied by his answer,

"I wish I could meet that mysterious designer though,

" she added while heaving a sigh.

nI was quietly drinking my tea when she said that, so of course, I got surprised and almost choked on it.

nClearing my throat, I peeked at the distressed Empress.

n'Don't tell me she wants Elen's services too?'

nJanus tilted his head as if he was curious. He never left his tower, that means, he has no way of knowing worldly affairs aside from what his assistant says. If it's not important, then there's no reason for him to hear it. That's just how Janus is.

n

"Hmmm,

" I hummed and acted like everything was okay when it's not.

nWhy did it jump to this topic…

n

"No matter how many times I send an invitation for her, she just won't see me,

" she grumbled.

nThe Empress is pouting right now.

nIn regards to what she said, Adele had almost blown her top off when she received Her Majesty's summon to the palace. Even more so, when the reason for it was because she wanted to meet Elen, Rosenthal's current sought-after designer.

nBecause we have a deal of not disclosing Elen's real identity, she never revealed it even in the presence of the royalty. Though after she came back, she panicked and sent me an immediate letter, informing me about it.

nAdele had suggested telling the Empress. After all, we're blood-related, so she thought it would be fine. Still, I didn't want to. If the Empress started commissioning me to create her apparels. I would truly die.

nImagine the weight of being an exclusive designer for Her Majesty. I would seriously keel over from the expectations! I don't want that!

nSo even if she had specifically told 'Elen' to state her price, and offered tempting benefits, I declined.

nThat is also the reason why I don't accept the other's offers as well. There were a lot, I tell you, and they all said the same. They want me as their exclusive designer in exchange for fortune and privileges.

nThere was a time when I blew up and a ton of invitations flooded my table. I was overwhelmed! I thought about it that time as well but decided against it.

nBeing a freelancer is much more favourable for me. First, I get to send my work without a deadline. I don't have to worry about the employer's strict demands and such, and I don't need to abide by their expectations.

nI'm a happy independent designer and I'm content as it is.

nLet's not throw ourselves into the pit of the fire, alright?

n'Hmmm… Should I talk? Would it be weird if I don't?'

nI'm a noble lady who wears dresses all the time, so not talking would somehow make me look like I have no interest. Not that it's a must anyway.

n

"Are you talking about Elen?

" Janus suddenly uttered.

nMy body stiffened upon hearing the name off from his lips.

n'Huh? How did he know that name? The Empress didn't mention it earlier, right?'

nThe Empress's face brightened,

"Oh! You know about her too, Lord Janus? That's a surprise.

"

nI know right! He's not supposed to be interested in affairs outside his tower, so how?

nJanus leaned back and smiled faintly.

n

"Well, she's famous,

" was his smooth answer.

nThat does not explain why and how though. You're supposed to not give a damn about it?

n

"Yes, she really is. But she's shrouded in mystery,

" she then lets out another sigh--

"Even Adele did not know who she was.

"

n'Hmm?' What does Her Majesty mean by that?

nDid Adele tell her she doesn't particularly know me? I thought she only didn't reveal my name…

nJanus hummed as he sipped on his cup and stole a furtive glance on me, which I didn't catch. There was a hint of smile on his lips as well, as if he's thinking of an inside joke.

n

"Mysterious, huh,

" Janus muttered.

n

"I offered her a lot but she declined all of them. I can't believe a person like that exists, one who is not blinded by riches and prestige,

" The Empress added.

nI don't know but I kind of feel embarrassed hearing that from her.

nThat's not true at all, Auntie. Many times, I get tempted by all those offers I get. Then I would be reminded of how taxing it would be and my temptations get chased away.

n

"Miss Nadia must also be a fan of hers. I heard that Elen is very popular mostly amongst young women,

" Janus remarked.

nI flinched for the nth time this day. Why is this man suddenly dragging me into the conversation? I'm fine remaining silent right here…

n'And how did you know that rumor? Who is telling you these and why?'

nJanus and the Empress's eyes went to me.

n'Ugh…'

n

"She's… great…

" I mumbled almost painfully.

nIt's weird to talk about my alias, okay? And complimenting myself indirectly gives me shivers.

n

"That is right! I saw your dresses in the last balls and events. They're all pieces from Elen, aren't they?

" The Empress says with sparkling eyes,

"And the limited types as well! Those which are not available in the brochures!

" She basically gushed.

nIt's because they were mine.

n

"Nadia, how did you manage to get your hands on those designs?

" She inquired eagerly.

nAgain. Because they were mine.

nCan we please change the topic?

nI'm suffering here everyone, please. Let's go back to the talk about the Founding Ball and not the dresses.

n

"I'm just… lucky? I have no idea, really,

" I answered while trying my best not to vomit out blood from stress. And I'm also lying so--

"The dresses are actually sent to my house without my notice.

"

nThe last sentence is not entirely a lie. There are times that Adele would send my dress at the mansion without a warning nor a letter. But it only made me sound like I have a privilege or something.

n

"Elen must have known you and decided to make you her muse. As expected of my dear niece,

" she then merrily laughs.

n

"Hahaha,

" I was cringing internally from the pain of hearing it, that even my laugh sounds forced.

n'Ugh. Please. Kill me.'

nI heard an amused chuckle from my right. I don't have to look to know who it was because it would be no other than the magician.

nHonestly, I have such bad vibes from him. He feels so suspicious!

n'Or it might be just my nerves again.'

nAfter a while, the topic had moved on, thank the heavens. I don't know if I could withstand having to be discussed straight to my face without dying from cringe and awkwardness.

nThe majority of the conversation was only between Janus and Her Majesty while I was content listening to them, and occasionally butting in. It was nice. Even though I get these hunches from Janus though I have no idea what they are.

n'He is very sus.'

n

"Oh no, it's time for me to leave,

" The Empress then announced. She was wearing a slightly troubled expression as if she didn't want to go.

n'If she leaves then I would be left alone with Janus… No way!'

nI deliberately looked at the sky and cleared my throat, formulating a plan in my head.

n

"I'm also the same,

" I uttered and prepped myself.

nShe blinked at me,

"Ah, but Lord Janus won't have a companion then! Must you really leave?

"

n'Yes! Absolutely!'

n

"Sadly,

" no, it's not--

"I still have a lot to do,

" no, I don't--

"like preparing for the ball and stuff,

" I replied while looking unsettled.

nI am an ace in acting, if y'all still don't know.

n

"Hmmm, too bad. I was seriously looking forward to getting to know Miss Nadia more,

" the cunning magician stated. His golden eyes were nailed on me and they were hella sparkling.

nSee? He had been doing and saying these strange things since earlier.

n'Very sus…'

n

"Oh my,

" the Empress gasped.

nSame. I want to gasp too.

n