"And the day when magic was sealed…" I whispered in a trance.
That'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.
It's the reason why Janus decided to show up at the ball to commorate that day. The Emperor had specifically given the tower a special gift in mory of Solomon. After all, what he did stopped the war that lasted for hundreds of years.
"Ohh? You read the history books, huh?" Janus says while grinning.
I was truly taken aback from that grin just now. It looked so out of character of him.
You see, the novel describes him as a cool and collected person.. The type who wears poker face all the ti so seeing him look so playful was just…
'Ah, but he's handso though… Ahem.'
"It's only natural for a citizen to know the history of their empire, Lord Janus," I replied.
'Wow. Calling him that feels strange…'
"Is that really the reason?" He countered.
I 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.
What was that…
"But regarding Her Majesty's question, I definitely would. It's the Founding Ball, after all."
He is saying these words but in the book, he seriously hated attending parties. What an amazing bluff…
"I'm glad," the Empress bead at him, seemingly satisfied by his answer, "I wish I could et that mysterious designer though," she added while heaving a sigh.
I was quietly drinking my tea when she said that, so of course, I got surprised and almost choked on it.
Clearing my throat, I peeked at the distressed Empress.
'Don't tell she wants Elen's services too?'
Janus tilted his head as if he was curious. He never left his tower, that ans, 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.
"Hmmm," I humd and acted like everything was okay when it's not.
Why did it jump to this topic…
"No matter how many tis I send an invitation for her, she just won't see ," she grumbled.
The Empress is pouting right now.
In 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 et Elen, Rosenthal's current sought-after designer.
Because 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 ca back, she panicked and sent an imdiate letter, informing about it.
Adele 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 to create her apparels. I would truly die.
Imagine the weight of being an exclusive designer for Her Majesty. I would seriously keel over from the expectations! I don't want that!
So even if she had specifically told 'Elen' to state her price, and offered tempting benefits, I declined.
That 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 sa. They want as their exclusive designer in exchange for fortune and privileges.
There was a ti when I blew up and a ton of invitations flooded my table. I was overwheld! I thought about it that ti as well but decided against it.
Being a freelancer is much more favourable for . 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.
I'm a happy independent designer and I'm content as it is.
Let's not throw ourselves into the pit of the fire, alright?
'Hmmm… Should I talk? Would it be weird if I don't?'
I'm a noble lady who wears dresses all the ti, so not talking would sohow make look like I have no interest. Not that it's a must anyway.
"Are you talking about Elen?" Janus suddenly uttered.
My body stiffened upon hearing the na off from his lips.
'Huh? How did he know that na? The Empress didn't ntion it earlier, right?'
The Empress's face brightened, "Oh! You know about her too, Lord Janus? That's a surprise."
I know right! He's not supposed to be interested in affairs outside his tower, so how?
Janus leaned back and smiled faintly.
"Well, she's famous," was his smooth answer.
That does not explain why and how though. You're supposed to not give a damn about it?
"Yes, she really is. But she's shrouded in mystery," she then lets out another sigh-- "Even Adele did not know who she was."
'Hmm?' What does Her Majesty an by that?
Did Adele tell her she doesn't particularly know ? I thought she only didn't reveal my na…
Janus humd as he sipped on his cup and stole a furtive glance on , 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.
"Mysterious, huh," Janus muttered.
"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.
I don't know but I kind of feel embarrassed hearing that from her.
That's not true at all, Auntie. Many tis, 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.
"Miss Nadia must also be a fan of hers. I heard that Elen is very popular mostly amongst young won," Janus remarked.
I flinched for the nth ti this day. Why is this man suddenly dragging into the conversation? I'm fine remaining silent right here…
'And how did you know that rumor? Who is telling you these and why?'
Janus and the Empress's eyes went to .
'Ugh…'
"She's… great…" I mumbled almost painfully.
It's weird to talk about my alias, okay? And complinting myself indirectly gives shivers.
"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.
It's because they were mine.
"Nadia, how did you manage to get your hands on those designs?" She inquired eagerly.
Again. Because they were mine.
Can we please change the topic?
I'm suffering here everyone, please. Let's go back to the talk about the Founding Ball and not the dresses.
"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."
The last sentence is not entirely a lie. There are tis that Adele would send my dress at the mansion without a warning nor a letter. But it only made sound like I have a privilege or sothing.
"Elen must have known you and decided to make you her muse. As expected of my dear niece," she then rrily laughs.
"Hahaha," I was cringing internally from the pain of hearing it, that even my laugh sounds forced.
'Ugh. Please. Kill .'
I 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.
Honestly, I have such bad vibes from him. He feels so suspicious!
'Or it might be just my nerves again.'
After 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.
The 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.
'He is very sus.'
"Oh no, it's ti for to leave," The Empress then announced. She was wearing a slightly troubled expression as if she didn't want to go.
'If she leaves then I would be left alone with Janus… No way!'
I deliberately looked at the sky and cleared my throat, formulating a plan in my head.
"I'm also the sa," I uttered and prepped myself.
She blinked at , "Ah, but Lord Janus won't have a companion then! Must you really leave?"
'Yes! Absolutely!'
"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.
I am an ace in acting, if y'all still don't know.
"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 and they were hella sparkling.
See? He had been doing and saying these strange things since earlier.
'Very sus…'
"Oh my," the Empress gasped.
Sa. I want to gasp too.
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