Chapter – 14
In contrast, the current Empress Onisia was wise.
Having entered the imperial palace as a commoner, the first thing she did was make the Marchioness of Eart her ally.
That was the beginning.
Starting with the Marchioness of Eart, Empress Onisia gradually drew many influential noblewomen to her side.
It took a long, long time to take control of high society, but in the end, she survived long enough to see Crown Prince Alesto S. Burns firmly secure his power.
Ruby hoped that Asha would become as steadfast an empress as Empress Onisia.
Only then could she herself keep her own place secure at Asha’s side.
Such was the fate of an owl.
One had no choice but to share the destiny of the master one served.
And now, her master was Lady Asha.
If Asha were divorced and cast out of the palace, what would become of her?
‘I’d fall into ruin right along with her.’
In Ruby’s opinion, that was precisely why the difficulty level of the Owl Mission had the tag [Official] stamped on it.
Which meant she had to do whatever it took to ensure that Lady Asha safely became Empress—and remained in that position for a long time.
As Ruby saw it, the only thing Asha possessed right now was the Crown Prince’s interest. Other than that, she had nothing.
That was why attending the ball, building connections, and slowly strengthening her footing was crucial at this stage.
If Lady Asha attended the ball now?
‘She’d sweep up invitations from every influential lady in the capital!’
With that hope in mind, Ruby earnestly tried to persuade her.
“Yes, a ball. Splendid flowers and chandeliers, dancing and merriment, beautiful paintings and music—it’s truly a celebration of art. And I hear the Corridor of Roses has been decorated as an art gallery, so even a light visit to look around would be worthwhile.”
For a moment, curiosity sparkled in Asha’s eyes—but just as quickly, the light faded.
“…I can’t go.”
Ruby, who thought she had nearly convinced her, faltered in surprise.
“What? Why—why not?”
Asha stared at the ceiling and muttered flatly,
“His Highness told me not to leave the Almond Palace.”
A giant question mark popped up over Ruby’s head.
‘That can’t be…’
Ruby.
Even if she was gray, an owl was still an owl.
Did she march to Head Maid Watch with an official document marked [Official] and demand information?
No.
She had instead prepared a report—about how best to help Lady Asha adjust to palace life, what role she as a maid should play in Asha’s journey to becoming Empress, and what virtues were essential in a maid serving Her Majesty.
Please, take pity on this humble gray owl and grant her all the information necessary to carry out her mission.
Fortunately, the kind and generous Head Maid Watch shared quite valuable information.
Well, information she was allowed to share.
In any case—
Watch had clearly said that Lady Asha was the Crown Prince’s “ideal type.”
Whether it was love or not, he desired her intensely.
Why else would he have already negotiated with Count Herman’s family and completed the marriage contract? (That part was confidential.)
And now… he was locking her up?
Our Crown Prince wasn’t that much of a blockhead… was he?
There must be some reason.
If His Highness truly intended to confine Lady Asha, he would have at least warned his maid—and stationed plenty of knights.
First, she needed to understand the situation.
Ruby began gently coaxing Asha.
“How could he… You must be so upset.”
“It can’t be helped. At that moment…”
“At that moment?”
“Well, while we were talking, I got distracted for a second…”
After patiently drawing out the details, Ruby suddenly slapped her knee.
“It’s jealousy.”
Asha blinked.
“…Jealousy?”
“Yes. He must have spoken in a moment of impulsive jealousy.”
It was surprising, given that the Crown Prince was usually excellent at controlling his emotions—but this was good news for Lady Asha.
And what was good for Lady Asha—
‘Is good for me!’
“Don’t worry, Lady Asha. I’ll find a way to escort you to the ball.”
“…I really don’t need to go.”
Truly.
She couldn’t quite say it aloud, but… being confined wasn’t what bothered her.
But Ruby, unaware of Asha’s inner thoughts, gently escorted her toward the bedroom.
“Could you cry for me?”
Asha looked confused.
“Suddenly? Why?”
“If you cry in the bedroom, I’ll bring His Highness here. Men are weak to the tears of the woman they favor. Once he sees you crying, he won’t be able to keep you confined.”
It sounded plausible.
But would tears work on a cold, tyrant-in-the-making?
More importantly—
“I really don’t need to go to the ball.”
When Asha still showed no intention of moving, Ruby pleaded softly,
“Please, just trust me once. Simply cry until I say ‘It’s done.’”
In the end, Asha was pushed into the bedroom.
Staring at the closed door, she wondered:
‘Am I… the type who’s bad at refusing?’
Well.
She’d never had anyone so persistently and sweetly coaxing her before.
And so their operation began.
Ruby pressed her ear to the Almond Palace door, checking the corridor at every sign of movement.
Then—
There he was.
The Crown Prince.
Before entering his own residence, Acacia Palace, Alesto paused and glanced at the neighboring Almond Palace door.
What might the Saintess be doing right now?
Just as curiosity stirred, the door opened and a maid stepped out.
‘The owl newly assigned to her.’
She bowed, and he casually asked,
“And Miss Asha?”
Still bent at the waist, she answered respectfully,
“She has not left her bedroom.”
“…Why?”
Ruby delivered her performance flawlessly.
“She has eaten nothing since yesterday and has done nothing but cry.”
Though she could see only the floor, her eyes never left the Crown Prince’s shoes.
‘Move. This way!’
Suddenly, a door opened nearby.
Not Almond Palace—it must be Acacia.
Was His Highness going to ignore Lady Asha?
‘Did I fail?’
Just as she squeezed her eyes shut—
Tap, tap.
The footsteps that had been moving away came back.
They stopped beside her.
His voice, which had sounded distant, was now right next to her.
“Do not enter.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Click.
The sound of the door closing was remarkably crisp.
Ruby straightened proudly and exhaled in satisfaction.
Of course.
What man could ignore the tears of a woman he cared for?
‘From now until His Highness comes out on his own—’
No one would interfere.
Asha entered the bedroom and began to cry, just as Ruby had asked.
Crying was easy.
All she had to do was think of her mother, who had passed away when she was young.
The only clear memory she had was a photograph.
Her voice was faint in her memory.
But she remembered once resting her head on her mother’s arm—perhaps during a nap.
That single memory was all she had.
She had no memory of her father at all.
Mom, I miss you.
‘Do you miss me too?’
That question was her trigger.
She didn’t know how long she cried.
Once you start, all the old sorrows come rushing in.
Just as her sobbing threatened to turn into wailing—
Knock knock.
Oh?
Was it over?
She waited for Ruby’s “It’s done—”
Instead, she heard:
“Could you open the door for a moment?”
It was Alesto’s voice.
