Chapter 7: The Holy Night’s Banquet

On one block of Sauslind’s capital, Saoura, lights were flickering on.

The skies had been sunny and clear since early that morning, and standing in the palace, you could see the entire town—from the district full of nobles’ manors, to the merchant district, to the residential district. You could even see the nearest town hovering in the distance. Above it all, the sky was painted in a faded rose color as day turned to night. Rows of houses were gradually beginning to light up as darkness fell.

The Neville River cut across Saoura from the west to the southeast. The houses that lined its banks had ample stacks of firewood to supply them. Orange flickers from their own lights reflected off the surface of the nearby water. The whole capital glittered, as if the fires dotting it were jewels embedded in a band of darkness. This was one of the most famous sights of the Holy Night’s Banquet, something we called “Daybreak’s River,” for its resemblance to dawn’s light.

The plaza in front of the palace had been cleared in preparation for the event, and in spite of it being the middle of winter, crowds had gathered, buzzing with enthusiasm. Escorted by Prince Christopher, I stepped out onto the balcony that jutted out into the plaza. Cheers instantly erupted from the crowd, so overwhelming that the very sky seemed to shake from the clamor. I flinched at first, my mind going blank.

Each Holy Night’s Banquet began with the royal family appearing in front of the public. Per our country’s custom, the royal family would then celebrate the tranquility of the previous year while praying the one to come would be just as peaceful.

Since this was my first year participating, I was nervous. My whole body froze so solid it felt as if someone had placed me in an ice box and left me there for a thousand years. Up until now, I had only acted as the prince’s partner once the sun had set and the evening party began, but now that our wedding date had been announced, things had changed. I understood that, but I still couldn’t shake my anxiety about stepping out on a stage in front of so many people.

I had spoken with the general of the imperial guard, Earl Eisenach, a few moments prior, and his words had only served to heighten my apprehension. The man had the Eisenach’s trademark red hair, though his was cropped short. He also had a shockingly jovial attitude for someone in such an influential position.

When we were standing by in the waiting room before coming out on the balcony, he had spoken warmly to me, not an ounce of ill will to be seen on his face. “Can hardly believe it. There are more people showing up than usual since they know you’ll be making your appearance this year, Lady Elianna. I got a report from the capital’s patrol unit that we even have people surging in from the nearby towns. Those of us on security detail will have to keep a watchful eye.” He gave me a big, excited grin without a hint of malice, looking genuinely amused as he ensured our safety.

Beside me, the prince mumbled, “So it seems Glen’s habit of saying things that don’t need to be said is something he got from his father.”

My anxiety just seemed to build until all of the blood had drained from my face. I wasn’t exactly in the right state of mind to respond to his comment.

The prince noticed and used the secret spell he had taught me before to try to soothe my nerves. “You’re my treasure.”

As I stood frozen on the balcony, reflecting on the events of a few moments prior, two hands suddenly clamped over mine, bringing me out of my daze. I lifted my head to look at His Highness.

His blue eyes gazed at me softly, a smile on his face as his lips moved to the shape of my name. I couldn’t actually hear his voice over the sound of the crowd outside, but it was enough to calm me down.

“These people are your allies. Besides, I’ll be right beside you the entire time, and I’m your number one supporter,” he said.

Those eyes of his and the spell he’d cast were enough to alleviate my fears. I found myself smiling in spite of my anxiety, and the crowd’s excitement swelled. I continued to beam as the two of us waved at the cheering people. When Prince Theodore stepped out to join us, they cried out happily.

Finally, Queen Henrietta and His Majesty made their appearance, and the people’s elation hit a crescendo so loud my ears were buzzing. The current ruler of Sauslind was King William Christen Ashelard. He was still handsome and healthy at 47 years old. What he lacked in grace, he more than made up for with ambition that boiled just below the surface. He had such a commanding air about him that people naturally bowed their heads in his presence.

The king and queen smiled at their adoring subjects, waving their hands in greeting. The clamor resounded for a while as the crowd rejoiced in the presence of the entire royal family. His Majesty continued to wave at them as they cried out in support, but eventually his eyes turned to the rest of us before sweeping over the crowd. There was strength in his gaze, and as the people felt the weight of it, they gradually hushed. Their voices were replaced by an excited tension.

Sensing that their anticipation was at its zenith, the king raised a hand. In conjunction, all of the lights in the palace instantly lit up. Moments before, the palace looked like a hulking shadow in the background, but now as it flickered to life, it transformed into something extravagant and majestic.

I could only stare in amazement while the crowd below erupted in applause, whooping.

The Holy Night’s Banquet had begun.

Sauslind was a polytheistic country. The main god we revered was the great Dora. According to legend, Dora gathered all the other gods together to celebrate the end of the year with a banquet that lasted the entire night. That was how the Holy Night’s Banquet began.

This was the one day of the year when the capital didn’t sleep. The whole city would be lit up until dawn. Despite it being mid-winter, people were bustling through the streets. Merchants had gathered from across the continent to set up a marketplace. Actors and street performers put on skits mimicking the gods at banquet.

In addition, the royal family had set up a free mulled wine stand for the people. Tipsy adults lined up, lured in by the sweet smell of liquor while children pleaded with their parents for a taste. When their mothers and fathers brushed their requests aside, the children would pout, anxiously awaiting the day when they became adults and could sample alcohol as well.

The festival’s hype would continue well throughout the night. Today was a celebration of family, so most homes were brimming with raucous merrymaking.

The capital patrol stood watch from the shadows to ensure the safety of all during the Holy Night’s Banquet. Their numbers were bolstered specifically for the holidays. They worked tirelessly, intervening in any conflicts, ensuring no drunks fell asleep and died of hypothermia on the roadside, and keeping an eye out on all corners of the capital as people trickled in from across the continent.

People were essentially split up into two groups: those who were living up the night’s festivities and those who hid in the shadows, keeping the peace. It was thanks to both that Sauslind’s Holy Night’s Banquet was counted as one of the most famous celebrations on the Ars Continent.

Cheers continued to reverberate behind us as we made our way back inside.

I breathed a sigh of relief now that I’d fulfilled my duty. Prince Christopher gave a small smile as he opened his mouth to try to express his appreciation, but another voice cut him off.

“Elianna, there’s no time. Come now.” Queen Henrietta ushered me along, not even giving me time to share a few short words with the prince before her maids and ladies-in-waiting surrounded me. They hastily pulled me from the room.

Actually, this breakneck pace had been ongoing since this morning.

I’d hardly had time to breathe today, let alone open a book. Before the sun had even finished its ascent that morning, maids were already hard at work scrubbing my body. I then attended a festival at the royal temple where the Hero King was celebrated as a deity. After that, I dined with a foreign delegation, engaged in small talk, and entertained guests. It was dizzying, as if several days’ worth of my official duties had been squeezed together into a single day. My suffering only continued as I was whisked off to change for the umpteenth time today.

Once we were safely within Queen Henrietta’s quarters, the maids began peeling off my current garments. They were elegant, florid, and specifically made to protect against the cold. After those were off, the maids adorned me with a simple dress, and I took a few precious moments to catch my breath.

For the upper class, the most important festivity of the night was just moments away—an evening party we called the “Holy Night’s Banquet.” Day turned to night early during the winter, and that was part of the reason for Queen Henrietta’s sense of urgency.

It was rare for us to dine during these evening parties. Thus, Her Majesty and I were having a quick, light meal. As I absently watched a maid pour my tea, I noticed her form was unusually clumsy for a maid working in the palace. Curious, I lifted my gaze to examine her, only to squeak in surprise the second I saw her face. “Lilia?!”

She grinned, hazel eyes regarding me mischievously as if to say, “Got you!”

Lilia Storrev was my cousin and the youngest daughter of Earl Storrev.

I opened my mouth to ask her why she was even here, but I was so utterly confused at seeing her in a maid outfit that my lips couldn’t even form the words.

Lilia contorted her features into a mute expression, speaking politely as she addressed me. “It’s been almost two months since I came to the palace and began learning. I have no doubt there is much I still need to improve upon, so I hope you will be patient with me, Lady Elianna.”

I blinked back at her. “Um...pardon?”

She nearly burst into laughter at my reaction, but Agnes was pinning her with an intense gaze, so Lilia kept her lips tightly thinned into a line. The queen’s head lady-in-waiting turned to seek approval from Her Majesty before telling Lilia, “We have a few moments. Explain to Lady Elianna.”

Lilia turned her gaze toward me again, shooting me a meaningful look as she gave a short curtsey. Her tone was less formal this time around. “Basically, after everything that happened at the Hunting Festival, the prince gave me a direct invitation. He told me to become your maid and work here at the palace.”

“Oh my...” I gasped.

“He said he didn’t mind if it was temporary, just until you acclimated to your life at the palace after becoming crown princess. You always take everything so seriously and push yourself past your limits. He thought you would need someone you could feel at ease with.”

I couldn’t argue the point. Just a few days ago, I felt lost and wanted someone to whom I could speak without questioning their motives or loyalty. Still, when I considered Lilia’s age, I felt hesitant to agree to this.

“You still have so much potential,” I said. “You’re unmarried and from a high status family. You don’t have to go out of your way just for me.”

The people who served the royal family were all people from reputable backgrounds. Her Majesty’s most trusted retainer, Agnes, was originally from an earldom herself. However, Agnes’s husband had passed, and she was a widow when she was accepted to work as Queen Henrietta’s lady-in-waiting. Lilia was still much too young to be bound to me when she had such a promising future ahead of her.

To my surprise, Lilia seemed entirely unconcerned as she grinned back at me. “The Storrev house has already secured its future by producing an heir; my eldest sister, Claire, already took a husband and gave birth. The next eldest, Julia, is engaged to the son of a viscount family. Both of them have already found their path. As for me, I’m more like Lady Anna. I would rather be a working woman than spend my time searching for a man. Prince Christopher’s invitation was perfect for me.”

“Oh...” I continued to stare blankly at her.

I never knew she had such aspirations.

Lilia informed me that she already had her family’s blessing and support in this. As she continued, still looking as impish as ever, she said, “I can’t be of any use to you in high society; you already have my mother, sisters, and Lady Therese to watch out for you. So, I figured I could be of service to you from a different angle. Besides...” Those clever eyes gleamed with amusement. “Being with you is far more interesting than looking for a partner, taking part in evening parties, or joining ladies for tea every day.”

...Her outlook on life was eerily similar to someone else I knew.

If she had an objective of her own and saw purpose in what she was doing, there was nothing for me to debate with her about. I was about to tell Lilia as much, but Her Majesty’s head maid suddenly cleared her throat.

Lilia jumped, straightening her back. “I hope that was an acceptable explanation.” She was speaking formally with me again. “I am still in the midst of my training as a maid, but I hope to serve you well henceforth, Lady Elianna.” She gave another polite curtsey. Despite the fact that she was close family, the head maid was ensuring Lilia knew the importance of using proper etiquette in public when interacting with me.

I still felt a bit worried about her, but it was true that having my younger cousin with me did lighten my mood.

It seems I still have much growing to do if I ever hope to be self-reliant, I thought.

Queen Henrietta expelled a quiet sigh. “That boy truly is too soft on you.”

I straightened my posture and turned back toward the table.

Her Majesty returned her teacup to its saucer, her tone clipped as ever as she said, “I would like to discuss Sarah with you.”

The mention of Sarah nearly made me jump with surprise. My face tightened with anxiety as I replied, “Very well.”

Part of me did want to defend Sarah for being compelled to do things against her will, but regardless of the circumstances, she did enter my quarters with Lady Matilda without permission. If I tried to dodge official procedure and laws on account of my own personal feelings, it would have a negative impact on all who worked here at the palace. I understood that.

Her Majesty let out a quiet exhale before saying, “I oversee the inner palace and thus, any transgressions by any maids there are my responsibility. Additionally, I am in charge of background examinations on all merchants who enter the inner palace. The slip there is also my fault, so I owe you an apology for all of this.”

“No, there’s no need to—”

I immediately tried to jump in, but Her Majesty cut me off, seeming unusually emotional. “No. I would rather be transparent and confess my mistakes. Otherwise, my own child will come at me with those passive-aggressive jabs of his. I don’t need him pointing out my shortcomings or further limiting my ability to intervene. Honestly, that boy... Of all things he could take away from battling those old tanuki, did it have to be how to fight underhandedly?”

I’m not sure I understand...?

I tilted my head at her.

Emotion continued to smolder inside of Her Majesty as she sighed. Gracefully, she swept up her cup and drew it to her nose so she could inhale the soothing scent of her tea. Seeing her like this reminded me of the prince. After another sharp exhale, she continued. “Sarah will be removed from her position and demoted. She will return to the lowest position possible and work as a servant. If she so desires it, however, she may still be able to regain her position as a maid.”

The fact that Sarah wasn’t being driven out of the palace entirely prompted me to sigh with relief. She would have found it incredibly difficult to earn employment anywhere else if she’d been fired by the royal family.

“You will have another loyal follower you can count on when she returns to her position as a maid,” said the queen.

My eyes shot wide open in confusion. “Um...?”

“The reason her punishment was reduced to a mere demotion was because she so regretted what she had done and was fully prepared for her termination,” Her Majesty informed me. “She said she’d betrayed your trust in her.”

While I puzzled over how best to respond, the queen drew a breath. “Elianna, there isn’t a single person who has served in the palace for the past four years that doesn’t understand who you are as a person. There are a staggering amount of people waiting anxiously for you to take your position as crown princess. You draw in supporters well enough on your own, even without Chris’s needless meddling. Have more confidence in yourself.”

I stiffened at her strong encouragement. “Yes, I understand.” As I stared back at her, my heart filled with warmth. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The queen cleared her throat and continued in the same tone of voice, “One more thing about this incident. You had someone at the palace that you could have consulted before you ran home. I have experienced the very issue you were stressing over. Why didn’t you come to me for advice? I have told you numerous times now that you will be my daughter.”

“Oh, um...yes, I know,” I blurted back, though inwardly I felt a bit confused.

Was Queen Henrietta scolding me for not conferring with her? But back then—

Before I could reflect too deeply on my thought process at the time, Her Majesty chided me. “You are incredibly intelligent, but that same intelligence is the reason you overthink things all the time. You need to learn to be more honest with yourself and rely on other people.”

“Yes, of course...”

Rely on just who, exactly...?

Lilia and the other maids giggled as the queen’s cheeks lit up. However, she ignored her embarrassment in favor of continuing her curt address. “Your dress for this year was dyed using pigment from the Milulu Clams you found. I had my personal designer put it together, using our conversations as a basis, and the fabric is made from the newest material in the Tor Region. Whether the Azul Region and Corba Village will benefit financially from this depends entirely on how well you market this for them. Be sure to do your utmost.”

“Huh...?” I froze in place.

Queen Henrietta’s expression was unreadable as she announced, “I can occasionally lend my hand in bringing your ideas to fruition, as well. It can’t be all House Storrev and Chris getting the credit.”

I remained stiff as we finished our meal, and then Her Majesty and I were urged to separate rooms to begin our cumbersome preparations. As always, I felt my stamina and energy being zapped right out of me.

~.~.~.~

As the maids made small adjustments to my gown, I stared vacantly at my reflection in the mirror.

The dress Queen Henrietta secretly had designed for me was a magnificent one indeed. The newly developed fabric from the Tor Region was light and breathable, giving it a transparent finish that allowed the color of my skin to show through. I had thought the material more fit for summer, but Her Majesty’s designer had layered it numerous times to make it appropriate for the season.

The pigments used to dye the fabric were drawn from the Milulu Clam. Its hues had been so light when applied to parchment, but when used on the fabric from the Tor Region, it came out a pink rose color. The dyed material layered together around my hips to create a deep crimson tone. The designer had made a bold move in leaving the fabric thin around the shoulders. It exposed the paleness of my skin which filtered pink under the light layers of the sleeves.

The hems were adorned with silver and gold thread, making the whole outfit sparkle with each movement, as if fragments of light were spilling out from the folds of my dress. Thanks to how lightweight the fabric was, it would flutter as I danced, resembling flower petals drifting through the air.

It was almost as if each sheet of fabric had been carefully layered together like the petals of a rose. The whole thing was gorgeous. Not just that, its gradation made it different from any other red dress I had seen before. Each row of fabric was dyed a light rose pink, and when they overlapped, the color looked even more lustrous. There was a hidden mystique about the dress that took my breath away. It was sure to draw people’s attention.

Ordinarily, a palette such as this would suit some personalities better than others, but the way this dress was designed, with such elegance and purity, anyone could wear it and look stunning.

I was shocked the pigment of the Milulu Clam had a viable future as clothing dye. I admired the queen even more for her ability to innovate.

Although, I would have been more impressed if I weren’t the one wearing this dress.

“Oh...”

To match the deep colors of my dress, the maids had applied more makeup than they usually did. My unruly mane had also been groomed into such a complex arrangement that I couldn’t even believe it was my own hair I was looking at. Even the loose flyaways had been smoothed back, indicating just how determined the maids had been about polishing me to perfection. The Elianna reflected back at me wasn’t the Bibliophile Princess I was accustomed to.

I was in such a daze that I didn’t even realize someone had entered the room until they were right behind me. “Eli...”

The moment I heard him call my name, I glanced over my shoulder. The prince looked like the midnight sky. His attire was such a dark indigo it was nearly black, adorned by gold and silver embroidery that gave it an elegant flair appropriate for an evening party. His glamorous apparel only served to amplify his intimidatingly charismatic presence, making him outshine everyone else.

His golden hair dazzled in the light, and his blue eyes shone bright like a cloudless sky. His features were handsome, and his body was toned in a way that was perfectly balanced without being ostentatious. He truly was the pride of Sauslind Kingdom—the brilliant and highly anticipated heir to the throne, Prince Christopher.

“Your Highness...”

I had seen him so many times before, and yet still I was captivated by his appearance. It wasn’t until I saw his eyes go wide with shock that I returned to my senses.

Up until this point, I had never worn anything red. My aunt and cousins had never recommended the color before, likely avoiding it because they knew it wouldn’t suit me. One of my other epithets was the “Library Ghost,” after all. Red would undoubtedly make my spectral appearance look even more haunting. Then the prince would have new ghost stories surrounding him about the “Woman in the Red.”

Oh no, no, no, I panicked inwardly.

His Highness heaved a sigh. “I see... So this is what you look like when you wear red.” In a whisper he added, “I didn’t think she had it in her, but Mother surpassed my expectations this time.”

I desperately wanted to escape from the prince’s scrutiny, but the maids making final adjustments on my gown gave me pause. Their concerted efforts acted as a silent coercion that rooted my feet firmly in place. By the time I worked up the nerve to speak, I was nearly in tears. “Please just be honest with me, Your Highness.”

“Pardon?”

“Does it not sting your eyes to look at me? The dress is...utterly gorgeous beyond words, but I am fully aware it doesn’t suit me at all.”

Even though they had been devoting their attention entirely to my dress, the moment the maids heard me say that, they all looked up at once. They seemed to be glaring at me in disbelief. One of them opened her mouth to contest my claim, but the prince’s chuckling silenced her.

“Knowing you, I’m sure you must really mean that when you say it,” the prince said with amusement. His eyes swept back over me again. “You really want me to give you my unbiased opinion?”

I summoned my courage and nodded. “Yes.”

The maids seemed to read the mood and stepped back as soon as they were finished with the last of their alterations. I seemed to be the only one who didn’t notice the change in the prince’s gaze as his expression softened.

He smiled at me as he delivered his impressions, but the words were so contrary to what I expected that he may as well have been speaking a foreign language. “At a glance, you remind me of a rose. I will admit the dress is a masterpiece of design on its own, but you are no less stunning with it adorning you. It’s only as breath-taking as it is because you’re the one wearing it, Eli.

“It resembles a single flower beginning to bloom—a rose bud repelling the drops of morning dew as it stands there, innocent and dignified, just beyond my reach. A bud that promises a fragrant scent within, threatening to bloom when you least expect it. A very memorable impression, indeed.”

I could feel my cheeks quickly heating up.

There was sincerity in his blue eyes, but something mischievous lurked within. “I already knew you were adorable, but wearing this dress, you look like a temptress. It’s almost terrifying how dramatically a lady’s appearance can change with a little bit of makeup. I wouldn’t mind being strung along by a she-devil as long as it’s you.”

“Y-Your Highness...”

“Oh, but I do worry about you attracting other men’s attention,” he remarked. “The dress does expose your shoulders and skin a bit too much. And if you bend down, it could be...dangerous. I’ll be your only dance partner for tonight, all right, Eli?”

Excuse me?

The intensity in his eyes seemed to be gradually drawing this conversation in an entirely different direction. “Normally, you would be wearing my sapphire at an event like this, but it wouldn’t match your red dress. Is this my mother’s scheming? She can use those tactics if she likes because I have a card up my sleeve as well. There’s another mark I can place on you that everyone will be sure to recognize.”

Something dangerous flashed across his face. Concerned, I began to back away, but another voice cut through the room.

“Prince Christopher,” Agnes barked in a cutting reprimand. Her Majesty had left Agnes in charge of directing preparations for my gown and makeup. “Perhaps you could explain to me why you are in a lady’s changing room? Are you incapable of exercising even a modicum of patience?” The intimidating nature of her tone was exactly what you might expect from a lady-in-waiting who had served the queen for so many years. She scolded the prince with such practiced words it was clear she’d done this since he was a child.

His Highness’s handsome features contorted in displeasure. Apparently he had waited for Agnes to slip away to attend to something else so he could infiltrate the room. He sighed, looking like a child who refused to back down even after he’d been censured for his mischief. “I haven’t had any alone time at all with Eli today. You could show some kindness and allow me a few moments.”

His voice turned sweet as he returned his gaze to me. “I reserve the right to be the first one to see you dressed up so beautifully. And truly, Eli, I can say this with confidence: when the new year begins, this dress of yours, dyed with the pigment of Milulu clams, will become a hit with the nobles.”

“I’m not so certain...”

He stepped closer, smoothly wrapping his arm around my waist. There was something intoxicating and teasing in the way his blue eyes studied me. “At the same time, I suddenly feel less inclined to let other people enjoy the view. Maybe I should lock you up and keep you all to myself.”

“Y-Your Highness, that’s not...” I stammered.

His gentle fingers caressed my cheek, and his eyes crinkled at the edges as he smiled. When he spoke, his words were full of passion. “This dress looks absolutely perfect on you.”

My cheeks were turning the same rosy red as my dress. A flame ignited inside my chest, and the warmth from it spread throughout my body, turning into a confidence that welled up within me. I felt so happy I naturally smiled back at him, and he grinned even wider. His kind eyes drew even closer until...

Someone cleared their throat. Undaunted, Agnes chided him once more. “Your Highness, did you not hear me? Exercise some patience.”

While I fidgeted with embarrassment, belatedly remembering we had an audience, the prince clicked his tongue in dismay at being interrupted.