Chapter 104 – Mystery

‘Somebody, save me!’ Cecile swallowed to stifle the scream that was threatening to burst from her throat.
Her head started to ache from staring at the large sheet of paper filled with graphs hanging above the stage.

“This is the third graph.
As you can tell by looking, according to this result…” The presenter’s voice droned on in the quiet seminar venue.

‘But I can’t tell by looking!’ The scales and lines were indecipherable in Cecile’s eyes.
She struggled to follow the presentation from the get-go, but even more terrifying was the constant whisperings of the attendees.
After she had expressed her interest in Professor Dewin’s research, there had been constant murmurings among the attendees, as they gazed at her with expressions that seemed to say, ‘Ah, no wonder.’ Cecile glanced down at the brochure perplexed; was it odd to be interested in fruit research?

Turning her attention back to the podium, Cecile steeled herself.
The real battle was just beginning.
It was her first attendance at an official event, and it was all for the sake of hindering Yuliana.
While she had wanted to arrive earlier, it had taken time to persuade Estian into allowing her to attend.
He had expressed reluctance, worried by the thought of her leaving the safety of the imperial palace.

‘But I can’t stay cooped up inside the palace forever,’ Cecile thought, gritting her teeth.
She’d barely succeeded in persuading Estian; luckily, the seminar was being held right in front of the imperial palace, and she’d acquiesced to being escorted by the majority of the imperial guard.
It was the compromise they’d reached, after Estian initially insisted she take Kane, and then even offered himself up as her escort.
It had taken a lot of effort to dissuade him.
However, now Cecile couldn’t shake the thought that perhaps she’d chosen poorly for her first official event.
Truthfully, there was somewhere else she’d rather be. ‘I bet the venue next door would be fun,’ Cecile thought, glancing behind her.

The seminar was hosted in a building noted for hosting many salons, with venues of varying sizes.
When entering the building under the escort of the imperial guards, Cecile had noticed the banner of a smaller neighboring hall.
It had read: The beginning of the sweet sensation that swept through the empire! Romance writer Heidi Winston’s autograph session.
In her brief glimpse, Cecile hadn’t failed to catch the smaller script below the header that read ‘venue exclusive complete volume pre-sale.’ Recalling it was enough to make her eyes glisten, and she had to rapidly blink back the tears threatening to spill over.
Heidi Winston was an author she was particularly fond of; her latest work—Everything Is Fulfilled At Night—was one of the few flawless masterpieces both Cecile and Tania acknowledged.

‘I heard the last volume would be released soon.
Looks like it’s finally here,’ Cecile thought wistfully.
To think that the last volume was being sold in the neighboring venue, and its author was holding an autograph session! What was the use of being an empress when she didn’t even have the freedom to buy a book as she wished? All the power and wealth she possessed were useless.
If only Tania had accompanied her, she’d have been able to purchase a copy on Cecile’s behalf.
Instead, her handmaiden was still unable to leave the imperial palace due to her role as Girgantia’s caretaker.

‘It does feel like she’s hitting it off well with Girgantia at least.’ Cecile’s mind wandered to a recent incident, in which the two had been practicing how to lessen the pain when pulling on the dragon’s leash, and one of them had suddenly panted heavily, “I… think I’ve opened my eyes to a somewhat dangerous new world?”

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden applause that erupted among the audience, indicating the first presentation had come to an end.
Snapping back to attention, Cecile clapped vigorously alongside the others. ‘There were fifteen presenters scheduled, I think?’ That meant she had to suffer through fourteen more presentations.
Cecile solemnly contemplated whether she had the patience needed to endure for the rest of the day.

“Then we will take a moment to clear the stage.
The second presentation is expected to begin in 10 minutes, so I ask that you all be seated beforehand.” Following the host’s announcement, attendees began to mingle and light chatter could be heard all around.

“The empire truly is amazing to give such a high-level presentation,” Yuliana said, turning to address Cecile.

Cecile smoothed over her expression and replied, “Your satisfaction also pleases me, princess.
I hope that you will enjoy it until the end.”

A conversation between these two figures was quick to enrapture the attention of those in their vicinity.
Many adjusted their posture to better eavesdrop, as their eyes sparkled with interest.

“Of course, Your Majesty.
You can’t imagine how long I’ve waited for this day.
It is one of the events I have been looking most forward to during my visit,” Yuliana replied with a smile.
Her flattery warmed the hearts of the attendees.
Whatever Yuliana’s intentions may be, she had been waiting with interest in their research, hadn’t she?

“Considering Aswan’s technological skills, I’m sure you found everything to be of surprise.
I pray you make use of this good opportunity to learn much, Princess Yuliana,” an unexpected voice cut in.
It was Irene, who was seated on the other side of Cecile! It was apparent that her remarks were meant as a thinly veiled taunt: ‘You would be surprised, wouldn’t you? Coming from an unsophisticated country like Aswan.’

“Lady Irene, what rudeness is—” Yuliana coughed.

“Rudeness? Oh, speaking of rudeness, allow me to educate you.
As per imperial courtesy, you mustn’t dare address the empress first without her permission.
I ask that you remember that, Princess Yuliana,” Irene continued in an unflappable tone.

‘The heck? Why does that woman keep on interfering Seriously, why is this woman doing this to me?’ Yuliana was speechless; flabbergasted by the hostility thrown at her.
Turning her head in confusion, Yuliana’s eyes widened when she caught sight of Cecile gazing tenderly at Irene.
That was all she needed to be convinced. ‘These two are in it together!’