With the invitation given by the Marquis, Neirin followed him afterward. The emperor was still with her. In her perspective, even if she was temporarily in the position, the three years she'd be in charge of the court of miracles were significant to the emperor.
Especially now that the times were like this, if what Neirin read in the newspaper was right, then it won't be long enough for her to hear a different kind of gossip that would purposely challenge the standing of the imperial family.
Neirin was looking forward to that. The more she knew, the better the future will be.
In their way, the Emperor, Marquis, and some other nobles were engaging in a different conversation with each other. No, it was more likely that the nobles who wanted a connection to the throne and who had power were overly praising them no matter what they did or what their point of view was like.
Neirin scoffed in her mind watching them. She couldn't help but mock them as she was amazed that none of their mouths were falling off with all the lies they were spouting. Their pleasantries were beyond the sky as none of them was willing to yield.
From the looks of it, the emperor and the marquis enjoyed their time looking down on them even though they tried and curried favors. In the end, despite the words spoken, nothing will change, for there will be nothing to gain.
In the end, it will be futile.
With them being busy building their connection, Neirin, on the other hand, was busy admiring the architecture inside the palace. Neirin can't help but compare the architecture of the Halstead mansion and the palace.
In the Halstead duchy, fine porcelain marble floors were everywhere. She can count the number of colors she often saw in the mansion. It was blue, white, black, and gray. That was the motif of the whole estate of the Halstead duchy.
From a different perspective, it was like saying that the Halsteads who lived there were elegant and immersed in power, but at the same time, they were cold and heartless like snow that had never fallen.
However, in the Palace, red and gold were the ones screaming. In Neirin's thoughts, it was the symbol of blood, absolute power, and tyranny. Well, red had always been the color of the royals, no matter how many times, eras, and epochs passed.
However, Neirin can't help but be amazed. High glass windows with different murals depict the life of a royal. Every pillar had a different statue. Their hands were clasped as though they were praying for grace. It felt somewhat solemn and sacred, like a temple under the gods' grace.
There were portraits of people Neirin had never even heard of. Even the famous painting of a very known artist was displayed with pride as though they were boasting that this painting was only one of a kind and they were the only ones who could ever afford them.
Even in the middle of the hallway, a red carpet stretched to all corners and ends. Expensive flowers were used as decorations, and their scent lingers on the nose of those who walked and admired them.
Comparing the life she has right now and her life before, she wanted to cry thinking of how dirt a poor she was living. Back then, she was trying to save even just a penny for her to buy tough bread and dip it in soup.
Comparing the life of a noble and royal to those who live on the ground and beyond the slums, everything about this place speaks as though she, who had lived with nothing until now, would not be able to fit in this place.
"Your grace?"
A voice took Neirin out of her trance. Neirin shifted her gaze and calmly smiled at the servant. She noticed that even the nobles were also looking at her. It seemed that they have arrived at their destination.
Neirin saw the white double doors with gold carvings decorations. From the looks of it, this was a place exclusive only for those invited.
Curious as she was, Neirin smiled confidently. Dealing with uncomfortable gazes should be her priority now especially as the emperor and Marquis Edward look even more curious about what she was thinking. Neirin put her fan up and covered her lips.
She then said with grace, "Pardon me. I was amazed by how beautiful the palace is right now. I admire those servants who do their best to keep everything well for their masters."
It was uncommon for Nobles to praise their servants. Especially if they were only doing the things, they were oath to do. Hence, the servants who heard this were swayed beyond doubt, and even the emperor found it pleasing to his ears. Indirectly, Neirin praised the emperor for his meticulous eyes that only strive for the best.
Honor beyond everything. That was like an anthem to the nobles and those seated on the throne.
All of the nobles present laughed. The tension in the air evaporated. "The duchess seemed to have high regards for those who are servants." One of the nobles stated.
Neirin smiled politely. She did not answer. With the signal of the emperor, the door opened, and they all entered inside.
Neirin was even more amazed that such a room was inside the imperial palace. There were five black tables all inside the room with five black chairs encircling them. Each table has different engravings on them. Some have vines from trees while others have depictions of different historical play that goes through some books.
From the looks of it, the emperor gives high regard to those ancient histories that were passed down like this. On the black wall has a black and white painting. From Neirin's perspective, it looked like the paintings were telling a story just from looking at it.
As Neirin was busy admiring, the nobles sat in their seats while Neirin was still at the entrance. "Have it caught your fancy?" the emperor asked. He was also in the doorway with her while the Marquis was already preparing some card games.
"Forgive me, your majesty, I just feel like the paintings were telling some story."
The emperor grinned. He was somewhat pleased. "Yes, the duchess is right."
"Pardon?" Neirin was confused.
"I purposely made a famous artist paint such paintings. It tells a story about life from a book I have read."
"May I ask what that is, your majesty?"
"Of course. It's a life of a human becoming a god."
"Becoming god?" Neirin was baffled once again.
The emperor laughed and clasped his hand. He walked near the first painting that was close to him. Neirin followed as her eyes squinted to see the shadows inside the picture thoroughly. Even though she understood that the picture was telling a story, she still could not understand it.
"It was from an old book. Someone gifted it to me. Although I do not know his name nor where he came from, I was pleased by what he had given. The book contains nothing but tales and fables. There was a protagonist who had nothing. He was in a life of contemplation. He then heard a rumor. He pursued that rumor, for it was his only way of purpose himself. The book contains people he met and those places he had visited. It was an adventure that some royals desired—fighting some enemies. Discovering treasures and building friendships. However, that wasn't the reason I decided to ask a painter to paint the book."
"Then what is?"
The emperor looked somewhat excited to tell. Neirin was even more curious. This was her first time seeing such a painting.
"It was because of his apotheosis ritual."
Neirin tilted her head a little bit. "Apotheosis ritual?"
"Yes," the emperor pointed the painting farther from them.
Neirin saw the shadow of a man elevated in the air. Under his figure feel were spells and different kinds of magic sources. The world he was in was shaking. Was it because of fear? Or was it because he had attained the impossible? Neirin won't know the answer.
From afar, it looked like even the clouds were hugging him, and people from the ground were giving him reverence.
In all of the paintings inside, Neirin understood that painting at first glance. She swallowed and wanted to applaud the artist for painting such a scene. Neirin can even feel it in her bones.
He had become a god.
Neirin was in deep thought. This room contains nothing but an entertainment room. Why would the emperor ask his favorite painted book to be placed here? She looked back at the emperor again. In his eyes, he looked excited. But why? No, appreciation perhaps would suffice for a description.
Neirin took a step forward. She asked a question.
"Why is your majesty decided to place the paintings here in this room?"
The marquis signaled the both of them to sit. The emperor walked toward them while answering,
"Well, I thought there is no such thing as standing or even a title in gambling and games. All you have is luck and, sometimes, even prayers, just like the protagonist in the book. I saw a connection between the two. That was why. Moreover, I often find myself playing here with some nobles. It's not bad to see the book I admire displayed in paintings, hmmm."
Neirin fell silent for a moment watching the emperor's back.
She fell into thought.
This was a dream. This was the emperor's dream.
An impossible dream.
A person who has everything will never be satisfied, no matter what. Wildly, when it was this easy for him to attain his everything.
"Duchess?" They called. The cards were placed. Some servants were already present.
Neirin smiled once again, gaining her composure back. She walked towards them, setting aside her thoughts for now and the painting that was surrounding them.
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