A month has passed since my arrival in this world. I sit by the window, enjoying some juicy grapes while delving into a book titled 'Solana's Imperial Laws'. It's crucial for me to fully understand the workings of this world to avoid any fatal mistakes that could cost me my life.
Found some interesting things while scoring the library, the first time I went there though, the scholar in charge was a disgusting piece of trash, I found him trying to force himself on a maid. I simply ordered for his death, cut off his offending organ and left to bleed to death. Being royalty comes in handy.
I should be concerned about by my lack empathy for people's deaths but honestly I don't care.
Stacy, the maid I rescued, has become my exclusive maid. She hails from a fallen noble family and was sold to the imperial palace by her own kin. While it's a tragic tale for her, it's proven advantageous for me. Stacy has a knack for herbs, having grown up in the countryside, and my skin and hair have never been healthier under her care.
"Your majesty!" Stacy rushes into the room, holding a piece of cake.
"Thank you," I say, taking the cake and savoring its sweet flavor.
"Your majesty, it's important!" She looks flustered.
Sighing, I ask, "What is it?"
"You have dinner with the Emperor and all the royalty tonight!"
"That's today?" I realize with a start. Every four months, there's a 'family dinner' where the Emperor, his children, and concubines gather for a meal. I had completely forgotten about it.
I've never met my family during my time here. Tonight's dinner will be quite interesting. Stacy immediately begins to prepare me for the occasion.
*
Standing outside the greenhouse, I find myself dressed in a very heavy green dress adorned with practically a million pieces of jewelry. I look like one of those royal princesses from fantasy worlds, which I suppose I am now. Stacy truly outdid herself.
As I enter the greenhouse, I'm greeted by a breathtaking sight. Ten chairs surround a long table placed at the center of a mini garden of Eden. Some of the flowers emit a soft glow, creating a beautiful ambiance as they blend with the light crystals that provide illumination. The empress must have arranged this family dinner, and she certainly outdid herself.
Heading towards my seat at the end of the table, I realize I'm the first to arrive.
The Emperor has six children in total: three from the Empress and the other three from three different concubines.
The Empress has the first Prince Linus, as well as the twins third Prince Luan and fourth Princess Stella.
The third prince, Luan, is the one who was possessed by the transmigrator.
First Concubine Nessa has one son, second Prince Artem. Second Concubine Daisy has a daughter, second Princess Rose.
Finally, I am the daughter of third Concubine Zira, Princess Lucina. This will be the third meeting without her. Zira passed away mysteriously a year ago. Based on my novel experience, I suspect the Empress or one of the concubines may have been involved; my mother was favored by the Emperor, despite not being of nobility. She was simply a very beautiful street dancer who caught his fancy.
The concubines and their children enter the room and take their seats, pointedly ignoring me. It's not surprising, really. A few minutes later, the Empress and her children enter and take their seats as well. She shoots me a contemptuous look before looking away. I can't fathom what I've done to earn her disdain.
We all rise and bow our heads as Emperor Kale enters. His presence is immense.
"Take your seats," he commands.
As we all sit down, I finally get a good look at him.
!!!
He looks exactly like Mayor Brown from my previous life. It shouldn't surprise me since Lucina and I look alike, just as Zira does.
I quickly avert my gaze and zone out as he asks superficial questions about our well-being and recent activities.
The Empress boasts about her sons' talents in swordsmanship, while subtly jabbing at Concubine Nessa and her son Artem, who has average mage talent.
"Prince Linus recently achieved 4-star swordsman status at only 23, and Prince Luan is on the verge of breaking through the 2-star realm at 16," the Empress proclaims loudly. I'm certain Concubine Nessa is close to dragging her across the table.
"As expected of my children, ha ha ha," the Emperor laughs joyously. I have to resist the urge to gag, while Artem looks like he wants to bury himself in the ground, and his mother is seething.
"The music instructor mentioned that two colors emanate when you play the Ererse, my little sunshine," the Emperor comments, sounding pleased.
His "little sunshine" refers to the youngest princess, Stella. The Ererse is an instrument similar to a harp from my previous world. Instrumental arts are incredibly difficult to master, founded by Biolm Cent. By infusing mana into the instrument while playing, colors are produced as sound, but it's no easy feat. Some take years of practice to emit even a simple glimmer of color, while others are extremely talented and can produce up to three colors. It's understandable why the Emperor is so delighted.
"It's nothing, father. I'm just fortunate," Stella responds shyly. I suppress another urge to gag.
"Come to the royal treasury with me tomorrow, ha ha ha," the Emperor chuckles, rubbing his beard.
"Sister Rose is talented at embroidery. The teacher praised her the other day. What about you, Sister Lucina?" Stella says sweetly, and I'm left wondering why I was dragged into the conversation.
All eyes turn to me.
"Sister Stella, you see, I don't know. For some reason, I've never had any teachers despite being royalty. I couldn't possibly intrude into lessons without being invited," I say with a sad expression.
The Emperor, though seemingly indifferent, won't let this slide to save face.
"Grace, what is the meaning of this? Are you telling me that one of MY children is being left uneducated? Deal with it," the Emperor commands the Empress.
She simply looks down, a mix of shame, anger, or embarrassment coloring her expression.
The meal is served, and we all eat in uncomfortable silence. After the meal, the Emperor hastily excuses himself, leaving the rest of us at the table. Poor Stella, in her attempt to embarrass me, inadvertently got her mother scolded. The Empress leaves in a huff, her children trailing behind. The third prince, however, turns back and gives me a lingering look before following his family out.
Soon, the concubines and their children leave as well, leaving me alone at the table. I gather my composure and stand, finding Stacy waiting for me.
"Let's go, Stacy. I need to get out of this attire as soon as possible," I say, eager to shed the heavy, uncomfortable dress and jewelry.