's Point

re palace was still dark and quiet. I think it was only around three in the morning

eeded to search for informa

lueless. Step two was to learn everything about this em

e, so there was still a lot I didn't know. To fill that gap, I needed to do some research. And

gant, and none of the designs were the same. It was obvious that every gown and corset had been carefully crafted, which m

uiet, dim corridor, lit only by the lanterns mounted on the walls. There w

huge... how did Faenys survive here

because I knew I would probably get lost in this place. If I searched for the library once it was alre

uard on patrol. He immediately stopped walking

ely, though the surprise in his voice was obviou

I replied before c

going to the stables near the training grounds to feed the horses. All

been walking for almost half an hour, but I s

library faster. But whenever I ran into royal guards or servan

s I scanned the eleventh hallway I had turned into. I

pect it to be this

o continue reading Faenys' letters to the Emperor,

ut, carrying a book that she was

went wide. "Y-Your Imperial Ma

I asked, trying

dress uniform and immediately knelt i

tions. Instead, I picked up the book

.C.," I read aloud. I looke

me. Tears welled in her eyes

my insolence. I merely wished to read that book, nothing more. I swear it shall not happen again, Y

posture. Her crying made no sound, as if sh

wly, I held her chin so that her eyes met mi

e you?" I a

"S-Sixteen years of age,

xt

ar this girl had already endured a lot, judging by the sc

mean punishment-or worse, death. At this time, peo

ipate in evaluations to become official palace servants. If a girl was chosen, her family was rewar

to have children, hoping for daughters to

gently tousling it. I could see her eye

w it, Unan," I said,

ou will not... reprimand m

l like you who just wants to learn?" I said. "Knowledge

gering tremor. She didn't smile yet-instead, she looked at me with a profou

forget that,

? Don't tell anyone I talk t

d it not be better for them to know that their Imper

ar me anymore. I don't want that. So this is just our secret, alright? If you tell anyone,

es, and she nodded repeatedly. "I do

d. "Ver

esh wave of anxiety. She gripped

ed as though she were mentally scrambling to figure out

o my chamber today at twelve noon. I have somethi

ome from, certain it led to the library,

What is that,

only way to tell time was by the sun and the r

or the third time, go

h a wide smile. "I

slumped. My back was already aching from standing straight for so long, and I

with ancient books. At that moment, it felt like I was standing inside the L

?" I couldn't h

excitement rushing through my veins. It might

he center of the library, spinning around like a child. For

should just ask to return to the future once I

lks in, they might think the Emp

hat familiar voice. I looked around-and there she was, s

the moment I rea

Edith