The Imperial Palace had been built upon the most perfect ground, chosen by the laws of geomancy and the study of mana—the heart of the Empire itself. To its people, it was a temple—pure and noble, unmarred by the faintest stain. But such belief was only half the truth.0

The Imperial Palace was steeped in rich myths and legends of the imperial family, hiding within its grounds things that didn’t belong. This old mansion was the prime example—nicknamed the Imperial Palace’s disgrace, the cursed mansion where every eerie story seemed to take root and spread.0

The old mansion stretched wide, its scale closer to a theme park than a mansion—rivaling even the Imperial Palace’s main halls. However, maids and attendants awaited us, and with their welcome, even timid Epherene, Ihelm, and the others managed to settle comfortably into their rooms.1

26th Room0

I unpacked in the room assigned to me, though there was little to unpack. However, someone had already arrived ahead of me.0

“You don’t even look surprised to see me,” the Empress said, seated on the edge of the bed, her eyes steady as it held mine across the room.1

"No, as your name was written on the card, Your Majesty," I replied.0

On my card was written—Sophien Aekater Augus von Jaegus Gifrein. However, it seemed to be a mere coincidence, as if there had been any magical device or trap, surely my Sharp Eyesight would not have missed it.1

"You'd just show it to me outright? Haven't...0