Book 2: Chapter 43
The evening party was held in her majesty’s favourite palace, and this time, the attendees were those invited by her. It was on a much grander scale than last time. In the distance, the palace was glimmering with golden lights, while the fires brightened up the palace as if it were daytime. Horse carriages were gathered at the door of the palace. It looks like she not only invited major retainers, but also influential figures of this society.
I entered directly via the back door. We needed to make some preparations in the preparation room before the opening dance. Nier didn’t dress differently. She wore her military uniform and equipped her long sword as per usual. She had to wait outside in a bit. When I entered the preparation room, her majesty was already there. But, she gave me a big surprise this time.
Mom didn’t wear her usual military uniform. She wore an extravagant long skirt instead. Her white dress was stunning like a wedding dress. The jewellery hanging above swayed with each movement she made. Her usual black hair she didn’t care for yet dazzled everyone was done up into a bun, and set in place with a hairpin. It was the first time she wore make-up. Her beauty was enough to take people’s breath away to begin with, but now, she could sweep them off their feet too. The empress looked at me shyly, smiled and said: “Son, how do I look?”
“Very beautiful…”
Don’t blame me for not saying much. You’ll be left speechless when you’re stunned like me as well.
The empress pursed her lips into a smile, then walked over and held my hand. Her gauze gloves gently teased every inch of my hands. She smiled and said: “I’m really not used to dressing like this. The jewellery and ornaments are heavy. Military clothing is much more comfortable. But, it’s your victory party tonight, so I naturally need to pretty up for the occasion. Nier, what do you think?”
“Very beautiful, your majesty. However, I think that military clothing suits you better.”
“Hahaha, absolutely, I agree. I’ve only worn this sort of clothing twice. Once was on my wedding, and then now. I may have to wear it a third time if my son gets married.”
The empress reminisced over the long skirt she had on, then looked at me and asked with a smile: “Son, do you have a dance partner for tonight’s ball? I can’t dance the opening dance with you today.”