Until The Real One Shows Up​

“Wow, the weather has gotten pretty warm now!”

Selene exclaimed with exasperation as she pulled back the curtains and opened the window.

“Looks like winter is officially behind us. It’s spring now.”

Anastasia responded with a grin, “And tomorrow marks the start of our spring festivities!”

Social activities, which had been on hold throughout the winter, resumed with a spring celebration.

‘That means I have only three months left to attend,’ she mused, feeling a sense of ease. 

‘When I first returned, the idea of enduring a whole year seemed daunting.’ 

Somehow, nine months had slipped by. Sure, nothing significant had occurred in the meantime, but…

‘Things are progressing as I hoped,’ she reflected. 

Most importantly, she hadn’t had many interactions with Wilhelm lately. 

Since their last unexpected kiss, they hadn’t crossed paths, largely due to the absence of any parties. 

Even the awkwardness from their last encounter seemed to fade from her memory.

Meanwhile, Anastasia held several more auctions to gather sufficient funds for establishing the school. 

The location was chosen strategically, with good transportation access and affordable land prices, and construction was currently in progress. 

Overall, everything was proceeding smoothly.

~~~~

The following day, Anastasia, who had been occupied with internal palace affairs all morning, found herself besieged by the ladies in the afternoon, as they prepared for the upcoming party. 

“It’s been months since the last official party! Your Majesty must dazzle and outshine everyone,” they insisted. 

“Indeed, Your Majesty’s appearance today is likely to set the trend for this spring.”

“I can’t afford to slack considering your significant influence on society.”

At first glance, these ladies-in-waiting appeared serious.

Anastasia found herself torn between appreciating or resenting the noticeable change in attitude among the ladies-in-waiting compared to nine months ago. 

Barely having finished the hours of dressing up, Anastasia collapsed from exhaustion even before attending the party.

‘Ugh, attending parties always feels like torture…’ Anastasia thought wearily, her face betraying exhaustion as she slouched in her seat. 

“Why does everyone look so strange?” she wondered aloud, observing their wide-eyed, muted reactions. 

Just as Anastasia was about to inquire further, something unexpected happened.

“Truly…” 

A lady-in-waiting choked up, her voice trembling as if on the verge of tears. 

“You look absolutely stunning!” another exclaimed. 

“You’re like a spring fairy! It’s almost unbelievable to witness such beauty for free!” 

“I’ll have to propose to the Emperor that the concept of spring be redefined as ‘The Empress’ from now on.” 

Soon, a flurry of familiar exclamations erupted. It was a relief to realize there was no one else present but them.

As anticipated, no matter how often she heard them, she couldn’t become accustomed to these foolish praises. 

“Your Majesty the Empress,” Mrs. Rochester approached Anastasia with a grave expression. 

“What’s troubling you, Mrs. Rochester?” Anastasia inquired.

“It might be best if you avoid the flower garden today.” 

“Hmm? Why’s that?”

“You need to be considerate to prevent others from being startled.”

“What?”

“I had thought of you as a lovely flower just now. Imagine my surprise to see you moving and speaking.”

“…”

“As expected, Mrs. Rochester has a point.”

“Indeed. Perhaps it’s best to skip the walk for today.”

“Hahaha…”

Anastasia hadn’t anticipated Mrs. Rochester to join them…

Eventually, Anastasia found herself at a loss for words, simply offering an awkward smile.

~~~~

Anastasia found the ladies’ compliments bordering on flattery, but today she appeared as beautiful as if she had embodied the essence of spring. 

She truly resembled a flower, with her attire consisting of a light pink fabric adorned with intricately embroidered frills featuring delicate pink roses. 

The off-shoulder design of the dress allowed the pink roses to gracefully accentuate her prominent chest, creating the illusion of being enveloped in a bouquet of roses.

Moreover, Anastasia adorned herself with a tiara, earrings, and a necklace embellished with pink diamond-like roses, further solidifying her image as the epitome of the spring goddess. 

Naturally, Anastasia’s attire that day swiftly became the subject of discussion among the attendees of the spring party. 

“Your Majesty, you resemble a pink rose today.”

“The goddess of Rosenia is often likened to a red rose, but today, Her Majesty looks like her sister.”

“Indeed. The goddess herself had chosen the empress. Oh, I’m eager to know if those earrings will be put up for auction…”

Everyone who approached Anastasia to greet her was preoccupied with praising her beauty.

Anastasia kept the party hall occupied, receiving countless compliments, each presented in slightly varied ways.

‘But why can’t I see Wilhelm?’

Anastasia surveyed the party hall with a quizzical expression.

As spring parties marked the start of the social season, it was customary for both the Emperor and the Empress to make an appearance…even if they wouldn’t dance together.

It was at the moment when Anastasia summoned Selene and directed her to head to the Central Palace that an announcement rang out.

“Announcing the arrival of the Great Sun of the Empire, His Majesty.”

Wilhelm emerged as the door designated solely for the Emperor and Empress swung open.

Mindful of the spring party, he wore a white tailored suit, exuding an elegant and luxurious aura akin to that of a dignified white steed. 

Anastasia found herself captivated by Wilhelm’s imposing presence, but as he approached her, she was jolted back to reality in surprise. 

It was at that precise moment when Wilhelm stood directly in front of Anastasia.

Anastasia bowed quickly.

“Greetings to His Majesty, the noble Lord of Rosenberg.”

“It’s been a while, Empress,” he greeted her in an unusual manner.

“It certainly has,” she responded.

“Yes, just one season,” he remarked.

“How have you been?”

“I have been in good health and safety, thanks to Your Majesty,” he replied.

Nothing out of the ordinary occurred during their interaction.

Anastasia was content with the impeccably formal conversation.

Now that Wilhelm had made his appearance, he might depart with a casual excuse.

With that thought in mind, it was time to bid farewell to Wilhelm.

“Why don’t we share a dance?” he unexpectedly proposed.

Anastasia glanced at Wilhelm with a startled expression.

His impassive countenance remained as inscrutable as ever.

Anastasia’s lips trembled briefly before she declined.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not feeling well at the moment, so I was actually about to leave.”

“Your complexion looks surprisingly good for someone who’s feeling unwell,” he remarked.

“…”

“Are you trying to avoid me?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then let’s just dance to one song. I don’t intend to keep you for long either.”

Wilhelm extended his hand to Anastasia as if he wouldn’t accept any rejection. Anastasia glanced at the hand, struggling to conceal her embarrassment.

‘But I have to decline.’

Anastasia was on the verge of speaking once more when…

“Your Majesty, please consider taking his hand.”

“Her Majesty must be embarrassed.”

“If the two of you were to dance together today, it would be truly splendid. Please grace us with a dance.”

The ladies around Anastasia pushed her forward.

Anastasia’s body leaned forward, and Wilhelm quickly caught her, wrapping his arm securely around her waist.

“Ah…” 

Anastasia let out an embarrassed groan as she found herself suddenly enveloped by Wilhelm’s embrace. Wilhelm, looking rather taken aback, seemed surprised by the unexpected turn of events.

However, he soon casually interrupted Anastasia and inquired, “So, you won’t refuse?”

“…”

She might have declined more boldly if she didn’t feel the weight of all the eyes upon her…

With an inward sigh, Anastasia eventually took Wilhelm’s hand.

With an imperceptible smile on his lips, Wilhelm made his way to the center of the banquet hall.

As the music began, Anastasia started moving her feet, attempting to push aside her thoughts as best as she could.

She anticipated dancing just once before returning to the Empress’ Palace.

Observing Wilhelm’s silence, it seemed he had suggested dancing to her only out of awareness of others’ scrutiny, as he had mentioned earlier.

She found herself gazing blankly at the Rosenberg flag-shaped brooch on his chest when she suddenly heard his voice.

“How have you been?” 

Anastasia looked up at him with a startled expression.

His gaze, deep and penetrating, was fixed on her.