A Snake’s Life Ch 62

Chapter 62

 

The designer lowered her head, concealing her surprise. When she was first summoned by Ian and went to the imperial palace, she had been quite nervous. After all, Zerpell was rumored to be a cold and unapproachable figure.

Running a boutique that catered to noblewomen and young ladies, Helis had heard many things about Zerpell and Shuiren. Tales of the enigmatic Divine Envoy and the splendidly matured Crown Prince were always the hottest topics. These women shared stories they had heard from their husbands or acquaintances. Since the boutique gathered only those of similar standing, conversations flowed freely without reserve.

“They say the Divine Envoy still doesn’t leave His Highness’s quarters, don’t they?”

“Actually… there’s even a rumor that they’re… lovers…”

“No way. Sure, the Divine Envoy is strikingly handsome, but there are so many beautiful women out there. That rumor is ridiculous.”

A noblewoman hesitated to speak, hiding her mouth behind her fan. Though the other ladies waved off her words, their eyes sparkled with interest. Helis had a hunch that the rumor she had just heard would soon spread throughout high society like wildfire. At that moment, another noblewoman spoke up.

“Is that so? I actually heard a different rumor. You know the Duke has begun aligning himself with His Highness, right? Well, the truth is…”

She whispered conspiratorially, but the startled voice of another lady rang throughout the boutique.

“What? An engagement??”

“Shh! It’s not confirmed yet. But people are saying he’s taken His Highness’s side because of it. The Duke’s daughter is well past the age for engagement, after all. And there have been sightings of carriages from the Duke’s estate coming and going from the palace.”

“If that’s true… then society will be turned upside down.”

“There are probably many young ladies attending the banquet in hopes of catching His Highness’s eye… If the rumors are true, what a pity. I haven’t seen the young lady myself, but I’ve heard she’s very beautiful. Actually, my daughter was hoping for a chance with His Highness. She’ll be heartbroken when she hears this.”

“Oh my, your daughter too? To be honest, mine as well…”

“It’s understandable. The numerous stories of His Highness’s dignified presence have been more than enough to stir the hearts of many young ladies. And now the situation has changed.”

An ominous silence fell after that suggestive remark. One of the noblewomen turned to Helis and asked,

“Come to think of it, Madame. We heard you’re going to the imperial palace—His Highness’s quarters, no less. Is that true?”

“Oh my, really?”

The noblewoman concealed her lips with her fan, but her sharp gaze betrayed her probing nature. Helis responded with a picture-perfect smile.

“Yes, it’s more than I deserve, but I was summoned to present some garments.”

“Oh my, congratulations.”

“You flatter me.”

“If… you happen to find something out, you’ll let us know, won’t you?”

The noblewoman fanned herself as she spoke. Helis, well-versed in the art of reading between the lines, slightly lowered her head in acknowledgment.

And when she saw Zerpell and Shuiren, it was clear they shared a very close relationship. Especially when Zerpell knelt before Shuiren—Helis had nearly forgotten how to breathe. For a noble, especially royalty, to kneel was unthinkable. It was a matter of honor.

“I shall take my leave now.”

“Wait.”

Just as she turned to spread this shocking news, Zerpell stopped her. He spoke plainly.

“You may tell it exactly as you saw it.”

Cold sweat trickled down her back. Zerpell’s tone left no room for doubt. Of course, Helis had intended to share what she’d seen with the noblewomen. She assumed she was being rebuked and prepared to kneel. But sensing her hesitation, Zerpell repeated himself.

“Say it exactly as you saw it—or better yet, emphasize it.”

Helis knew it was blasphemy, but she found herself staring blankly at him.

“If you’re perceptive, you’ll understand what I mean.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

Following Zerpell’s command, Helis relayed the events exactly as they happened. The noblewomen were astounded and busied themselves fanning vigorously.

She had already suspected something since Zerpell summoned her again and ordered matching outfits for himself and Shuiren. She had thought it might be intentional, but now she was certain. One of the noblewomen who had dismissed the rumors as idle gossip was now sure they were true. The two of them gave off the air of lovers visiting her boutique. But she was a professional. She kept her expression neutral and her hands swift. She was certain this imperial banquet would be rife with incidents and scandals.

Today was the day of the imperial banquet. Finally, the moment had come! The time to showcase everything I had poured my effort into! The Emperor and Empress would be there, too.

Ian had been busy with preparations since morning. He had planned thoroughly. He bathed me, slathered my hair in fragrant oils, and didn’t let me eat because he said the outfit’s silhouette wouldn’t fall right.

By the time we finished getting ready, I collapsed into a chair. Zerpell was putting the final touches on his appearance. His outfit matched mine, only differing in color and accessories.

I looked at his dignified and majestic figure with pride. The thought that this man was my lover made my shoulders rise with pride. He looked so handsome. I stared at him in a daze. Zerpell met my gaze and beckoned me with a gesture.

“Shuiren, come here.”

“What for?”

He looked me over with a sidelong glance and adjusted my slightly crooked tie, then opened a box on the table. Inside was a brooch that gleamed brilliantly, a luxurious piece in both size and luster. He took it out and pinned it to my tie.

The golden gem had a symbol engraved within it. Was that a dragon?

“The color matches your eyes. But… what’s this symbol inside?”

“It’s an accessory that clearly marks you as someone belonging to the royal family.”

The intricate dragon emblem etched into the gem was beautiful. It matched the one I’d seen during the rain ritual. Was it the royal emblem? He gently smoothed the brooch.

“What about the other box? Is it yours? I’ll put it on for you!”

I eagerly snatched the remaining box from the table. Sure enough, it held Zerpell’s brooch. The red gem gave it away instantly. I pinned it to his tie.

“Perfect!”

“Beautiful.”

“Right? I think it’s—”

“If anyone sets eyes on you, I won’t stand for it…”

I thought he was talking about the brooch, but his gaze met mine and I blushed under the intensity. He really had a way with words. His eyes curved into a gentle smile.

“…Geez… Who else but you? Don’t worry.”

Ever since he confessed, he’d been saying these shamelessly sweet things. I glanced at him and returned the compliment.

“You look amazing, too…”

“Thank you.”

Zerpell gave a short sigh as he looked at me. After a longer sigh, he added,

“But if anyone dares approach you, tell me.”

“…”

“I’ll remove them immediately.”

He emphasized each word clearly. Despite the threatening tone, I couldn’t stop my lips from curling into a smile.

“Ahem, and what about you…?”

“Me?”

“Yeah… don’t you get a lot of attention from women…?”

At my words, Zerpell let out a quiet chuckle.

“Such useless worries.”

I cringed a little and quickly changed the subject.

“Anyway, the banquet must have started already. You said other nobles would be there? We should go and establish our presence!”

I stomped my foot as if ready to charge in. Zerpell chuckled and said nonchalantly,

“It’s fine. You’re the main character. It’s okay to arrive late.”

“Still, won’t people talk if we show up late?”

“Let them. They’re the ones anxious—not us. Did you remember your necklace?”

I could already picture the nobles whispering as they waited, but if Zerpell said it was fine, I believed him. He asked about my necklace as if it were a minor matter. I always wore it; without it, I felt incomplete. It was my safety charm, so I had it tucked securely under my clothes.

“Don’t worry. I wore it properly. I made sure to hide it under my clothes.”

I showed him the hidden necklace. Zerpell patted my head approvingly and stood up.

“If you’re still worried, shall we head out now?”

“Let’s.”

I followed Zerpell. Sure enough, the emblem engraved on the brooch was the same as the one on the carriage Ian had prepared.

“Here. Your hand.”

Zerpell offered his hand courteously. I was a bit conflicted by how formal he was being. I wasn’t wearing a cumbersome dress or tall heels—I could board the carriage just fine on my own. But still, what did it matter? If it made him happy. I smiled and took his hand.

“Thank you.”

The carriage cushions were soft, and the ride smooth, but I still felt like I was dying. Motion sickness… It had barely started moving, and already I was queasy. I kept swallowing dryly, trying to suppress the urge to vomit. I even refused Zerpell’s comforting hand on my back and slumped over.

Even the finest carriage couldn’t eliminate all bumps. At least the roads were well-paved. But it was still a carriage. Whenever a small stone caught a wheel, it jolted.

“Ugh… I hate carriages…”

Zerpell didn’t seem to realize how severe my motion sickness was. He let me rest against his shoulder and opened the window to let in some fresh air. The cool breeze helped a bit.

“There, there… Just hold on a little longer. We’re almost there.”

I cracked one eye open to look out the window, but the sight outside only made me feel worse. The banquet hall was enormous, and the road leading to it was lined with an endless stream of carriages. Thinking about how long it would take for all of them to enter made my face go pale.

“What on earth is that…”

The procession was so long, I couldn’t even finish my sentence. Were all those carriages for nobles?? Fortunately, we weren’t at the end of the line. Status really is something… Our carriage bypassed the queue entirely. Sorry to those waiting—but I had to survive first.

As soon as the coachman opened the door, I tried to get out quickly and stumbled. Zerpell caught me just in time, got out first, and helped me down safely.

“Thank you… master…”

Smiling with gratitude, I looked at Zerpell. He returned a small smile. Then the surroundings grew noisy.

“Did His Highness just smile…?”

The nobles watching us murmured in disbelief when they saw Zerpell smile. He carefully checked that I wasn’t hurt. Holding his hand, I strode confidently toward the banquet hall. Bring it on, everyone!