Killing the Possessor - Chapter 30
I think they call people like her ‘Wallflowers.’ Whether it was because she wasn’t good with words or simply because her appearance didn’t easily invite affection, no one seemed to approach her. It seemed like she had resigned herself to it, quietly sipping her drink with a bitter expression.
Even though she was wearing a bright blue dress, her overall aura seemed dull. I wished someone would approach her and at least make conversation, but I knew that person wouldn’t be me. It felt strange to just go up to a stranger and start talking.
“What am I even worrying about?”
Suddenly, my rationality kicked back in. I was here with my life on the line, so I shouldn’t be meddling in someone else’s loneliness. That person was probably just lonely, but my situation was much more urgent.
At that moment, someone suddenly grabbed my shoulder and sharply spun me around.
It was Glinda, with eyes and claws like a hawk.
“Where do you think you’re wandering off to? You should be watching your sister’s audience!”
Do I really have to do that?
I pouted, but after thinking about it, it seemed like a good thing.
I had wanted to see the Empress at least once. As someone from another world, and with her outward appearance being that of a native Korean, my curiosity was piqued at the thought of observing her.
The Empress, Jian Forre.
Back when she was a high school student named Ji-An Park, she had been hit by a dump truck and transported here, fitting the cliché of a dimension-travelling story.
If she had fallen differently, it could have been a tragedy, but she was fortunate enough to meet the then Crown Prince, the current Emperor, and they fell in love. With the Crown Prince’s strong support, who had shown signs of being a tyrant from a young age, she eventually secured the position of consort.
Now, thirty years later…
“I am honored to be in the presence of Your Majesty the Empress.”
I watched the woman with black hair, seated at the end of the audience hall, as a beautifully adorned noble lady greeted her with grace.
Sitting on a velvet chair adorned with golden trimmings, placed on a high platform, the Empress looked more splendidly dressed than any debutante present. Her dress, with wide silk fabric flowing over crinolines, puffed sleeves reminiscent of a fan’s shape, a delicate ruby tiara, and a massive necklace studded with flawless gems, was nothing short of majestic.
As an ethnic East Asian, I felt a slight sense of alienation from the decorations, but the woman wore them with an air of naturalness, as if it were all perfectly normal. She had forgotten her origins and held a noble expression, as though she had always been a part of Harent.
“Your brother in the Public Security Bureau has recently identified five possessors at once.”
“Ah, it is an honor that you remember.”
“Of course, he’s a hero protecting the Empire from the evil spirits. It’s only natural I should remember.”
“…”
And just like that, she had fully become a citizen of Harent, with her values aligned with theirs.
I lowered my head, stunned by the Empress’s words, which ruthlessly labeled fellow citizens as evil spirits. It was hard to believe we came from the same world. How could someone with the same origins as me speak like that?
At that moment, someone next to me gently nudged me with their elbow.
“Isn’t it ridiculous? How history repeats itself.”
It was Bali, whispering with her mouth covered by a fan. She sneered, observing the Empress, who was now greeting the next noble lady.
“Collaborationists, slave traders, and here’s our illustrious Empress.”
“…”
“It’s just so strange. As if there’s some predetermined law about it. The worst part is having to endure it.”
I clenched my mouth shut, afraid that speaking might betray my thoughts, when Bali prodded me again lightly.
“Oh, here she comes. Our hope.”
At the usher’s call, a noble lady approached the Empress with light steps.
Her face, still youthful, was flushed a peachy red, and her pale blonde hair was elegantly twisted up in a bun.
When she bent her knee as part of the formal greeting, a feather stuck in her hair fluttered gently. According to the servant’s introduction, our hopeful lady, named ‘Illui,’ made her way toward the Empress with a bashful smile.
“I am honored to meet the most noble lady of the Empire.”
