Chapitre 24: Lady
The Emperor and I went to our seats. He even walk me to the chair prepared for me before going to his seat and then sat looking at everyone. Then he raised his hand as a signal for everyone to take their sit.
Everyone was quiet and waiting for the Emperor to talk. This is super awkward. I can still feel those girls looking at me, their questions, curiosity, and glares prickles my senses. I looked at everyone and saw the three familiar girls waving and smiling at me. I awkwardly smiled at them. I really don't want to be here. I want to be with them and talk.
Then I looked over to the other girls in the middle. Most of them didn't bother looking at me anymore and focused to the Emperor. I saw Alexandria and I smiled. This girl sure is lovely. The way her eyes and smile are, I'm sure the Emperor wouldn't miss such beauty. She saw me looking at her then she smiled at me and I smiled back.
I just hope that this banquet would be quick to end. My mentality is already exhausted after all the shock I experienced earlier.
Master Zuo, sitting to the Emperor's right side got up.
"Your Majesty, I present to you. The ladies for the consort selection." The Ladies then stood up all together. I was torn because I don't know if I should too, because I'm really clueless right now as I was late earlier. Nevertheless I felt myself stood up and turned to the Emperor. Everyone of the ladies, including me bowed down. Then the ladies greeted which I also did, although a little late on the starting phrases because as far as everyone's concern, I am just letting it all flow.
"The lady in front is also a candidate in the selection?"
"So does that mean His Highness already chosen her?"
As I was keeping my head down, I can't help not to hear the voices from the Minister talking at the side and also some reaction from the people near the front sit.
"This lady, would be tested for 3 months inside the Palace. As new to the tradition, they are already treated as all of His Majesty's Lady. Thus, this is a warning to everyone, most especially to the ladies. You are not to be involved further to any man. Family, Friends, Servants, that's all. But once proven you are having a relationship with someone else, " Master Zuo said in all seriousness and looked at every ladies then lastly me.
"You are going to be punished under the sentence of infidelity and be vanished to the Empire as a punishment." He said clearly and looked at me for a few seconds before turning to the Emperor which made me somewhat feel chills. Wow. He's a really serious dude. But I do think this ladies wouldn't have any other relationship after going through all that traveling just to be here. So that wouldn't be really a problem here, plus who would dare go against the Emperor. He must be really crazy to do that.
"Another change to the tradition. I would be announcing what are the basis of my choice."
Everyone was momentarily shocked, because according to the books I've read, the basis or standards in selecting the Consort is a secret everytime, but it was kind of like limited, yet to be announced beforehand is a bit shocking I think.
"Every ladies are to be observed on their behaviour in and outside the palace, their virtues and character facing challenges, your aesthetic appearance, and one's body condition." I looked at everyone and there was some who are taking down notes. Maybe for future references. The Consort Selection isn't just a one time event in the Palace. It varies depending on what the Emperor's want, but traditionally, within the year the New Emperor was inaugurated, there must be one selection process to be happened.
Being as he is different from the other Emperors. He didn't choose anyone yet, he didn't fancy anyone, then instead focused on improving the quality of everyone has. Reading all those stuff about him mades me really excited to meet him. He's definitely mysterious and his aura gives a cold feeling yet somehow there's this comfort in that cold. I don't know. Maybe I'm hallucinating again.
"This being revealed doesn't really change anything. Everyone here has the quality, so why should you be the one selected? So it's up to you ladies to stand out by clearing all the challenges in the next three months."
I quickly covered my mouth trying to stop the laugh that was about to come out. That seriously are like lines you can hear in reality shows on televisions. That's so cheesy I just can't help not to chuckle. But I must stay still.
"Ladies, you may sit down now." Master Zuo said. I, then sat down still trying to suppress my laugh. As I was sitting, I didn't notice the cup of water on my table then as my sleeves sway, it was hit then fell on the ground. Shattering sound was heard from the cup which shocked me, but then I immediately sat down to pick it up.
"I- I'm so sorry about this..." I said and stood up again and then bowed before proceeding to pick up the shattered cup. Why do I kept embarrassing myself! I feel really out of myself today! Ahh!
As I was picking it up, I got distracted and in result I cut a wound on my palm. Dang! That was sharp as heck!
"Ouch.." I said to myself as the wound started to bleed. I gently let go of the pieces I've collected to the side and hid myself further to the table and look at my bleeding palm. It isn't really a deep wound, but it isn't just a scratch. I searched my pocket for some handkerchief and after searching in my pockets I couldn't find any. I must have forgotten it. Oh well. It doesn't hurt much. I'll just deal with it later.
Then two servant came in with a mop and broom in their hands.
"Please let us do it, our ladyship." They said smiling then let me step aside. I quickly hid my wounded palm. I already embarrassed myself enough, I wouldn't want everyone know that I clumsily wounded myself. Geez. I'm sure as heck isn't acting myself. Is it because deep down I'm really nervous?
"Going back, Your Majesty to the selection. Let me introduce everyone one by one. " Master Zuo said after he gave me a look that warns me to not do anything more. Well, I hope that I don't mess up as well anymore. Good thing I'm already good at suppressing my embarrassment or else I would have run away like a teenager would when he or she is embarrassed.
Master Zuo called out every ladies name and as called they would stand alone in the middle near in front of the Emperor's sit and bow down up to the floor as a formal greeting to the Emperor.
Now, I looked at how the position themselves then I knew right then and there that my bleeding hand would be exposed. Well, not unless I do it like switching the other hand down like it covers my wounded hand while I raised it up after bowing. But I'm a bit hesitant. In my previous world, a bit change on one's way of wearing a clothing can totally mean a different thing even if you wear a same clothes. So I don't want to risk it just yet. Plus, if I wipe it off, the blood wouldn't be so noticeable, also he would be pretty far so he might think it isn't anything beside it being a dirt or from make up and etcetera. So for now, let me observe them and I pray that someone would switch their hands.
Girls after girls came forward and greeted the Emperor. The Emperor was just staring straight and nodding slightly to indicate they may return to their seat and that's it. He's really cold, that's for sure. He should have at least smiled to them. Like some of them would be his future wife, right? Geez. This kid needs to smile more. He's like certain someone that I knew. He too isn't smiling much. Speaking off, did Erden attended the banquet?
I discreet looked around looking for a familiar face, but despite looking at every person wearing a blue robe, I still couldn't find him. Maybe he didn't attend. Well, he is known for not attending such events like this. That's kind of sad. I could have talked to him here.
"And then lastly, Lady Reenste Ermyntrude whom you have in your company earlier, Your Majesty." Master Zuo looked at me and then looked at the middle where the girls stood. Crap! I got distracted and forgot to look at the other girls position on bowing. Did any of them changed hand position?
I stood up and slowly went to the center. I'll just wipe it on my dress since it's red, plus I kind of wipe it also with some water, so it wouldn't look so bad. The Emperor won't notice it. The Emperor wouldn't notice it.
"I greet you with all sincerity, Your Majesty." I said and smiled then posotioned myself like how the girls did earlier. I closed both my legs and kneel to the floor and sat to my foot. Now I'm sitting on my calves, I positioned my hands close to the ground with the palm facing the floor and my other is stacked to the other hand. I gently bowed down and as I lift my head and body up, my hands are together with my head. After that, I quickly rested my hands to my lap.
Thankfully His Majesty nodded after that then I began to stand up by letting my hand support me up by pushing it against the floor as I stand up, which isn't really a good idea because I used my wounded hand as a support. I slightly flinched but I hid the expression on my face and just continued to go back to the seat.
Dang! I think I felt my skin slightly tore up more a little. Just what the heck, I couldn't believe out of all day, I'm behaving really weak this day. It sucks!
"With that, I have formally introduced you to the ladies, Your Majesty." Master Zuo said and raised his glass containing a red wine.
"Cheers, in the future for selecting the best lady to be your consort, Your Majesty!"
"Cheers to the Emperor!"
"Long Live the Great Aether Empire!"
I raised the glass using my left hand, because I think I really need to bandage my hand soon and I don't want it to be tear further by moving it more.
"Enjoy the banquet everyone. Bring out the foods." The Emperor said and the servants began serving food to every guest. The band started playing musical instruments and the whole banquet became lively again with food being accompanied by a great music.
Finally! I can excuse myself to have my palm bandage.
"Excuse me, can I--" I was about to ask one of the maid if I can secretly be handed a bandage when I heard a husky and yet modulated voice.
"Reenste, come over here." The Emperor said and I had chills when he said my name. How can a guy's voice sounds so cool. Just what the heck? Could he atleast have like a croaky voice so that he isn't perfect. It's unfair for common people like me!
Plus, what does he want now? Is he going to embarrass me in front of all this people because of me being disrespectful to him earlier?
"Yes, Your Majesty?" I got off my seat and walk towards him then stopped five steps away from him. A guy wrapped in black clothing came forward from the back handing down a bandage and a wooden container to the Emperor.
"Show me your hand." I was a bit startled when he said that. Did he noticed?
"I can do it on my own, Your Majesty. I just need to go---"
He looked at me seemingly impatient so I quickly showed him my hand with the wound.
I felt a big warm hand held my hand gently as he disinfect the wound with a clothe and some water given by the black clothed guy then he applied some cream on the wound. It hurts a bit but I didn't dare to flinch. I'm already embarrassing and causing so much trouble already. At this point I'm ready to go home.
"Your Majesty..!" I turned to look at Master Zuo. He looked at me then to the Emperor. Which the Emperor looked to him then back to my hand. Master Zuo just sighed then took out some small brown envelope from his robe.
The Emperor started bandaging my hand and I just stared at him as he do so. He's really weird, well not in the bad way. He keeps on surprising people. I'm guessing those who are close to him are in constant awe or worry as he's quite unpredictable himself as he so random things out of nowhere. Yet he's somewhat really kind.
"This was given by Lord Erden before he left earlier. He stopped by here, just to check on everyone, before handing this to me and leaving." I frozed when I heard what Master Zuo has said. He said Lord Erden was here? But then again, I missed him here on the banquet.
If only I was here a bit earlier I could have chat with him in public so others wouldn't look at him as antisocial. Plus I wouldn't be in this mess.
"There." The Emperor let my hand go and I look at my perfectly bandaged hand. Oh come on. Even doing this, he's perfect?
"Thank you, Your Majesty..." I said and smiled.
"Your Highness! I have a question." A Minister on the right part of the table stood up. The Emperor took the envelope and gave it to the guy in black clothing before leaving the scene completely.
"Your Majesty have entered with this Lady there. Is it that she's already been selected as His Majesty's Consort?" The Minister asked and everyone quite down even the music.
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
Xiaoryi
Xiaoryi Late update, everyone! Sorry! I would release one or two more later this day as a compensation!
For those who are Filipino, if you'd like, do check out another story of mine in Filipino language. Currently it has a one chapter. It was more or less experimenting, but do let me know there what.you think of it.
Thanks for all the support and enjoy reading! Laters!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone