With the conclave drawing near, Scarlett and her companions returned to the mansion in the Eastgate district, the red-tinted light of sunset casting long shadows across the elegant facades. Raimond and Rosa excused themselves, retreating to one of the parlours for their private chat, while Scarlett, her mind already racing with preparations, instructed to ready another guest room for their priestly guest.

Apparently, Raimond intended to stay in the capital for a few more days, and citing his current lodgings as ‘‘too dreary’, he had opted to take advantage of Scarlett’s hospitality to freeload. She’d briefly entertained the notion of refusing but reconsidered, given that there might be more matters she wanted to discuss with him later.

As the evening grew closer and Scarlett had finished all her preparations, she and Lady Withersworth departed in their carriage, bound for Dawnlight Palace. The Eastgate district rolled by outside the window, a drapery of opulent mansions and snow-blanketed gardens bathed in the soft glow of the occasional magical lamppost. They were more common here than in other parts of the city, powered by a spell that lasted through the night.

Scarlett had heard from Allyssa that there were people employed specifically to maintain and light these lamps during the darker seasons, which reminded her of similar professions that had existed in her old world.

She didn’t think she would have minded a job like that. Apparently, it paid well, and you didn’t have to bother too much about the broader happenings in the empire. It sounded like a far cry from the frankly tumultuous existence she now led, with challenges that made her previous life’s stresses seem quaint in comparison.

As for tonight’s conclave, Scarlett was unsure what to expect. She doubted there would be any earth-shattering revelations, given her growing understanding of imperial politics. That said, with so many influential figures gathering in one place, it wouldn’t be impossible for something of note to occur. The question was whether it would affect her. She had her own objectives for the evening, mostly divorced from any political maneuvering, so she didn’t really care too much about the event’s actual purpose.

At the moment, she would be happy if things could just become stable enough so that she could return to her unfinished business in Freybrook and on the Rising Isle.

“You look a bit pale, dear. Is all well?” Lady Withersworth’s voice cut through Scarlett’s contemplations.

Scarlett turned, meeting the older woman’s keen gaze. She had thought she’d managed to hide her fatigue, but Lady Withersworth was, as usual, more perceptive than one would think.

“I am fine,” Scarlett replied. “The day’s affairs have left me somewhat drained, that is all. But I will manage the evening’s proceedings.”

The numbing effect of Raimond’s magic seemed to be fading, allowing her headache to reassert itself with a dull throb, but it wasn’t unbearable. She just prayed she wouldn’t have to deal with any nobles picking a fight with her, as Count Soames had done at the Tyndall ball.

“You shouldn’t tire yourself out so before these gatherings,” Lady Withersworth said in a motherly tone. “That is no way for a proper lady to set her priorities.”

Scarlett’s attention drifted back to the window. “I am hardly a proper lady.”

A proper lady wouldn’t have such an irritable personality, for one.

A lilting chuckle escaped the older woman. “I’ve noticed, dear. But sometimes, maintaining the appearance of one can serve as an excellent shield. I should know. I did it for decades.”

Scarlett glanced back at her momentarily. “…I will bear that in mind. Thank you.”

The carriage continued winding its way through the city, eventually joining the trafficked thoroughfare that was the Sunset Walk with Dawnlight Palace coming into view, its polished bronze-red stone gleaming tenderly in the faint moonlight. Perched atop the cliffs of its island sanctuary, surrounded by the frozen expanse of Rellaria Lake, the palace cut quite the image of imperial might and beauty that resonated with the original Scarlett’s sensibilities.

As their carriage joined the queue crossing the long bridge to the palace, Scarlett observed the line of vehicles before them with quiet intensity. The scale of the event was rather significant, even if it wouldn’t quite rival the Elystead Proclamation back in the summer. She couldn’t deny a trace of excitement that coursed through her at the prospect of re-entering the palace, likely another vestigial emotion from the original’s reverence for all things imperial.

They passed under the massive gates surrounding the palace, where armored guards stood sentinel against the biting cold. Fynn and the others had to stay behind at the mansion, leaving Scarlett without anyone to protect her if it came to it. A fact she wasn’t entirely comfortable with, given how tired she already was. While it was highly unlikely that she’d need any sort of protection tonight, her experiences up till now had bred a certain paranoia.

But it wasn’t as if she could bring a bodyguard into the imperial palace. Not even dukes had that right, much less a mere baroness like herself. The same went for Lady Withersworth, although the woman technically held a slightly higher status since Lord Withersworth had been granted the title of True Noble after his service as the Lord Marshal.

The carriage entered an expansive courtyard, bounded by large trees with leaves of gold and red that defied the snow blanketing the ground. Following the procession of other carriages, they came to a halt before a grand staircase of plated gold, the palace looming above like a fortress of regal authority.

As Scarlett and Lady Withersworth exited the vehicle, a servant in bronze-gold livery stepped forward from a line of attendants flanking the stairs.

“His Imperial Majesty, the gilded sun of the empire and the light who shines upon us all, bids you welcome,” intoned the woman, her black hair coiled in an intricate bun.

The greeting wasn’t quite as grandiose as during the Elysian Proclamation, but it seemed each guest was still afforded their own guide. Scarlett pitied the servants having to stay out here shivering in the cold, though.

The attendant’s eyes widened in surprise as Scarlett extended her pyrokinesis, which was already keeping herself and Lady Withersworth warm, to encompass the woman. Instead of offering an explanation to the woman’s questioning gaze, Scarlett simply gestured for her to proceed.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

They ascended the golden stairs into the grand entrance hall, its vast expanse and high ceilings adorned with detailed frescoes. At the far end, dominating the space, stood the imposing bronze statue of Galrath the Great, the first emperor of the realm. Scarlett’s gaze lingered briefly on the colossal figure before returning to their guide.

Unlike her previous visit, Scarlett now had a clearer understanding of the evening’s agenda. The conclave proper would be preceded by a banquet, allowing guests to mingle and engage with each other, and this was where most of the actually important conversations were likely to happen. Scarlett was just happy there weren’t a bunch of ceremonies she had to learn.

Their guide led them through gilded halls adorned with plush carpets and grand tapestries. As they passed the stoic forms of the Palace Guards in their gleaming steel armor, Scarlett found her attention drawn to their sheathed swords.

For some reason, she found herself wondering how she would fare in a fight against one of them. The Palace Guards were elite warriors, so they would undoubtedly put up a decent fight. When she first arrived in this world, even the weakest among them would likely have bested her with ease. Now, though…

How many could she take on?

Her eyes met the impassive gaze of a guard through his slitted helm, and the corner of her mouth lifted in a slight smile.

She supposed it would depend on a lot of factors. She worked best with someone like Fynn covering her front, and these guards likely had more practical combat experience, giving them an advantage. But it also hinged on how ruthless she could be. Pyrokinesis wasn’t exactly suited for holding back.

Not that she ever planned on actually getting into a fight here, of course. Besides, it was probably unwise to underestimate the Palace Guards, and there were the even more formidable Royal Guards and a host of other defences in this place to consider. Even a full-scale assault by a group like the Hallowed Cabal would have a hard time completely overwhelming the palace.

That said, the Cabal did have individuals like Veil, who even the empire’s strongest would struggle to handle in a worst-case scenario. Fortunately for the empire, Veil in particular didn’t always quite play ball with the Cabal’s plans.

Scarlett might still have to be mindful of potential attacks, though, just in case. However unlikely that was to happen tonight, it would probably happen eventually. In the game, the Cabal’s assassination of the emperor had involved infiltrating the palace, after all. Timeline-wise, that shouldn’t happen anytime soon, but it wasn’t impossible that it was accelerated just like other events.

As they reached their destination, they entered a stately hall decorated with elegant chandeliers and elaborately designed walls connecting to various other chambers and passages. The room buzzed with activity, filled with people in resplendent attire engaged in animated conversations as attendants moved about seamlessly between them.

Scarlett was surprised to spot the presence of knights in black-and-gold armor, standing watch around the banquet hall — the Solar Knights. She would have thought them too occupied with the current monster attacks, but perhaps there was enough concern about the event’s security to warrant having some of the empire’s finest around.

She wondered briefly if that meant Leon might be among them.

The servant woman who’d led them here curtsied and took her leave. “Please, enjoy the refreshments here until the proceedings begin.”

Lady Withersworth turned to Scarlett. “What do you intend to do first now that we’re here?”

Scarlett’s gaze swept the hall once more. “I have yet to decide,” she said, scanning the crowd.

She was searching for one individual in particular, but she doubted they would join the banquet itself. More likely, they would appear only for the conclave later. She would need to find another way to arrange a meeting.

“Will you seek out Lord Withersworth?” Scarlett asked, turning her attention to the older woman beside her.

Lady Withersworth waved dismissively. “Oh, he could only hope. I’m sure I will run into him eventually. He is the one insisting on entangling himself in this political nonsense again, so he can very well manage without seeing me for a while longer. No, I think I will be staying with you for now, dear.” A subtle smile played on her lips as she nodded towards a small cluster of noblewomen nearby, their curious glances darting in their direction. “I think this promises to be far more entertaining.”

Scarlett regarded the group, noting how some averted their gaze when she looked their way. She wondered about the reaction to Lady Withersworth’s arrival with her — the former’s influence in noble circles juxtaposed with Scarlett’s reputation as something of a social pariah in noble circles was bound to spark some speculation. Though she supposed that assumed the people here even remembered her appearance.

“Then where would you like to begin?” Scarlett asked, turning back to Lady Withersworth.

“An old lady like me shouldn’t hog all the excitement. I’ll defer to your judgement.”

“Very well. Perhaps we can start over there.” Scarlett gestured towards a table further into the hall, laden with an array of delicacies and relatively free of people. She hadn’t had the time to eat much before coming here, and the extra energy would be welcome.

An amused look crossed Lady Withersworth’s face. “Not the typical approach for a noble lady at these events, but I suppose this will send its own message. After you, dear.”

They walked over to the table, and Scarlett took a moment to survey the assortment of appetizers, ignoring the occasional looks sent their way. She selected a delicate pastry, savoring its buttery crust and rich filling, while Lady Withersworth chose a small tart adorned with fresh berries.

“The Imperial chefs always outdo themselves,” the older woman remarked appreciatively. “Though I must say, I have been rather impressed by the chef at your estate as well, Baroness. If I weren’t so fond of you, I might have tried to poach him for myself.”

“If you did, I am afraid I would have little choice but to consider House Withersworth an enemy,” Scarlett replied.

Lady Withersworth’s laughter, light and tinkling, was partially hidden behind her hand. “My dear, it’s refreshing to hear what passes for humour from you.”

As Scarlett reached for another delicacy, she found herself wondering whether she had, in fact, been joking.

Her attention was suddenly drawn to one of the larger entrances, where a group clad in red robes and masks arrived. Among them, one figure stood out, wearing a distinctive golden mask, their onyx hair cascading elegantly over one shoulder in a sleek tail. Inquisitive glances from the other guests trailed in their wake.

Followers of Ittar, including a deacon. Raimond had mentioned they would be sending representatives. Scarlett wasn’t entirely sure which deacon this was, but she had to admit they possessed a certain dignity.

“So, even a deacon graces us with their presence tonight,” Lady Withersworth said, her tone thoughtful. “It’s a rare occurrence at gatherings such as these.” She turned her gaze to Scarlett. “I couldn’t help but notice a priest arrived at your estate earlier as well. I wasn’t aware you had cultivated such close ties with the Followers beyond your relief initiatives, Baroness.”

Scarlett shook her head lightly. “I have not, in truth. It is merely that priest in particular, and even then, ‘priest’ might be too generous a term for him.”

Lady Withersworth raised an amused eyebrow, curiosity gleaming in her expression. “Oh? Now that sounds like quite the tale.”

“I can arrange an introduction tomorrow, if you would like,” Scarlett said. “Though I feel compelled to warn you that his personality can be…trying, at times.”

“Dear, that description fits more than half of my acquaintances.”

Scarlett paused, considering.

…That was probably true.

They continued their quiet conversation, savoring the food by themselves. After a while, Lady Withersworth’s gaze moved to sweep the room, taking in the growing throng of guests. Her eyes finally settled on a group of nobles engaged in spirited discussion.

“I believe we have allowed the rumors to simmer long enough,” she said, a mischievous glint in her eye belying her years. “Now it’s time we made our presence known.”

Scarlett felt a mix of apprehension at those words but nodded as Lady Withersworth began leading her away from their secluded spot and towards that group.

It seemed it was time to mingle.