Chapter 33: The Swallow Palace Attendants

Among the concubines sent from each duchy, it was an old imperial custom for the woman chosen by the emperor to become empress.

However, when a royal who had already married and even produced children inherited the throne, their existing spouse was often crowned empress instead.

The concubines sent by the duchies were blood relatives of grand dukes and effectively functioned as political envoys. Because of that, even if their gender, appearance, or age failed to please the emperor, they could not simply be sent back.

That was why Fria, a male concubine who had fallen out of imperial favor, had still been able to remain in the harem without issue.

Unless they committed grave crimes such as treason or illicit affairs, punishment was impossible, but many concubines had nevertheless fallen victim to the schemes and rivalries within the inner palace.

The noble ladies’ talk of driving Fria out was half bravado, yet if one of them truly became empress, fabricating a reason to frame him would not be difficult.

Throughout imperial history, bloody conspiracies and power struggles between empresses and concubines had repeated themselves generation after generation, even damaging diplomatic relations between duchies.

In the empire’s early years, the might of Asmund overshadowed all others, but Hilderin, Hraude, and Mosratia eventually rose into great powers largely because of the empresses their houses had produced.

Exhausted by endless conflicts among the concubines, some emperors used the excuse that a crown prince of age could not remain unmarried forever and married him off early to avoid interference from the duchies.

Imperial citizens also greatly preferred a crown princess chosen from within the empire over an unfamiliar empress from abroad.

The former empress dowager, mother of the current emperor, had likewise been an imperial noble and a distant relative of the crown prince. Though kept quiet, rumors of the crown prince’s preference for men had reached even the candidates for crown princess.

Duke Ferma still regretted forcing his younger sister into the position despite her refusal.

The empire pitied two women above all others: the former empress dowager, famed for her beauty, and Lord Fira’s widowed consort, who had lost her husband at a young age. Despite overwhelming public support, neither had ultimately ascended to the position of empress.

The people of the empire still remembered how the former empress dowager had been neglected because of the foreigner Yonnana. Thus, rumors that the emperor had once again been captivated by a concubine from Alphennia filled them with anger and unease.

Even half a year after the emperor’s accession, there was still no news of a future empress bearing an heir. The citizens blamed the “bewitching foreigner” for this as well, directing their resentment toward Fria, the male concubine from Alphennia.

This was why vicious caricatures of him, born from rumor and the artists’ malicious imagination, spread throughout the streets.

Some citizens even wished that Lindgart, the former crown princess consort, would become empress instead. Those desires transformed into rumors of a secret relationship between the emperor and his sister-in-law.

In taverns, some denounced the idea as obscene while others argued that in ancient times younger brothers often married the widows of their elder brothers, so what was wrong with it?

The excitement surrounding the young emperor’s ascension slowly gave way to anxiety. The dissatisfaction of the surrounding duchies also continued to grow. All eyes turned toward the harem.

Fear. Resentment. Envy. Hatred.

At the center of all those gazes stood Fria, the male concubine from Alphennia.

****

The following afternoon, the newly assigned maids arrived.

The two servant maids assigned to chores were immediately dispatched to the laundry and kitchens, but the two noble girls selected as attendant maids sat stiffly in the reception room, locked in a silent battle of wills with Judith.

“I am Judith, the head maid. As you’ve likely already heard, Lord Fria is someone who enjoys His Majesty’s special favor. I hope you will all serve with pride and unity.”

Trying hard to project authority, Judith deliberately deepened her voice unlike usual.

“I’m Isabel.”

The girl in the expensive-looking green satin dress tilted her chin arrogantly. She was the second daughter of Count Hanson, a man famous for attaching himself to whichever side held power.

Confident in his daughter’s beauty, the count had pushed Isabel into the residence of the increasingly influential male concubine despite her objections.

It was common for imperial lovers to emerge from among the attendants of favored concubines.

Since it was both the emperor’s duty and right to leave behind as many descendants as possible, attendant maids, who interacted with him frequently, often caught his eye and rose overnight into rivals of the very concubines they served.

“Do not waste this opportunity. Linger around His Majesty however you can and make sure he notices you.”

‘How difficult could that be?’

Ambitious Isabel looked down her nose at Judith, who was the same age as herself and therefore seemed easy to handle. Judith had likely had plenty of opportunities to meet the emperor, yet she remained nothing more than a head maid.

Her intelligence was probably just as unimpressive as her plain appearance.

“I’m Livron. I’m seventeen this year.”

The brown-haired girl deliberately stated her age while staring directly into Judith’s eyes. Even if Isabel outranked her as a count’s daughter, Livron had no intention of bowing to someone younger than herself.

“Neither of you have palace experience yet, so I would appreciate it if you follow my instructions for the time being. Lord Fria may feel uncomfortable, so I’ll continue handling her clothing personally. You two should focus on observing and learning until you become accustomed to palace life.”

Judith had firmly resolved not to let unfamiliar girls touch Lord Fria’s precious body.

Those damned officials. She had specifically asked for mature married women, yet they had sent these fresh-faced girls instead. Clearly, they had come with designs on the emperor.

As the three girls exchanged icy stares that chilled the room, another maid entered to announce the arrival of someone delayed.

“She was sent by the minister of finance. My lady, please come in.”

At the maid’s words, a plainly dressed woman stepped nervously into the room, unlike the two girls who had arrived earlier.

“My apologies for being late. Head Maid Judith, Lady Isabel, Lady Livron.”

Though slightly delayed, she had already learned the names of the other attendants who would become her colleagues. Judith immediately liked her preparedness.

More importantly, she had respectfully addressed her as “Head Maid.”

“My name is Olga. I only received notice recently, so I arrived as quickly as I could.”

“I’m Judith, the head maid. If it isn’t rude to ask, may I know your age?”

Judith already knew Olga’s age from the documents delivered that morning, but she asked anyway in order to subtly put Livron, who had tried to challenge her over a mere one-year difference, in her place.

“I’m nineteen. I’ll soon be twenty.”

Olga lowered her head shyly as she answered.

“So you’re the eldest among the newcomers. Do you have prior palace experience?”

“I served the late emperor in the main palace. After His Majesty passed away, I worked at Lady Lindgart’s residence.”

“How wonderful. With your experience and knowledge of the main palace, you’ll be a great help.”

“You flatter me. I only hope Head Maid Judith will kindly overlook my shortcomings.”

‘How amusing.’

Unlike the other two girls, Olga seemed modest and easy to manage. Isabel and Livron immediately recognized Judith’s intention to establish a hierarchy among the attendants by favoring her.

Just as they noisily set down their teacups to protest, Fria finally appeared in the reception room. She had slept until afternoon after staying up all night reading the storybook she borrowed the previous day.

“Judith, I’m hungry.”

“My lady! You can’t come out dressed like that!”

“…Why?”

Still half asleep, Fria blinked slowly before finally noticing the guests.

“Oh. We have visitors.”

Forgive my appearance, ladies.

Despite his loose and careless attire, Fria bent gracefully in polite greeting before quietly turning and disappearing back into the bedroom.

Knowing her master was still half asleep and acting unconsciously, Judith glared at the girls, who stood frozen with their mouths slightly open.

“How scandalous.”

Though they pretended indifference with fluttering fans, the girls had been briefly captivated by the effortless elegance of his movements.

“She certainly wakes very late.”

“Aren’t you worried about Lord Fria’s health, Judith?”

Judith’s round eyes widened at their shameless criticism. How dare they question anyone? Aside from Fria’s family back in the duchy, no one worried more about Lord Fria than she did.

“And why are you so quiet, Lady Olga?”

Isabel redirected her attack toward Olga, who unlike the others had made no comment after seeing the infamous male concubine. Though her heart had briefly raced at the sight of the disheveled beauty unexpectedly revealing bare skin, that was merely shock at his impropriety.

Just as rumored, he was vulgar and frivolous.

“I just…”

Caught off guard, Olga spoke hesitantly.

“He’s simply… different from what I imagined…”

“Different how? What exactly did you imagine Lord Fria to be?”

Livron joined Isabel in cornering Olga.

Curious herself about what someone from the former crown princess consort’s residence truly thought of Fria, Judith listened closely.

“I thought… he would be no different from a woman… No, that isn’t what I mean. What I mean is… while he is certainly more beautiful than most women…”

Under the concentrated gazes, Olga faltered nervously.

Enjoying herself now, Isabel immediately pounced again.

“How rude. Comparing Lord Fria to ordinary women.”

“That’s not what I intended-”

“If not, then what? Is that what Lady Lindgart told you?”

The instant Lindgart’s name left Isabel’s lips, Olga’s expression transformed.

“Do you even understand who that lady is before speaking so carelessly? Show some respect!”

No one could believe this was the same timid Olga from moments earlier.

Judith and Livron exchanged startled glances, momentarily forgetting their own rivalry.

“Why is she suddenly reacting like that?”

“How should I know?”

“She didn’t need to get that angry.”

“Exactly.”

“She’s acting strangely.”

“She must have been especially close with the former crown princess consort.”

“Even so, this is excessive.”

“She belongs to the Swallow Palace now.”

“Exactly. Being an attendant maid isn’t child’s play.”

“Not at all. Ordinary girls can’t even step into the palace.”

“That’s why I specifically requested attendants with proper qualifications and appearance.”

“You’re one to talk, Judith. Becoming head maid at such a young age… there’s truly nothing lacking in your looks, lineage, or refinement.”

Within moments, Judith and Livron found themselves getting along splendidly, discussing their tastes and hometowns. Once they discovered their territories were not far apart, they quickly bonded over regional politics and family gossip.

After calming herself, Olga apologized for overreacting. Lady Lindgart had been the only person to extend a hand to her after the late emperor’s death left her with nowhere to go, and in her gratitude she had spoken too emotionally.

The three girls nodded uncertainly.

Soon after, Fria returned and properly greeted the attendants who would now serve him.

Contrary to Judith’s repeated insistence that additional attendants were desperately needed, life in the harem was not especially demanding.

Helping their mistress dress and style her hair, embroidering together to pass the time, drinking tea while gossiping, constantly praising their lady’s beauty, and offering romantic advice…

From Fria’s perspective as a man, he genuinely could not understand why four people were necessary for such things.

Looks like I’ve gained even more younger sisters to entertain.

Sighing quietly where the girls could not see, Fria opened his storybook behind the attendants still absorbed in lively chatter.

📚 Also on NHV Novels

Blue Teaser

BLBoys LoveDevoted Top

Read Now →
Not interested