The Tyrant’s Last Doll

made their way to my mental list of items I wish to burn, just second to the awful corset I wore previously.

Curiosity killed the cat, huh? It feels like I’m going to die before I even experienced the masquerade myself.

The week before the gala seemed to stretch endlessly.
I spent four hours each day practicing both dance and etiquette lessons, and the remaining hours were spent studying over books and whatnot.
It reminded me of the times when I took exams and showed up at job interviews back in my previous life.

I’m basically putting blood, sweat and tears into attending this gala. This better be worth it, I furiously thought.

And because of how tiring my days have been recently, I always passed out before the emperor could call for me and as I lay there, knocked out from exhaustion, the emperor would come visit my room and quietly spend the night sleeping beside me.
He came and went so silently that the warmth his body stamped on the sheets was the only indication that he had stayed for the night.
Then another morning rolled in, the head maid would, as usual, scold me to get up and the only way I could avoid her incessant nagging was to drag myself out of bed towards the first lesson of the day.

Knock knock.
Someone knocked on the door.
Lina, who always tidied up the room once the dance practice was over, pushed the door open.
She was with a person I least expected to see.

“We are in the presence of the glorious high priest of Theres.
May the blessings of life be with you always.”

The Countess, who held the highest authority in the room, greeted the unexpected visitor.
I, along with the awaiting maids, bowed our heads in respect.

“I am the wife of Count Luboa.
It’s a pleasure to meet you, Priest Ravis.” The Countess bowed to the priest the same way she taught me.
Ravis replied with a stiff smile,

“Pleasure to meet you, Countess Luboa.
Am I disturbing your class?”

The Countess shook her head.
“Not at all.
We just finished actually.”

“That’s good.
Thank you for all your efforts.” Even someone who’s uptight as the Countess couldn’t help but feel at ease at the priest’s approval.
Ravis looked around the room and asked, “If it’s not too much to ask, could everyone please leave the room and give me and Miss Iona some privacy?”

What? M-me?

The Countess’ face dropped at Ravis’ request.
Maybe she felt embarrassed that he had come to visit me instead of her, who bore the highest authority in the room.
But she had no choice but to give in to the priest’s request, saying that she was about to leave since the class was finished anyway.
Lina and Ella turned on their heels and left obediently.

“Call us if you need anything.” The door closed behind them, leaving Ravis and I alone.
I stammered awkwardly, “Uhm… High Priest?”

“Please call me by my name, Iona.”

What was he doing here?