"Your Highness, it's time for your entrance."
"Just a moment."
At the call, Anna steadied herself and lifted her gaze to the mirror.
Heavier makeup than usual.
An elaborate dress layered with embroidery and jewels.
Accessories that looked beautiful—but felt suffocating.
Everything about it irritated her.
"…Sigh."
While adjusting the gloves at her wrists, Anna let out a quiet breath.
What am I even doing?
There was too much unfinished business.
Bane still hadn't been captured.
Several suspicious groups were continuing to move in the shadows throughout the capital.
The aftermath of the riot hadn't settled, no matter what the official reports claimed.
And yet—
Here she was, preparing to attend a banquet as if nothing were wrong.
She understood the significance, of course. Today's party was held in celebration of His Majesty's birthday. A symbolic event meant to reassure the Empire that everything was under control.
