Elias returned to Moonveil Palace.
He was homesick for the entire seven-day journey back.
Keiro did everything within his power to cheer him up, but nothing worked.
Elias was resting in his chamber after watering his plants.
Keiro sat beside the bed, gazing out of the window.
“Master, when will you visit Princess Lynera?” he deliberately asked, trying to distract his master from his loneliness.
“Hmm?
Why?” Elias mumbled with his eyes closed.
“At home, you told me that when we returned, you were going to meet her.
Something about a brand amba…?” Keiro tried to recall his master’s words.
“Ah, it’s a brand ambassador.”
Elias opened his eyes as if something had suddenly clicked in his mind.
He sat upright, suddenly energized.
“What is it?” Keiro asked, confused.
“Nothing.
Keiro, go to Princess Lynera’s palace and ask for permission for me to visit her.”
“Huh?” Keiro frowned.
“Don’t wait, go now!
Ask her if I can meet her today.”
Keiro hurriedly stood up and left.
After a while, he returned.
“Princess Lynera has granted permission.
We can meet her now.”
Elias immediately got ready.
The two of them walked toward Princess Lynera’s palace.
He did not have the privilege of using a carriage.
No personal carriage had been allotted to Moonveil Palace.
The Imperial Residence and Princess Lynera’s Palace stood side by side at the heart of the palace grounds, separated only by an expansive royal garden.
Marble pathways wound through winter flowerbeds, frozen fountains, and carefully trimmed hedges dusted with snow.
To the east stood the Imperial Residence, grand and imposing beneath crimson roofs and golden eaves.
Tall pavilions rose above the surrounding buildings while imperial banners fluttered proudly in the winter breeze.
Guards patrolled every entrance, and even from a distance the residence carried an air of authority that reminded all who ruled the empire.
Beside it stood Princess Lynera’s Palace.
Though smaller, it possessed an elegance of its own.
Soft ivory walls, silver-blue roof tiles, and open courtyards gave it a warmer atmosphere than the Imperial Residence.
Colorful lanterns hung beneath the walkways while winter plum blossoms decorated the surrounding gardens.
The two residences stood close enough that those walking through the central garden could easily glimpse activity within either estate, yet far enough apart to preserve the privacy expected of the Imperial Family.
Elias reached the entrance of Princess Lynera’s study.
Keiro informed the guard of his master’s arrival.
The guard then announced him to the Princess.
Princess Lynera’s study reflected her lively personality more than royal formality.
Sunlight streamed through wide lattice windows onto shelves filled with books, maps, and curious trinkets, while a large desk stood cluttered with scrolls, letters, and half-finished projects she refused to put away.
Princess Lynera sat in her chair with a map spread across the table before her.
“Princess Highness!”
Elias’s voice greeted her.
She did not even need to look up from her map.
There was only one person in all of Elyandra who dared to call her “Princess Highness”—Noble Consort Elyas.
Nonetheless, she looked up and smiled.
“Brother-in-law!
What a pleasant surprise.”
Elias bowed politely.
“Princess Highness, greetings from this humble consort.”
He tried to sound formal.
“Your Highness,” Lynera corrected.
“Same Highness,” Elias mumbled.
“What brings you here?” the Princess asked while sipping her tea.
“Ouch!
You wound me, Princess.
Can’t a brother-in-law visit his sister-in-law?” Elias mocked dramatically, stepping forward and clutching his heart.
“Ha, ha.
Yes, you can.”
“Princess Highness, I wanted to ask if you liked my present.”
“You confuse me.
My brother-in-law skipped my longevity banquet, sent a gift through a servant, disappeared for weeks, and now comes asking if I liked it?
Isn’t it a little late for that?” Lynera smirked.
I was away for two weeks visiting my family, so I couldn’t come sooner.”
“Well, to answer your question—yes.
I liked your gift.
The robe you sent me has a unique design.
“Where did you get it?”
Elias smirked inwardly.
That was exactly the reaction he had hoped for.
“Thank you, Your Highness.
I bought it from a special seller.”
“Who is the seller?” Lynera probed further.
“That is a secret.”
“Then why bother asking me about the gift?”
Lynera leaned back in her chair, trying to figure out what game Elyas was playing.
“If you want another robe, I can get one for you.”
Elias met her eyes.
“But with a price.”
That immediately caught Lynera’s attention.
Interesting.
“What price?” she asked, amused.
“The price of getting another unique robe.”
“Do you want me to pay for the robe, or do you want another favor from my sister?”
Lynera asked, already assuming his intentions.
Elias frowned.
“No.
I want neither.”
His answer surprised her.
“Then what do you want?”
This time, Lynera looked at him seriously.
“I want you to be my brand ambassador.”
“What?
Brand?
Amba…?” Lynera stared at him.
“I mean, I want you to wear the robes and clothes I provide to important banquets and social events.
Whenever people ask where you got them, you should refer them to me.
Then I’ll charge them.”
Elias explained casually, forgetting that he was living in an ancient world where such concepts did not exist.
“You mean I should wear the robes you give me to important events?” Lynera asked carefully.
“Yes.”
“And when people ask where I got them, I should refer them to you?”
“Not directly to me.
Just tell them you know a special tailor.”
“Then what?”
“Then I will get the dress from that tailor and give it to you.”
“Then?”
“You send it to the guest who requested it and collect the payment.”
“Then?”
“Then you give me the money.
Simple!”
Elias clapped excitedly.
“Who am I in all this, and what exactly do I gain?” Lynera scoffed.
“You are my brand ambassador, and you get to wear unique dresses and receive compliments for free!”
Elias spread his arms dramatically.
“Are you making these robes yourself?”
Lynera narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
“No, no!
How would I?
I simply know a seller.”
He denied it a little too quickly.
The Princess’s gaze lingered on him.
“Why are you going through all this trouble just to earn money?
Her Majesty would provide whatever you need.
You only have to ask.”
All traces of amusement disappeared from her expression.
“No.
I don’t want to ask.”
Elias lowered his head.
“She hates me.
I don’t want to owe anything to her.”
“You are her consort.
It is her responsibility to take care of you.”
“Yes.
Her Hated Consort.”
The words came out sharper than intended.
Lynera’s eyes widened.
“Are you going to help or not?” Elias asked, frustration creeping into his voice.
The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted them.
“I am sorry, Princess.
I shouldn’t have asked.
I’ll take my leave.”
He turned to leave.
“No.
Wait.”
Lynera stopped him.
“I’ll help.”
Elias immediately turned around.
Relief flooded his face.
“Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you, Princess Highness!”
He bowed repeatedly.
“It’s Your Highness,” Lynera corrected with a smile.
“Same Highness.”
Elias bowed again before finally leaving.
Lynera watched him go and smiled to herself.
Interesting.
Elias left the study in high spirits.
A full smile stretched across his face.
He looked around the courtyard for Keiro.
Instead, his gaze landed on the royal garden separating the two palaces.
Empress Selene stood there with Consort Leorin and Prince Philip.
The three of them were looking in his direction.
This was the first time Elias had seen Consort Leorin in person.
He quietly observed the family of three.
No wonder the original owner of this body had fallen for Selene.
She truly was a remarkable woman.
And Leorin…
Leorin was indeed handsome.
Keiro had described him and Prince Philip beforehand in case Elias ever encountered them.
Now, seeing them together, Elias found himself intrigued.
Meanwhile, the Empress had watched Elyas enter Princess Lynera’s study earlier.
Consort Leorin had been the one to point it out.
Now he was returning with a smile on his face.
Neither of them knew what had made him so happy.
Selene noticed him staring at them.
“Will he become angry, Your Majesty?” Leorin asked quietly, expecting jealousy.
“Let him be.”
The Empress took Prince Philip into her arms while continuing to watch Elyas.
Elyas smiled at the adorable little boy.
Then he turned away to search for Keiro.
Completely unaware that the Empress was watching him.
In his mind, he was already planning for another brand ambassador.
And—
Leorin seemed like the perfect choice for male clothing.
Author’s Note Selene: Elyas is watching us again.
Leorin: Should we be concerned?
Elyas: Hmm…
good height, handsome face, excellent posture.
Perfect brand ambassador.
Three people, three different thoughts What do you think about our fashion designer?
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