“Master!
Master!
Wake up!”
Kairo’s nasal voice disturbed my sleep once again.
Will he ever let me sleep peacefully?
I groaned and opened my eyes to see Kairo’s panicked face hovering above me.
“What happened?” My voice came out hoarse from sleep.
“Master!
Hurry up and get ready!
A messenger has arrived from the Main Palace to announce an imperial decree,” Kairo rushed out nervously.
“What?
Imperial decree?” I asked in confusion.
What is this decree or degree?
Am I being awarded some kind of degree?
“Yes!
From the Empress!” Kairo said with wide eyes.
I stretched my arms and legs lazily before sitting up on the bed.
“Let them in,” I instructed casually.
“The messenger cannot enter your private chamber.
First, let me help you get ready,” Kairo said as he hurried toward me.
“Why do I need to get ready?
Can’t he just come inside?” I yawned.
A perfect way to ruin someone’s sleep.
“No!
The messenger is female.
I cannot allow her into your private chamber,” Kairo said, looking horrified.
“Uh…?”
I got up and reluctantly allowed Kairo to prepare me.
It took nearly half an hour.
First, he combed my absurdly long hair before styling it with strange pins and ornaments.
Then came the robes.
My outfit consisted of three layers:
an inner robe, a middle robe, and an outer robe embroidered with golden patterns along the edges.
Beneath them, I had to wear loose trousers and soft cloth shoes that felt more like pillows.
Is it really necessary to wear this many clothes in hot weather?
I desperately miss my shorts and T-shirt.
When Kairo reached for the powder and makeup beside the table, I immediately stopped his hand.
“Stop.
I’m not putting that thing on my face.
Take it away,” I said sharply.
“But Master…” Kairo looked conflicted and confused.
I simply glared at him.
“…Understood,” he replied weakly.
“Let’s go.”
We stepped outside into the main hall.
The hall of the consort palace was breathtakingly luxurious, built to reflect the dignity of the Empire’s Noble Consort.
Tall ebony pillars lined the vast chamber, their surfaces carved with silver vines and moon lilies.
Layers of translucent silk curtains drifted gently in the evening breeze while crystal lanterns bathed the hall in warm golden light.
The faint fragrance of sandalwood and jasmine lingered in the air, blending with the quiet crackling of incense burning beside jade statues along the walls.
The polished marble floor reflected everything like still water-embroidered carpets, golden screens painted with mountains and cranes, and the elevated seating platform reserved for the Noble Consort himself.
Luxury filled every corner of the palace.
I stood silently behind a thin silk curtain near the inner chamber.
Through the fabric, I could vaguely make out the silhouette of the imperial messenger standing in the hall, accompanied by attendants carrying a golden decree tray.
I had absolutely no intention of showing my face yet.
After all, I had transmigrated only a few hours ago.
The thought of accidentally saying something strange in front of palace officials already gave me a headache.
So hiding behind the curtain felt like the safest option.
“His Highness, Noble Consort Elyas, receive the Imperial Decree!”
The sharp voice echoed throughout the hall.
Kairo immediately knelt beside the curtain while I stood there awkwardly in silence.
The messenger slowly unfolded the golden decree and began reading aloud.
“By the command of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Selene, Sovereign of the Great Empire of Elyndra.
Noble Consort Elyas has committed a shameful act by attempting to throw himself into the imperial river in order to seek Her Majesty’s attention.
Such reckless and disgraceful behavior has damaged the dignity of the Inner Palace and is unbecoming of one who holds the position of Noble Consort.
Though Her Majesty shows mercy in consideration of past companionship, punishment shall still be given.
From this day onward, Noble Consort Elyas shall reside within Moonveil Palace at the western end of the imperial estate for self-reflection and repentance.
Without imperial summons, he is forbidden from entering the central palace grounds or interfering with palace affairs.
Let this decree be obeyed with humility and gratitude.
By the will of the Empress.”
I stood there frozen.
Beside me, Kairo suddenly burst into tears.
“No…
no…
no…
Your Majesty, please have mercy on my master!”
He was crying hysterically.
Idiot.
My mind went blank.
Attempted suicide…
to gain the Empress’s attention?
Did I do that?
No…
wait…
the original owner of this body did it?
I stared silently ahead.
Was he really that much of a simp?
Author’s Note Elias has finally received the imperial decree…
What do you think about this chapter?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and reactions.
Your thoughts light up my universe.
Happy reading, and stay tuned for the matriarchy verse..
– Lune5verse ”