24 Lady (1/2)
The Emperor and I went to our seats. He even walk me to the chair prepared for me before going to his seat and then sat looking at everyone. Then he raised his hand as a signal for everyone to take their sit.
Everyone was quiet and waiting for the Emperor to talk. This is super awkward. I can still feel those girls looking at me, their questions, curiosity, and glares prickles my senses. I looked at everyone and saw the three familiar girls waving and smiling at me. I awkwardly smiled at them. I really don't want to be here. I want to be with them and talk.
Then I looked over to the other girls in the middle. Most of them didn't bother looking at me anymore and focused to the Emperor. I saw Alexandria and I smiled. This girl sure is lovely.The way her eyes and smile are, I'm sure the Emperor wouldn't miss such beauty. She saw me looking at her then she smiled at me and I smiled back.
I just hope that this banquet would be quick to end. My mentality is already exhausted after all the shock I experienced earlier.
Master Zuo, sitting to the Emperor's right side got up.
”Your Majesty, I present to you. The ladies for the consort selection.” The Ladies then stood up all together. I was torn because I don't know if I should too, because I'm really clueless right now as I was late earlier. Nevertheless I felt myself stood up and turned to the Emperor. Everyone of the ladies, including me bowed down. Then the ladies greeted which I also did, although a little late on the starting phrases because as far as everyone's concern, I am just letting it all flow.
”The lady in front is also a candidate in the selection?”
”So does that mean His Highness already chosen her?”
As I was keeping my head down, I can't help not to hear the voices from the Minister talking at the side and also some reaction from the people near the front sit.
”This lady, would be tested for 3 months inside the Palace. As new to the tradition, they are already treated as all of His Majesty's Lady. Thus, this is a warning to everyone, most especially to the ladies. You are not to be involved further to any man. Family, Friends, Servants, that's all. But once proven you are having a relationship with someone else, ” Master Zuo said in all seriousness and looked at every ladies then lastly me.
”You are going to be punished under the sentence of infidelity and be vanished to the Empire as a punishment.”He said clearly and looked at me for a few seconds before turning to the Emperor which made me somewhat feel chills. Wow. He's a really serious dude. But I do think this ladies wouldn't have any other relationship after going through all that traveling just to be here. So that wouldn't be really a problem here, plus who would dare go against the Emperor. He must be really crazy to do that.
”Another change to the tradition. I would be announcing what are the basis of my choice.”
Everyone was momentarily shocked, because according to the books I've read, the basis or standards in selecting the Consort is a secret everytime, but it was kind of like limited, yet to be announced beforehand is a bit shocking I think.
”Every ladies are to be observed on their behaviour in and outside the palace, their virtues and character facing challenges, your aesthetic appearance, and one's body condition.” I looked at everyone and there was some who are taking down notes. Maybe for future references. The Consort Selection isn't just a one time event in the Palace. It varies depending on what the Emperor's want, but traditionally, within the year the New Emperor was inaugurated, there must be one selection process to be happened.
Being as he is different from the other Emperors. He didn't choose anyone yet, he didn't fancy anyone, then instead focused on improving the quality of everyone has. Reading all those stuff about him mades me really excited to meet him. He's definitely mysterious and his aura gives a cold feeling yet somehow there's this comfort in that cold. I don't know. Maybe I'm hallucinating again.
”This being revealed doesn't really change anything. Everyone here has the quality, so why should you be the one selected? So it's up to you ladies to stand out by clearing all the challenges in the next three months.”
I quickly covered my mouth trying to stop the laugh that was about to come out. That seriously are like lines you can hear in reality shows on televisions. That's so cheesy I just can't help not to chuckle. But I must stay still.
”Ladies, you may sit down now.” Master Zuo said. I, then sat down still trying to suppress my laugh. As I was sitting, I didn't notice the cup of water on my table then as my sleeves sway, it was hit then fell on the ground. Shattering sound was heard from the cup which shocked me, but then I immediately sat down to pick it up.
”I- I'm so sorry about this...” I said and stood up again and then bowed before proceeding to pick up the shattered cup. Why do I kept embarrassing myself! I feel really out of myself today! Ahh!
As I was picking it up, I got distracted and in result I cut a wound on my palm. Dang! That was sharp as heck!
”Ouch..” I said to myself as the wound started to bleed. I gently let go of the pieces I've collected to the side and hid myself further to the table and look at my bleeding palm. It isn't really a deep wound, but it isn't just a scratch. I searched my pocket for some handkerchief and after searching in my pockets I couldn't find any. I must have forgotten it. Oh well. It doesn't hurt much. I'll just deal with it later.
Then two servant came in with a mop and broom in their hands.
”Please let us do it, our ladyship.” They said smiling then let me step aside. I quickly hid my wounded palm. I already embarrassed myself enough, I wouldn't want everyone know that I clumsily wounded myself. Geez. I'm sure as heck isn't acting myself. Is it because deep down I'm really nervous?
”Going back, Your Majesty to the selection. Let me introduce everyone one by one. ” Master Zuo said after he gave me a look that warns me to not do anything more. Well, I hope that I don't mess up as well anymore.Good thing I'm already good at suppressing my embarrassment or else I would have run away like a teenager would when he or she is embarrassed.
Master Zuo called out every ladies name and as called they would stand alone in the middle near in front of the Emperor's sit and bow down up to the floor as a formal greeting to the Emperor.
Now, I looked at how the position themselves then I knew right then and there that my bleeding hand would be exposed. Well, not unless I do it like switching the other hand down like it covers my wounded hand while I raised it up after bowing. But I'm a bit hesitant. In my previous world, a bit change on one's way of wearing a clothing can totally mean a different thing even if you wear a same clothes. So I don't want to risk it just yet. Plus, if I wipe it off, the blood wouldn't be so noticeable, also he would be pretty far so he might think it isn't anything beside it being a dirt or from make up and etcetera. So for now, let me observe them and I pray that someone would switch their hands.
Girls after girls came forward and greeted the Emperor. The Emperor was just staring straight and nodding slightly to indicate they may return to their seat and that's it. He's really cold, that's for sure. He should have at least smiled to them. Like some of them would be his future wife, right? Geez. This kid needs to smile more. He's like certain someone that I knew. He too isn't smiling much. Speaking off, did Erden attended the banquet?
I discreet looked around looking for a familiar face, but despite looking at every person wearing a blue robe, I still couldn't find him. Maybe he didn't attend. Well, he is known for not attending such events like this. That's kind of sad. I could have talked to him here.