Chapter 142

Faint, but unmistakably present — the kind of residual magic that gathers in objects long held by a practitioner.

"It seems a mage has come to the Imperial Palace."

I looked around, searching for a person — but found no one.

"Did they lose their nerve? Where did they go?"

Then again — mages tend to be timid creatures. Perhaps the Tower could track down the owner for me.

I slipped the handkerchief into my pocket without much further thought and continued on my way.

"What are you planning to do once you get there, Your Highness?"

"What do you think?"

I replied without inflection.

"I'm going to make very sure she never invites me to one of these things again."

When I arrived at Luna Palace, the maids trembled in place — but bowed precisely and ushered me toward the Empress.

"My, Princess! You actually came!"

Empress Gisela greeted…