It Turned Out She Wasn't a Favored Concubine - Episode 6

When I learned from Louis about the existence of Motus, which made teleportation possible, I once held hope that maybe I could return to my original world through it. I investigated it thoroughly with high expectations.

Back then, I was truly hopeful. The temples of this world openly acknowledged the existence of other worlds.

Worlds with Motus, worlds without it, worlds where science was advanced, worlds where magic thrived, worlds with humans, and worlds without them.

As someone from another world, I couldn’t help but trust this worldview that acknowledged the existence of my original world.

That’s why I had high hopes that teleportation via Motus might allow travel to other worlds. But the conclusion was: “Impossible.”

Motus was a mysterious stone with special powers, but it had its limits.

A single Motus had to be split into two pieces called Dimotus for teleportation to be possible.

In other words, teleportation could only occur from one Dimotus to another. Teleporting to a place without a Dimotus was fundamentally impossible.

Since my original world didn’t have Motus as a mineral, the possibility of teleportation was nonexistent.

Even while suffering from a fever, I had worked hard to find books about Motus, only to be crushed by a hopeless conclusion.

I was so disappointed that I skipped a meal, which led Erich to rush over in concern. He made me eat enough for two meals, and I ended up with an upset stomach that night.

I had to deal with it alone without any digestive medicine what a struggle.

Anyway, after concluding that I couldn’t return to my original world using Motus, I lost interest in it. But now that I encountered it again, my cooled curiosity was rekindled. Even if I couldn’t go back, teleportation was still a fascinating concept.

A person moving instantly across distances! It was like magic something even modern science in my original world hadn’t achieved.

“Is Motus going to be at that auction? Do we know the exact time?”

“Well, it’s a bit uncertain. A famous Motus artisan requested that the auction be held at a time of his choosing this month. And he said he’d notify them of the time right before it happens.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“What? Isn’t that a bit selfish?”

“Of course, even Martavid expressed concern, but since Motus is rarely up for auction, they had no choice but to accept. So if the artisan contacts them during your auction, the Motus auction might happen in the middle of it. They asked for your understanding.”

“No matter how rare Motus is, that artisan is being unreasonable.”

“Then… should we wait and submit your items to Esselvid instead?”

I thought for a moment and shook my head.

“No, just submit them to Martavid. If it overlaps, I’ll take it as a chance to see Motus.”

Wait a minute if I attend the auction, I’ll be meeting other participants, right?

In dramas, auctions are held in huge halls with hundreds of people…

I hadn’t interacted with other nobles yet, and I didn’t want to bump into people who might recognize me in such a public setting.

More importantly, I wasn’t officially well enough to attend social events. If people saw me at the auction, rumors might spread.

Like, I was pretending to be sick to avoid attending balls and was trying to sabotage noble ladies’ social lives.

“I want to attend the auction, but I don’t want anyone to know I was there. Is that possible?”

“Of course. For esteemed guests, we have private box seats. If you wish, you can use one and enjoy the auction discreetly.”

Status really is everything. Just as I was about to clap with joy, Louis beat me to it.

“However, Your Highness must first receive permission from His Majesty the Emperor to leave the palace. Coincidentally, he invited you to dinner tonight. Would you like to bring it up then?”

“Really? Then tell him I’ll come to the Berna Palace.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. I’m the one making the request, so I should go. Besides, it’s a bit much to keep making His Majesty come to Arlin Palace.”

I didn’t want to have an awkward dinner with Erich, but if I had to meet him to get permission, it was better to get it over with. Going to Berna Palace would also make it easier to excuse myself early by citing my health.

I wasn’t too worried about getting permission. The emperor always granted Arne’s requests on the surface, so leaving the palace shouldn’t be a big deal.

Berna Palace, where the emperor resided, was clearly grander than the others.

Its golden roof towered so high that it could be seen from anywhere in the imperial grounds, symbolizing imperial authority.

The road from the palace gates to the main building was wide and straight wide enough for five knights on horseback to ride side by side. I was so overwhelmed by the grandeur that I didn’t notice Erich waiting for me in the garden until it was too late.

“Seeing Arne here at Berna Palace feels refreshing. Please visit often.”

Erich smiled and extended his hand. It was a radiant smile, as if glowing from behind. If only those words were sincere.

I smiled back and took his hand.

“I have a favor to ask today.”

I ignored his flowery invitation and got straight to the point.

“If it’s Arne’s request, anything. What is it?”

“I’d like to submit my jewels to the capital’s auction and attend it myself.”

Erich’s grip on my hand tightened slightly.

“You want to attend in person?”

His voice seemed to drop. I had expected him to grant permission easily, but this was unexpected.

“Yes… I’d like to try.”

“But Arne, you haven’t fully recovered yet, have you?”

“I can go out briefly. I came to Berna Palace just fine. Besides, staying in Arlin Palace all the time is stifling. I want to get some fresh air.”

“You’ve felt stifled lately?”

I nodded earnestly. If this excuse didn’t work, my outing might be blocked. But my excuse took an unexpected turn.

“What have the maids at Arlin Palace been doing? It’s disgraceful that they couldn’t sense your discomfort.”

What? I was stunned. Why were my maids being dragged into this?

“This won’t do. I’ve been dissatisfied with them lately. I’ll replace all the maids starting today.”

Why so extreme? I quickly waved my hands.

“Wait! Why replace perfectly good maids? My feeling stifled has nothing to do with them.”

“No. Palace servants must be able to read their master’s moods. If they failed, they’re not doing their job well.”

What are they, mind readers? If they could read minds, they’d be making a fortune as fortune-tellers, not working as maids.

I realized Erich’s true intention. He wanted to replace the staff at Arlin Palace with his own people under a flimsy excuse, likely to damage my reputation.

The maids would resent being dismissed unfairly, and that resentment would turn into gossip about me. I couldn’t let that happen again.

“No! I really like my current maids. They’re doing their best. If new people come, I’ll feel uncomfortable. Do you want me, still recovering, to feel uneasy around strangers?”

“Of course not. Never.”

“Then please leave Arlin Palace as it is. I like my staff.”

“…If Arne insists that much.”

It seemed he was backing down. I sighed inwardly. I thought getting permission to go out would be simple, but Erich was making it far more complicated.

“In any case, the outside world is dangerous. Let’s hold the auction in the palace instead.”

What was he up to now? Whatever it was, I had to be cautious. Holding the auction in the palace was a definite no. I instinctively shook my head.

“I’ll bring plenty of guards. There won’t be any danger. Besides, I might get to see Motus at Martavid. I really want to see it this time.”

“Motus?”

“Yes, I’ve recently become interested in it. Please, grant me permission, Your Majesty.”

As a last resort, I clasped Erich’s hands and pleaded in a sweet voice. Trying to sound charming gave me goosebumps all over.

On the surface, Erich adored Arne, so surely he wouldn’t refuse such an obvious plea. Or maybe he’d give in just to avoid seeing me act like this.

“Arne…”

Erich stared at our joined hands for a long moment, then suddenly pulled me into an embrace. And then he dropped a bombshell.

“Let’s go together, Arne. I’ll personally escort you.”

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