After her brief meeting with Princess Sophia, Aaron left the private box and returned to the ballroom, continuing to play the role of a merchant seeking an opening into high society.
Sophia watched Aaron's departing back, her expression shifting beneath stormy clouds, before restoring the room to its original state and entering a private washroom.
Not long after, another "Princess Sophia," with a pair of wings on her back, entered as well. The two swiftly exchanged clothes.
A Princess Sophia identical to the one before left with a smile.
As for the original actress, she became an illusory mirror image... slowly fading away.
As imperial royalty, they had collected a great many mystical items. Accomplishing something like this was hardly surprising.
After the ball.
Sophia rode in a royal carriage, escorted by a squad of musketeers, and returned to Mitra Palace.
After passing through the palace gates, Sophia looked at the most conspicuous building at its center, her expression exceedingly complicated.
'The largest palace in Mitra Palace doesn't belong to the Emperor, but to that monster... What an irony!'
With a smile that made everyone feel as though bathed in a spring breeze, she entered a side hall.
"My beloved daughter... how was the ball tonight?"
Arthur IX, Emperor of the Invis Empire, looked like an ordinary old man. He had been speaking with his secretary, but upon seeing Sophia enter, a gratified expression appeared on his face.
"Lord Farnier received me very well, and the ball was quite interesting." Sophia lifted the hem of her dress and gave a lady's curtsy.
"That is good."
Arthur IX waved his hand, dismissing the secretary, then led Sophia into his study.
Bang!
Once the door was shut, the aged Emperor silently recited the honorific name of the Keeper of Secrets. His