An eunuch with exceptionally long hair stood with his back to me, waiting.
*Shouldn't the Head Eunuch be a man?*
As I approached, the excitement of receiving a potential tip tightened my chest. Two steps away, I stopped.
The only sound in the corridor-my footsteps-ceased. Turning to me while looking at a wooden box in his hands, his face became clear.
His features were blurred in the shadows, but since I was told eunuchs were men... I assumed he was one. Still, better not to take risks.
"Head Eunuch?"
My voice came out more distorted than I expected. He looked into my eyes with an oddly comforting smile.
"I am not the Head Eunuch, Goodwoman."
*Is this a girl?*
I stared at her face blankly for a moment. I scanned the corridor. No one else was there.
*Damn... did that guy trick me?*
"Where is the Head Eunuch then?"
I asked, my eyes still searching for a man I had no idea how he looked.
"The Head Eunuch is quite busy; I have been tasked to deliver this to you in his stead."
Her blue eyes narrowed as he smiled. Feeling slightly uneasy under his gaze, I took one last look around the hallway.
"Fine then."
I looked down at the box she held. As if she had been waiting for this exact moment, she suddenly stepped toward me until I could feel his body heat. Then, she leaned into my ear.
I froze in shock, unable to even take a step back.
"Use it well,"
she whispered.
As she spoke, her long black hair spilled over my shoulder. She slid the box toward my stomach without tilting it; I grasped it, and she pulled away.
Turning without letting the smile fade from her face, she walked away gracefully.
I stood there like a statue, clutching the box tightly. I took a deep breath and shook my head.
*So.. was that a girl? Everyone in this palace is strange...*
Without looking down, I walked away from the silent corridor.
Once in my room, I locked the door and sat on the bed, holding the box carefully. I exhaled, hoping everything was in order.
I lifted the lid-the ease with which it opened made me pause. My breath hitched; a slight knot formed in my stomach.
*Grandma sent this...*
"They didn't even bother to seal it. Then again, this is the palace; it's impossible for them not to inspect it..."
To avoid unnecessary paranoia, I looked inside. When I saw the sealed red pouch, a sharp pang hit my chest. I pressed my hand to my heart, biting my lip.
"..."
I took the velvet pouch filled with silver into my palm; it clinked. As the tightness in my chest grew, I set it aside and reached back into the box. But my hand met nothing.
Thinking I couldn't see clearly in the dim light, I stood up and walked toward the oil lamp hanging on the wall.
The yellow light illuminated the dark wood of the box.
It was empty. I was almost certain Grandma would send a letter, telling me how to reach her.
I turned the box upside down in disbelief. Nothing fell out.
*How?*
"Grandma should have sent a letter... She was going to tell me how to find her."
*Did someone take it? Or maybe Grandma, anticipating this, didn't write one at all.*
"I'll ask that 'girl' about this later."
***
The next day, after my scheduled hour with Prince Elet ended, I returned to my room.
"I finally have enough money to have a special costume made... I can design something eye-catching."
It had to be a costume that, even if it wasn't the kind of 'attention' Grandma wanted, would benefit me.
As the only female jester, I wanted to look both foolish and untouchable. It also shouldn't restrict my movements.
I sat at my desk, looking at the papers.
*This ordinary jester costume reveals too much of my silhouette. The governess doesn't like it either... If I attend a few more lessons like this, I'll be executed for corruption or disobeying the King's decree.*
*Ugh, why do all roads lead to execution?!*
After a weary sigh, I focused back on the costume. I scanned my two-toned outfit from top to bottom.
Purple and green are nice... but no, it's not suitable for a palace jester. I serve nobles; I need to look interesting and comical at every moment. It must be appropriate for Prince Elet too.
I reached for my notebook and dipped the thin pen into the ink. I scribbled a few things but, dissatisfied, I paused to think.
*Maybe I should ask the tailor? They must design for the other jesters too. There should be a tailor for women in the Southern Palace. After all, the most important women are here.*
Taking my notebook and pen, I headed toward the southern wing of the Southern Palace. I didn't ask anyone for directions, assuming the tailor would be near the concubines' quarters.
After an hour of searching, I learned I couldn't use the Southern Palace tailor. They only worked for the Southern Palace staff and nobles.
*This means my workstation might change. If Prince Elet leaves the Southern Palace, I leave too...*
Disappointed, I waited in an unfamiliar area for a while, trying to decide my next move. Since it would take too long to walk back to the Central Palace, I had to take a carriage.
*My money is dwindling. I hope it's enough for a costume. Or should I have waited for my first salary?*
When I reached the Central Palace, the courtyard was as dark as that night, but the interior was even darker.
Since it was night, everyone except the working staff had retreated to their private quarters.
Palace folk are at their most vulnerable at night; this is when rumors and conspiracies hiss through the halls. It made my skin crawl and my stomach ache.
*Most of the rumors I heard at the brothel probably originated here... I know a thing or two about the Central Palace and its nobles.*
I followed the torches through the lower corridors. I descended the stairs as described, turning corners I wasn't entirely sure of.
When I heard a second set of footsteps on the stone floor, I spun around. My shoulders tensed.
My eyes widened at the sight of the tall man. The dim orange light made him look younger than he was.
"Oh! My esteemed Grand Vizier."
I quickly gave a reverence. He stood before me, his slender frame looming over me.
"You look quite young in this light, my Lord Vizier! I didn't recognize you!"
I added in a mocking tone. Still, I couldn't hide my tension.
He looked down at me, a dark shadow falling across his face. Unlike before, I could now see the Vizier from the rumors.
Honestly, even the thought of making an enemy of the Vizier was thrilling... but no, it would jeopardize my job. Better to stay away.
"Jester... isn't there something you wish to learn from your esteemed Vizier's jewel?"
Before I knew it, he closed the distance in a single step, hissing into my ear. His snakelike voice seemed to coil around my body.
*Why is he so close! It's making it hard to think straight...*
I hadn't realized I was holding my breath.
*Did I give something away? No, I have nothing to hide. Get a grip! You're just a jester.*
I jumped back as if startled.
"One caterpillar, two caterpillars..."
I narrowed my eyes and scanned the surroundings, mirroring his gaze.
"Before the caterpillars spin their cocoons, they should grant this larva some thread."
Then I opened my eyes as wide as possible to reflect the opposite of his mood.
At my reaction, a dark smirk appeared on his lips. It made my hair stand on end.
He loomed over me again.
*What is this man trying to-*
He seized my chin almost roughly, pressing his thumb along my jawline. My eyes widened involuntarily as I looked into his. I felt him wipe away the paint.
My entire body turned to stone. I forced myself not to react. He let go of my chin and looked at the white paint on his thumb, his eyes looking almost satisfied.
*Is he allowed to do this? Does he recognize me? No, I can't think straight. Any reaction is a step into the abyss.*
**Play the fool!**
I jumped back before he could get closer to my identity. I knelt, covering my face with my hands.
"My Lord Vizier shouldn't spoil his night with this ugly face! Beautiful ladies are waiting for you!"
I spoke loudly, just in case. If the King wasn't here, the Vizier was the highest authority; he could do as he pleased.
*I had rarely encountered such a terrifying face in my life; I saw not a shred of goodwill.*
I peered at him through my fingers. He seemed to be suppressing a satisfied laugh. I could sense his gratification at my apparent fear.
I stood up slowly, as if I had to move with extreme caution.
"I see a beautiful face beneath this paint..."
his voice came deep, with a smirk.
*What?*
Before I could process his words, he approached again. He even reached out to make another move toward my face. This time, I didn't let him; I threw myself back in the corridor.
I managed to distance myself with a few stumbling, unsteady steps.
*Is this the Vizier I know? No, not at all... I am not the target right now. The Vizier I know manipulates people in every way possible. I didn't think he'd resort to this...*
*I am a tool for him, but for what? At most, he's trying to get information... but if it were just information, he wouldn't touch me.*
Something strange was happening. He stopped when I retreated, likely to turn it into an opportunity. He let his eyes scan my body before speaking again.
"I don't like seeing a beautiful woman like you made ugly under the name of a jester... jester."
*Ugh... he's playing on people's weaknesses, just as I thought. He thinks I'm sad for being a jester instead of a lady-in-waiting.*
An involuntary giggle escaped me. Although I wanted to continue the game because I enjoyed it, I restrained myself.
"My Lord Vizier should not pity a foolish woman like me! Kindness ends when the King is threatened!"
I said, clapping my- hands.
"I am the Vizier; I have far more authority than a King, jester. I am the one with the power to destroy the threat."
His confident smirk was practically etched onto his face.
"Only on the squares!"
I shrieked, spinning around on my toes.
The dark expression on his face softened, and he placed a completely fake smile on his lips.
"You've put me in a good mood, jester. Your honesty is genuine... I will handle your clothes."
*Got him!*
"Keep your money! I will relay your request to the tailor."
*Something is going on in the tailor's room! He's practically squirming right in front of me.*
*I wanted to fly with joy, but I had limited options to make him squirm more. I couldn't reject a noble's offer.*
*But... I could convince him that I needed to meet the tailor privately.*
"Oh, my esteemed Vizier, I wouldn't want to tire you! I grew up in the circus! I can't just wear any clothes..."
I pouted, bowing my head as if saddened.
"What do you mean?"
he said, sounding aggressive and annoyed slightly.
His brows furrowed faint. He looked quite funny to me like this.
"In such a magnificent place! I'd want to be a bird, not just a jester!"
I rang my bells, clapping my hands.
"Do you want a colorful costume? Fine, jester, I'll tell the tailor."
He was practically barking orders now, his shoulders squared to make himself look imposing.
"My Lord Vizier, a costume suited to Prince Elet's taste is a hard pill to swallow! Costume design should stay between only two brains!"
I laughed and gave a reverence.
I was missing the small changes in his expression in the yellow light.
"Then I shall take you to the tailor's workshop."
The forced nature of his smile was clear in his eyes.
*The Tailor and the Vizier... are they close? Even so, I need to focus on my job and get rid of this costume.*
I followed a step behind the Vizier, my bells jingling with every stride. The shadow of his tall frame covered the light on the grey floor with its own darkness.
He stopped in front of an inconspicuous door. A moment of silence followed.
He didn't knock.
*Is he trying to buy time?*
My hands were beginning to go numb with excitement. Without saying anything, he turned and began to walk away into the darkness after a short pause.
*Is he leaving?*
"The best Vizier in this palace!"
I shouted after him.
At that moment, the door slowly creaked open.