Free Web NovelAs the massive golden doors swung open to either side, a dazzling scene unfolded. A bright, delicate rose fragrance tickled the tip of my nose.
It was so sweet I found myself unconsciously sniffing, trying to track down the source.
“Seems like it’s your first time in the imperial palace.”
Noticing my reaction, Ji Haebeom didn’t even wait for an answer before leading me into the garden.
‘Yeah... this is romance fantasy, all right....’
Only after escaping freezing limbs and constant threats to my life could I finally enjoy the genre properly.
I took in the scenery. Between meticulously trimmed topiaries, a crystal fountain sprayed clear water into the air.
‘Oh—those are familiar faces?’
In the distance, in front of a rose-covered trellis, two people in servant uniforms stood talking.
“Hey, Esor. Isn’t there, like, some kind of garden scenery that would really stand out at an imperial palace party? Something that makes people gasp?”
“Wealthy nobles aren’t going to be impressed that easily... it’s not dignified.... And even if they look down from the balcony, it’s a one-time impression. They’re not going to be that amazed by the garden near the entrance....”
So Yesol—the “healing director” of this era—said flatly as she clipped sharp rose thorns. Still the same as ever.
“Hey, what kind of thing are you saying? This is the imperial palace! Doesn’t that add some kind of synergy? Something trendy?”
Director So ignored the MBS Drama Center director and continued tending the roses.
“What are you thinking about?”
Ji Haebeom, who had been escorting me, suddenly asked.
‘That this looks like a set where NetHolics would have to pour in an insane amount of money just to recreate it....’
But I was a trained member of society. Flattery came out of habit.
“I was just thinking how honored I am to even step into the imperial palace, all thanks to you, Your Grace. I was wondering how I could ever repay this kindness.”
“You don’t have to think about it. I’ve already planned everything. Once we return, you’ll start by writing reports, then take on high priest duties. We were short on staff anyway, so it works out. Just follow your predecessor’s schedule—wake up at 5 a.m. and clock out at 11 p.m.”
“...Excuse me? Seriously?”
“No. Not seriously.”
...Is he messing with me?
Ji Haebeom chuckled quietly. I turned away with a deadpan stare, irritated.
“That is....”
An elf?
Someone was lounging on the grass, calmly enjoying tea.
“Ah, you mean Saint Lily. Do you happen to know her?”
“...No....”
Eun Baekhap, dressed in a green gown, looked perfectly at ease.
‘Here I am suffering through hell in this romance fantasy world, and she gets cast as an elegant saint.’
How is that even fair?
‘And that visual, seriously....’
Her long golden hair shimmered under the sunlight. A pure beauty really was on another level.
“Then do you want to go say hello?”
“Absolutely not.”
From experience, I knew I wouldn’t hear anything nice. But as expected of an elf, her hearing was sharp—her ears twitched, and she turned her gaze toward us.
Then, upon seeing Ji Haebeom, she offered a faint, polite smile.
“You should greet her anyway. You made eye contact—it’d be rude to just pass by.”
She looked like the type who’d snap, How dare you interrupt my tea time? but... maybe this world worked differently.
“It’s been a while, Saint Lily. Have you been well?”
“Hehe... yes. And have you been well too, Your Grace?”
Lines that would become a lifetime embarrassment if ordinary people said them. But coming from those two faces, they fit almost frighteningly well.
Then—behind her, black smoke....
‘Is that some kind of background effect...?’
Was it meant to represent her irritation? If Myeong Jeha showed up, would there be sparkles flying everywhere?
“Unexpectedly bold.”
...What?
Before I could process it, something flew past my face.
Whoosh—!
A gust of wind brushed my cheek, scattering a few strands of hair.
“Kyaaak!”
Did Eun Baekhap’s personality get even worse in this world? I hadn’t even said a word and she was already throwing rocks!
Crack. Crrrrack.
The ground split apart, and a massive golem emerged. I blinked blankly.
That wasn’t a background effect—it was a golem entrance?
“Wait, what is that? What is that?! Why am I the only one freaking out? Is that Eun Baekhap’s pet golem or something?!”
“What kind of nonsense are you spouting... hehe....”
Apparently, she hadn’t summoned it.
‘Then why am I the only one surprised?’
Not fazed by the golem—or even Eun Baekhap’s personality—Ji Haebeom calmly drew his sword.
“Ah... °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° this cloak is in the way.”
He removed it and draped it over my shoulders.
“Hold onto it.”
Then he walked straight toward the apartment-sized golem.
“Is that okay? This is the imperial palace! I mean, what—”
With trembling hands, I grabbed Eun Baekhap’s shoulder.
“Let go, you little shit. Since when were we close?”
Yeah. Same personality as real life.
Oddly enough, that made me feel calmer.
“As expected... it’s you, Eun Baekhap.”
“I said get lost. Want to die? I don’t even know where you crawled out from, acting cute and getting on my nerves. I was trying to relax for once, and now this crap....”
But that calm didn’t last long.
Crack. Crrrrack.
The ground split further, and several more golems appeared.
“Ha... for fuck’s sake, elves really get worked to the bone in every possible way....”
Eun Baekhap pulled a bow from beneath the tea table.
“I’ve worked like a damn dog and paid taxes for 600 years, and now golems are popping out in the imperial palace? What the hell is this shit.... These bastards really can’t manage security for shit.”
Her arrow shot far into the distance. One golem shattered on impact.
‘So she’s a combat type too.’
Then I could run, right?
‘This is exactly when a massive battle breaks out around a northern duke and an elf saint.’ freeweɓnøvel.com
No way I’m getting dragged into that.
‘Senior! Where are you?!’
I desperately wanted Myeong Jeha.
* * *
“Huff... haah... okay, they won’t come this far, right.”
I didn’t know the layout of the palace, but I ran as far as I could.
‘This area’s unusually quiet too.’
It was so silent it felt like even everyday noise had been erased.
‘First, I need to hide.’
I walked toward a door ahead and grabbed the handle shaped like a lion’s mouth.
Creak—.
A harsh, unlubricated sound scraped against my ears.
‘Why is there a place this poorly maintained in the imperial palace...?’
A cold chill seeped down the walls. A faint, unpleasant vibration traveled up through my feet.
‘Bad feeling. I should just leave.’
The atmosphere was unsettling. But then—
I heard voices.
‘There are people!’
Carefully, I moved down the corridor. Peeking around the corner—
Through the dark smoke, someone stood there.
‘That wasn’t a conversation.’
It was Do Gyeoul, muttering to herself.
The thought struck me—maybe the golem from earlier had been summoned by her.
Then—
She lifted her head.
Our eyes met.
