A Happy Life in the Empire - The Princess Once Called a “Failure” Becomes the “Most Important Person” as a Hostage in the Empire - Chapter 22
“Why is Alto the only one who can’t enter?”
When I raised my voice, the guard bowed his head apologetically.
I never imagined that the Crown Prince himself would be turned away at the gate.
“Your Highness’s military uniform is recognizable to those who know what to look for. The purpose of the Masked District is for visitors to forget about status and enjoy themselves. Because of that, Your Highness’s attire violates the rules.”
The guard glanced at Alto’s uniform as he spoke.
It was a reasonable explanation.
Even to an untrained eye, Alto’s clothing made his high status obvious. The golden embroidery, the decorated cuffs, the quality of the fabric—everything about it exuded nobility.
It was clear at a glance.
“So… since our faces are hidden by masks, our clothes must also hide our status. Is that correct?”
When Alto quietly asked, the guard nodded firmly.
“That is correct. I apologize for not explaining sooner.”
“It’s fine. I should have considered this. So, if I change clothes, I can enter?”
“Of course!”
The guard nodded vigorously, relieved that Alto was not angry.
“For example, how about a black tuxedo? It’s a popular outfit in the Masked District, and many shops nearby rent them out.”
“A black tuxedo, huh? Alright, I’ll go with that. –Sophia, sorry, but can you come with me while I change?”
“Yes!”
After the guard bowed politely, we left the gate.
◇
A short walk from the gate, there were several stores selling different outfits.
Most of the clothing was formal, and as the guard mentioned, some shops offered rentals.
Of course, there were also stores selling clothes instead of renting them.
“There are so many clothing stores here.”
“They’re probably trying to get people to buy outfits along with their masks.”
“Oh, that makes sense! Smart!”
As we walked past the shops lined up on both sides, Alto stopped in front of one.
Several black tuxedos were displayed at the entrance. Each had slightly different designs, but they all looked elegant.
“I’ll pick something suitable from here.”
“I’ll go with you!”
Alto shook his head.
“No, Sophia, why don’t you change too?”
“Me too?”
“Since we’re entering the Masked District, wouldn’t it be nice to wear something special instead of your usual outfit?”
“That’s true!”
“I feel bad for asking you to match me, but how about a dress? Not something a noble would wear, just a casual party dress.”
“That sounds great!”
Back in Grandfell, I had seen many women dressed like that.
I heard it was a trendy style among young women in the city.
Meanwhile, my current outfit—a blouse with a vest and a skirt—was considered “country-like.”
“Alright, I’ll go buy my own outfit!”
“Let’s meet in front of this store. Don’t take too long this time.”
“I-I’ll be careful!”
I rushed into a women’s clothing store.
◇
Even within casual dresses, there were many styles.
From cute chiffon dresses to classic high-neck ones.
Each had small differences in design.
In the end, I chose a deep red cocktail dress.
The shoulders were slightly open, and the short hem made it easy to move in.
A small ribbon decorated the waist, and delicate floral embroidery adorned the chest.
The fabric had a beautiful sheen, making it look elegant.
When I tried it on in the fitting room, I worried it might be too flashy.
But I convinced myself, “I’m entering the Masked District, so it’s fine!”
After paying and changing, I reunited with Alto.
“Wow! That looks amazing on you, Sophia!”
As soon as he saw me, Alto’s voice lit up.
It must have suited me very well—his voice was louder than usual.
I blushed with embarrassment.
“Alto, we’re still outside the district…”
“Oops, my bad. You just looked so stunning, I couldn’t help it.”
“That makes me happy, but… You look great too!”
“Thanks. Getting compliments is embarrassing.”
“Being praised loudly is embarrassing too. Want to try it yourself?”
Grinning, I teased him, and Alto chuckled awkwardly.
◇
We returned to the gate of the Masked District.
After putting on our masks, we checked with the guards.
Now that we had changed clothes, we were allowed to enter.
“Wow!”
“This is incredible…!”
The moment we stepped inside, we were overwhelmed.
The energy here was unlike anything we had experienced before.
It wasn’t like the lively atmosphere of Grandfell.
If I had to describe it in one word, it would be “unreal” or “surreal.”
People wearing masks hid their identities and freed their instincts.
Emotions that were usually suppressed in daily life exploded here.
“I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“Me neither…!”
For example, a couple on a bench nearby.
They were embracing each other passionately, kissing without caring about others watching.
Looking elsewhere, a man was flirting with women one after another.
His exaggerated movements made it seem like he was performing in a play.
In the middle of the main street, many people were dancing the tango.
They moved in sync with the live music, their movements sensual and captivating.
Their passionate dancing, bodies pressed close together, had an irresistible charm.
“So this is the Masked City, Mascharea…!”
“I never knew such a place existed in my empire…!”
For a while, we were too stunned to move.
But we weren’t the only ones reacting this way.
Others who had come here for the first time seemed equally overwhelmed.
“Alright, let’s enjoy ourselves!”
With determination in his voice, Alto spoke.
Then, as if it were the most natural thing, he took my hand.
“…Is that not okay?”
“Huh? No, it’s fine! You were holding my hand in the carriage too, weren’t you?”
As I replied with a grin, Alto’s shoulders twitched in surprise.
“Sophia, you noticed?! How…?”
“When you adjusted your grip, I pretended to be asleep!”
“Damn…! I let my guard down…!”
“So don’t worry about it!”
I squeezed Alto’s hand tightly.
“O-Oh! Got it, thanks…!”
Alto squeezed my hand back.
The warmth from his palm was comforting.
(This is bad! My heart is pounding more than I expected!)
Even though I had joked about it, I was actually really nervous.
Embarrassed, I instinctively grabbed the pearl necklace hanging around my neck.
It was the first gift I ever received from Alto, and my most treasured possession.
“Alright, let’s look around.”
“Yes!”
We started walking, checking out various stalls and cafés.
Of course, even the shopkeepers wore masks.
“Hey there, lovely lady! How about a passionate tango with me?”
As we walked, a stranger called out to me.
He didn’t care that Alto was right beside me.
For him, flirting must have been something he suppressed in daily life.
“Uh, um…”
Since I’d never experienced this before, I didn’t know how to respond.
Then, Alto spoke up.
“Sorry, man, but she’s my girlfriend. Could you try someone else?”
His tone was gentle.
He didn’t sound angry at all—if anything, he seemed to be enjoying himself.
“Oh, my apologies!”
The man didn’t argue, instead dramatically bowing before walking away.
He immediately approached another woman nearby.
Once again, she was with a male partner.
“You bastard, don’t mess with me!”
Unfortunately for him, this man wasn’t as kind as Alto.
With an angry right hook, the flirty guy was sent flying.
Guards rushed in to break it up.
They seemed used to this kind of trouble and looked exasperated.
“Seems like there’s a limit to how much you can let loose here.”
Alto laughed as he watched.
“Yeah, it does.”
I nodded, then turned to him.
“I was really happy just now.”
“Hm? About what?”
“That you protected me when I got hit on.”
“Did I? I was just playing along with his act.”
“Even so, you still protected me. And also…”
“And also?”
“…N-Never mind!”
I could feel my ears heating up in embarrassment.
(And also… when he said, ‘she’s my girlfriend,’ it made me so happy!)
I finished the sentence in my head.
The truth was, Alto and I weren’t actually in a romantic relationship.
He had only said that to go along with the moment.
But still, it made me happy.
(If only Alto were really my boyfriend…)
The thought made me smile.
But just as quickly, sadness washed over me.
Because it was impossible.
Alto was the Crown Prince of the Empire, and I was a princess of a subordinate nation.
Lately, I had been forgetting that fact, but it didn’t change our reality.
Once this journey was over, my time with Alto would end too.
That was the truth.
There was no future where we could be together.
“Sophia, are you listening?”
Alto’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
“Huh? S-Sorry, I wasn’t! Could you say it again?”
“I said I’m getting hungry. I haven’t eaten anything since this morning. What about you?”
“Now that you mention it, I’m hungry too.”
“Then let’s get something to eat. How about that stall over there? It looks like they’re selling baked fruit tarts.”
I followed his gaze and saw a stand with colorful fruit tarts lined up.
Apples, berries—an assortment of seasonal fruits was piled on top.
The sweet and tangy aroma seemed to waft through the air.
“Wow, they look delicious…! I’d love to try one!”
“Then it’s settled.”
Hand in hand, we walked over to the stall.
Maybe because we were holding hands, I felt even more excited than usual.
This was really fun.
“Welcome! Would you like to try a seasonal fruit tart? Right now, the berries are at their best.”
The shopkeeper was also wearing a mask, with only their eyes visible.
Alto leaned forward, examining the tarts on display.
“This one’s apple, and that one’s berry, huh? They both look good.”
“They taste as good as they look!”
The shopkeeper smiled.
“Alright, I’ll buy one. How much?”
“All tarts are 500 Lana each.”
The shopkeeper answered smoothly.
(That’s expensive!)
I didn’t say it out loud, but that was my honest reaction.
Back in Grandfell, similar tarts sold for 350 Lana.
In other towns, the usual price ranged from 250 to 400 Lana.
That said, 500 Lana wasn’t outrageous.
It was a tourist spot, so it made sense for prices to be a bit higher.
“Hmm… 500 Lana, huh…”
Alto stared at the tarts.
His reaction was unusual.
(Why is he hesitating?)
Normally, Alto would decide instantly.
A slight price difference like this wouldn’t be an issue for him at all.
It was barely even a rounding error for someone of his status.
As I wondered about it—
“Hey, could you give me a discount?”
Alto suddenly started bargaining.