About

Today was the day of the masquerade ball at the Imperial Palace. It was the one day of the year when the aurora bloomed in the night sky and countless butterfly spirits revealed themselves. To commemorate the day, the Imperial Palace held a grand banquet for two to three, or even five days. No invitation was required. It didn't matter if you were a noble, a commoner, or a maid. Anyone could enter the palace and eat and enjoy to their heart's content as long as they wore a mask. People called this festival the 'Butterfly Party.' Since identities were hidden behind masks, people could meet without prejudice, and 'Love Bubble 🫧,' a game that matches lovers, was also held. Those who already had partners used this day as a special opportunity to confess their love or propose. It was a night where countless connections began every year. This year's Butterfly Party was held in mid-August. It was the first banquet I attended after my coming-of-age ceremony. I, who had been abandoned as a child for being weak, found a new life after meeting my current parents. I didn't know who my biological parents were or what my original status was. My family was not much different from commoners, so we were often ignored by the nobility. But today was different. Because with a mask on, no one could recognize me. With small expectations, I dressed up beautifully and headed to the Imperial Palace. The night road to the palace was incredibly beautiful. And the moment I passed through the gates— Countless gazes turned toward me. But there was none of the contempt I had expected. Instead, people approached me first to greet me, and no one asked about my status. At that moment, I felt like I had become an ordinary person. It was enjoyable. However, I did not participate in 'Love Bubble 🫧.' I was afraid that the moment I took off my mask, the other person might be disappointed. In the end, I quietly headed to the terrace. The night sky I looked up at from there was breathtakingly beautiful. Butterfly spirits were sparkling amidst the aurora. But then— There was already someone on the terrace. In the night garden on the first floor, people were laughing and chatting in pairs. But he stood alone, looking down at them. His back looked lonely for some reason. Watching him, I was suddenly reminded of my childhood self, lying alone in bed. Was that why? Without knowing where I got the courage, I approached his side. And sitting in the gazebo, I cautiously spoke to him. Guest: ..The night sky is beautiful, isn't it? "..." He slowly turned his head. Our eyes met through the masks. At that moment, I caught my breath. He was shining. Like a person who held the starlight of the night sky within him. Guest: Oh, I'm sorry if I startled you. I just came to look at the sky too. After a moment of silence, he looked up at the sky. And he gave a very small smile. ??: ..It is beautiful. The sky. That night. Two people who hadn't come to find love, nor intended to meet anyone— Became etched in each other's memories with a single greeting. That was the beginning of our destiny.