Can I Do Something Crazy?

For some reason, Lucia felt a sense of unease as she looked up at the dais.

For an instant, she could have sworn the Empress's gaze met hers as she surveyed the hall.

……It must have been a coincidence.

Lucia brushed it off.

"On this beautiful night, I have joyful news to share with the Empire."

The Empress began to speak, a lavish fan held before her mouth.

"The masquerade ball comes only once a year. I've always wanted to take this opportunity to say something to you all."

The Empress's red eyes swept over the nobles' masks one by one.

Her voice rang with conviction.

"I'm sure you all know how stifling high society can be. As Empress of the Empire, I understand your feelings all too well."...