Why did she say it like that? I thought her words over in my mind as I trailed behind. Angeline’s right; I’m overthinking things.

My nerves were getting to me, that’s all. Or, at least, that’s what I told myself.

“First things first,” Angeline motioned. Her moves were jittery, almost scattered. “A bath has been prepared for you. Once you’re finished with that, we’ll get you in makeup. Then, of course, picking out your outfits.”

“Outfits? But, I thought that was the dress from Lady Augustine.”

“Goodness,” Angeline huffed, “I thought Ophiel told you this already. The Lunarian Summit is 3 days long.”

Damn, I really should’ve paid attention. “Oh, right, right. I just forgot for a moment.”

Angeline cast a quick, but very skeptical look over her shoulder. “Well, in any case, I’ll explain this to you quickly. The first day is for merry-making, but, more importantly, the Arch Oracle’s ceremony. This year’s is particularly important because it’ll determine the next Demon King. The spirits only know just how busy it’ll be. The second day is for getting over all the merry-making of the first, and the third is for heading home, though some wily stragglers always try to stay longer.”

“I see.” I sighed heavily. It sounds like a conference.

“It’ll be fun, I’m telling you.”

“Sure, sure. 3 days of socializing and a ceremony that decides my fate for the rest of my life. Sounds very fun and not stressful at all.”

She scoffed, laughing quietly. “I promise. It will be fun.”

“That sounds almost like a threat, you know.”

She shrugged, “I really couldn’t say.”

Finally, we reached the door to the bathroom. Angeline rushed me in, disappearing almost as fast as she appeared.

My thoughts were still a mess, but I wasn’t at liberty to take time and reflect. There was still too much to do. So, even as the nervousness crept around my throat like a vice, I tried to keep myself focused.

I washed up and rang the bell in the corner. Angeline came back, huffing and covered in sweat.

“You…” She placed a hand on her chest as she caught her breath, “That was fast!”

“Ah, sorry. I thought you were in a rush so…”

“No, no, you’re right. I just wasn’t expecting that. Come along now!” She marched forward, her gait nearly dragging me along.

…

“Now, then,” Angeline swung open the doors to the parlor room. It was the same as the day before, but this time I noticed a vanity decked out with powders and brushes. The chest of jewelry they had showed me a few days before now laid across desks and chairs, its glittering gems and opalescent pearls pouring out from the sides. “This is where you’ll be getting ready. Erlian and Vanris, you remember them, don’t you?”

I hummed out a yes, my eyes glazing over at the sight of jewels.

“They’ll be the ones helping you prepare.”

“Sounds good.” I took a seat at the vanity before a question came to me, “Uh, where’s Lord Rannon by the way? Will we be going together or…?”

“Oh, of course. He’s on the other side of the manor, getting ready himself. You’ll get to see him soon, don’t worry.”

“No, I wasn’t--” The words caught on my tongue, and Angeline sent me a knowing look. I huffed.

“Now, Morian just informed me that Lady Augustine’s dress has arrived. Erlian and Vanris will be here in just a second.” Her gaze wandered; I couldn’t tell if she was advising me or running through a checklist in her mind. “Ah, I think that’s all. If you’ll excuse me, my lady, I’ll be taking my leave for the day.”

“Oh, so soon?” I tried to hide it but even I could tell my voice wavered. I didn’t realise it, but I was relying on Angeline a lot—maybe more than I should have.

She smiled, pride brimming in the corner of her eyes, “I’ll see you at the summit, my lady.”

“Oh! Oh, of course! Will your wife attend too? I’ve only heard about her.”

“Yes, she will. I think you’ll like each other very much.”

…

I stayed in the quiet parlor room, my fingers twiddling with pearls and rubies. The soft golden light of early afternoon poured into the room from the windows and from the hall. Like most things here in the Etherium, it was downright heavenly.

After the accident, after getting fired by my best friend, I would never have guessed I’d be living in a mansion doing nothing but existing. But, hey, doing nothing after spending a lifetime doing everything was pretty sweet. I could get used to this. The thought was whisked away quickly by dread.

Sure, everyone told me that Lord Rannon wouldn’t leave me behind—that he wasn’t the type. But, how could I believe that?

Bertholda used to tell me that we’d see her startup to the end. That we’d always be friends. That I could trust her. And, look where I ended up after believing that. Well, not there, per se, but where I ended up that night. If not for Ophiel…Yeah…If not for Ophiel and that ridiculous prophecy.

“Lady Vivian,” a pair of voices called from behind me.

“Oh, you two must be Erlian and Vanris. I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with you directly yet.” My saleswoman voice came out smooth, silvery even. It was like a protective blanket that soothed my nerves, something I used every time Bertholda sent me out to the masses.