As Evangeline woke from her brief nap, her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the golden light that filled the room. The warmth of the sunlight embraced her petite form, infusing her with a renewed sense of determination. With a determined expression, she declared, "So after a good rest, it's now time for me to gather information about this world."
Leaving the confines of her room, Evangeline was taken aback by the sheer opulence that surrounded her. The corridors stretched out before her, adorned with shimmering golden walls that exuded grandeur. Magnificent glass chandeliers dangled from the ceiling, casting a mesmerizing glow across the vast expanse. It was a sight that could easily overwhelm even the most composed individual.
Moving cautiously, Evangeline noticed maids scurrying about their duties, their presence adding a touch of life to the otherwise majestic ambiance. Curiosity piqued, she decided to approach one of the maids. However, as soon as they caught sight of her, they swiftly fled, their footsteps echoing down the corridor. Confusion etched itself onto Evangeline's delicate features.
"Why do they run away from me? I haven't done anything to them," she pondered, bewildered by their reactions.
But amidst the commotion, she spotted Julie, the maid who had been present when she first awakened. Determined to have a conversation that didn't end in fleeing maids, she quickened her pace and called out to Julie.
"Julie, could you do me a favor, please?" Evangeline's voice carried a hint of hope.
Julie turned towards her, her kind eyes meeting Evangeline's gaze. "Yes, Princess. What do you need?" Julie responded in a gentle tone.
Evangeline clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with innocence. "I'd like to go to the library if you don't mind," she requested, employing her most persuasive puppy-dog eyes.
Julie hesitated for a moment, seemingly captivated by Evangeline's earnestness. "How can I resist such a request? Of course, Princess, there is no problem. After all, it's what I'm here for," Julie replied, a touch of warmth in her voice.
A surge of gratitude washed over Evangeline, and she couldn't help but wrap her arms around Julie in a hug. Julie blushed, trying to conceal her joy.
"No need to hug me," Julie stammered, her voice tinged with bashfulness. "Even though it makes me happy, it's the first time, and I hope it won't be the last."
Evangeline released Julie from her embrace, her eyes reflecting a glimmer of sadness. "You deserve it. After all, you are one of the only maids who pays attention to me. All the others either avoid me or run away, and I don't understand why," she confessed, a tinge of vulnerability seeping into her voice.
Julie, torn between the desire to tell the truth and to shield Evangeline from her past self, chose her words carefully. "Don't worry, Princess. I'm sure it's just your imagination," she offered, hoping to provide some comfort.
Evangeline's sadness lingered, but she heeded Julie's suggestion, wanting to redirect their conversation. "You're right. Let's not dwell on it. We should go to the library now," she suggested, determined to uncover the secrets of her newfound world.
Together, they made their way to the library, the grandeur of the surroundings captivating Evangeline's attention. Upon entering, she couldn't help but marvel at the vast collection of books that surrounded her.
"Woah, this library is enormous," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.
Julie smiled, reminiscing about her own initial reaction. "Yes, it certainly has that effect. So, what would you like to do now?" she inquired, eager to assist Evangeline on her quest for knowledge.
"I'm searching for information about the continent we live in," Evangeline explained, her eyes scanning the shelves towering above her.
Julie nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see. The library is divided into different sections. If you'd like, I can gather the books you need."
Evangeline chuckled, aware of her diminutive stature. "Yes, please. I fear I'm too short to reach the shelves anyway," she admitted.
As Julie retrieved the books, Evangeline found a table and settled herself, ready to delve into the realm of knowledge. Julie returned, placing an impressive stack of twenty sizable books on the table.
"Here are the books you requested, Princess," Julie announced, her voice filled with satisfaction at being able to assist.
"Thank you, Julie. But please, call me by my first name instead of Princess," Evangeline requested, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
Julie blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback. "No problem, Evangeline."
Evangeline's thoughts danced with relief. "I thought I would have to argue my case, but thankfully, that wasn't necessary," she mused inwardly.
"Thank you for your help. You may leave now. I'll call you if I require further assistance," Evangeline said, gratitude evident in her voice, accompanied by a radiant smile.
Julie found herself entranced by the sincerity of Evangeline's smile, her heart fluttering with delight. "She truly is adorable," Julie thought, her perception of Evangeline shifting dramatically from her previous impressions.
As Julie departed, Evangeline couldn't help but feel a sense of unease linger in the air. "There's something amiss," she murmured, her head tilting to the side as she pondered the peculiar encounter.
Pushing the unsettling thoughts aside, Evangeline focused on her purpose, reaching for the first book before her. The title caught her attention: "All About the World of Astroland."
Fingers grazing the worn pages, Evangeline embarked on a journey of discovery. With each turn of the page, Astroland unveiled its secrets. She learned that this world comprised four countries, each with its own distinct power and influence. The country she currently resided in was Quellerea, home to the majority of humans and ruled by her two mothers. The demons resided in the Nether Reach, under the command of the Demon King Toshiko Amaterasu. The angels flourished in the Golden Fields, guided by Fuji and Hanako Kyo. Lastly, the elves thrived in Jura, led by Queen Mika Chieko.
Evangeline absorbed the knowledge eagerly, her thirst for understanding fueling her desire to uncover more about this vast realm. "This is just the beginning. I need to know everything, especially about the person I used to be," she resolved, her gaze fixed on the pages before her.
Without Evangeline's notice, time had flown by swiftly, and darkness had already descended. She had managed to read only half of the books on the table when a voice interrupted her immersion in the words.
"Evangeline, it's getting late now. You have to stop reading. We'll continue tomorrow, okay?" Julie's gentle voice broke through the silence of the room.
Evangeline closed the book she had been engrossed in and nodded in agreement. Julie collected the books and returned them to their rightful places before returning to Evangeline's side.
"Now, we can go," Julie said, reaching out to hold Evangeline's hand.
Curiosity tingled within Evangeline as she asked innocently, "What are we going to do now, Julie?"
"I'll help you bathe, and then you can join your parents for dinner," Julie replied with a warm smile.
Evangeline's innocence shone through as she responded, "Julie, you know I can bathe by myself. I don't need any help, don't worry."
With a motherly tone, Julie gently insisted, "You're still young, so I'll assist you with your bath."
Evangeline was determined not to let anyone treat her like a child. "No need, Julie. I can take my bath alone," she asserted.
"It's already too late for that," Julie replied cryptically, guiding Evangeline towards her room.
Before she could protest further, Evangeline found herself standing in front of her bedroom door, with Julie opening it and leading her inside.
"It's alright, Julie. You can leave me here. I'll call you when I'm done," Evangeline asserted, trying to regain control of the situation.
Julie's mischievous smile caught Evangeline off guard as she retorted, "I don't think it's going to happen like that. You won't escape."
"Nooooo!" Evangeline shouted, her desperation evident. "I can do it alone. I won't let her do that. I'm an adult, even if I'm in a child's body. It would be a real shame."
"Stop being a baby and come. I'll give you a bath," Julie insisted, determined to carry out her duties.
Evangeline's resolve solidified as she declared, "Never," and attempted to evade Julie's grasp.
The room became a chaotic battleground as Evangeline ran around, evading Julie's pursuit. "Come on, Evangeline. Come here, or I will punish you," Julie called out.
"I won't give in," Evangeline replied defiantly, sticking her tongue out at Julie.
In the midst of their playful chase, the door swung open, surprising them both. Azumi, Evangeline's mother, stood in the doorway, inquisitive about the commotion.
"What's going on here? I heard shouting from the dining room," Azumi questioned, her gaze shifting between the two.
"It's nothing. Evangeline doesn't want me to give her a bath," Julie explained, attempting to downplay the situation.
"I see. You can leave now. I'll take care of it," Azumi responded, her tone oddly unfamiliar to Evangeline.
"Well," Julie acknowledged, curtsying respectfully before departing, leaving Evangeline alone with her mother.
Azumi approached Evangeline with a calm demeanor. "Well, come here, Evangeline. I'm going to give you your bath now. Don't be afraid," she reassured, her steps leading her closer.
"I don't want to, Mummy. I want to bathe by myself. I'm old enough now," Evangeline pleaded, taking a step back.
Azumi's voice held a hint of reminiscence as she countered, "Are you sure? Because before you lost your memory, you always asked Julie to give you a bath."
"It's in the past now, Mum. So trust me," Evangeline pleaded, her hopes for independence flickering.
Azumi's response was unexpected, catching Evangeline off guard. "You may have grown up, but you're still too small to reach the shower head."
"What?" Evangeline exclaimed, attempting to flee, only to be effortlessly caught by Azumi's firm grip.
The battle lost, Evangeline reluctantly followed her mother to the bathroom. The bath itself passed uneventfully, and afterwards, Azumi fetched a set of pajamas from the wardrobe.
"You're going to put on your pajamas, too," Evangeline remarked with a pout, feeling a sense of humiliation.
"Oh, you're pouting. You're so cute," Azumi cooed, unable to resist pinching Evangeline's cheeks.
Annoyed, Evangeline protested, "Mommy, stop pinching me," removing her mother's hand from her cheek.
"If you'd like, I can dress you," Azumi teased, a hint of mockery in her voice.
"No, it's okay. I can dress myself," Evangeline replied, determined to maintain her independence.
She swiftly donned her pajamas while her mother observed with a warm smile. Azumi then took her by the hand, ready to guide her to the dining room.
"Well, let's go," Azumi declared, causing Evangeline to realize that her mother intended to carry her.
"Mommy, I'm not a baby anymore. I can walk," Evangeline protested, her frustration apparent.
"I know, but it's been so long since I've carried you like this," Azumi explained, her voice filled with nostalgia.
Helpless in her resistance, Evangeline relented, and as they stepped into the hallway, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment upon encountering the gazes of several maids. She buried her face in her mother's chest, seeking refuge from their scrutiny.
"You're embarrassed, Evangeline," Azumi observed, her voice filled with fondness.
"Yes, of course I am. When I regain my powers, I will avenge this humiliation," Evangeline thought, her determination unwavering.
They swiftly arrived at the dining room, where Misaki, Evangeline's other mother, had already begun eating without waiting for them.
"You could have waited for us before eating," Azumi chided Misaki.
"Sorry, but you were taking too long," Misaki retorted, unapologetic.
"Too long? Just admit that you like the food more than us," Azumi quipped.
"You know very well that food comes second," Misaki replied with a smirk.
"Sometimes I wonder how I ended up marrying you," Azumi mused, the playful banter continuing.
"It's because you love me, and you can't leave me. So, sit down and eat now," Misaki countered.
"Well, after all this research, I'll finally be able to eat," Evangeline chimed in innocently.
Azumi obliged, setting Evangeline down, and the family gathered around the table. Yet, despite her independence, Evangeline found herself seated on Misaki's lap throughout the meal.
"Today, I'm going to feed you, Evangeline," Misaki declared with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"I can eat by myself, don't worry," Evangeline insisted, her face betraying a sense of resignation.
Misaki disregarded her protests, coaxing her with a spoonful of rice. Reluctantly, Evangeline opened her mouth, accepting her fate.
Amidst the meal, Azumi sought to engage Evangeline in conversation. "So, how was your day, Evangeline?"
"I went to the library with Julie today," Evangeline replied, sharing her small triumph.
"What kind of books did you read?" Misaki chimed in, curious about her interests.
"I read about our world, and I really liked it," Evangeline responded, finding solace in her growing knowledge despite her memory loss.
Azumi's words carried a touch of pride. "That's good to hear. It's wonderful that you're learning and growing, even after losing your memory."
The meal continued in a calm and good-natured manner, despite Evangeline's lingering embarrassment from being seated on Misaki's lap. As the conversation flowed, Misaki leaned in to share something of utmost importance with Evangeline.
"I have something important to tell you, Evangeline. It's of the utmost importance," Misaki began, capturing Evangeline's attention.
Eagerly, Evangeline inquired, "Yes, what do you want to talk to me about?"
Misaki paused, creating a moment of suspense before continuing.