Cresencia sits beside her as she lets Miku down so he can play on the ground. But Miku did not leave her side. Instead, he sat obediently on her lap. Afraid of getting dirty or wet because of those undried water pools.
Identical lamps looked dazzling as the manor's ground came to life when twilight approached. The stars appeared one by one, more astonishing than the previous nights, and little animals that only lurked in the dark started to sing a lullaby with the crickets.
"Who are you betrothed to?" Cresencia asked
"Your cousin, Daniel was his name--"
Cresencia searched through her memories of who Daniel was, only to find out that he was the only illegitimate son of her uncle, her father's cousin from another branch. He is an intelligent man who served the army since he was fifteen and unfortunately met an accident which led him to a lifetime paralysis.
"Are you sad because of knowing that my cousin has a disability?" Cresencia's voice was low, partly disappointed with the woman seating beside her, who was too shallow
"No, I don't care about him, or at least I don't see him in that way, and it never bothered me-- what bothers me is that my father was dissatisfied with the arrangement, and he wanted me to choose someone else," Anastasia stuttered.
"Your father intends to use you to lure one of my brothers, is that what you mean?"
"I'm sorry..." she whispered.
"Your efforts will be vain because my brothers are both untouchable and highly career-oriented. My advice is that-- you should weigh your self-value and think about what you want to do in this life-- humans will all die one day, so you should make the most out of it."
Cresencia rose to her feet, rearranged her outfit, took Miku in her arms, and walked away.
Anastasia felt irritated.
But within her heart, a new light has been ignited.
"Now I have hope--" she whispered and wiped the tears she had held on to for so long.
Cresencia finally returned to her space with Miku. The beauty products she has prepared for a couple of months were successful. An hour in the human world was equivalent to a month inside the space. And she can rest better here.
"Miku, I don't understand the way that mortals think."
"They are a little more stupid than the birds at home, master," Miku responded as he ate more strawberries.
"Earlier, the old woman got lost on the road because of her unconditional love, which led to longing and escapes, and her grandsons were too naive not to see how lonely their grandma was. And this afternoon, we met a lady who never valued herself. Despite being poisoned emotionally by her father, she still decided to participate in the game and let herself break more."
"Master-- becoming a mortal is far from practicing humanity. They tend to be more emotional compared to us and think beyond their choices, while we as immortals create our own choices."
"They must love the word 'suffering' Miku, and else I don't believe they still call it a part of love."
"Master, the mortals, are sentimental beings in nature. A little drop of affection to the empty soul is like a river of water calming the burning thirst. They beg and treasure things that are unnecessary for survival and turn a blind eye to the pain it might cause"
"You're right. These mortals must be a little more stupid than the rest of the existing creatures in other planes."
Miku felt funny. He was only implying that his master should somehow understand that by being mortal, she could be eligible to handle the same kinds of emotions she had encountered upon living here. But maybe, his master's heart might be too unfeeling to taste the sentiments of the world. Or else she lacked more simulation that would enable her to unblock the wall protecting her from the feelings of mortality.
"The products here are barely passable to me. One day, when I get stronger, I'll be able to produce the same concentration as I did back when I was; still an immortal," Cresencia whispered with more fighting spirit. It was unimaginable since it's the first that she's encountered a bottleneck upon refining some beauty products, but this way, she's having fun.
On the other hand, Miku noticed the changes within the space since they entered. It seemed to be more vibrant, and the energy was thicker than ever.
"Master, is the space affected by helping other people unintentionally?"
"Hmm, I don't think so--" Cresencia shrugged off and focused on studying the beautifying products.
Miku was skeptical of his master's answer, so he decided to observe it without Cresencia knowing. If it's true, he decided that he would urge his master to help more people so that they could create more significant changes within the space. And, if possible, help change more lives in the human world.
Months later, Cresencia finally entered First Imperial High School.
The car stopped at the entrance of the school. Qin's emblem could be seen on the car's plate, although only a handful recognized the symbol. One of her guards got out and opened the door for her.
She stepped out and lifted her bag in a low-key manner. They bid her goodbye and reminded her to alert them if something unexpected occurred. She nodded and left slowly.
As she walked, she heard little girls talking about transferees.
"I heard Qin's princess is coming!"
"Me too, but I'm more excited about meeting the stars. Weren't they appearing in class today?"
"I heard the same news too."
"Maybe, Qin's princess is one of them!"
"Let's hurry. We might catch a glimpse of the stars in the hallway."
Cresencia sighed and reported to the administration's office to get her schedule. When she got there, the corridors were empty, but the door of the admission office was already open. So she went in.
"Good morning, ma'am. I'm here to get my timetable."
"Good morning dear, name please."
"Cresencia Qin, 3rd grade."
"Oh, miss Qin-- please sign here. These are your class schedules and your school ID. Welcome to Imperial High," the woman on the counter greeted her politely.
"Thank you, have a great day ahead," Cresencia replied
And then she read the envelope's contents and hurriedly went to class.