3rd Person Pov
Avyanna came home exhausted that day. The people following her just disappeared. Maybe someone is helping her, but she doesn't know who.
She looked at the invitation card on her desk and took it. It was the invitation to the Palace Banquet for the upcoming delegation. It's only days away.
There was a dress code.
"I'm still not a mage, so I should show up in a suit." She whispered.
She pulled the string on the side of her bed. It was a string connected to Diane's room. However, no matter how many times she pulled it, no one came.
She left her room and went to the maids' quarters. She knocked on Diane's door but no one answered, so she had no choice but to knock on the door next to Diane's room.
It was opened by a maid who got startled and bowed her head.
"M-my Lady, good evening."
"Ah.. I want to ask something."
"Yes..?" The maid asked.
"Do you know where Diane is?" She asked with a smile.
"Diane..? Ah, she said she needed to go back to her home because her mother got sick, My Lady." The maid answered.
"I see. Thank you."
"Ah, no problem, Lady."
Avyanna went back to her room and did the things she usually does before going to sleep.
'It's kind of unusual for Diane to act without notifying me.' She thought.
She shook her head before going to bed.
******
Avyanna's Pov
Just before, Yelena was the one who was not acting herself. But now....
I looked at Diane, who was serving me quickly, and she was even more joyful today than any other day. Her smiles are glowing like there is no tomorrow.
"Ah.. Diane--"
"Yes, Mistress?" She immediately answered and was already in front of me. I was even startled at myself.
"You're acting a little strange today.." I said.
She gave me a confused look and even tilted her head to the side.
"Strange? How so, My Lady?" She asked.
"Well, you're kind of energetic. You've been like this ever since you came back just this morning." I answered.
"Hmm." She lowered her head like she was thinking of something. "So, Mistress likes the me, who is quiet?"
"No. Well, it's just the sudden change in your atmosphere. But I like that you're joyful today." I said, smiling.
She giggles. "I will get back to what I am doing then, Mistress."
She ran back inside, and as she was gone, I felt like the ray of light that was all over me had vanished. She sure is bright today.
****
The day of the ball arrived and I was still in bed. I felt so exhausted so suddenly today. I held on to my chest and felt the mana circling inside my body.
There is some leaking out of my body. This body won't hold on any longer. This body might die, and I will too. I can't risk that.
The original soul of Avyanna is still in the Celestial Realm. I have to do something about this.
If only I could talk to Mayari or Tala. But I don't have any idea how I would do that.
"My Lady, I have prepared the clothes you'll be wearing!"
Diane said politely as she knocked on the door of my room.
"From Erica?" I asked, opening the door.
'"Yes, My Lady." She answered joyfully.
"Okay."
She entered my room and helped me put on the clothes.
"Have you sent the dress to the princess?" I asked.
"Yes, My Lady. However, your relationship with that person is getting better suddenly." She had this frown while asking.
I smiled. "Well, I took a liking to her. There's this feeling in my soul of wanting her." I answered.
"I guess, it can't be helped." She whispered.
"Can't be helped?" I asked.
"Hmm?" She was startled. "W,well I... I had a dream.. Last night." She said,
"What was the dream?"
"There was this person who told me that souls who are meant to be together will find a way to be with each other. In any timeline, in any world, in any universe." She answered while looking into my eyes. There was a spark in those two orbs.
She smiled brightly. "Those fated souls are very lucky. I'm happy for them."
"Indeed." I patted her head.
We finished putting on my clothes.
♡♡♡
We are now in front of the mansion with the carriage ready.
"My Lady, be careful on your way." She held on to my hand tightly and her eyes were worried. "I'll follow you later after I have arranged your clothes."
"This time, too. I won't be in trouble. See you later, Diane." I smiled. "Be careful on the way later, too."
She nodded and let me get inside the carriage.
The sun is up high and the ball will be outdoors. Some would have probably set up a tent to stay there for several days. The Knights will also be gathering.
Our state doesn't have a lot of knights; there are only some to protect the mansion. And since I am a trained knight, no knight would accompany me.
The carriage suddenly stopped and I started to be alert. I can't be not because this is a world where there is some evil saint who wants me out of this body.
It was quiet until I heard a knock on the carriage door. I opened it and saw three knights kneeling.
"We are sent by the Princess to escort you, My Lady. Chris Sarmiento from the Royal Duchy at your service, Lady Brooke." The one in the middle said.
"The Lady also asked me to hand you this letter." He handed me an envelope and I took it.
I opened it and read it.
I appreciate the uniqueness of the clothes you sent me. I'll lend you the knights from the duchy. You have nothing to worry about because they are skilled knights. Be careful on your way. I'll meet you at the ball.
Sincerely,
Yelena Zeniah Royal.
My heart is fluttering as I bite my lower lip to suppress my smile. This small kind of gesture makes me like this. I might have gone insane if I didn't know what it feels to fall in love.
I turn my gaze to the knights.
"Rise. We'll get going." I said and they did what they were told.
The knight, who is called Chris, closed the door and the carriage started moving.
I put the letter closer to my lips and slightly kissed it with a smile.
'I'll see you later, My Lovely Princess.'