"Tabitha," the head maid said, placing the glass Tabitha had just used back on the side table. "I believe it's time for you to retire to bed. You've exerted yourself long enough." She said while settling into her chair, adjusted her spectacles, and picked up some documents to sign. "You're cleared and good to go." Followed by Tabitha bowing slightly and excusing herself from the room, the head maid leaned back in her seat, releasing an exasperated sigh. She rubbed her eyes while holding her spectacles in her hand and whispered to herself, questioning why the Marquess wanted to hire that poor girl and what his plans for her might be. She then placed her spectacles firmly on her face and resumed working on administrative tasks.
The residents within the Marquess' estate were either preparing for the next day or already asleep. However, over at the imperial palace, the occupants were still awake.
"Anne, do you also fear what will happen when Yalzeruth takes flight?" the Empress asked, holding the Crown Princess's gaze.
"Yalzeruth has been the cornerstone of our empire since its inception, proving his value in the eyes of the people and making anyone think twice before attacking us," the Crown Princess replied, thoughtfully holding her chin between her thumb and index finger. "However, that is precisely why I think it is dangerous to have Yalzeruth fly over Brittanor. Not allowing Yalzeruth to be part of the celebration would also be disrespectful to his great contribution."
The Crown Princess paused, then continued, "But in the end, what Yalzeruth wants is most important. Have you asked him whether he wants to be part of the event?"
"In truth, I have yet to hold this conversation with Yalzeruth," the Empress replied, rubbing her temple with her eyes closed.
The Crown Princess then said, "As the Crown Princess, I naturally lean towards having Yalzeruth at the celebration. However, from the perspective of the citizens, Yalzeruth represents ultimate power. His very existence as a leviathan makes him feared, much like his kin who are reclusive and prefer not to be disturbed. Because of this, I am torn in my decision. I will abide by whatever Yalzeruth decides."
The Empress nodded in understanding. "I will discuss it with Yalzeruth after speaking with you, once I am alone," she said.
Princess Anne smiled and said, "That would be for the best, Mother. By the way, have you heard from Charles lately?"
"Yes," the Empress replied with a smile. "He is making great strides at Lumenoth"
"Who would have ever imagined that there would be a member of the imperial family who would become a Mystic Warlock?" Princess Anne said, smiling.
The Empress nodded. "Indeed, I never would have guessed it, considering your father and I are both Water Maguses. But I suppose he had the rare chance to develop those abilities while still in the fetal stage," she said, resting her chin on the back of her hand placed firmly on the arm of the chair.
"Yes, I suppose so. And what is even more surprising is that out of all your children, I am the one Yalzeruth chose, making me the ultimate contender for the throne," Princess Anne said with a broad smile and a sense of pride in her voice.
The Empress replied, "You're right. Each of you had different outcomes, none of which I expected at least for the first two. But the next two, I think, will be more predictable."
Noticing Princess Anne's yawn, the Empress said, "It seems I have kept you up long enough, my dear. Off to bed with you. We can continue our discussion in the morning." She stood from her chair, and the Crown Princess also stood, wishing her mother a pleasant rest before leaving the audience room.
After the princess left, the Empress slowly walked to the window. The view showed a well-lit city, sparsely populated due to the late hour. Most people were asleep, though some activity still lingered. The Empress's eyes began to glow white as she asked, "Yalzeruth, are you there?" She waited for a response but heard nothing for a while. Just as she was about to disconnect, she heard a deep, calmly menacing voice respond, "I am here."
She said, "I seek your thoughts on a matter that involves you," while placing her hands behind her back.
"I see. Then, let us converse and find clarity in what you seek," said the voice.
The Empress and Yalzeruth then spoke into the wee hours of the night.
As dawn approached, the first light of morning began to filter through the palace windows, casting a soft glow over the room. The Empress, exhausted but resolute, finally ended her conversation with Yalzeruth and sighed deeply. The city outside was slowly coming to life; the distant sounds of morning activity could be heard.
Meanwhile, at the Marquess' residence, the early morning light spilled over the sprawling estate, illuminating the manicured gardens and stone pathways. Inside, the staff was already bustling about, preparing for the day ahead. In the grand dining hall, the maids set the table for breakfast, arranging an assortment of pastries, fruits, and fresh-brewed tea.
Cynthia stirred in her bed, the sunlight streaming through the curtains coaxing her awake. She blinked sleepily and stretched, getting ready to get up and prepare herself for another busy day. In the adjacent room, Opal and Jennifer were already at work, discussing the young miss's schedule and making sure everything was ready for her visit to Elysian Atelier.
As the morning progressed, the Marquess himself was in his study, poring over documents and letters that had arrived overnight. The hum of activity throughout the residence signaled the start of a new day.
When Cynthia felt she was fully awake, she rose from her bed and reached for a silver bell on her bedside table, gently ringing it. Shortly after, Opal and Jennifer entered the room.
"Good morning, young miss," they said in unison as they began preparing Cynthia's hair for her bath. Once everything was ready, Jennifer led Cynthia to the Bathing Chambers while Opal selected her outfit for the day. Jennifer then assisted Cynthia with her bathe.
After bathing, Cynthia was led to Opal, who was waiting by the mirror. The two maids busied themselves dressing Cynthia in a blue dress. Once they were finished, they let her hair down and informed her that she was ready to go down for breakfast.
Shortly after, Cynthia walked down the staircase in the meeting hall, silently followed by Opal and Jennifer. As she entered the dining room, she saw the Marquess sitting at the head of the table, indicating that he had made time to join them for breakfast instead of having the food brought to his office.
"Good morning, Father," Cynthia said as she sat in the chair to the left of the Marquess while Opal plated her breakfast.
"Good morning, my dear. Did you have a good night's rest?" the Marquess asked.
After thanking Opal for the plate, Cynthia turned to her father. "Yes, Father, I had a good night's rest and I'm feeling wonderful this morning. However, I am concerned about how much sleep you got last night," Cynthia asked, worried about her father's health.
"Do not worry. I got the amount that was necessary, so I will be fine," the Marquess said while breaking his pastry and buttering it.
"I hope you take a vacation soon, Father because I am very worried about how much you work and how little sleep you get," Cynthia said after accepting the tea Opal had poured for her.
"Yes, my dear, I will take one very soon. Worry not," the Marquess said, smiling warmly at Cynthia. He then urged her to eat her breakfast, reminding her that she likely had a busy day ahead and should make the most of it. Following her father's instructions, Cynthia began eating, and they ate in comfortable silence.
After breakfast, the Marquess wished Cynthia a pleasant outing and asked her to convey his regards to the Marchioness if she saw her at the boutique. He then left for his study, a butler following behind him. Cynthia returned to her room with Jennifer accompanying her. Once there, she informed Jennifer that it was time to pick up her dress. Jennifer agreed and assisted in freshening Cynthia up, styling her hair differently.
When they were ready, they made their way out of the estate's doors. Outside, a coachman waited beside the carriage, with Opal standing next to him. As Cynthia approached the carriage door, Opal said, "I have already instructed the coachman on today's intended route, young miss. No need to worry."
Cynthia nodded and stepped into the carriage, followed by Jennifer. Before entering, Jennifer and Opal shared a nod of understanding.
The carriage began its journey, the scenery slowly passing by as Cynthia and Jennifer sat in silence, the only sound being the hooves hitting the stone pathway.
"Jennifer, do you have plans for the upcoming Foundation Day celebration?" Cynthia asked, admiring the passing scenery.
"No, young miss. I don't really intend on doing much apart from wrapping up some last-minute preparations for our trip to Lumenoth," Jennifer answered, not sounding particularly enthusiastic about the celebration.
"I see," Cynthia said thoughtfully. She considered Jennifer's response but decided it wasn't her place to suggest better ways to spend Foundation Day.
After some time of watching the changing scenery out the window, the capital finally came into view. The streets bustled with townsfolk conversing and peddlers trying to sell their goods to passersby. The carriage made its way through the town until it reached a two-story building with the name "Elysian Atelier" on the second floor.
The carriage stopped at the door, allowing Cynthia and Jennifer to disembark. After stepping down, Jennifer closed the door and informed the coachman where to wait while they collected the young lady's clothes.
When Cynthia entered the establishment, she was greeted by two ladies who asked if she was there for a pick-up or if she would like to order more custom designs. Cynthia replied that she was only there to try on the dress prepared for the Foundation Day celebration and for her journey to Lumenoth.
Before the two attendants could respond, a firm voice interjected, "Lucy and Janice, I will take it from here." The two attendants immediately replied, "Understood, Marchioness Moore."
The Marchioness then came into view, holding her purple wand. Two articles of clothing floated alongside her, being sewn by needle and thread manipulated by psy energy.
"It is good to see you, Marchioness Moore," Cynthia said while performing a curtsey.
"Mhm, you seem to be in good spirits as well, young Lady Rochester. Now, follow me," the Marchioness replied, turning and walking toward the staircase.
As the Marchioness ascended, Cynthia and Jennifer followed closely behind. The second floor was ornately decorated and served as both a changing area, with floral screens, and a storage area, populated with closets and clothing racks adorned with dresses and suits.
When they reached the center of the room, the Marchioness directed Cynthia to one of the floral screens to change. As Cynthia walked to the screen, the Marchioness waved her wand and said, "Retrievas." Instantly, the closet doors opened, and a few dresses flew out, circling the Marchioness as she inspected them. After a moment, she nodded and said, "Yes, these are for young Lady Rochester." She then pointed her wand at Jennifer, and with a swift motion, two dresses from the batch flew towards Jennifer. Jennifer caught them thanked the Marchioness and went to assist Cynthia in changing. Meanwhile, the Marchioness sent the remaining dresses back to the closets, and once they had all returned, the closet doors closed shut.
After trying on the two dresses, Cynthia expressed her satisfaction and mentioned that she would return to the Marchioness's boutique in the near future. She bid the Marchioness farewell, who smiled and wished her well, asking Cynthia to give her regards to Marquess Rochester. Cynthia confirmed she would pass along the message.
When outside Cynthia ordered the coachman to stop by Haven delight confectionary because she felt for something sweet before she goes home. After confirming they set off and made their way to the confectionary store.