Nandya's calm, graceful voice echoed through the space, her usual serenity settling over her features as she addressed the situation.
"Hello, everyone. As you might have noticed, the author won't be able to update tomorrow and so on. Unfortunately, there's a bit of a scheduling hiccup, but rest assured, the stories will continue soon enough."
She gave a soft smile, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
"We apologize for the delay and hope you'll bear with us for just a little longer. The wait will be worth it, I promise."
Just as Nandya was about to turn, Seraphine suddenly appeared beside her with a dramatic sigh, her expression more playful than apologetic.
"And I just want to add that if the author could've helped it, they would've been updating tomorrow without fail!"
Nandya arched an eyebrow, glancing at Seraphine.
"Is that your idea of a sincere apology, Seraphine?"
"Of course! It's sincere in the way I say it!" Seraphine shot a wink at the imaginary audience before turning her attention back to Nandya. "Look, what's important is that you won't be left hanging for too long. Right, Nandya? A little break can only make things more exciting. You know, like how I take a little 'break' to watch Nandya do all the hard work."
Nandya's face softened in slight exasperation, but there was a knowing smile tugging at her lips.
"You're impossible."
"Why, thank you," Seraphine grinned, hands on her hips." I know I'm the best at being the best, but let's not get too sidetracked. Let's just keep things simple—apology accepted, right?"
Nandya nodded, but her gaze lingered on Seraphine, her smile turning wry.
"I'll accept your apology... on one condition."
"Condition? What now?" Seraphine's tone was skeptical, but she still leaned in, curiosity piqued.
"You have to stop calling yourself 'the best' and actually let me handle the next round of chess without cheating."
"Cheating?! Me?! I don't cheat, I just... strategize differently!"
Nandya's gentle smile held a hint of amusement, her eyes flicking to Seraphine's mischievous grin.
"I'm sure that's what you tell yourself every time you lose."
The two stared at each other for a moment, the air thick with playful tension, before both of them burst into laughter.
"So, to sum it up," Seraphine continued once the laughter had subsided, "we're sorry, and we promise not to leave you hanging forever."
"That's right. And thank you for understanding. We'll be back soon with more stories!" Nandya added, her voice calm and warm once more.
Seraphine, still grinning, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, yeah—unless I get distracted by more important matters. Like winning the next chess game!"
Nandya's gaze turned pointedly at her, but before she could say anything, Seraphine added with a dramatic flair:
"Hey, it's not my fault you're too distracted by how fabulous I am!"
And with that, the two of them shared another brief laugh, a perfect note to end their message on, before disappearing off to their respective corners, leaving behind only a promise to return soon.