"Die."
It had been a while since I'd heard that word.
And now, it echoed endlessly—over and over—through the emptiness.
I was alone in the darkness, and that terrible word was the only thing keeping me company.
Not frightening.
Not comforting.
Just… empty.
"Die already."
The same words. Again.
I'd heard them before.
But why couldn't I remember?
Why did I forget?
"I will find you."
What?
That was new.
Find me?
The voice echoed clearly, even though no one was there—just a vast, creeping void swallowing everything in sight.
I tried to speak.
To move.
To scream.
Nothing.
A nightmare.
That's what this was.
A terrifyingly realistic one.
"Die."
Funny, really.
Because it already felt like I was dead.
---
I gasped, jolting upright as my lungs clawed for air.
Sweat clung to my skin, and tears streamed silently down my cheeks.
I didn't even know why I was crying—only that something inside felt hollow.
My chest ached, heavy, like the air itself was too thick to breathe.
'Is this what suffocating feels like?'
My hands trembled as I clutched at my chest, struggling to steady my breathing.
My face was damp. My fingers were clammy.
And the bed beneath me…
This wasn't the bed from the tavern.
This one was softer.
Bigger.
Lavish, even.
The mattress was draped in floral-patterned light purple sheets, and thick, dark oak pillars stood at each corner, supporting a sheer lavender canopy above me.
Gold and silver threads glittered in the veil's embroidery, catching what little light there was.
Slowly, I looked around.
The room was enormous.
No—exaggeratingly enormous.
Elegant. Luxurious. Like something out of a dream—or a life that wasn't mine.
Ornate furniture filled the space: plush armchairs, polished cabinets, and gilded decor. A wide, snow-white carpet stretched beneath the bed, soft underfoot. Tall windows lined one side of the room, framed in curtains trimmed with silver and gold.
Two doors.
One in front of me.
Another to the left.
I slid off the bed, surprised at how… comfortable it had been.
Almost unnaturally so.
I walked toward the nearest window, cautiously, my eyes scanning the view outside.
A vast meadow greeted me.
A sea of blooming purple flowers swayed in the breeze.
'The same ones…'
The same purple flowers I saw the first time I woke up.
"What were they called… spider lilies?" I murmured under my breath.
But there was no lake this time.
Still, it was beautiful. A place that felt too peaceful to be real.
Among the sea of purple were blooming bushes, colorful petals, a flourishing garden that looked like it belonged in a fairytale.
I stared, lost in the scene—
Click.
The soft sound of a doorknob turning snapped me back to reality.
I spun around and waited, breath held.
Creeeek…
A woman stepped in.
She wore a long black dress and had her brown hair neatly tied in a bun. Her posture was graceful, precise. She glanced at the bed, then at me.
Her deep brown eyes met mine—calm, unreadable.
"I see that the young lady has finally awoken," she said, her tone flat but formal.
She gave a respectful bow.
Hesitantly, I returned the gesture.
"Is the young lady feeling well?" she asked.
"Ah… yes. I'm feeling quite all right."
Even if I was still completely baffled by… everything.
"I see. If the young lady requires anything, I am here to fulfill your needs."
She stood still, waiting patiently for my response.
I stared at her for a moment, then asked the question that had been pressing against my chest since I woke up.
"I… I don't understand. Who are you? Why am I here?"
"Ah," she said, her voice unchanged. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Vesta Crescent. I am your lady-in-waiting."
She paused. "May I ask for your name as well?"
"…My name is Liliana."
I hesitated, then frowned slightly.
"I'm sorry, but… what exactly is a lady-in-waiting?"
Her eyes blinked—finally, the first break in her otherwise statue-like expression.
"Lady Liliana," she began, "a lady-in-waiting is a personal assistant to someone of high status. Specifically, women. It is their role to tend to the needs and requests of the person they serve, and to devote themselves fully to that duty. I hope that answers your question."
"You're here… to serve me?"
That didn't make sense.
'I'm someone of high status?'
"I am here to serve you because it is my duty," Vesta said, unwavering. "This role was assigned to me, and I will fulfill it with full devotion, Lady Liliana."
I looked away, awkwardly shifting my weight.
This was too much.
The whole 'lady-in-waiting' situation was strange enough, but I had more important questions.
"Why am I here? Where is Ms. Crimson? And Sir Exios? Is it possible to see them—talk to them?"
"I regret to inform you," she replied, voice calm, "that I am not permitted to answer questions about the individuals you mentioned. You are currently in the Imperial Palace of Ephamour. Specifically, the Kunzite Palace."
She continued without pause.
"You were brought here by His Highness, Prince Denver Achlys. You were unconscious when you arrived yesterday. We have been tending to you since, awaiting your awakening."
She hadn't moved an inch. Her voice remained poised and respectful, her posture perfectly straight. The kind of elegance that came from habit, not effort.
"Yesterday?" I repeated, trying to process it.
"What time is it now?"
"It is 10:45 in the morning," she answered. "I came by three times earlier to check on you. This is my fourth, and I'm glad to see you on your feet."
"Prince Denver…?" I asked, narrowing my eyes slightly.
"Is that the man with green hair and purple eyes?"
"Yes," she replied. "That is His Highness, Prince Denver Achlys."
My mind flashed back to the orange poppy he gave me.
That strange, warm sense of safety—
And then… everything fading to black.
"Can I speak to him? Please?" I asked quickly.
"Prince Denver stated he would come by sometime this afternoon or evening. His schedule will determine the exact time. However, he assured us that he intends to meet you today. There is no need to fret."
But I was fretting.
I didn't know where I was.
Even if she said I was in a palace—how could I trust that?
I didn't know what they wanted.
Where Ms. Crimson was.
Where sir Exios was.
If they were even okay.
Can I trust her?
Should I?
What am I supposed to do?
I sank into silence, thoughts spiraling.
I hadn't even noticed how long I'd been standing there—quiet and lost.
"As I said, Lady Liliana, there is no need to distress yourself," Vesta continued, her tone calm and measured. "If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask. Should I be unable to answer or lack the knowledge to do so, then I humbly apologize for the disappointment.
If there's anything else you require—so long as it does not involve leaving the palace or seeking out the individuals you mentioned—I will happily provide it.
For now, Lady Liliana, I suggest you rest and relax if you wish. You may also explore the palace. There are other wings within the Imperial Palace, though only a few are accessible to you.
There will be knights stationed nearby at all times. That is per Prince Denver's direct order."
"Ah… yes, sorry. I spaced out for a moment," I admitted, rubbing my temple. "But even if you tell me not to worry, this is… a lot to handle."
"Which is precisely why I highly recommend distracting yourself by exploring the palace," she replied smoothly. "Save your questions for Prince Denver. He is the only one who can provide the answers you seek."
I sighed, glancing around before meeting her eyes again.
"It's pointless to overthink things now. Please consider my suggestion—let yourself breathe. Use this time for something productive, or at the very least, something refreshing. Your little body might benefit from some movement and fresh air."
I thought about it. She was right, in a way. Sitting around overanalyzing everything wasn't helping, and until Prince Denver showed up, there wasn't much else I could do.
I didn't know where I was, but maybe it was better to explore while I had the chance.
And despite her lack of expression, I had the feeling that Ms. Vesta was a kind woman.
'Everything will be okay', I told myself.
"All right," I said finally. "I… will explore the palace."
"Perfect," she said, a trace of satisfaction in her voice. "But first, let us prepare breakfast. It will be at—no, actually, where would you like to have your breakfast? At the breakfast nook? In the garden? Or perhaps inside the greenhouse garden? Of course, you may also enjoy it seated on the grass, with a full view of the beautiful gardens of the Kunzite Palace."
"That's… a lot of places to eat a simple breakfast," I muttered, blinking.
Ms. Vesta cleared her throat softly. "It is quite normal for royals, but I understand this must be unfamiliar to someone who's lived as a commoner. Ah, before breakfast, your other ladies-in-waiting will help you bathe and dress. I will return once breakfast is ready, so take your time to prepare."
"Okay," I said, scratching my head as I looked down at the wrinkled clothes I still wore.
"Do you have any allergies or food preferences?" she asked.
"None that I know of. A normal breakfast is fine," I said, though I secretly hoped their version of a "normal" breakfast wasn't some over-the-top royal feast.
Like she said—royalty comes with its own rules.
"Very well." She turned to leave, but paused, stepping back inside. "Do you have any favorite colors? I'll inform the other lady-in-waiting so she can select a dress in your preferred shade."
"Any color is fine," I said with a small shrug. "I don't really have a preference."
"Understood." She turned again but paused once more, glancing over her shoulder. "Do you prefer your dress to be extravagant, elegant, or something soft and simple? Children often like to be dolled up—would you prefer that?"
"Ah—I don't know… Just go with whatever you think suits me. I don't know much about dresses."
I did have a few dresses back at the tavern, but they were all plain compared to this level of extravagance.
"Perfect," she said, nodding thoughtfully. "Looking at the lady, I already have the ideal look in mind."
Finally, she exited the room, her footsteps gradually fading down the hallway.
The door remained ajar, revealing a massive corridor just outside.
Two knights stood on either side of the door in full armor, completely still. A long, deep violet carpet lined the hallway floor, adorned with tiny golden patterns. Along the purple-and-silver walls, ornate pots held vibrant plants and blooming flowers. Paintings of landscapes and sceneries hung in gilded frames of varying sizes.
High above, the ceiling soared—painted white and adorned with hanging chandeliers glowing with candlelight.
Golden-trimmed pillars lined the walls, each etched with intricate floral designs.
'This place really is obsessed with flowers.
Everything is covered in them.'
And purple—everything seemed to revolve around shades of purple.
Back at the tavern, some rooms had that same light purple tone.
I remembered the small bedroom I'd stayed in. It felt like a world away now.
As I studied the hallway through the half-open door, I heard footsteps approaching—soft but growing steadily louder.
I instinctively backed away from the entrance and waited to see who would appear.
And just as I expected, someone arrived.
A young girl peeked around the corner.
"Oh! Good morning, Lady Liliana!" she said brightly, her smile glowing.
She had long, flowing pink hair tied into two pigtails, and her eyes were the deep, rich blue of the ocean.
Unlike Ms. Vesta, this girl radiated energy and warmth.
"Let me introduce myself—" she cleared her throat playfully, "I am one of your ladies-in-waiting, Inanna Bardot."
She entered the room, still smiling, and shortly after, another young woman followed behind.
This one had short, silky brown hair and stunning dark green eyes.
"Good morning, Lady Liliana," she said with a soft, gentle smile. "I am also one of your ladies-in-waiting. My name is Phoebe Marley."
They both seemed younger than Vesta, though no less graceful.
All three had their own charm.
Vesta was composed and serious, but she'd helped ease my nerves. She'd convinced me to step out of this room and stop spiraling in my own thoughts. She hadn't left me alone on my first day.
"Oh my, you're so tiny!" Inanna exclaimed, stepping closer with a delighted laugh. "Lady Vesta did say you were ten years old, but you're even smaller than I imagined!"
Phoebe gave her a light nudge with her elbow.
"Ah! I apologize for the nonsense, my lady," Inanna added quickly. "It's just... so adorable to care for someone like you—it's a first for us. I meant no offense. You're just so small and cute!"
"Enough of the chitchat," Phoebe said gently, taking control of the situation. "We must begin preparing the lady."
She turned to me with a professional smile. "I will handle the bathing, and Lady Inanna will take care of your clothes and accessories."
She passed me and walked toward the second door—the one I hadn't had a chance to check yet. She opened it, revealing another spacious room.
Meanwhile, Inanna walked to the large wardrobe and flung it open. Inside, rows upon rows of elegant dresses sparkled in different colors and fabrics, arranged like jewels in a treasure chest.
I glanced at the wardrobe once more before stepping into the open doorway Phoebe had entered.
The floor and walls were made of polished marble.
It was another enormous room—but this time, it was a bathroom.
A large, pristine bathtub sat in the center, along with a wide silver sink and an ornate mirror that stretched nearly to the ceiling. Overhead, another chandelier sparkled.
The marble walls were accented with dark colors, giving the room a sense of quiet grandeur, while potted plants added a lively, natural touch without overwhelming the space.
Phoebe stepped into the tub and turned the faucet. A stream of water poured out, sending up delicate trails of steam.
"Lady Liliana, please come here," she said.
I walked over to her, watching the water begin to rise in the tub.
Suddenly, I felt a hand tug at my back—and my clothes began to slip down.
I flinched, immediately grabbing at them. "W-Wait! What are you doing?!"
Phoebe blinked in surprise. "Oh, my apologies, I didn't mean to startle you. I was simply helping you undress so I can assist with your bath."
"Bathe me?" I echoed, clutching my clothes tighter. "I… I don't think I'm comfortable with that…"
'And I never gave her permission to do so.' I was flustered, unsure of how to react.
Ms. Phoebe looked at me as though she understood.
"Lady Liliana," she said gently, "I've bathed women much older than Lady Vesta. I understand this may feel unfamiliar. Just so you're aware, I may be the one assisting you with your baths from now on.
However, if you prefer to bathe yourself, you may try—and when you feel ready, you can call for me."
'Bathe me… from now on? That felt strange to hear.
How long am I supposed to stay here…?'
My thoughts drifted back to the small bathroom at the tavern.
The little tub, the cold floor.
Sir Exios never really taught me how to care for my hygiene, but he had given me a bar of soap. That was enough, even if my hair always ended up in a tangled mess.
He'd tried brushing it once, but it was no use.
Still, he'd done what he could.
No one ever really showed me how to take care of my hair.
I hesitated, then finally nodded.
"All right… I may feel a bit uncomfortable, but I think I can get… used to it," I replied, still uneasy.
"Well then, I'll begin by removing your clothes. Once that's done, step into the tub right away—you'll feel warm and relaxed in no time."
I gave her a small nod.
She quickly helped me out of my clothes, and the moment she stepped back, I hurried into the bathtub.
My feet sank into the hot water first, then the rest of me followed.
It was warm—not too hot—and it wrapped around me like a blanket.
She was right. It was soothing.
Back at the tavern, the water had always been lukewarm and would turn cold quickly. This was completely different. Comforting.
"I'll dispose of your clothes and get the cleansing soaps," Phoebe said.
My mind felt clearer already, the heat easing the tension in my body.
Phoebe opened a cabinet attached to the wall and retrieved two bar soaps and a small glass jar filled with pink liquid.
She returned to my side, placing the bar soaps on a small round table and opening the jar first.
"This, my lady, is a cleanser for the hair," she said, smiling softly. "We'll take care of your hair properly now. When you arrived, your hair was in poor condition. We felt quite sorry to see it like that."
She poured some of the liquid into her hand and began gently lathering it into my hair.
A rich foam formed as she massaged my scalp. The sensation was so pleasant, I nearly closed my eyes.
After a few minutes, she stopped and reached for one of the bar soaps.
"Now for your body. Will you allow me?"
I nodded.
She helped me sit up and began carefully washing my back, then moved to my arms, chest, and legs. Her touch was gentle and practiced.
Next, she picked up the other soap and rubbed it between her hands.
"Please close your eyes."
I obeyed, and soon felt her hands on my face, the scent of the soap delicate and clean.
"Oh… is this for my face?" I asked quietly.
"Yes, it is, my lady," she said with a soft laugh.
Once I was fully covered in fragrant foam, she began pouring warm water over me, rinsing everything away. The water slid down my skin, taking the soap and tension with it.
As the last of the foam disappeared, my hair clung to my face.
"Oh dear," she giggled. "Your hair is so silky now—but you have so much of it, it's covering your entire face!"
I pushed some strands aside to see again.
Phoebe stood beside the tub holding a large towel, waiting.
I rose from the water and she wrapped the towel around me the moment I stepped out, enveloping me completely.
"Go ahead and wait outside," she said gently. "I'll fetch the brush and the lotion."
I nodded and stepped out of the bathroom.
Inanna was already waiting, her eyes wide with excitement. The dress she'd picked out lay spread across the bed.
"Oh, oh! Lady Liliana, please come sit here!" she said, practically bouncing.
She guided me to a dark wooden chair positioned in front of a medium-sized mirror and a table covered in small jars and bottles.
I sat slowly, my gaze lifting to the mirror.
My hair dripped with water, clinging to my skin. My face was still damp.
But something had changed.
The hair, once messy and dry, now lay in straight, glossy strands. My skin glowed. And I smelled like something out of a garden.
Ms. Phoebe returned with a brush and a small jar filled with white cream.
'That must be the lotion.'
"I'll take care of her hair," Phoebe said. "Inanna, you can apply the lotion to her face and body."
They moved in sync, drying and brushing my hair while gently massaging lotion into my arms, shoulders, and cheeks.
It was relaxing in a way I'd never experienced before.
After a few minutes, it was time for the dress.
"Once we dress the lady," Inanna said, practically glowing, "we'll style her hair, add a few accessories, and apply soft cosmetics."
"Please stand," Phoebe instructed.
I rose from the chair.
The dress was more than just beautiful—it was breathtaking.
A black corset adorned with small golden patterns hugged my waist, and the sleeves were layered: the upper sleeves left my shoulders bare in a soft lavender hue, while the lower sleeves were white and flowing.
The gown itself shimmered in soft lavender, with a white panel down the middle. A black fabric choker, also trimmed in gold, was fastened gently around my neck.
They styled my hair next. The bangs were brushed forward, framing my face, while the long, silky strands fell behind me and over my shoulders.
Inanna placed tiny flowers in my hair—delicate white and soft pink blooms near each ear.
Then came the finishing touches: a faint blush on my cheeks, a light tint on my lips.
"Oh, look at you!" Inanna squealed, clasping her hands over her mouth.
I looked at myself in the mirror—and blinked.
A completely different person looked back at me. Delicate. Elegant. Lovely.
They had transformed me.
And… I liked it.
It reminded me of when I'd tried on the dresses Sir Exios had bought for me. That memory warmed me from the inside.
"Thank you," I said softly, smiling at them.
I kept looking at my reflection. Unrecognizable.
'How did they manage to transform someone like me into this? Even I think… I'm pretty.'
A thought I'd never allowed myself to think before.
"You are stunning, Lady Liliana," Phoebe said warmly.
"You'll grow into a truly beautiful young lady," Inanna added, beaming.
But deep down, I knew—all of this beauty was because of them.
If they hadn't done all this, no one would be calling me beautiful right now.
The door creaked open.
Creeeek.
"Oh my," came a voice. "You've done a wonderful job, girls."
It was Ms. Vesta.
She stepped inside, her expression slightly surprised—and for the first time, she smiled faintly.
"I came to let you know that breakfast is ready."
"Ah, yes," I said quietly, stepping toward her.
"We'll stay behind and tidy up," Phoebe said as she and Inanna bowed. "Enjoy your breakfast, Lady Liliana."
I bowed in return before leaving the room.
"I knew that look and attire would suit you perfectly," Vesta said as we walked down the hall. "You have such soft, endearing features—it would have been a waste not to highlight those marvelous attributes."
I stayed quiet, unsure of how to respond.
"Have you decided where you'd like to eat breakfast?" she asked. "I hope you haven't forgotten."
We walked along the grand corridor, her pace slightly ahead of mine.
"Ah… the greenhouse," I said, not thinking too hard.
"An excellent choice."
We continued down the hallway until we reached a massive staircase. In front of it, a tall window stretched from floor to ceiling, offering a breathtaking view of the meadows beyond.
Ms. Vesta suddenly stopped, and I nearly bumped into her.
She turned to face me—and bowed.
"Welcome to the Ephamour Empire, Lady Liliana. And more importantly… welcome to Kunzite Palace."