Phantasmagoric

8

It's been almost a month since I have arrived in this world where magic and swordmen exist. When I think how unfamiliar this place is, I sometimes find myself afraid of what my future could be if I am discovered. I spend my days staying in my room with boring activities such as reading books, drinking tea, eating snacks, and sleeping. Except for the occasional meals with Duke Adelmo and my stepmother, Miranda I almost don't go outside of these four corners. Even the walks in the garden seem dangerous for me. I just want to remain non-existent for others. If they could forget about me, that would be better.

"My lady, do you not wish to stroll on the garden?"

"No."

"Just imagine the abundant color of flowers and fresh air that will surround you, does it not seem so appealing?"

"No."

"My lady, would you like to have some tea in the garden?"

"No."

This is the common conversation that Diane and I exchange with each other. I could almost feel the problematic gaze Diane is giving me every time we finish but I promised myself that unless I know what's happening with me, I won't go anywhere. I always order Diane to bring me books about the legends and history of this country. I have read about the wars that have happened, the numbers of kings that have passed, and how their society changes drastically with every king that occupies the throne. This world made the books I love reading into reality. Where there could be a knight in white armor who would sweep your feet and save you. Where magicians who could make your dreams come true and fly with you to reach the sky. But frustratingly though, not a single one of them talks about a person traveling from one body to another. None of them contains the answers I keep asking myself and the solution to my problem. This makes me disappointed and lost even with all these mountains of books and research.

A knock on the door woke me up from my daydreaming, when Diane opened the door I could see the butler standing outside.

"My lady." He said as he bowed his head. I still need to get used to that. "The Duke is asking if you are interested to have some tea with him this afternoon."

Did someone tell him about my disinterest in going anywhere? The butler is asking a question, right? So I could decide whether or not I want to go?

When I glanced at Diane, she looked like a kid being offered with a once in a lifetime treat with her eyes almost sparkling. I couldn't possibly say no to that when she looks like she's the one going to tea and not me. Does she want to see the Duke that much? Can't blame her, my father's an eye-candy.

I held back my sigh and said, "All right." Diane smiled so widely I was afraid her cheeks might sustain some damage.

Diane dressed me in a simple pink dress that reaches an inch below my knee and also covers my arms with a vine-like sleeve. A colored gold 2 inches high-heeled sandal just enough not to make me too tall or too short was what she has chosen to compliment the dress. She also braided my hair to my side to suit the style. All in all, I looked like a kid getting ready for a picnic.

When we arrived at the garden, we could see that the Duke has been the first one to arrived. Different kinds of sweets such as macarons, chocolates, cupcakes, and candies are displayed on the table that the Duke occupies which means these are the snacks prepared for this tea time. I wish there were some fruits...

"Hello, Adelmo." I greeted him.

"Alzbeta, sit." He smiled while saying that. A servant pulled the chair that I was assigned to. As soon as I've sat, another servant serves the tea. It was like everything was choreographed for a long time now. 

"Do you have something to tell me?" I asked the Duke.

"There seems to be no news yet from Magnicius. I apologize." Knowing that Magnicius haven't made contact with the Duke only means that he still hasn't obtained any kind of information about what's happening with me. It makes me worry and frustrated at the same time.

"Why would you apologize? I'm pretty sure he's doing his best to find any kind of information that might help us." Even I haven't yet when all I do is read every book the Duke has in his library.

"Magnicius usually doesn't take this much long to grasp any kind of information." So he's just an informant to you, huh?

"I hope nothing happened to him..."

"Magnicius is strong. He might be also getting pressure from all the sides that are against him right now that is why he's taking this long to do what we asked. There's just too many variables to consider."

After that, the Duke asked me how I have been this days. It's funny that I never even asked how he is these past days without seeing him and what he has been doing. In the past, my father never liked it if I asked something that might concern his job. Typical because he almost spends his days drinking, shouting or breaking things. I guess I still have that habit right now.

The day flew without us noticing it. It was entertaining how the Duke talked about what is going on outside the mansion.

"If you want, you could go to the center of town. I could arrange escorts to take you there." The center of town is where common people, middle nobles and merchants mingle. To sum it up, it's the most populated area in this place.

"I will think about it but please don't think about it too much. I'm pretty satisfied with my everyday life here." I put a smile on top of that so he wouldn't worry.

After that, the tea time was finished and the Duke and I parted ways. As I was walking towards my room I couldn't help but think that a lot of people show great care for me. Nobody frowns or show me any unsatisfied looks except Miranda. This makes me realize once again that Alzbeta... sure is loved.