Summon the Modern Lady!

=========================

The editor's joke was met with silence.

Watching the writer whose green eyes seemed to be stuck staring at the moon, she felt unnerved, as if Amaranthe's small bits of change did not sit correctly. 

Of course, she thought, I probably scratched the surface of what she's like.

But Cheska knew Amaranthe was good at least, she hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the tablecloth. With a sigh she finally let out her serious thoughts.

"Honestly, though… I'm not sure what to make of him. Or this place. It's like something out of a dream, but—"

"—But dreams can be nightmares," Amaranthe finished softly, her words barely breaking the stillness of the room.

Cheska hummed quietly, her gaze dropping to her hands.

The sound was low, almost imperceptible, but it carried the weight of agreement.

Amaranthe stood, her movements fluid, and walked around the table.

She rested a gentle hand on Cheska's shoulder, her expression softening. "For what it's worth, I don't think he's a bad guy. First impressions aren't eternal. He did, in some way, take responsibility for us."

The editor made an unconscious snort, "Yeah. After you scolded him."

"Well, he listened to an unknown woman in front of his men. That's a green flag, right?"

Cheska nodded slowly. "Right. I actually think so too. But... it's just weird for now. I need to survey everything first—get a better sense of what's really going on."

Amaranthe chuckled, her laugh light and warm. "You're truly reliable and systematic, Miss Cheska. No wonder you were the model director of your branch."

Cheska blinked, startled, but then smiled sheepishly. "Thanks... I guess?"

The author straightened, checking the clock, and gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. "Good night, Miss Cheska. Don't stay up too late."

"Good night, Miss Amaranthe..." Cheska murmured, watching Amaranthe's retreating figure as she left the room, her pink sleepwear-like dress following her grandiosely.

The door clicked shut, and the faint ticking of the clock seemed louder in the silence.

Cheska glanced out the window at the silver-lit world beyond, her mind spinning with questions and uncertainties. She tried to focus, but the weight of the day— and the strange world around her —made her thoughts feel disjointed.

With a deep sigh, she moved to the bed and sank into its plush embrace, feeling the softness welcome her like an old friend.

As she lay back, her fingers brushed lightly against the edge of her eye, a subtle motion that seemed almost unconscious.

With practiced ease, she reached for the small case on the bedside table, it was one of the contents of the bag she brought with here.

Gently, she removed her blue contacts.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she placed them in the case, her reflection in the mirror of her compact powder, revealing the dark color of her eyes.

Her black dull eyes, that had no light ever since...

She grumbled, preventing her mind from wandering too much.

The contacts were a secret she never shared, a small piece of herself she kept tucked away.

She closed her eyes, a quiet relief washing over her as the cool, natural darkness settled in. The clock's rhythm continued to tick, its steady beat lulling her toward sleep.

~~~

The soft glow of morning light filtered through the ornate curtains, casting golden patterns on the walls of Cheska's room. The stillness was serene, almost enchanting, broken only by the faint chirping of unfamiliar birds outside.

Cheska stirred, her limbs heavy with the warmth of the plush bed.

Her eyes fluttered open, taking in the room that seemed plucked from a dream.

The fuchsia walls with golden vines, the intricate carvings on the furniture, and the faint scent of roses lingering in the air—it was all different.

It took a moment before reality sank in.

This wasn't her room.

Her heart skipped a beat as her memories came rushing back— the summoning, the prince, the castle.

She let out a long, quiet sigh, sinking back into the pillows.

"Right. Another world," she muttered to herself, her voice still thick with sleep, she closed her eyes as if trying to pretend for a second longer that she wasn't here.

Then, as if the universe had been waiting for her to wake, a soft but firm knock sounded at the door.

Cheska sat up, putting her contacts on and checked warily, "Uh, Yes?"

The door opened to reveal a group of seven maids, all dressed in pristine black and white uniforms, their postures perfectly straight. The one at the front, a tall woman with sharp features and silver-threaded hair pinned neatly into a bun, stepped forward and bowed slightly.

"Good morning, Lady Cheska," the maid said with a calm but authoritative tone. "My name is Lea. We've come to assist you in preparing for your introduction to the royal family at lunch."

"Lunch?" Cheska blinked, glancing instinctively toward the window, where the sun already hung high in the sky. "It's noon?"

"Almost, my lady," Kalis replied, her tone remaining steady. "You slept through the morning, as expected after such an unusual arrival. But there is no need to worry. We will ensure you are ready in time."

Cheska pressed her lips together, her thoughts immediately jumping to her companion. "And what about Amaranthe, the person I came with, is she... joining us for lunch?"

Kalis hesitated, her expression tilting slightly, though her voice remained formal.

"Yes, my lady."

"Can I check on her for a minute? Her room is close by," Cheska asked, her voice quiet but firm.

Kalis bowed her head, and the other maids continued their work around the room. "Lady Amaranthe woke up early, my lady. I heard she visited the prince's aide. Should I call for her?"

The modern lady hesitated for a moment, her thoughts swirling. "Oh, no, it's alright," she said, shaking her head. She stood up, scratching the back of her neck. "I'll see her later, then."

Kalis straightened up and bowed her head slightly, acknowledging her wise decision.

Then the maids headed for her, like a group of wolves about to devour the prey. Cheska gulped in silence, giving in to their care.

She wasn't completely comfortable, but she wasn't awkward about letting others take charge.

After all, she had been through this kind of treatment before—during expos, private meetings, and other high-profile events. There was a certain rhythm to it, a practiced professionalism that made it easier to surrender to.

As they worked, Cheska couldn't help but feel a strange detachment from the whole process. The luxury of it all, the quiet hum of the maids bustling about, the soft sounds of water running and fabric rustling— it was almost dreamlike. 

Technically it is, she thought. 

When it was time to dress, they adorned her in an off-shoulder navy blue dress, matching her eyes, showcasing sophistication, opposite to her carefree and fresh appearance.

Aquamarine accessories—earrings, a delicate necklace, and a bracelet—added a touch of elegance to the ensemble, and her curly short brown hair was styled in a loose low double bun, framing her face beautifully. 

Even the maids seemed to admire her.

While they were used to seeing beautiful people, there was something about her short hair that felt refreshingly different. It wasn't the long, flowing locks they were accustomed to seeing; it was bold, striking, and carried its own quiet elegance. 

One of the younger maids, a soft-spoken girl with pale skin, accidentally let slip, "That person… also had nice short hair…"

Her voice trailed off awkwardly, and her eyes flicked toward Lea, as if realizing her mistake. 

The head maid shot her a sharp look, eyes narrowing with silent reprimand.

Cheska noticed but didn't ask.

It wasn't her place, and besides, it didn't matter.

She smiled quietly at her reflection, at the curls framing her face. There was something comforting about the simplicity of her appearance, a soft reminder of who she was before all of this.

Who knew I'd be pulled away from my quiet corner of my world?

For a moment, her smile faltered. My corner of my world...

"Is there something wrong, Lady Cheska?" Lea asked, wary.

Cheska shakes her head, staring at the maid through the reflection. "By the way, Amaranthe gave our names to the aide, Emette, I suppose?"

Lea bowed her head politely, "You are correct, my lady. Are you uncomfortable with it?"

"No," She stood up and smiled at the maids. "But does the prince know our names now?"

The maid hesitated. The others also lowered their heads, not answering.

Just then a knock came from her door.

"Good morning, Lady Cheska." 

Cheska turned to find the door opening to reveal Emette, the prince's aide, standing in the doorway.

His tall, lean figure was dressed in impeccable formal attire, his deep green tunic. A monocle rested by his left eye, adding an air of sophistication to his handsome face.

His serious expression gave way to a soft smile as he lowered himself to one knee, "Please forgive my careless ears for eavesdropping, but I do know the answer to your question," Emette continued, his tone smooth and composed.

Cheska raised an eyebrow, "Please stand up... and? What's the answer?"

"The prince does not know your names yet," Emette said, his smile faltering. "I apologize for that. Also, I must inform you that the prince won't be able to join the luncheon because of… work," he trailed off, his words hanging in the air as he clearly tried to cover for his superior's mysterious antics.

Cheska didn't care much for the details, "I see… but is it okay for just me and Miss Amaranthe? To dine with the royal family?"

Her heart skipped a beat, though she kept her expression neutral. She did her best to not show the pressure rising within her.

Before Emette could respond, Amaranthe appeared from behind him, her voice soft and cool.

"Good morning, Cheska," Amaranthe greeted, her voice warm but with an underlying edge of humor. "It'll be okay, should I show my attitude to the royals?."

She wore a stunning green trumpet dress and matching accessories. The dress hugged her curves, the deep emerald hue complementing her complexion perfectly. Her pink hair was braided loosely behind her, adding to her effortless elegance.

Cheska laughed awkwardly, "...Let's not get into trouble..."

Amaranthe laughed at her reaction.

Emette's expression tightened slightly as he watched the two women interact. "Then, if you're both ready, shall we head to the dining hall?"

Cheska and Amaranthe exchanged a quick look, and the editor's nerves settled a little.

Warm golden light of the castle's hallways stretched out before them as they walked toward the dining hall.

Regal blue walls were lined with elegant tapestries, depicting scenes of battles long past and peaceful landscapes.

Despite the grand, high ceilings and ornate decorations, the hallways carried a sense of calm, as if the castle itself had settled into a comfortable quietness.

As they approached the dining hall, the door was slightly ajar.

When Emette opened the door, there was only one person seated at the long dining table.

A young woman, wearing a flowy lilac dress, sat on the side reading a book.

Her features were delicate, hair styled in a simple yet elegant updo, with a few stray curls framing her face. But what truly stood out was how much she resembled the prince— same strong jawline, same piercing eyes, though her expression was notably warmer, kinder.

The resemblance was unmistakable.

She looked up at their arrival, offering them a gentle smile. "Good morning," she greeted, standing to bow politely. 

Cheska and Amaranthe mirrored her bow with respect, exchanging brief glances.

There was something in the air that felt both welcoming and mysterious. 

"I apologize for the barren seats," the woman said, her voice soft yet carrying a slight weight, "Last minute meetings were held regarding the earthquake yesterday..."

Cheska's eyebrows furrowed for just a moment as she exchanged a look with Amaranthe.

"Earthquake?"

"There was a big one yesterday," Emette replied. "Because of the summoning... um, there were damages."

"I see..."

Before they could linger too long on the matter, Ayessa closed her book and stepped forward. "Won't you introduce me, Emette?"

The prince's aide nodded, smiling.

"Lady Cheska, Lady Amaranthe, allow me to introduce you to the princess, Ayessa de Ruchuster-Glandza," he said smoothly, his tone warm but still formal.

Ayessa's lips curled into a kind smile. "It is nice to meet you, summoned ones. I do apologize for the summoning, it must be tragic being taken away from your loved ones and world."

Amaranthe bows her head, "We're managing..."

The editor nods along, greeting the princess.

"Well don't be too stiff, despite being here I am an abdicated princess." Ayessa smiles, showing her ring finger. "Left the throne for love. Right, Emette?"

Emette looked away with a chuckle, clearly embarrassed by the comment.

"My apologies, Ayessa." he said with a slight bow, clearly trying to recover some formality, though the lightness in the air made it impossible to stay formal.

Cheska restrained herself from smiling.

Ayessa's playful demeanor was a sharp contrast to the solemn air that had surrounded the prince, and the sudden shift in tone was enough to ease the tension that had been building in the room. 

"You are more than welcome to sit," Ayessa continued, gesturing to the table with a graceful sweep of her hand. "The king will join us later, and I'm afraid the queen will be a bit longer as well." Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she added, "But I'll do my best to keep you entertained until then. Is that okay?" 

With the princess' welcoming gesture, the two ladies nodded and sat opposite her, with thumping hearts of different reasons.