The next day, two maids hesitated outside Vivia's guest room.
Azarael shoved the fresh linens into Vespera's arms. "You should do it."
She glared. "Don't forget that you're the junior maid. Consider this your training."
Before their argument could continue, the door creaked open. A disheveled head poked out. "I heard voices…"
They stumbled back, aghast. "M-Monster!"
Vivia's appearance justified their terror - hair ruffled like a bird's nest, dark circles deep enough to give her a ghostly aura and a haggard face that only added to their trauma.
Vespera fled instantly. "You handle it, Azarael!"
"Oh? Where did she go?" Vivia tiredly asked.
Left alone, Azarael stiffly bowed. "She remembered an urgent task. I'm here to assist you with your bath."
"Oh, I see. Please come in."
It then occurred to Azarael. "Princess just talked in Xul?" her eyes widened.
She smiled. "Yes, I understand your language. Please feel free to talk in Xul with me."
"Oh."
Well she is in our realm so naturally, she must speak our language, she inwardly snorted.
Inside the bathing chamber, Azarael cursed her misfortune to tend to a human's needs. Despite grudgingly, she prepared a spick and sparkling bathing chamber with steam wafting off the hot water and different aromatic soaps neatly lined up.
"Please step in the bath, Princess."
Vivia dazedly studied the water. "The water seems hotter than it'd be comfortable."
Azarael gauged its temperature. "The water is perfect, Princess."
"...I think you've prepared the water according to a demon's body tolerance."
Vivia studied the confusion and silent frustration in her eyes. She dipped her index finger in the hot water. Her brows knitted in extreme discomfort, and she took her finger out which was now blazing red with scalding.
Azarael covered her mouth in horror. "Princess!"
She dropped to her knees and banged her forehead to the floor. "Please forgive this foolish servant, Princess! I was ignorant. I-I really wasn't aware that humans have different body tolerance."
Vivia's eyes widened and she quickly helped her up. "Yes, yes, I believe you. You don't have to kneel before me."
A look of relief washed over her face after which her head lowered in shame. "I feel horrible. I'll immediately prepare a new bath for you. H-However, I'd need your help in determining what warmth will be suitable for you."
"Sure."
After a lot of trials and errors, Azarael eventually got the perfect bath water ready for Vivia.
"This water is practically cold for us…"
Vivia chuckled. "I've heard that a demon's body is quite strong and resistant."
She gingerly helped Vivia clean up and at one point, pressed her back harder than necessary, making her yelp.
Azarael was horrified. "A second blasphemy…I deserve to get my head cut off!"
"..."
"It's not any blasphemy. Since your bodies are naturally stronger than ours, you enjoy more pressure for relaxation. Don't panic. You keep pressing, and I'll tell you when to stop."
"U-Understood, Princess…"
Sometime passed and then Vivia said, satisfied, "Yes, that's perfect."
Azarael's eyes popped out once again. "T-That is it? Are you sure you feel any relief with this meager pressure? I can go harder, you know."
Vivia sweated.
Your definition of harder will break my back unfortunately…
"No. It's perfect."
After the bath, Azarael helped her wear her dress and said, "Princess, you look so pretty."
The obsidian black dress flowed with crimson across its fabric that felt like a special silk Vivia had never seen before. The form-fitting bodice hugged her figure with intricate silver laces around her waist. The neckline plunged into a daring V with the sleeves of the dress only tapering down till slightly below her shoulders, keeping the rest of her arms exposed.
Vivia's face flushed crimson. The general attire in the Human Realm covered far more.
"T-This is quite bold if I may say so…"
"Bold? It's normal," Azarael blinked. "On the contrary, I found your dress to be very covering and modest. Where is the expression of your beautiful body in that?"
A knock interrupted. "Princess Clairette. Are you ready?"
That's Zerath! Wait, wait, wait! I'm supposed to meet Zerath in this dress!?
"Azarael! Quickly, help me with some other dress!"
She was bewildered. "But the Princess is already ready."
"No, no, how can I appear before the Crown Prince like this?"
"But this is what demonesses usually wear. Besides, we don't have the garments from the Human Realm here."
Vivia sobbed internally.
Azarael went ahead and opened the door, dropping a soft bow. "Rise for the Crown Prince Zerath."
He nodded. "Is Princess ready?"
"Yes, my lord. However, it seems that she finds the dress uncomfortable…" she hesitated, "I'm afraid we don't have clothing from the Human Realm for her."
"Is that so?"
Azarael moved aside, allowing Zerath to step in.
"Princess."
Vivia stiffened. Her back faced him and she absolutely didn't wish to turn. Even so, she politely replied. "Greetings to the Crown Prince."
This is embarrassing! Why are you here? Shouldn't a Crown Prince be extremely busy with the country's affairs?
Zerath's gaze lingered briefly on the flowing fabric trailing down her back, a hint of appreciation in his eyes.
"I heard your predicament from Azarael. It may take some time, but I can get the tailor to make new dresses to your liking."
"Really?" Her ears perked up before she coughed. "I meant, no. That's unnecessary, Crown Prince. I'm grateful for your gesture, but I'll feel it's rude to impose upon such arrangements."
"It's not a big matter, Princess."
"No, I insist. I don't hate the dress I'm wearing. It's just a…" she coughed, "new experience for me. I'm always open to exploring new things, so I'd love to wear your culture's clothing."
Zerath smiled. "I shall respect your wishes then. But…is there a matter facing me?"
Vivia glanced down at her daring V-neck and imaginary steam puffed out of her ears.
"I-It's just that I'm quite bruised…"
"Rest assured, Princess. No amount of bruises could mar your natural beauty," he said with a calm blink.
She inwardly choked.
Such a smooth talker! And do you still not have country matters to attend to!?
"W-well why did you need me?" she asked, still facing away from him.
"I wondered if you'd like to join me for breakfast."
"Ahh, I'm really not hungry…"
Yes, so please leave now!
Azarael interjected worriedly. "How can it be? When I first saw the princess, I thought you were a cursed wit- *ahem!*" She coughed hard, realizing her error.
"I mean to say that the princess looked really weak, naturally because you cried all night. Princess should definitely eat a hearty breakfast to regain her strength."
Vivia gasped and spun around. "Wait, I didn't cry last night!"
To her horror, she realized she was now facing Zerath with the deep neck and exposed arms on full display.
Ahh!!!
As opposed to her expectations about his reaction, he instead frowned slightly. "Cried all night?"
"No I didn't…" she quickly brushed it off.
"But you had red eyes and dark puffs," Azarael ratted out.
"..."
Zerath gazed closer. "Indeed, it seems that it was a rough night for you."
"Haha. Yes, I now remember I had a nightmare last night. But I'm fine now," she leaned away and waved her hand in dismissal.
Sensing her discomfort, Zerath chose to let it go after some contemplation. His gaze then fell on the bandaged finger.
"How did you injure your finger? It wasn't so yesterday."
Before Vivia could respond, Azarael dropped to her knees. "It's because of my mistake, my lord! I wasn't aware that humans have different body tolerances, and the water I prepared was too hot for her. I…I had my suspicions so to clear them, Princess dipped her finger to prove to me. I deserve no mercy, my lord. Please cut my head off!"
"..."
Vivia was flabbergasted.
Why are they so quick to offer their heads!? Don't they like living? Ask me!
Zerath turned to her solemnly. "I feel ashamed that such a thing occurred to my guest. Indeed, Azarael was rude. Please feel free to punish her as you wish."
"No, no!" Vivia frantically shook her head. "It was all just a misunderstanding. Demons aren't familiar with humans. It's the same on our side too, so mistakes are inevitable. Azarael apologized and that's enough."
Azarael looked up at her with her misty eyes. "Princess…"
Zerath gave Azarael a brief glance before looking back at Vivia. "I see. It's good to hear that the misunderstanding is settled."
Azarael bowed again. "I'm grateful to you, Princess Clairette."
"No need, no need," she quickly said.
"Everything seems fine now, but you'll feel a lot better with a hearty breakfast," he flashed a charming smile.
"Indeed, indeed."
"Perfect. Let's go then."
"..."
Vivia marveled.
Why do I feel I just got tricked?