It was the first time that Vivia had ever set foot in Emberlain's capital city. Tugging at the curtains slightly, the city of Orseth opened to streets that bustled with merchants, shops that overflowed with never–before-seen luxuries and buildings that sparkled far differently than the modest homes in Stras.
Orseth was also in stark contrast with Rudaheim's Casca where Casca's buildings were usually colored in either a warm yellow or cool white pastel colors, mirroring the energies of the sun and moon. Orseth, on the other hand, celebrated the spirits of seasons with its buildings and streets welcoming the softness of light green for spring, rusty brown for autumn, warm yellow for summer and icy hues for winter.
With that, the chill from the wind brought a light shudder to her body, as an autumn leaf fluttered across. It gently perched upon her palm, its beautiful reddish-orange hue bringing a smile to her lips.
Vivia remembered how some folks back in Stras and neighbouring towns were so devoted to the Gods of Seasons that they painted their houses at the start of every season in hopes they would stand at Heaven's doorstep upon their death. The practice certainly brought huge holes to their pockets, but devotion was far more important than money.
As the carriage wheeled by, commoners just like her passed through. The class between them and her as Vivia was blatantly apparent. Slipping into a trance of her past life's ambitions, her gaze looked dim and distant.
Orseth was her dream.
Achieving the title of the Maestro would have served as a stepping stone to reach Orseth. Her dream of becoming a full-fledged dancer and having her name known in every duke's and marquess's home would have been only a few steps away once Orseth was in her grasp. Now, she passed along the streets of that very city, yet she was neither Vivia, nor the Maestro.
As her gaze caught a store on the way, stars glimmered in her eyes upon coming face-to-face with the most popular boutique store in the entire Human Realm.
Chateau Lumiere!
Word was that the head tailor and owner of the store came from a generation of extremely talented craftsmen. From Duchesses to Countesses, every wealthy woman only wanted to wear his tailor-made dresses.
Part of Vivia's dream was to be able to afford a dress personally designed and tailored by him, a one-of-a-kind creation that would make her dazzle on the grand stage. His dress and her dance would create the perfect symphony of entertainment.
My dream is right here in front of me…Wait, wait, stop the carriage! I want to take a look!
"Why are you drooling like that?" Elvin asked, irked. "It's shameful. Get your expression in check! You're the royal princess. Have you already forgotten that after living just a few days in Rudaheim?"
What will you understand about a commoner's wishes!?
Chateau Lumiere brought back the fond memories of her one and only long time rival, Audreya.
Yes, she hates me and I hate her too and she cursed me to marry a demon, but why am I missing her so much now? Death is so strange…
It had never crossed her mind before that the irksome rival she constantly butted heads with and left no stone unturned to surpass her, would evoke a warm and melancholic feeling at this moment.
What must Audreya be doing these days?
Did she win the Maestro title? Does she still look arrogant and snarky all the time? She's never going to find a husband with that ever so hateful and sour look always plastered on her face.
She paused, lips quivering.
I'm missing to look at her hateful face now…
Vivia bit her lip, forbidding any tears from giving away the true pain that rattled her heart. Her stupor of the fond memories broke with the people's enthusiastic welcome and greetings.
"Long live Princess Clairette!" The joyful cries echoed throughout Orseth.
Elvin and Aeren raised their hands, waving back at them through the window sills. Vivia did the same, attempting to mirror Clairette's princess-like smile and expression from her memories. Waving her hand at the people, a woman standing in the crowd with a hoodie-like scarf covering her head lifted her gaze at the same time.
Vivia froze as if time came to a slow stop. Pressing her forehead against the window, she bore another good look at the woman as her heart hammered in her chest. Questions and possibilities raced in her mind back and forth.
Au…dreya?
"Stop! Stop the carriage!"
The brothers stared at her, stunned.
"What are you-"
"Stop it right away!"
Panicked, Arcus swiftly pulled the reins and brought the stallions to a stop. The door opened that very moment with Vivia hastily jumping out without reservation.
"Clairette!!!" The look of horror passing across Elvin's face was indescribable.
With the door now wide open and his words being clearly audible to the crowd outside, he was at a loss to rebuke her anymore, lest his image as the Crown Prince would shatter.
Orseth's people on either side of the street couldn't believe the sight of the royal princess just jumping out of the carriage without any warning. But what made them almost pass out was her mingling in the crowd among them.
Audreya. Audreya! Where is she? I'm sure I just saw her now!
"Excuse me, did you see a red-haired woman? She was there right beside you."
The woman facing Princess Clairette barely inches away from her stood frozen with parted lips, unable to comprehend the reality taking shape before her.
"P…Pr…Princess…" her uneven gasps mirrored her pure disbelief.
Orseth's citizens were used to watching the royalty from far away, so such a close encounter with Clairette Emberlain had left them numb. They fell on their knees and lowered their heads in a bow.
"Long live, Princess Clairette!"
She blinked twice, then stiffened, her rash actions finally reminding her of her error.
In the heat of the moment to find Audreya, I completely forgot who I'm now!
Okay…Okay, calm down. I'm Clairette Emberlain. I just have to act poised and elegant like her…
But even if I act poised and elegant, what excuse is supposed to explain my actions just now? Elvin will kill me!
The courage to look back and face Elvin's wrath was beyond her capabilities at the moment.
"Long live Princess Clairette!"
The eager roar came for the second time and this time, sending her heart into a panic frenzy. But soon, a soft and apologetic smile gently lifted her lips.
"Thank you for your warm greetings, my dear citizens of Orseth," She dropped a polite curtsy.
"I know I must've shocked you with my sudden arrival in this manner, and I truly feel ashamed. However, I did so only because I longed to be among my people. The past few days were stressful and tumultuous as I was far away from my land. Returning here and seeing everyone again…simply overwhelmed me. I apologize for my rudeness and humbly ask you to kindly ignore my confused ramblings as my health is still recovering."
"Princess…"
Tears brimmed everyone's eyes. Nobody dared to fathom the struggles Clairette would have gone through in the last few days, especially in a demon's land.
"Please don't apologize, Princess!"
A stir crossed Vivia as if she was jolted awake.
That…was really smooth of me. I sounded so natural. I was so confused just now, but my mind strangely felt very clear.
"Clairette…"
Goosebumps rose on her back, knowing fully well to whom the fury and threat belonged.
Elvin…