Sovereign.

「Yoka, it's time to get up!」 A young woman's voice called.

I cracked my eyes, covering my face from the blinding rays protruding from an open window to the left of my bed. My entire body felt warm as I turned onto my stomach, the sheets ruffling with my arms reaching above the covers.

It's morning already…? I don't remember getting on the train last night or walking back to my dorm… I guess I stayed up longer than-

I sprung up from the bed.

The room was big and round. Cobalt floors were as lush as grass, walls striped with gold and black tapestries, and fluttering silk-green curtains near the balcony window. A beautiful chandelier of white and gray crystals twinkled above the room, using the sun's light to reflect weird inscriptions on the wall.

Refined furniture surrounded the space. From the grand canopy bed as the centerpiece of the room to the wardrobe and cushioned reading nook to the sides in exquisite white wood.

「As much as I'd like to say it was, this isn't my room.」 I said.

I contemplated what had happened earlier. I remember talking to Tiger and the others at that tavern, and then that message popped up. He said we'd be sent to a new location when the game reset or whatever, so I guess I'm here now.

I walked over to a desk near the balcony window. There were several parchments and open books spread across the surface. Some had gold-chain links wrapped around them, while others floated with a chilly wind blowing from its words.

«Lunari Sofar: Pacts & Wishes»

«Haruyu's Greed: Tales of the Pare Class»

«Soli Magic & Mythical Weapons»

«Goddess Ursla: Past & Present»

I reached for a book but pulled my hand away. I needed to figure out where I was before I got too comfortable.

I slipped on some black mules near my bed and walked over to a large floating crystal near the wardrobe closet. My hand grazed the grooves' surface, and it slimmed down into a shimmering mirror with crystalline edges.

My appearance was still the same, but I wore a long black nightgown with frilly talons floating from my back and arms. The wardrobe closet contained a variety of gowns, off-shoulder dresses, and frilly outfits.

I'm assuming I play the part of some type of noble from the look of this attire and my room. While this is all quite fitting and a good start… I still don't know where I am. Wasn't there some trick they showed me while we were talking in that tavern?

I opened my palm and swiped two fingers down. However, no menu showed up like before.

I'm pretty sure that's how I saw everything before. Are they still fixing things in the game? That's sort of inconvenient for players, especially new ones...

I sighed and walked over to the balcony window. A pleasant, warm breeze greeted me as I stepped outside. Blue vines wrapped around a marble railing overlooking a grassy labyrinth with pink and lavender flowers.

Swirls of white and green clouds filled the bright blue sky above me. I saw big floating houses and structures on rock and wood cones, casting shadows as they passed by. Sometimes, I even spotted winged creatures too high to see.

I leaned my head onto the balcony edge and sighed.

If this were a game… my next objective would be to, like, find a quest, right? But if I'm a noble, don't I already have a tranquil life? Why would I waste my time and energy when I can just relax here?

I leaned my back against the edge and grinned, looking up as another gray-shingled house flew past me.

Yeah, I'll just wait for them to find me. If I'm a noble, I'm probably already well known, so it shouldn't be that hard.

「Yokalen… if I call your name, please respond. You're going to be late for the Ushur's coronation.」

A woman with long chestnut-colored hair with streaks of beige walked in front of me. Two wine-red ringlets curled above her matching colored eyes, complimenting her flowing black dress with lace-up detail.

Her stride was full of assurance, with slow yet graceful like she was stepping down a catwalk. She reminded me of my mother.

「I'm sorry, who are you again?」 I asked.

The woman gasped, with a hand clenched between her bosom. 「Yokalen! How could you say such a thing to your mother? This is not the day to be playing games.」

I sort of assumed this to be the case. For a second, I thought I was in some ridiculous predicament, like being the second daughter of some rich lord and having to fight my siblings to be heir. I'd hope not because, god, that would be such a pain.

A black sheath swayed beneath her dress, the tip of the cover dripping with a black dew that evaporated before touching the floor. Her dress did more of the same but had small squiggly spikes that moved as if they were alive.

「Mother, may I ask you a question?」

She nodded, curling her finger as we stepped back inside my room. 「What's on your mind, ranshuka?」

「Could… you tell me a bit about where we came from?」 I asked.

「That's sudden. But I suppose you're at the age to learn a bit about your family's heritage. Are you nervous about today's coronation?」

I nodded.

「Well, don't be. You were born in «Inascovia» of War and Ice. Our homeland is that of continuous snow as black as coal and war on all our borders. You are as strong as a hardened mageriche that slept on the battlefield for months at a time.」

She then stood and patted her dress, walking over to the wardrobe and swinging its doors open.

「And furthermore, you belong to the Ramazayunov clan. Our country's diplomats have entrusted us to settle warring disputes with this blood-hungry region. You do not have the luxury of human emotions such as fear and doubt, mesutrovia. Do you understand?」

「Y-yes, ma'am!」 I shouted, clicking my heels together.

Wait, she isn't my actual mother, nor is she a drill sergeant… Why am I acting so uptight?

Once I started talking about a serious topic, she began using a distinct language, and her motherly penchant rubbed off. I suppose I belong to a culture with an inclination towards candor, even between mother and daughter.

But that dialogue was all the information I needed. I'm here to resolve some tension between this country and «Inascovia.» However, as to why there's tension in the first place or how a coronation is going to settle things remain to be seen.

I don't know why they're giving such a complicated quest to a beginner. Screw that, I seriously need to find one of those gamer nerds. Any of them would suffice now.

Three knocks clicked on the door.

「Lady Cheykina, some visitors downstairs are waiting for you. We can take over dressing young Yokalen if you'd like.」 A woman's voice said from behind the door.

Lady Cheykina sighed, pulling out a dress and setting it on the bed. 「I am sorry, Yoka, but it's a big day for all of us. I wish I could've dressed you the way mine did during my first coronation, but duty calls.」

She walked over and smooshed my cheeks together, kissing me on my forehead with a loving gaze.

「Menjusuv. You're meant for greatness, Yokalen. I will see you off before you leave. Visit your father's study and pick up your «Bokhita». It's your father's position in terms of tradition, but his mind is… somewhere else these days.」

Her once luminous expression dimmed, and shadows of concern creased her brow as her gaze descended. Our eyes met, and she forced a smile with a small pat on both of my cheeks and walked out the door.

I tugged my dress as the sinking feeling in my chest burned like molten metal.

That same look. Mom used to have that same look whenever Father would give some crappy excuse not to come home. At first, it was because she cared, and she used to comfort me and tell me he'd be home the next day. But soon, weeks would go by, and her expressions became disinterested and distant. Then, the calls stopped happening altogether.

Sometimes, I would wait on the phone for Mom to come over and comfort me like she did. Tickle me until we both fell over giggling; rubbing my head, and humming in my ear. But she just ignored me, as Father ignored her.

I sat on the edge of the bed.

The outfit she picked out was sleeveless and black, with defined curves that made it seem more like a bustier than anything. Though you could call it a dress, the grooved frills and laces puffed into shorts that stopped at the upper thighs. A large matching-colored neck bow interlaced with twirling ribbons on the front of the dress completed its coquettish style.

It stood out and was a unique dress I'd never seen before. I wonder if it's from Inascovia.

A maid walked through the door with a knock, bowing her head and keeping her eyes on the floor.

Her short, blonde-oranging hair and eyes were pleasant to look at, like watching a bright horizon. The maid's outfit, black and white, frilly yet basic, with detached long sleeves, was cute on her. She was around my age, maybe a year younger.

「Lady Yokalen, are you ready to be fitted?」 The maid asked.

I nodded and walked over to the mirror. As the first maid began removing my gown and undergarments, it felt odd, but I went along with it. If I'm a noble now, my lessers are probably longing to look at the body of someone greater than themselves. It's the natural law of things, completely normal.

「May I wash your skin, Lady Yokalen?」 The maid asked in a whisper.

「Yes, but make sure you clean every single pore. I don't want to look dirty for my coronation and disappoint mother.」 I said.

The maid bowed her head. 「Yes, ma'am.」

I wanted to squeal in delight! I nailed this noblewoman thing!

My gown dropped to the floor, and my bare body was exposed. I felt a bit embarrassed, especially remembering that the balcony window was still open.

「«Aqurosa»」 The maid murmured.

Her hands became coated in dazzling white moisture as she caressed my skin. It tickled a bit, but my skin felt refreshed and cool as soon as she moved to a different spot.

「What's your name?」 I asked.

The maid looked up at me with widened eyes. 「My… my name?」

「Yeah…? Don't you have one?」

She nodded. 「Agnelov. I apologize for my delayed answer. It's just that… I've served you for quite some time, and you've never asked for my name before now…」

Don't get it twisted. The only reason I wanted your name was because you're staring at my naked body. It would've remained awkward if I didn't have something to associate you with.

But on another note, apparently, I already have a relationship with some characters. I suppose that makes sense since even the world has plots and events from before I began playing.

Agnelov then moved down to my stomach and thighs. Her fingers were like gentle currents that swept the tension and dirt off my body.

It was heaven.

「Agnelov this… is soo… It's, it's adequate!」 I said with a stammer.

Agnelov giggled as she continued washing my lower legs and feet.

Crap, crap, I almost broke character. I can't compliment her and make her feel comfortable around me. Keep your composure, dammit!

The balcony doors clanged shut behind me. Footsteps then clamped to my backside as another maid bowed behind me. I glanced in the mirror, studying their face with a sigh.

「It's about time one of you showed up.」