Chapter 37

I told them about my plan in detail. I told them about the pros and cons of the plan. Athy and Uriel listened to me intently, only asking questions every now and then to clarify things they are not sure about.

"And that is my plan." I concluded my explanation.

"We won't be showing them that Athy and I are also vessels then?" Uriel asked thoughtfully.

"Yes." I nodded at her. "That way, all attention will be on me."

"And all stress will also be on you." Athy frowned as she looked at me.

"Though it would be better for me to shoulder the stress, Uriel will also share the burden." I looked at Uriel who was pulling up her sleeve.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Being in charge of external affairs, you will be showing your face outside way more than Athy and I would. That means other people will come onto you to make connections with our house." I explained. "You have to prepare yourself for it. Better yet, you have to be able to discern the ones we should and should not be connected with. Learn how to handle different types of people and be able to talk without showing what you are actually thinking."

"You should learn how to socialize and how to win war with words, especially against nobles who are very good at speaking something while indicating something else." Athy added as she leaned her head on the tub.

"Being a hotel receptionist for years, I think you'll be fine." I encouraged her. "They will be curious to you on the surface at least, so you should be careful not trust anyone immediately."

"Okay." Uriel nodded.

"You can practice being sarcastic with that idiot demon lord." Athy rolled her eyes. "It's one of his many talents, including pissing off someone just by how he smiles."

"You seem to like my butler a lot, Athy." I teased her.

"Oh yes, I do! We can't even speak for more that ten minutes without him, pissing me off." Athy replied sarcastically. "He basically just need to stand where I can see him and smile that fake smile of his and I will want him out."

"He likes you though?" I urged.

"He likes to see me pissed off ,that is." Athy huffed as she crossed her arms on her chest.

We all chuckled at Athy and Sebastiene's cat-dog relationship.

Athy may seem like she dislikes Sebastiene, but I know she is happy to have him working for us. He has vast knowledge with abilities, especially Athy's, since he once worked under Sidapa. His presence also brings more power to our house. He not only serves me, but he also helps father and mother with their work. Athy would be sad, most probably cry, if Seb ever leaves us.

We stayed in the bathroom until Athy couldn't feel the pain anymore. Uriel fed her some soft bread and bacons while she stayed in the tub. She then, got up shivering from the cold. We wrapped her in fluffy towels and help her walk back to bed.

"Sis, you should stay here with Athy while the ceremony is ongoing. Don't let anyone see Athy weak like this. There might be some idiot who will try to sneak off during the ceremony so it will be better for someone to protect Athy if an unexpected visitor comes. Anderson and Seb both needs to be at the ceremony as they are both knights." I instructed Uriel.

"Athy, do not leave this room. I will let the maids wait on you outside, if you need anything just let Uriel tell them. I will leave cold water on the tub, in case the recoil returns and I'm not here. Don't worry, I used my ability so the water will not lose its coldness." I said while handing Athy the clothes I picked from her wardrobe.

"Okay." They both answered.

"I can still summon spirits, you know. I'm not completely useless nor defenseless." Athy pointed at my shadow.

"I know." I narrowed my eyes at her. "But I would still feel better if you don't."

"Okay." Athy let out a toothy smile.

'She must be feeling better for her to smile like that.' I thought to myself.

I sensed someone approaching Athy's room making me pause and look to the door.

"Who is it?" Uriel asked.

"It's not Anderson." Athy frowned.

"It's a woman." I said.

"That can't be one of my maids." Uriel said moving closer to Athy.

"Whoever that is, she's not one of ours." Athy said calmly. "I can't feel any of my spirits with her."

"A spy?" Uriel asked.

"No, I can't sense anything bad about her." Athy replied.

"Then, who?" Uriel asked.

We all looked towards the door as the person approached. She did not have any bloodlust or bad vibes, it's just that she does not feel familiar to us. We listened closely to the sound of footsteps but whoever it is have very light feet. It sounds like floating and walking at the same time with feet merely touching the ground.

The sound of metal clinking together as she walked can now be heard. Bracelets? Bangles? Those things worn on the ankles? It sounded like a dancer was approaching with all those clinking.

The footstep came to a stop right outside Athy's door.

'So whoever it is, their goal was indeed Athy or us.' I thought.

Uriel was now sitting beside Athy, obviously protecting her.

I guess we were thinking the same thing.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Three knocks resounded in the room. I looked at Uriel and motioned for her to watch over Athy. She nodded so I went and opened the door.

There, standing outside the door, was a woman with a red lace covering her eyes. She was wearing a black sleeveless lace dress that fitted her body like second skin. Unlike the dresses worn by the women we have seen so far, hers does not have bloomers or layers that makes the skirt flare. Her skirt was made to fit with a long slit on the side up to the hip, showing her long pale legs.

Her hair was covered by a black veil, like the nuns, but hers was made of silk. Her face was as pale as paper but her lips were red like fresh blood. The red lace cover of her eyes and her overall appearance made me furrow my brows.

"My lady, I came her for lady Athanasia, the god of death's vessel and-"

"Stop!" I interrupted her by raising my hand.

She stopped mid-sentence with her mouth partly open.

"You should start by introducing yourself." I stared at her.

She was stunned at first but immediately cleared her throat.

"I'm sorry, let me introduce myself." She said as she bowed down in a curtsy. "I am Sachi Sain, the saintess of Sidapa."