Tea Party

Over the mountains of the Seletura kingdom, demons ravage the lands, tearing everything apart. The demon lord and his army ransack the fields, towns, and villages. Thousands of soldiers sent to stop his path of devastation, yet all defeated. Because of this, the nearby kingdoms have already begun preparing their own forces to take over the Seletura kingdom in a grand war. One where lives would mean nothing, more than just numbers. And in this world of magic and power, stood a hero, sent by the goddess of the world. Her name is Charlotte Livste Dolhane Seletura, and she is to become the strongest mage in history. Of course, that is if she can finally make it outside of the castle.

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[It's just so ridiculous. Why do I have to be the one to save an entire world? I'd rather just have cake and watch a show, or even just sleep.] Charlotte thought to herself as her attendants dressed their lazy master.

"What's wrong madam Charlotte Livste Dolhane Seletura?" Asked her favorite of the three attendants.

"Must I really attend the party? I mean, while I know I called for it, perhaps he may not even arrive. Furthermore, I believe I told you Tuury, to merely address me as Charlotte." Mentally sighing once again Charlotte thought to herself [Talking all "high and mighty" is awful. Even after being here for three days it just makes me fell more tired than ever before.]

"That simply will not do! It's simply unheard of for an attendant to address their master in such a familiar manner!" Tuury said in objection.

"Even so, isn't it also unheard of for an attendant to deny the order of their master, much less object to it?" Charlotte said as another attendant fastened the frilly dress tighter.

"That-that is indeed true, M-Miss." Tuury began, second guessing herself by whispering the final word.

[Despite finally getting her to call me something other than my full name. She still ended up whispering when calling me Miss. Ehh it'll probably just take some time for her to just call me Miss regularly.]

Putting out her hand so that the other two attendants could help her with putting on the extravagant jewelry, Charlotte took a moment to stop and look around the room. [Overall it's, alright I guess, there are a few books here and there as well as a large bed. Unfortunately, its made with straw, so despite the lavish bedsheets it's pretty uncomfortable. To the right of the bedroom, two large windows let in the morning light as the red curtains are parted. The marble walls and floors give the room an air of nobility, otherwise unseen in my old life. But don't let that fool anyone, the nights are just so unbearably cold and the days are so ridiculously hot. Plus there is so little to do around here, especially as a "troublesome" princess. Essentially I'm not allowed to do anything political in nature, and that can even extend to saying "hi" to a guard! Basically, I exist to be married off to some duke to extend the power of the family. Or, I can fight against the demon lord and his armies like the goddess commanded. Both options are awful but honestly if I were to choose I'd go wit-]

"Char- I mean, Miss is something troubling you? You seem more unfocused than usual." She pauses noticing the slight frown on my face, "Oh! My sincerest apologies if you took offense to that, I did not mean to be rude if it did indeed offend you M-miss."

Sighing even heavier, Charlotte looked at Tuury who seemed to have backed away in fear before giving her a smile. "Think nothing of it, I know you simply mean best. Thus, I shall not take offense to it Tuury, in fact my demeanor was just a result of a bad thought that has been plaguing my mind recently."

Charlotte smiled, seeing her calm down a bit only for her to then suddenly grow worried for her sake, "Miss! What abhorrent thoughts are plaguing your mind! You simply must cast them aside or talk to someone about them!"

Mentally taking note of this interaction, Charlotte gave a slightly wider smile, "do not worry so, rather these thoughts are not to be spoken of as they concern matters of a maidens heart." [Honestly I feel like puking having to say that, in my past life I didn't even have time for love. And now that I'm a princess I don't have much of a choice of who I'd be with.]

As they finally finished dressing her, one of the other two attendants pulled up a mirror so that Charlotte could see herself. In general one could say she looked pretty cute, She had a small face with youthful features, round heterochromatic white and red eyes, and doll-like eyelashes. Her red dress was reminiscent of those old Victorian era ones. And as for her snow white hair, it was tied in a ponytail with a small red and black bow. Although normally she preferred to wear white clothing, Tuury explained that white clothing is reserved for the priestesses and priests of the church. Moving on from Charlotte's appearance, however. She clapped twice notifying her attendants that she was ready to leave and that in her eyes, her appearance was acceptable.

"Tuury, if you may." [Really, talking like this just gives me a massive headache. Especially along with not even being able to take my own actions. As it would be seen as 'problematic'. I really wish I had just stuck to the previous Charlotte's personality instead of changing to be a 'fair' lady.]

In a hurry she respectfully answered. "O-of course Miss!"

[As I leave, accompanied by Tuury, I just can't help looking back at the two black haired attendants left behind to clean my room, they just seem, off. Almost as if they aren't even alive.]

———————

Continuing to walk through the labyrinth like interior of the castle, Charlotte was finally able to make it to the inner gardens. Which inside grew strange, otherworldly flowers and herbs. Some reminiscent of poppies, yet with a perfectly straight stem, plants of lavender that moved around like snakes, and flowers that grew upside down in the shape of icicles were some of the many that littered about. In the middle of this mystical garden sat an old man, clearly in his winter years as his head already showed the patches of missing locks of hair. This kind nobleman, clad in a blue suit, was none other than the court mage.

Upon approaching him, Charlotte gave him a respectful greeting in the form of a curtsy. To which he furrowed his brows.

"Pardon me princess, but who taught you that greeting? That is reserved only to a lady's lover." He said.

[I really do hate these different greetings. It would be so much more simple if there was something like a handshake.] "Ahh, my apologies sir, but it seems as though I am still a bit behind when it comes to my knowledge of greetings. You see, I read it in a book of a fair maiden doing so to show respect to a gentleman, however it said nothing of the implications." Charlotte said while looking down in embarrassment.

He seemed to think for a moment before speaking once again, "So then, you've been filling your mind with those silly romance novels? Rather than studying common etiquette?"

"N-No sir," Charlotte began stammering, "It's just that I required a little break from studying."

"Then tell me, Charlotte Livste Dolhane Seletura, what have you learned from your studies?" He asked while taking a sip of his tea.

"W-well I."

Putting his exquisitely designed cup down, he took a deep breath before talking, "As I thought, it seems that we will need to be harder on you princess. Really, I was beginning to think you had matured."

Sighing to herself she could only resign to her fate as Tuury pulled out a seat and led her to her seat.

"Now then, Charlotte Livste Dolhane Seletura, what matter was so urgent that you needed to call for a formal meeting?" He asked while putting his hands together to better pay attention.

Taking a very deep breath to calm herself, Charlotte began, "Sir Tvestire, I wish to become a mage."

The moment she had finished her sentence, it didn't take long for the respected mage to begin laughing. "Ha! You have no aptitude to become a mage! The test done last week proved this to not only you, but also the rest of your family. Instead of chasing such impossible dreams, you should focus on what you actually can do."

"B-but I swear! I swear that if we did the aptitude test now that I'd pass it with the highest test scores you have ever seen!" Charlotte blurted out.

Raising his hand, he muttered words that she would never be able to forget, "No need to be so immature, princess."