Episode Three

I nearly jump out of my skin at the sound of the voice.

I sigh my relief when I see Eliza, standing in the now open doorway. She could have at least knocked…but, this is just a dream…and a game.

A game within a dream? 

I am dreaming a game? 

I'm honestly not really sure how to word it…

Just like in the game there stands Eliza with blue roses in her shimmering braids as they catch the magic lights that surround the bathing chambers. Her make-up is natural and does everything to enhance the beauty that is already there. Her dress, in the game, a gift from the Archbishop of the Kingdom (whom is also a distant family relative), matches the hues of the blue roses in her hair so well that it almost looks like the silk is spun from the petals themselves. The edges of the short belled sleeves are covered in the finest, whitest lace that could be procured. She looks utterly perfect and utterly like she walked out of my game.

Heck, I'd fall for Eliza, too!

The only thing that concerns me is the look on her face. Eliza looks enraged, which, shouldn't be happening. Eliza is the prim, proper, and quiet sister. That's why everyone loves her! Eliza is perfect.

But, her face right now was…not.

I freeze. She stomps toward me and, in the most spoiled voice I have ever heard repeats, "I said, where did you get that dress?" 

I look quickly down at myself, then glance back at the handmedown that I was supposed to be wearing.

That I had been wearing when I have played this scene before…er…that Orelei had been wearing when I had played this scene before…

This whole thing was becoming very confusing.

<System Message: Eliza Relationship Status: 10%>

I shudder. Only 10%?

In Otomes, the percentage showed you how close you and that person were, normally for a love interest. The closer you are to 100%, the better!

It doesn't seem like Eliza and I currently are getting along.

In Otomes, there's always a "correct" dialogue option that you have to choose. The "correct" option will bring up the relationship percentage, thus, solidifying your way into the ending that you want.

While I don't think Eliza is going to get me a "good ending" right now, I do think that she could very easily have murderous intent.

And the system wasn't popping up with any dialogue options for me to choose.

Traitor.

Like any good sister…I decide the best course of action is to lie.

I hold my hands up in defense. "I'm sorry, Eliza…it was left here on the counter with the other dress," I smile, sheepishly, hoping that if I come across as submissive that, perhaps, Eliza won't be so enraged. "I thought that you had left it for me," I say, apologetically. "Was it yours?" I ask, gently, as if coaxing a very large animal.

I see the anger slowly fade from her face, her posture relaxing. I am hoping that I made the right choice as I watch her shoulders slump.

<System Message: Eliza Relationship Status: 25%>

"N…no," she says, quietly. "I could never have afforded to purchase such a fine garment for you, my sister…but, if it was in the bathing chambers, it must have been left for you," she concedes, smiling, brightly, though, I see the smile cracking as it looks fake around the edges. The lie worked…but, something about Eliza was…not quite what I remembered from the game. "Well, it looks perfect on you, Orelei!" The bright and lilting voice go back in place, the mask returned…the mask of perfection. "Whomever left it for you did very well! It truly is the perfect size!"

I smile, still trying to appear sheepish. "You truly think it suits me?"

Eliza nods. "Oh, absolutely! Though, we truly must do something about that hair…we wouldn't want you to draw too much attention to yourself!" She snarks. Apparently, improving our relationship did nothing for her attitude.

I feel my eyes narrow. "I will take care of it, Eli," I say, gently. "Should you not be in the waiting chambers upstairs? I'm sure the Lord Corromoth is eagerly waiting to receive you." I don't even bother plastering on a fake smile. 

Eliza's face darkens. "Of course, dearest sister," she nods, as if finally conceding defeat. "I do hope that I shall speak with you soon, once I am engaged to the Lord of this castle!" She seems…calculated. Precise. Not a doting bride to be, not eager to be wed.

Someone who is doing this for personal gain.

Perhaps I had misunderstood Eliza's character all along.

Eliza doesn't wait for a response. She turns on her heeled light blue satin shoes and leaves the bathing chamber.

I wait until I can no longer hear her footsteps to let out a sigh of relief. The momen I relax, the System begins to give me information.

<System Message: -Quest Complete: < strong>Get Ready!

<Quest rewards: 5 gold, one gold thread>

<System Message: Eliza Relationship Status: 25%.< strong>

<New title acquired: Rivals>

<System Message: Eliza will remember this conversation.< strong>

<Charisma 0 increase: -> 1>

"I…get stat points?"