“You there, new girl,” a voice called out to me.

“Eep! M-Me?” I panicked, noticing a slender woman in White Robes calling out to me from the street corner under a buttress. Tsk, I found myself near the Church while I was making my way around the town. I had planned to escape into the alleyway and investigate the city more, but the sun was falling and this stranger was not a part of my scheme!

“I’ve heard rumors of a refugee seeking shelter, from the destroyed Church Town,” the woman ushered me towards her, so I obliged. “I surmise, the small talk is of you, no?”

— Sara of Sharra, level 23

— Classes

Human Cleric [Rare], level 10

Human Light Cleric [Epic], level 10

Human Holy Sage [Legendary], level 3

Sara, one of many Sages of the Church's Shield Unit, has been sent on behalf of the Capital to guard the Prelate. She, however, is more interested in pursuing knowledge despite her station's politics.

“Have you heard of the Twin Sun Theory, a heretical One given law?” Sara asked me. She seemed more rigid than a board and her robes covered her eyes, yet made no hostile movements. My Dark Stone did not block any appraisal either, so I simply nodded. “Even beyond nature, the Twin Sun Theory is something we observe everyday, don’t we? The Sun and the Moon, the Hero and the Saint, the Goddess of Light and the One Sun God, Love and Hate, Statuses and Monsters, ah it keeps going… Though the One and our Convergence stand face to face, we are against each other yet we can still see some of the good within its features. Tempting, isn’t it?”

I stared at her blankly. The Twin Sun Theory was simply the art of observing how for every one thing in Nature, there is a shadow or opposite side to it. I learned it just now, since the Messenger Spiders came across that theory while scouring the mountain of books for information on the Uralta Seals. I did not know why it was heretical to observe nature according to Humans, but figured it had a number of reasons that made sense. Perhaps if they did away with the names and called it an observation, they’d get along. Things that are not gaudy nor wreathed in gold or righteousness were unworthy to the Humans. I could not blame them — for they have been under the Goddess of Light’s command for so long. Cast away the Darkness, because it makes you feel bad! They say, I scoffed. The woman yelped, but I couldn’t help but notice the sword strapped to her side beneath her robes. She was yet another magical caster capable of wielding swords. As long as it wasn’t Everbright, I lowered my head to her apologetically. I think I’ll be fine if she tried to fight me.

“No, forgive me, little Light,” Sara clasped her hands together and swayed as if she was nervous. “I get lost in thought, so. I’ve no doubt you were at the learning stage covering ancient and heretical Laws in the Church’s education, but allow me to warn you: Though these opposites might seem attractive, be careful to not stray too far into the darkness. Have you heard of Lady Charlotte, no? That poor woman is a darkness, one born of grief and sorrow that may seem too deep to pull out of. Not seen. Be careful around her.”

“I am here on her Ladyship’s account,” I admitted. “I thank you for the information, though I must complete my duties to the Bohun family.”

“And what then? Will you go back and rebuild your village?” Sara did not seem surprised by my admission. She seemed whimsical, like she was simply one who loves the wonder of all things in Nature instead of how it might make someone feel. “I came out here to escort you home, since there are dangers that even the Church cannot guarantee safety from yet. Our mission here grows, yet never fast enough.”

“I am sorry, but I…” I trailed off after seeing her pouting face. “I guess you can walk me back.”

We walked in silence for the most part, with her humming a soothing song as we made it to the hill leading up to the Bohun Manor’s gates. It was not too far away from the shopping district, I noticed. Still, I kept my own prayers to Wisdom and Geer’Sha that she would not draw her blade upon me. I was out of Body Spiders! The perfectly spaced trees dotting along the old road still had enough light between them to see my way up the path. Sara stopped.

“There you go, little one,” she smiled, but giggled sheepishly. “You can make it up the hill, yeah? I’m embarrassed to say, but I’m not in that kind of shape. Hehe, so…”

“Thank you,” I refrained from groaning. So much for an escort! Sara bowed and waved to me as I began to trudge up the hill by myself. I suppose not all Church members are mean or a part of the assassination attempts, I glanced back as she was already walking back. She was not trying to kill me so I’ll take it! Well, that’s the Twin Sun Theory, isn’t it? Killers and Priests are kind of opposites, right? I used Metamorphosis to transform into a bird and flew back to my room. Well, if an assassin comes by my room, I now have a gun to test out on him! I transformed back into my original self the second I made it through the window, admiring how good I’m getting at using that Skill! So good, in fact, that I was a little worried that I was becoming more like an animal.

The next day, I awoke to a heavy knock on my door once again. Does that Half-Elf like torturing me? I stretched and yawned as I made my way over to the door past the maids who were in standby mode. Do you guys even know what knocking is? I thought at them as loud as I could, but the Body Spiders simply lowered their heads in fear. You guys at least know how to make me feel guilty, I’ll give you that! Now who dares wake me?

I swung the door open and did my best to glare at the stranger through my squinting eyes. Eh? Twig looked startled when he first saw me, but I yawned again and broke the awkward silence.

“What brings you here to my castle?” I asked him, though my voice was groggy.

“Right, Lady Charlotte,” he stammered as he pulled out a letter. From the Prince? Why doesn’t that guy just let go of me already? “It’s from Lady Olivette. She has graciously invited you to tea outside.”

“Graciously? What’s with you?” I grunted, but Twig turned away when I opened the door. “Wha–”

“Forgive me, Lady Charlotte,” he nearly turned pink. “I did not mean to see y-you like... It makes me feel like you’re…”

“Normal? I’m perfectly normal, I’ll have you know,” I snatched the letter from him. Twig chuckled, but covered his mouth. I sighed. “You can laugh. You don’t have to be so uptight around me when nobody’s here, you know.”

“That’s all I have for you,” Twig shut himself up quickly, before bowing slightly and taking off. “Gotta go, bye!”

I watched the boy dash down the hallway past two of my Messenger Spiders and wondered what that was all about. Was my skin on backwards like the maids? I guess the Humans do like their clothes. The letter started off as a smooth and ornate trinket, but I realized I crumpled and tore it up as I attempted to pry the seal off. Whoops, I stared at the paper. Thank Geer’Sha and Wisdom, it was mostly intact. I hoped they didn’t want this document back in one piece!

— Dear Lady Charlotte,

I, Kiara Olivette, and the rest of House Olivette offer you our sincere congratulations on your engagement with the Leonreim’s third son. As a long time tradition, we are having tea time in the garden with Lady Mos and Lady Alland. Come join us and let us speak about the Ball tonight held in your honor!

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

What the Human Realm is tea time? I had to know! Wisdom told me it was a beverage, but I didn’t care. I had to see this strange tradition, even if it sounded like a trap. I love traps! I was immediately sorted out by the maids and on my way to the garden. Through my Queen’s eyes, I noticed the three of them sitting at a table shaded from the sun. Those Human Lady nobles were bothering that waitress, so I intended on giving them a scare personally. I doubted their levels would even help me gain enough Skill Points to level Mage Link to S rank. When I used it after upgrading it to rank A, I could see the Mana’s runes swirling deep into the Forbidden Woods from where I stood. The world truly was made out of Mana, but it was disorienting to see that far after getting used to seeing shorter radiuses of runes. My Portals could also reach as far as that range, though it still required me to have memories of the place I wished to send a portal to. I marched past several guards and found the exit to the Bohun Manor’s Gardens. Tea Time awaited me! I opened the door and took a step towards the Noble Ladies. Immediately, my foot hit a magic barrier. It felt like my body collided with a window. A trap? I looked around. Something sparkled above me as the Ward magic began to fade.

— Warning: Hostile spell “Delayed Ward” triggered.

— Warning: Hostile spell “Spill” triggered.

— Warning: Hostile attack spell incoming from above.

What? I nearly sputtered. These red notification windows make it hard to see! A sizzling noise crackled above me, before a hot liquid doused me. It’s going to take a lot more than just heat to stop me, fools! I readied my webs, but before I could feathers stuck to me.

— Warning: Hostile spell “Ward Refresh” cast upon user Charlotte.

“Oh, you fell for it!” Someone laughed at me. Me? I sputtered and felt myself. The liquid covered my skin and was dissolving my dress. My health did not drop, was this a prank? “Look at her! Told you the letter would draw the beast out.”

I stood there and touched the flimsy barrier, noticing that the Noble ladies were standing around me. Lady Kiera, huh? What a wonderful prank! It was far better than the one Nana and Sydney did! She pointed and laughed at me, while Lady Mos joined in and tugged Lady Ally’s arm.

“You looked like you needed a makeover for the ball tonight, so we decided to help you!” Lady Mos jeered. “Honestly, you’re much more beautiful in this state! The Prince and that fat bastard will just adore you now!”

Well, I supposed I’ll never know what tea time is, I thought darkly to myself. My expression must have scared the ladies since their laughing ceased. I heard footsteps approaching from behind me, but I was still stuck inside this little Ward of theirs. What an odd weakness to have, I thought grimly. Should I use my Portal Skill and leave?

“Lady Charlotte!”

Twig?

“Lord Mhoire!” Lady Kiera shrieked. “P-Promise you’ll not share this prank with the Lord, right?”

“Yeah! It’s just a prank!” Lady Mos straightened her yellow dress out and hid behind Lady Ally. Of the trio, she looked guilty and seemed to not take pleasure in looking at the dreadful state I was in. “Eeee!”

“Get lost,” Twig glared at them, making them scatter. A notification told me the Ward was released. I caught a glimpse of Ally glancing nervously back at me. What was her problem? Hands grabbed my arms as I noticed a furious Twig inspecting me all over. “We must get you to a healer!”

“No, sir,” I told him. “It is quite difficult to see, but I must ask you for a favor. Guide me back to my room, please.”

“Sir? Just call me Twig,” he reverted back into his odd cool self when he spoke to Hannah. If there was ever an opportunity to take advantage of the moment, he knew how to press onwards upon it at least. “I will, Lady Charlotte.”

I hobbled along the halls, doing my best to not outpace Twig. For a gentleman must be repaid, even if I wasn’t actually hurt! Twig suddenly stopped as we heard voices coming from the meeting room. My Mage Link saw Billy’s Status through the propped open door. He was with another Lady? They were laughing together, and I saw the lady climb on top of the blob like Lady Kiara did with the Prince. Perhaps the purpose of that room was not for meetings at all, but rather for whatever that was. I shuddered. Humans contacting humans so intimately like that is gross! A hand suddenly grabbed mine as a coat outstretched itself in front of my view of the couple, making me nearly yelp.

“Come, Lady Charlotte,” Twig said heroically. “You don’t need to see any of that.”

“You got that right,” I muttered. We traveled past busy maids, leaving a trail of whatever burning liquid the Spell: Spill left upon me and mounds of feathers. Who knew Humans had it in them to utilize Spells to prank like the Demons did? That made me smile but the door to my castle awaited me! “Thank you, for helping me.”

“N-No worries, Lady Charlotte,” Twig squeaked. He was losing his cool! Get it back together, man! Perhaps his cool was a Skill? It’s duration must have worn out! “Will you be alright?”

“It’s Charlotte,” I bashfully said, glancing at him but something began to invade my nose. “Call me Charlotte.”

“I can’t in– Nevermind,” he clutched his hands. “C-Charlotte.”

Oh Geer’Sha, his hand was burning! The smell was his flesh melting! I instinctively took his hand before he could protest. The flakes of charred skin suggested that whatever Spill cast upon me was incredible! I want to learn that Spell! I watched the bubbles of my Light Mana manifest and envelop his hands. Twig eyed the Skill in wonder, then back at me as if I was incredible. It was just healing magic, sir! Even I couldn’t just leave a man with burning hands after he helped me! That would be rude!

— Skill: Healing Hands activated.

“... not necessary! Oh, wow,” Twig looked at his hands. “I’m better?”

“Better,” I confirmed. “Just repaying my debts to you. But if you tell anyone I possess the Light this way I can always reverse it.”

“I swear I won’t tell anyone!” Twig stuttered, but stood in awe as he stared at his palms. I snapped to seize his attention. “Wow…”

“And now you are indebted to me, Twig,” I grinned. Worry replaced his awe like the air cleared out the bubbles of light, but he straightened up and braced himself for whatever plan he anticipated me to have. He better be ready for bad news! “Be my partner.”

“Be your what?” He nearly spat.

“For the Ball, tonight,” I told him. “Since my so-called Fiance clearly has someone else as his partner, it’s only fair that I can get another partner myself.”

I leaned closer to him. He stood tall even though the burning liquid was getting closer to him, but there was something inside his eyes that lit up. It was like his prayers were being answered. What an adorable little pet, this one is! The leash is here and this Demon Queen shall not be single for her first Human Ball!

“V-Very well, Lady, er, Charlotte,” he sputtered and turned away quickly. Before he went to the stairs he turned back and waved. “I trust you. I’ll see you tonight, then.”

With that out of the way, I peeked into my room and noticed Nana picking up a smelly lump off the ground. I squinted at the object and almost closed the door in shock. Her arm fell off! Was this a bad time to enter? The Body Spider species repair their host’s flesh with Healing magic in order to appear healthy, but I guessed this one was in standby mode for so long that it couldn’t do it in time. As I waited, the healing process began as she knelt over and reattached her arm back on. Well, here enters the Queen and she has been pranked!

Both maids were busy fixing themselves, ignoring me. I didn’t blame them, taking care of one’s health was important to me! I wondered if I needed to get a new dress, since the one I had on was completely melted by now. I was immune to whatever the acid projectile was used on me, but my clothes certainly were not. A Spick and Span Spell later cleared that nasty liquid and shed the feathers off of me, but only the bag I had and my flesh survived. I did not have any other dress in this place. Your pranks shall not stop me, O Noble Ladies!

Blanche! I called out to her using my Queen’s Skill. The maids straightened up and began to clean outside, as if they were on guard for her arrival. The fuzzy butts were quite organized in that manner. A massive black sphere of darkness manifested in front of my bed instead of my shadow stirring and giving me the shivers like it usually did. Was this a portal? I looked at it closer, but suddenly a face emerged out of it.

— Friendly Skill: Darkness Portal activated. Incoming allied entity designated “Blanche.”

“Blanche!” I cried out. The Darkness Portal was so much more evil than my dinky Light Portal! Why must I be weaker than my servants? Gah!

“I have arrived, Your Majesty,” Blanche bowed, but she eyed me up and down. “I can assist you in your troubles.”

“T-That’s wonderful!” I kept from cringing at myself. I wanted a Darkness Portal! Blanche cocked her head, but stepped to the side and bowed.

“Come through the Portal, Your Majesty,” she said, though it sounded a little ominous to me. This was the atmosphere I liked the most, I grinned. “The Caretakers await you.”