I didn’t even have time to collect my thoughts before the royal physician arrived, coughing, in cloud of shimmering purple dust. Moments, and two more clouds of dust later, Tori, and my Maestro of Music had materialized. Teleportation magic! It was a high level art unique to the Storied Empire that had made an appearance in several key moments in the plot of Idol Princess I and II, and I was seeing it up close and personal. Magic was real! I felt was so happy I could cry.
Actually, those were definitely tears dripping down my face.
The room was filled with a stunned silence, as the recently apparated were paralyzed by the sight of a young maiden’s tears.
Tori was the first to act, tactfully presenting a fresh pressed kerchief. I dabbed the soft fabric beneath my eyes, blotting up the tears.
For the icy villainess to be caught with tears in her eyes, on my first day no less. It was disgraceful. I felt so lame, but there was no point shedding tears over spilled …tears. Ugh, even my internal monologue was sounding lame. I needed to take control of this situation. Regaining my best impassive façade, I stood and curtsied. “I’m afraid it has been a trying morning, and I have shown you something disgraceful, please accept my sincere apologies.”
At that the doddering old physician seemed to snap out of his daze. “No trouble, no trouble. But please sit back down. You should not be up and about if you are feeling unwell.”
Once I was seated in bed, the physician proceeded with his examination, both a physical examination, and some sort of magical diagnostic spell (One that hadn’t featured in any previous Idol Princess game. Hell yeah, new lore get!). The later of which left tingly goosebumps on my skin. Once these activities had ceased, he wore a relieved smile. “I am pleased to say, there appears to be nothing seriously wrong with you. Whatsoever it is that ails your throat should be dealt with a week’s bedrest and some soothing beverages. Although I imagine your maestro may wish to amend that slightly.” He said, gesturing to the lady behind him, who had hovered over his shoulder throughout the examination.
Aurelia’s memories of her Maestro, Lady Eleanora Song suggested a poised, collected, taskmistress of a lady, who was responsible for her musical education. However those characteristics were not on display today. To my eye, Lady Song appeared as tense as a drawn bow string.
She nodded at the physician’s acknowledgement. “Quite right, quite right.” She let out a sharp sigh. “You may go now Aeofred, I’ll prepare a vocal health regime for the
After the physician had gathered his tools and departed, she turned back to me. “Aurelia, dear, I’ll need you to sing if I’m to assess the damage.”
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An uncomfortably long silence followed.
“Ah-hem, Aurelia…”
Well that ruled out the timed dialogue selection hypothesis, and judging from the look in Lady Song’s eyes, and the growing crease in her forehead experimenting with other activation criteria wasn’t a good idea. She really shouldn’t worry like that though, it was bad for her skin.
So I did the only thing I could do. I sang.
Eleanora’s eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. Next her eyes narrowed, suspicion plainly written across her face. “Were you another student, I’d suspect you of japery.” Finger’s drummed on her arm, tapping out the pattern of her thoughts, then stilled, signalling a decision. She leaned in and whispered, in dulcet tones “I know not what you’re attempting here, or why, but I shall not interfere.” Then with, with a sniff Lady Song straightened once more. “Miss Victoria, please see to it that you prepare a soothing honey-citrus tea for your mistress twice a day, and that she completes the vocal exercises I assigned her.”
With that she turned and began to leave. Then paused in the doorway and nodded as if suddenly everything made sense. “Oh, and your mistress will be unable to attend to academy’s opening ceremony since she is on bedrest; see to it that she sends a letter with her apologies.” And with that, she strode out the doorway, the click-clack of heels following her down the hall. Tori and I were once again alone in my bedchambers.
I wouldn’t be able to attend the academy opening ceremony! The realization struck me like a thunderclap. I wanted to weep. The Academy had featured in several Idol Princess games, and the opening ceremony was always one of the coolest scenes. Each student was dressed up in special uniforms for the occasion and there was this incredible swearing in ceremony involving a griffin feather and the most perfect welcoming banquet, with cocktails and ball were students danced all evening. And I was going to miss ALL OF IT. Arghhh! Why did I have to follow dad’s stupid advice?
Hold on, if I was supposed to be attending the opening ceremony, then the start of the game’s story was soon. The game’s first event! Aurelia met the heroine for the first time at the opening ceremony and they’d sing a duet. My lovely game over duet (sob). But wait, this was perfect, wasn’t it? If I didn’t attend the opening ceremony the bullying event couldn’t happen, there would be no duet and I’d have crushed the first flag on my path to destruction. I was unintentionally brilliant.
It was a clear triumph.
But what a horrible cost. I’d have to miss my opportunity to see all the yummy, yummy fish in their academy formals. I’m not some creep, they’re all of age. The beautiful part about the Academy in Idol Princess is that to attend you must be 20. Totally safe appreciation. Just one of many reasons Idol Princess was superior to other otome games.
Not going was the right choice, and I knew it. But my heart. My poor heart didn’t want to accept it. I buried my face in my pillow and rolled around the bed, kicking my feet in frustration. It was so unfair.
Nobody had seen that right?
…
……
…
I peeked over my pillow. The room was empty, Tori was gone. Thank goodness. My dignity was safe. But my observation skills needed some work. When had she left? Thinking back, I recalled her indicating she’d fetch breakfast, since I was to be on bedrest. To which I had agreed and dismissed her. Autopilot Aurelia had stuck again.