NARRATOR
It was evening, and Iseul got surrounded by her maids.
"Should I put this Obsidian one?"
"That would make her look like a bride. We should put something simpler. She is still a child."
"Nooo…! I like this. They look like bimberries."
"Then remove those chains and only add this. It is about how noble you look, not extravagant. That is for royal banquets and political reasons", the governess chipped in.
All the maids stood abreast when they heard her voice from the corridor.
Then she picked up Iseul and ordered the servants to be on guard. It wasn't much of a concern, but why would maids be on guard, Iseul thought.
As they walked through the corridor, Iseul could see lines of light through the closed doors of the hall. She felt a pause when they reached the doors. There was clinking of glass, the smell of delicacies, and the low chattering of people.
"It is your birthday, my lady", said Governess Winter."Distinguished guests are waiting for you. Remember to greet everyone with a bright smile."
They were standing in the cold corridor, which led to the banquet hall. All the guests had already arrived. The governess gave Iseul a little tickle and walked forward, gesturing for the guards to open the door.
As soon as the door opened, the master of the ceremony announced, "Ruelle Delacroix, today's étoile and the little flamme of ########". How beautiful the banquet hall looked! However, Iseul was feeling a bit uncomfortable. Steady gazes pierced her soul. It was as if they were swallowing her.
All of a sudden, her heart started to ache, and she felt out of breath.
HAEJUN
The day I came here, I was already about 4 years old. They, as in the servants, said I fell out of the tree and hurt my head.
The language is familiar somehow. Nevermind. It's alright as long as I can understand them. I have no idea how this kid, Caesar, was, but I will make this life better.
This boy has dark blue hair and piercing golden eyes. So cute and handsome, but not as attractive as I was as a child.
Daeun said my name was Caesar, but why is my name Everard? I don't even have a middle name 'Cesare'. Then...?
The first day I landed here. Everyone was surprised to hear Cesare's name. I am not sure if this body belongs to Cesare. Did I change my name? Ugh! I keep comparing myself to Caesar! If this is not Caesar, then who am I?
JOONWOO
The first day I woke up here, I knew something was off. My hands were so small. I am not a fan of webtoons and web novels, but I should have read a few Iseul had suggested. After a good session of panic, depression, and anxiety for about two days, I found out that I am Edward Lloyd O'Maglite. I also have a… brother, Rayne. I don't know his full name, but he is scary.
I have green hair with green aqua eyes. My hair is long. Everyone in the family has long hair. My brother's is shorter, though. Surprisingly, I can read and understand this language. I found out that we are one of the strongest and most socially influential aristocratic families in this empire.( got em all from Iseul) The name of this empire is… ugh… yes! Cerion, the empire of the nations.
By the way, we are going to a birthday party. I am curious to see the birthday parties of this era. But I have to go with the whole family, which includes my intimidating brother. He did not do anything to me in particular, nor does he scowl. He is expressionless and gloomy all the time. Fingers crossed!
NARRATOR
"Hah! Hah! Jesus Christ", Iseul huffed. The guards had already surrounded her. They covered her with a white-bluish dome-like shield. White ripples continuously flowed over it. Her ears stopped ringing, and her breath became stable. She clenched Governess Winter's collar, and the governess returned her with a tight hug.
All the guests had felt this sudden surge of who-knows-what. Most of them remained calm. There were a few who were a bit shaken, and help arrived immediately. When Iseul looked to her side, she saw her father running towards her. Iseul did not know if it was she or her father who was in danger. He broke through the shield and took her from the Governess' arms.
"Forgive me, Rue. This father could not protect you", he said, his voice obviously shaking. Iseul could feel her father's forehead become veiny. Duke Delacroix hugged her in such a manner that Iseul's forehead touched her father's side by side. But she could only feel his veins, not the expression he had.
He walked up to Duke Hestings.
"I pray, not to bring our enmity out in the open. You are a guest this day. Let it stay close to our hearts and only be free when it is just the two of us."
That Duke Hastings sneered.
"Well, if you think that I am a man of low virtue and that I trouble you, lord, by cowardly choking your child with my presence, so be it. Have you lost all the little faith you had in me?"