Am I dreaming? I know he’s one of the guests, but I didn’t expect him to make an appearance given his busy schedule. My favorite character from Remembering World, Celios Desroches, was standing in front of me and asking me to dance with him!

I took his hand in a heartbeat. Celios looked ethereal close to me. “I’m glad you made it, Your Royal Highness.”

The royal laughed handsomely. “Of course. I don’t want to feel bad for not appearing tonight. You’re Alasdair’s sister, after all.”

Oh. 

Wouldn’t it be fun to know more about Lilivienne’s role in everyone’s life? Or what they truly feel about her? Or how they perceive her? I want to know what she’s been like outside of being Alasdair’s little sister or as the Van der Horst heiress.

Get over it. Lilivienne is an NPC. Why would the developers pay attention to her story and relationships?

I danced with Celios while everyone watched. Dancing with Zathrian felt like dancing with the devil but it felt like heaven with him. His angelic features were the true definition of Prince Charming—unlike Zathrian—who possesses a devilishly handsome face and machiavellian charms. 

But why am I comparing them?

From my peripheral, I can see Zathrian watching us as he danced with someone else. I should be enjoying this moment with Celios, yet I have to check on him now and then. When will Susanna make contact with him? How I wish for the night to be over. My anxiety only gets worse as it goes deeper. 

“As much as I want to stay longer, I have to leave a little early to finish some paperwork but, happy birthday, Lady Lilivienne. I hope we can spend more time together after this.” Celios kissed my hand and bid farewell to everyone around us.

What did he mean by that? 

I was screaming internally as I watched him disappear from my sight. I knew my taste was immaculate when I picked Celios as my favorite. I truly love this game’s fanservice!

The next dance was with Alisdair. I took that opportunity to fulfill my promise to my mentor. “Hey, brother. What do you think of Miss de Lune?”

He arched his brow. “Pardon?”

“Isn’t she lovely tonight?”

He glanced at where she was for a couple of seconds, which was a surprise. “What are you trying to pull, Lili?” 

I see. She always has a special place in his heart. Alisdair isn't just the type to show how he feels. They will keep pining for each other if I don't push them enough.

“Aren’t you surprised to see your childhood sweetheart grow into such beauty?”

His forehead turned to a knot. “We were never childhood sweethearts.”

“Oh, but the way you looked at her just now tells me otherwise. Why don’t you approach her after we finish and ask how she’s doing? Her duty as a head librarian isn’t an easy job, you know. She rarely leaves her office every time I come there to visit.”

A faint blush appeared on his pale cheeks. “You’re right. It’s really been a while.”

Once Alisdair turned his back on me after our dance, I looked at Odette de Lune’s direction. Her eyes were twinkling as she mouthed me a ‘thank you’ with her palms pressed together.

I danced with the others for the rest of the night, with my relatives and some other sons of nobles I barely remember. I eventually returned to my little throne with my throbbing legs when I met Reed on the way carrying a serving tray. 

“Prince Zathrian entered the garden maze a while ago, my lady. Lady Susanna has also left the banquet.”

So it began. 

“Thank you, Reed.”

I told Elise that I’d be taking a walk in the garden maze and to not follow me. “If I’m not back within five minutes, please send the knights to find me.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

Ignoring my hurting legs, I went to the garden maze alone. I didn’t get to ask Reed how long it had been since Zathrian entered the labyrinth. What if I’m already too late?

I took my heels off once I reached the entrance and hid them by the bush. In the game, Susanna showed up when Zathrian was admiring the moonlight by the fountain at the heart of the maze. But here lies the problem, I’ve only entered the maze a few times in Remembering World—so still I ended up getting lost.

Please no. I should’ve watched him intently. I should’ve never been careless. If only I entered earlier than the two, I could make enough time to reach the heart, but I cannot just excuse myself back there.

Tears were about to fall from hopelessness when I heard murmuring voices on the other side from where I stood. My ears weren’t deceiving me, it was them!

“Seeing your glances back at the ball, I think I might have caught your eye. What does the lady want from me?” It was Zathrian’s voice. I hid behind a large pot and watched them have a conversation secretly. 

Susanna was clutching an object in her hand. “The prince is right. The way he carried himself at the banquet caught my attention, not only I—but it was evident in the eyes of every lady. Perhaps even the debutant herself—“

My ears twitched upon the mention of me.

“You think so?” There was a glint of interest in Zathrian’s voice.

“Who wouldn’t be? You were captivating, that’s why I’m here…”

He hissed a smirk. “To confess how you feel?”

Susanna’s cheeks blushed. “Y-Yes and… to prove my affection, I’d like to give you… this.” 

She showed him what was in her hands. A black jade necklace. Just like exactly in the game. 

“I want you to have this, Your Highness. I-It’ll suit you very well…” Her eyes reached her eyes which sent chills down my spine. Something was really wrong with Susanna Beckett.

I took that as a chance to reveal myself. “Is this yours, Lady Susanna?” Both of them looked in my direction, then at the shining object I was holding.

Zathrian didn’t seem surprised by my presence. He greeted me with a smile while Susanna looked like she’d seen a ghost. Her stunned expression changed to something hysterical. “Y-You… where did you get that?”

“Oh, this?” I pretended to check out the insignia. “I saw it on the way here. I think you dropped it. The initial says it belongs to—“

“N-No, but…” Susanna opened her fake locket only to find her insignia wasn’t there. “…it's supposed to be here.”

“A cultist, huh?” Zathrian interrupted—there was no hint of anger or surprise written on his face—just his typical smugness. Susanna looked at him with horror.

Her secret has been out.

She began heaving in panic.

“Your Highness, grab the necklace!” I commanded as planned. Susanna started running away with it. Zathrian was about to chase after her but I grabbed his arm. “The knights are on their way. Don’t worry about it. Let’s go.”

“Sure do.”

I had to make Susanna escape to avoid us from getting set up with that necklace. If she even thought about hiding it anywhere, I still have the upper hand since I have her true insignia. 

A scream was heard shortly followed by a series of male voices. We met some of the knights on the way out and they assisted us towards the exit. Susanna was already there surrounded by a few more knights. Alasdair was also present with the guests around the scene. The Becketts were there too, blocked from getting near her. 

As soon as Susanna saw the both of us, she screamed her lungs out. “Stay away from me!”

“She’s a member of the Forsaken Order.” I declared. Collective gasps were heard. I raised the insignia for everyone to see. “Isn’t this familiar to everyone? This is a forsaker’s insignia, with Lady Susanna’s initials engraved at the back.”

“She’s lying!!! Please, she’s lying!!! I’m not part of any cult!” Susanna kept on wailing to deny the accusations, veins were protruding and her face was red from too much fear and anger. 

“L-Lady Lilivienne, how dare you accuse my daughter like that?!” Her father defended.

“Count, your daughter attempted to trick Prince Zathrian into joining the Forsaken Order.”

“If Lady Lilivienne didn’t show up, perhaps Lady Susanna would’ve accomplished her plans.” Zathrian interrupted, his hands in his pockets. “My guard was down when she approached me, as I thought that someone as innocent-looking as her wouldn’t have bad intentions. But Lady Lilivienne came and saved me from evil. For that, I owe her my life.” 

The guests looked at me with admiration—some with confusion. Those words that came out of his mouth probably sounded so out of the ordinary for the dainty Van der Horst daughter. In this world, she was only known as the vulnerable, soft-spoken, elegant lady, trapped in her little bubble with her friends and tea parties. She was someone who seemed easy to manipulate, and yet it turned out she saved someone from a cult order.

“I guess she’s not just a damsel in distress…”

“The blood of heroes truly runs in the family.”

“But do you really think my daughter is the only individual in the entire kingdom with those initials?!” Count Beckett would not budge.

“Lilivienne, do you have any more proof?” Alasdair’s worried face turned to me.

“The necklace in her hands. Check it.”

Everyone looked back at Susanna. Alasdair knelt to grab the jewellery. The knights raised their swords, making her tremble in fear and give it to him willingly. 

Alasdair began examining the black jade of the necklace using divine magic. “There’s a hint of black magic in it.” 

The murmurs went on louder while Count Beckett turned silent. Ayana crossed her arms looking down at her sister with disgust.

“It’s faint but it’s there if you examine it carefully. I’m bringing this to the temple for further investigation and we’re taking the lady with us. The use of black magic is a punishable crime by law. Anyone caught practicing it is to be burned at the stake.” 

Susanna cried louder. “N-No! Please! I beg you! This is not right! Don’t kill me!”

“Susanna, dear, h-how could you do this… this is evil!”

“No, it’s not!” The Count was taken aback at the sudden yell of his daughter. “You people are in the wrong! The church of the Forsaken Order is the only way to salvation! Every one of you will regret this once our god comes back! He will punish all of you, descendants of demons!”

“Take her.” Count Beckett could not bear to watch what his child had come to. “That’s not my daughter anymore.”

The knights took off with Susanna. Alasdair patted my shoulder before departing. “Lilivienne, go get some rest.”

“I will. Thanks, brother.”

The host—who was still here apparently—had dismissed the guests. The crowd slowly dispersed, leaving only me and Zathrian. From afar, I saw my father already waiting for me. 

So… is it over now?

I turned to Zathrian with a grin. My mood has just gotten better. He looked at me with amusement. No hint of ridicule this time, but his eyes were gentle. “This is the first time the lady has smiled at me genuinely. Why is that?”

“I saved you!”

“Oh yes, you did.”

“Tell me, you already know she had bad intentions, do you?”

“And if I say I did, would you have a second thought?”

Father had waved. I waved back. It was time to go. Her poor daughter just had to experience a wild night right on her birthday. This will surely make it to the headlines of the Evermore Times as one of the most memorable debuts in society.

I turned back to the man in front of me. “No. If I have to save you over and over again, I will do it. Even if I hate you. Whatever the reason might be, as long as anyone needs my help—whether I like them or not—I’ll be there to give them a hand. After all, humans should stick together, you know?” 

“What if I only want you for myself?”

“What?” I was caught off guard. If he asked this earlier, I’d leave him on the spot. But this moment was different. There was something in his eyes. 

Melancholia, emptiness, longing…

This was about her, wasn’t it? Runathea.

So what does that have to do with me?

I tried searching for his eyes, just like what he likes to do when we're in the same vicinity but instead, he would look away, no more of that gentle look.

I see. He wants to use me as a distraction while he waits for his true love to come back.

I suddenly felt the urge to throw up.

“I want to see you more often… is what I’m trying to say—“

“Please don’t say that.”

Father waved again. We could feel the growing awkwardness in the atmosphere when it shouldn’t be.

“I think we should call it a night. Thank you for coming to my celebration. Have a wonderful evening, Your Highness.” I did a curtsy to dismiss myself and left him right there.

There was a lingering bitterness down my throat and a hollow feeling in my chest. At the end of the day, he stayed true to his character. Or rather, I think this version of Zathrian might be the worst.

I don’t remember having a fanservice this… awful in the game.

“It’s best to just stay away from him…” I told myself.

From this point onwards, I’m going to avoid him as much as I can. However, I’ll surely struggle once we start working on that railway project together. Should I just leave everything behind and start a new life somewhere else? 

But I don’t have any reason to do that anymore. Not when I successfully saved him from his fate of being Diabolos Apocalypsis. I escaped my upcoming death from the Cataclysm, the said Cataclysm would not happen that will lead to war. Therefore, everyone who was meant to die would live because I took action. 

So now, how am I supposed to tolerate his existence just until he leaves Evermore?