Chapter 11: One of us
I wasn’t told it would be this big.
The Ceremony Hall was massive. Extremely high ceilings, flags of the Roen Group’s company logo and the Roen family crest draped on the walls, and the bright spotlights cast on the stage somehow managed to feel like natural sunlight. The place had the authority of a palace, the reverence of a cathedral, and the minimalistic vibe and tiered seating arrangement of a modern opera house.
I knew I shouldn’t have trusted Luc as I waited nervously backstage, my eyes fixed on the raised podium that was waiting for me to step on. To me, it felt like a sacrificial altar where I’d be both the minister and the sacrifice.
It all started an hour ago when Luc casually informed me that there would be ’a small internal event.’
"Wha... what event?"
The word ’small’ did not ease my alarm at the word ’event’.
I dreaded any type of event. Even as an audience member, it made me nervous. An occasion with purpose, meaning, and conventions - all those things were landmines that I had to navigate through, making me question and doubt myself endlessly regarding what would be appropriate and what would get me glared at like a stain that ruined a clean sheet.
"Nothing big, Miss. Now that you have been officially recognized as the heiress by the Council, it is time to make an appearance for your workers."
"Make an appearance...?"
"I’m sorry to mention this again - but everyone is still grieving from the loss of the Roen family members. You are the last remaining, and the only new hope and light for these people. You just need to be there and live up to their expectations. No pressure."
"Oh, God..."