Chapter 4: Princess Training
Lucy calmly stored the shattered remains of the Talent Assessment Sphere into her spatial ring, leaving not a single trace behind. Before I could even process what had happened, she pulled out a new, identical sphere from storage and placed it on the pedestal as if nothing had ever happened.
"Let them think you're nothing special," she whispered with a smirk. "It's safer that way."
Then, as if the past few minutes of emotional whiplash hadn't occurred, she grabbed my wrist and pulled me along through the palace halls.
"Come," she said. "It's time for breakfast."
The corridors were as grand as ever—painted ceilings, golden pillars, sunlight streaming in through colored glass. Servants bowed as we passed, though many cast lingering stares at me. Their eyes often widened, some whispering behind cupped hands. I wasn't sure if it was because I was still in a maid's outfit... or because of my face.
Either way, I wanted to sink into the ground.
Eventually, we reached the grand dining hall—more of a banquet chamber, really. A table stretched long and wide like something out of a royal painting, lined with countless silver platters and dishes. Steam rose from roasted meats, sparkling fruit glistened under morning light, and rich sauces filled delicate bowls.
Lucy took her seat at the head of the table with quiet authority, and I stood behind her like a proper servant... until she casually yanked me into the seat beside her. I nearly tripped over the hem of the maid skirt.
To my surprise, another person was already seated near the far end of the table—a girl who bore a striking resemblance to Lucy.
She had raven-black hair that framed her pale, elegant face, and her piercing blue eyes glimmered with curiosity. Though different in coloring, the similarities between her and Lucy were clear in the shape of their lips, their poise, their air of nobility.
Lucy gave her a small nod. "Sophia."