Chapter 218
Prince Ivan wakes me up from my nap with a happy smile on his face and the bracelet I traded for the Relic Piece on his wrist. As a children’s toy, it apparently has an ownership charm on it, so it can be located if lost. The Council took it from him after I left, but the moment he thought of wanting it, the bracelet returned to his hand. At least, that’s his version of the story.
I’m informed that dinner will be in two hours, and a maid has been assigned to help me get dressed, with a theme of summer casual. He himself is wearing shorts and a Hawaiian shirt, so I somewhat believe him, though I’ll verify it with the maid first. After all their nonsense today, a practical joke played in the council night be exactly what the Crown Prince intends.
A pair of Succubus in what I’m assuming is supposed to be a maids outfit come in to help me get ready while I’m in the bath. Karl would definitely like that outfit, I should get a set before I go. They’ve brought along a selection of summer dresses, so I’m assuming that the Prince was telling the truth about dress code, and they get right to work braiding, twirling, curling and pinning my hair into an elaborate style fit for a royal gala.
We settle for a light blue Maxi dress and some matching blue Mary Janes. I have a very deep personal dislike for pointy toes and high heels, despite my lack of height, and these were the only other option they brought. They’re not bad looking though. One of the young nobles I recognize from the throne room comes in after knocking, dressed in Jeans, a Hawaiian shirt and a cowboy hat, looking like a Mexicali cowboy on vacation.
"That Prince better not be messing with me." he says, pointing at his outfit.
"While I’m sure he would, at least we’ll all match unless he’s changed since I saw him last." I laugh as the Succubus maids eyeball the chiseled hunk of a Demon in front of us.
"This place is dangerous, so he sent me to escort you to dinner. He will be arriving early to ensure the seating arrangements are suitable, High Priestess." the Demon explains.
"Well then, I shall prevail upon your hospitality. Please, call me Katrina." I smile and he blushes, making the Succubus girls coo at his innocence. These two could be a lot of fun to travel with, but I don’t think I could get away with bringing them with me.
"Duke Marianne at your service." He says and I try not to react to his odd name. Maybe it’s a family name? I’m not really up on Demonic making conventions.