The next day, early morning.
[Weather (Cloudy-Clear)]
With a gentle and rhythmic knock at the door, the Hero slowly opened her emerald eyes and sat up from the soft bed, her ebony hair cascading down smoothly.
This was the guest room of the Count Mansion. Though merely a place for hosting guests, the lavish décor far exceeded any of the rooms she had ever stayed in before.
Her family villa where she lived with her parents, or her grandfather's old country house, simply couldn't compare to this expansive and grand estate.
The reason for this disparity was quite simple—the Count's family not only had a long history but also a certain connection with the Royal Family, and the Count Mansion itself was just too large.
Although her family held a respectable status in their rooted city, they were still nowhere near matching the legacy of such a noble line.
However, after staying for some time, the Hero had already grown accustomed to the overly spacious indoor area meant for one.
She took off her nightgown, went into the bathroom, washed her face briskly, and felt refreshed.
Though theoretically, she didn't need to clean herself now, as transforming into a fluid state could easily complete her purification, she nevertheless maintained the habit of grooming herself in her daily routine.
Dressed and composed, the Hero opened the door.
Outside, waiting for quite some time, was a gentleman with a refined temperance, mature and poised.
His demeanor remained composed; upon seeing the Hero step out, he showed no hint of impatience and instead wore a gentle smile, as if the wait was of no consequence.
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
"Good morning, Your Majesty," the gentleman greeted warmly.
"...Good morning, Gleaming Scale," the Hero nodded slightly in response.
The weather outside was splendidly clear, sunlight pouring in through the window; even the strands of the young girl's hair transformed into a sky-blue hue, like shards of the heavens as they shifted gently.
It had to be said, the hair dye presented by the Cruising Bishop was indeed of extraordinary quality, the effect lasting unredeemed for such a long time.
Yet, despite the fine weather, after meeting the gentleman's gaze, her mood stirred inexplicably.
Although the Gleaming Scale Serpent adorned with glasses barely resembled her father now, the faint sense of familiarity was undeniably peculiar.
9. Semi-Demon Transformation
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
The Hero, looking at the Gleaming Scale Serpent before her, now wearing ice-crafted glasses that almost completely obscured any trace of her father's likeness, couldn't help but let out a slight sigh.
"Can't you change that title?"
If it weren't for those glasses, she feared she might have dashed back into the room upon hearing herself addressed as "Queen."
"Your Majesty, even I have my principles, and the title of 'queen' is absolutely unshakable." The Gleaming Scale Serpent shook his head resolutely.
"Couldn't you at least restrain it when others are around?" The Hero placed her hands on her hips, staring disapprovingly at the stubborn serpent.
"...Naturally, Young Lady." This time, the Gleaming Scale Serpent did not refuse, and courteously bowed.
Then, like the most professional of servants or the most skilled housekeeper, he spoke with a breeze-carrying warmth in his voice.
"Young Lady, today is the day the Fourteenth Princess arrives. Although the conferment ceremony is still a few days away, you need to meet her first and become acquainted."
After all, calling the Hero "queen" in the presence of the Royal Family would surely bring unnecessary trouble, something the Gleaming Scale Serpent did not desire.
Having been through an intense study of human etiquette, with the powerful intelligence of Elemental Life, the Gleaming Scale Serpent could now think like a competent servant; becoming an excellent housekeeper was just a matter of time.
On hearing the Gleaming Scale Serpent's response and reminder, the Hero's face showed hints of tension.
"The Fourteenth Princess... is finally coming."
Though she had already reviewed the information about the Princess from the Count, the words on paper and the living person were, after all, quite different.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty, with your charm, even the human royalty could not resist." The Gleaming Scale Serpent stated with utter seriousness.
The Hero glared at him, not in the best of moods, "I'm not planning to compete with her."
Gradually growing accustomed to the human-like appearance of the Gleaming Scale Serpent, they conversed as they walked toward the dining room.
[Nightmare Preparation (Summon Level/2, 50+ Success, Higher than 65 for group, overly sunny -30)]
[Little Girl present—(30-just received a letter, 90+ returned)]
At the Count Mansion, yet unaware of the evil stirring in the shadows of the city, the Hero and the Gleaming Scale Serpent busied themselves with learning the various etiquettes required for the conferment ceremony.
Though the Gleaming Scale Serpent wasn't directly participating in the ceremony, since he presented himself as the Hero's attendant, etiquette education was naturally essential; he strove to familiarize himself with human lifestyles, progressively learning from the professional tutors at the Count Mansion on how to become an exemplary housekeeper.
As for the Hero, being the ceremony's main protagonist, what she needed to learn was far more extensive, and though she'd grown noticeably smarter, at times her gaze would drift into a blank stare, causing the Gleaming Scale Serpent and the Count to become quite alert.
During the hectic learning, the Hero also received a special gift—a letter from a friend.
"Sister Hero, long time no see! I'm now in the dormitory of the Royal Capital Magic Academy, writing this reply to Daddy and you."