"You know, I kind of feel like there is something more out there,

" a guy, a teenager to be precise, with a lanky appearance muttered out loud. His mop of black hair looked like it had not known a comb in its life.

"Uh-huh…

" The silver-haired woman responded absent-mindedly as both her busy hands continuously glided over two thick wads of papers that looked like a bound book. She was writing nonstop, and at the same time.

"Like, it shouldn't be possible that only us live in this vast nothingness,

" the teenager spoke again, seemingly out of his element. The dark rings under his eyes made his green eyes pop out even more.

"Mhmm…

"

"There are other universes out there aside from ours right? And we have never really explored everything!

" he continued, almost slurring his words now. Beside him was another teenage guy fast asleep over a log, snoring loudly.

"Right…

" her lips smacked.

"There are monsters and demons in our world. So I am sure that aliens exist too,

" he nodded to himself.

The silver-haired woman glanced at him but her hands never stopped what they were doing.

"Hmmm.

"

His thick eyebrows knitted as he brood.

"But maybe… Maybe we are the aliens?

"

"Probably…

" Another one chimes. It was a lady with short hair, wearing all black, and looked suspicious as hell.

"How cool is that?

" he mouthed.

The silver-haired woman stopped.

Oh, hello there. I didn't notice you sooner, I apologized. This man beside me kept rambling about aliens you see and I can't help but be distracted about it. Well, I tried anyway. But my job still nags me again and again.

Hmm? Why are you still here?

Oh, right! I am in the middle of recording things aka writing. Sorry about that.

Wait, are you asking if you are still in the right place? Don't worry, you'll get to see Nadia again soon.

Hmm, you know what, let's go there now.

Nn? Who am I?

Fufu, I'm Raeven. Nice to meet you! Oh, and see you soon!

----**

The breeze gently blew on my face and I could instantly feel the chill that went with it. A sign that the winter is fast approaching… or something like that. I don't have any other idea why it has gotten chilly lately aside from the upcoming cold season. Though, it should be the fall season first. The leaves have to die and flowers need to wilt before the snow comes raining down, you know.

Anyway, I was enjoying the view of the palace garden after a long time, so it seems. I had just joined the Empress for an afternoon tea where I explained why I missed our daily sessions. She's cool with it. My father apparently informed her that I was busying myself in the Arcane Tower beforehand so she already knows.

'Ah, I missed this view…'

Especially the man-made pond. I'm still keen on my desire to have a man-made pond built on the place I'll live someday.

Yeah, not specific because I know for sure that I will have to marry for politics soon. That's just how it is.

Though I believe that my father would let me marry for love. But let us face it, alright. That is close to impossible. Maybe there's a chance, like 30 percent or 40, who knows. Not me, obviously.

I don't know if I will ever fall in love. And I don't see myself ever falling for some guy out there. Maybe if he fits my ideals.

A handsome man with a killer smile that also has a killer face. Did I also say that he is handsome too?

Fufufufufu~

Oh? You're saying I am being shallow? I'm just being real here!

If I have to go find a man to be tied with for a lifetime, I should pick a handsome one!

Ah! But I am also a sucker for bad boys…

A handsome bad boy…

Kyaaaaaahhhhhhhh~

Ahem. So anyway… Now that I am here, I should make the most of my time. Let's go and visit Beatriz!

I haven't seen that woman after the Foundation Ball, I wonder how she's faring right now?

Bea currently lives in the palace as part of her training as the future crown princess. Which, I'm just giving my two cents, is taking forever.

Why does training for being a wife of someone have to last for a whole year or more?

Beatriz's circumstance is different, I know, because she will carry a crucial title in the future. So it is understandable if it would take that long but what about the others?

Yeah, yeah, Gwen also has an important title too, but I'm just saying that it sounds incredibly exhausting.

'Stupid, you are going to undergo training too someday…' whispered a part of my brain.

Yes, that's why it is such a pain! I don't even know if I enjoyed learning etiquette before. I just remembered that it was tiring and so troublesome.

As I arrived at the side of the palace where Bea resides, the maids immediately greeted me.

"Good Afternoon, Lady Nadia,

" the head maid, I assume.

"Good Afternoon. Is Bea busy?

" I inquired.

She then escorted me directly to the receiving room.

"Ah, let me inform the lady of your visit. Please wait for a moment,

" she said.

"Thank you.

"

The palace maid then went on her way to inform my friend while I sat here in the receiving room, patiently waiting just as she said. The other maids started attending to me too without anyone giving them orders.

My waiting didn't take that long because the door opened and there came after a minute or so. Bea with one other lady behind her, which I would assume that she's Bea's lady in waiting. She didn't enter though and had left us for privacy except for a few palace maids.

"Nadia,

" Bea called out to me.

I stood up to greet her with a wide grin on my face.

"Good Afternoon, Lady Beatriz.

"

Bea rolled her eyes at my antics and gestured for me to sit down.

"I haven't seen you for so long. How have you been?

" I asked as soon as both of us sat face to face with each other.

"I'm training…

" was her answer.

Duh.

"Yes, I know. I meant, how's it going on for you,

" I elaborated.

Bea blinked.

"Ohh… I am perfectly fine.

"

My eyes narrowed for a bit, studying her.

"Hmm…

"

So Bea is still Bea huh, though she is so much more poised now. Even the way she sits and the raise of her chin are different. She is growing more and more elegant day by day. Just like Gwen.

'Aww, they have grown so much...' I sniffed as I wipe my imaginary tears.

I feel like a proud mother upon seeing the good changes in my friends.

'What about you?' Chided my subconscious.

Whatever do you mean? I'm already perfect.

"How about you?

" It was now her turn to ask, throwing the same question at me.

I smiled at the maid who wordlessly poured me tea.

'Great, tea again…'

My eyes then focused back on Bea.

"I was just done visiting the Empress,

" I replied.

"You know, you should join us next time,

" I added.