Cruel Star

Chapter 4 - Hidden Introductions

Today I woke up to a whole new world, which is one way to put me in the perfect mood.I sat up on my large new bed and smiled to myself; everything that happened yesterday was real. And I am here.

Now I have to get my head in the game.

I guess I woke up before the time my maids were supposed to arrive, seeing as I was the only one in the room. Honestly, if it were up to me, they'd be stationed in my room from dawn break.

Anyway, I should take a bath and go pick an outfit. As I've said before, first impressions matter.

I shrugged off my new crimson duvet and strolled into my new bathroom.
I didn't look at it much yesterday, but I wish I had looked at it sooner. The whole room was gold, like it was carved out of space itself, with a sparkling chandelier and a pristine white bath to match. I've actually never used a bath before, but I'm sure I can figure it out.

I stripped down, hung my clothes on a rack, and climbed into the bath. There was something weird sticking out from inside; I think it was called a tap? I'm not sure how to use it though.

I took an embarrassingly long time just staring at the tap, naked and cold, before I heard a knock on the door.

I didn't say anything in reply. I do not want anyone to see me like this.

It was silent for a while until I heard some murmuring outside the door, and I heard someone speak to me.

"Lady Bella? It's your maids. We apologize for being late; we hope you can forgive us."

So they were late. Good in one way; means they're hard on the maids here.

I still didn't say anything; I really didn't want anyone to see me like this. But I bet they'll have to come in after a while, to make sure I'm not dead or something.

I took a breath and said,

"It's completely fine, come in, I'm in the bathroom!"

Rebecca rushed in first and bowed low.

"Lady Bella, I'm terribly sorry. There was a bit of commotion with another child, and it hindered us. Please forgive us."

Lilly rushed in next and bowed so hard I thought her head might come off.

"L-lady Bella, p-please forgive us." I don't think I've heard her speak before.

Mary rushed in last; she looked like she was in a dizzy."Ye-yes L-lady- Ara- I mean Bella-, it's like Rebecca said, there was a problem with another Child. Please forgive us."

I wonder if the child was that mysterious one from Aetos that travelled behind me.

I gave the girls a warm smile.

"Really, don't worry about it. I understand."

"You're too kind, Lady Bella," Rebecca replied.

I really am.

"Well, um... girls, could you help me work this bathtub? I'm not sure how it... functions."

The girls looked at each other, and Mary even laughed.

"Oh, Lady Bella, I understand that you used to be a low-rank like us, so I understand how you don't know how this bath works," Mary lectured me.

Don't patronize me, you stupid maids.

"It's very easy to turn on really; you just have to hold it and turn it on with magic. I would demonstrate, but I don't have the magic capability for it. It's designed like this to make sure maids don't sneak a bath in their masters' quarters."