Philian Apolesai

Celebration

Vesi sat at her desk in the quiet of her bedroom, fully absorbed in her notes on how a true ruler should behave. How one should walk, talk, carry themselves in any given situation. Soft candlelight cast a yellow glow over the pages. Her eyes traced the same paragraph for the third time, yet the words barely registered. Her mind kept slipping, drawn towards the uncertainties the evening would bring—what she should wear, how wide should she smile, how everyone might react. The sound of stone scrapping against stone broke her concentration. A maid, Third, had entered without waiting for the usual invitation she'd insisted on receiving when first arriving to 'assist' for the day.

"Lady Vesi, forgive me—I knocked twice but you did not answer."

She smiled slightly as she slipped the book back into her inventory. "Oh it's fine. Sorry for not responding, I was lost in thought."

Third seemed to make a face that didn't last long enough for Vesi to interpret it before quickly nodding, "Lady Shalltear has requested to see you."

Curiosity stirred and Vesi's mind raced. She remembered Ainz's meticulous rundown of Nazarick's important members—and her name had been high on that list—yet, she couldn't recall many of the finer details. Still, it hasn't been too hard feeling out everyone's personality so far and there was no point in locking herself away when she'd likely see her in a few short hours at the celebration.

"Well please, let her in," Vesi said, rising and smoothing out her dress. Brushing some flyaway hairs back into place. While Vesi made herself presentable, Third left the room and mere moments later a petite figure swathed in black lace and frilled silk bounded in. Long hair as pale as her skin swirled behind her; vibrant red eyes stared up at Vesi with that same unfounded admiration every gaze now seemed to hold. Shalltear's step was bouncy yet measured with the elegance of a noblewoman and the sheer enthusiasm of a child as she curtsied deeply.

"Lady Vesi, it's such a delight to finally see you again!" she declared, "I have prepared a gift to celebrate your return."

Before any response could be made, a tall woman with similar milky complexion stepped through the doorway with a long, thin, box in her arms. Simply decorated with pink paper and a frilly bow.

Vesi's eyes widened as she glanced at the box. "You didn't have to—" she began, genuine gratitude softening her tone.

"Oh, but I did." Shalltear cut in with a dazzling smile, the tips of her fangs peeking out. "The moment I heard of your return, I knew I had to make something. Please, allow me to share it with you."

There was no room for refusal. Not that Vesi wanted to refuse.

Her servant knelt down, bringing the box down to Shalltear's short reach. She carefully opened the wrapping and pulled off the lid, revealing a dress that immediately caught the light—a gown of ivory fabric trimmed in gold. The dress flowed from her arms in hundreds of soft, delicate layers that seemed to ripple with every movement. Vesi reached out, her fingers brushing against the fabric, marveling at its gentle softness and the careful craftsmanship.

"Wow, you really made this for me?" Vesi said quietly, "It's beautiful."

Shalltear preened under the attention, positively radiant with joy. "Of course! It was my pleasure, my honor!" She bounced lightly in place, the sheer force of her excitement barely contained. "Would you like to try it on? I've ensured it will fit perfectly." Her every word punctuated with a child-like glee that was impossible to deny.

"I'd love to."

Third emerged and gathered the dress with careful grasp. Vesi followed her behind the privacy screen and let Third help her take off Vesi's current outfit. The fact that no moment was truly private here was one she welcomed. Free from isolation in a way Vesi had quickly grown accustomed to. Her hands trailed over the fine fabric as it was fastened in the back. The dress felt impossibly soft against her fingertips, as if Shalltear had managed to twine water into cloth. It settled against her frame effortlessly, the lightweight material moving with her like a second skin.