"I wonder how I look like now?"
[Well, check if you're so curious,] Nero said with something that sounded strangely like pride.
I walked over to the full-length mirror beside Seraphina's enormous wardrobe—and I could understand why Nero felt so smug.
The woman staring back at me was... breathtaking. Pale, porcelain skin that seemed to glow in the morning light, bright golden hair cascading down her shoulders like molten sunlight, and eyes so sharp they could probably cut glass—emerald, bright and cold all at once.
"Wow," I whispered, tilting my head. "So this is me?"
[Technically, yes. Emotionally, I'd say you're still catching up.]
I touched my face carefully, half-expecting it to fade like an illusion. My fingers brushed against soft skin, then slid down to the elegant curve of my jaw. I looked... untouchable. Like someone who could ruin lives and look good doing it.
"She's gorgeous," I muttered, then added with a grin, "I mean—I'm gorgeous. Wow, that feels weird to say out loud."
[You can say it again if you like.]
"Tempting."
I twirled a strand of hair between my fingers, watching it shimmer. Everything about me screamed nobility and danger—an unfair combination, honestly. The kind of woman who'd walk into a ballroom and leave a trail of broken hearts and frightened courtiers behind.
"I look like I have expensive secrets," I said under my breath.
[You do, actually. Several.]
"What, really?"
[Confidential.]
I glared at the orb. "You can't just say that and not elaborate!"
[Oh, but I can. I'm mysterious like that.]
I rolled my eyes. "Nero, you're a glowing ball of light."
[An elegant glowing ball of light.]
"Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night."
Nero made a not-so-subtle humming noise before changing the topic.
[Anyway, you might want to get dressed. The Duke—your father—is expecting you for breakfast.]
"Wait, breakfast with my father? Isn't that supposed to be scary or formal or something?"
[He's... intimidating. You once threw your tea at him.]
I blinked. "Please tell me I didn't miss and hit a servant."
[You did. Twice.]
"Oh, perfect. Great start to my new life."
I turned back to the wardrobe and opened it—only to be greeted by an entire army of dresses. Silks, velvets, lace, embroidery—every color imaginable, all far too fancy for someone who used to live in oversized hoodies.
"Is there a 'casual' section in here? Something that says 'I'm rich but approachable'?"
[No. Everything says 'I'm rich and probably plotting your downfall.']
"Of course it does."
Still, I reached for a deep green gown that shimmered faintly under the light. It looked less frilly than the rest, with gold stitching at the sleeves. I had no idea how to put it on, but there were only two options—figure it out or walk into the hallway in my nightgown.
Nero hovered closer. [Do you require assistance?]
"Unless you know how to tie corsets, no."
[I can offer moral support.]
"Useless," I muttered, though I couldn't help smiling.
After what felt like a wrestling match with silk, I managed to lace the gown properly. It fit perfectly—too perfectly. I looked... regal. Dangerous. Like the kind of woman who could smile sweetly while ordering your execution.
"Okay," I said, taking a deep breath. "Step one: don't die again. Step two: try not to slap anyone before lunch."
[Reasonable goals.]
I turned toward the door, ready to face whatever noble chaos awaited me in this strange, beautiful life.
"Wait," I said, stopping just as my hand was on the door handle.
[What is it, Host?]
"You still haven't told me anything about Seraphina—just that she slapped a prince for a very good reason."
[That's true, sorry. That should have been the first thing I did.]
Nero actually sounded sorry this time.
[Well, that's because we have rules we're expected to follow.]
We? Who's we—and did he just read my mind?
[Yes, 'we.' The ones who govern this world and assign systems to unfortunate souls. And yes, I can hear your thoughts, because we're connected.]
"So we can talk internally?"
[Of course. Makes it easier for you to plan your nefarious deeds on how to usurp the empire.]
"Hahaha, gosh, you're so funny." I couldn't help myself—Nero was just too ridiculous.
"So there are, like, other people besides me?"
[Yup, correct you are. But they can never be in the same world.]
"Why?"
[To prevent wars and conflict] Nero said solemnly.
It sounded like it was a serious matter and I didn't want to know any more, it wasn't my business on how system giving works.