I rested my hand on my forehead, struggling to process everything Iris had just told me.
"The way you look tells me you don't believe a word I've said," Iris remarked, her voice tinged with concern.
"It's not that," I replied. "It's just... a lot to take in all at once."
"Fair enough," she said before I could ask the question that had been burning in my mind.
"So, how did you end up in a book, anyway?"
She shrugged, her tone almost playful. "I don't know. It looked nice, and I thought, 'Hmm, this would be a cozy place to fit myself into.'"
I rolled my eyes. "Right. You got sealed. My bad."
Iris walked to the window, pushing it open to stare at the golden sky. As she gazed at her hands, a troubled look crept across her face.
"Well, it seems I don't have much time left," she said, her tone growing agitated. "Sophia—or whatever name you're calling her—is rejecting me. I won't be conscious for much longer." Her hands trembled slightly. "We'll have to continue this discussion later."
"Just to satisfy my curiosity," I began cautiously, "by 'later,' when exactly do you mean?"
"Depends," she replied with a shrug. "I'm not sure when I'll return, but I know this body's host has a strong mind and will. The moment I feel any weakness, I'll take control again. But please, promise me you'll keep this conversation a secret. No one else needs to know."
"Yeah, I won't say a word," I said, offering her a reassuring smile.
Iris stepped closer, nodding in gratitude before closing her eyes. Her long white hair began to shrink and fade back to its original reddish hue. She gave me one last look, whispered a soft "goodbye," and then relinquished control of Sophia's body.
Sophia's legs buckled, and she fell forward. I caught her just in time, lowering her gently to the floor. Her face, so peaceful and innocent, made me wonder how she could ever live a normal life with a literal demon demi-god taking refuge inside her. Well, it couldn't be that bad, I thought to myself.
Moments later, Sophia's eyes fluttered open. She glanced around, and her gaze quickly landed on me. Realizing she was in my arms, she sprang away, her face flushed.
"L-Lord Viktor! Forgive me, but how did I get here?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"I found you unconscious on the floor in the library," I explained calmly. "I couldn't just leave you there, so I brought you to my room to rest."
"But you could have called for the other maids," she stammered, "or—"
"Is it wrong for me to show a little hospitality to my personal maid?" I interrupted, puzzled by her reaction.
"No, no, not at all, Lord Viktor!" she said hastily. "It's just... I didn't mean to imply anything. Forgive me for overstepping!" She bowed deeply.
"There's no need to apologize," I reassured her. "I was just doing what any good master should."
"Thank you, sir," she said, a small smile breaking through her flustered expression. "I'll take my leave now." And with that, she hurried out of the room.
I sighed, collapsing onto my bed. Closing my eyes, I let exhaustion take me.
The next morning, I was jolted awake by Sophia's voice calling me.
"Lord Viktor! Wake up! Lady Elizabeth is waiting for you!"
I sat up groggily, rubbing my eyes. Sophia stood beside my bed, wearing a peach-colored overcoat over her usual black maid uniform. The warm tones of the coat made her look particularly charming.
"Good morning, Sophia," I mumbled. "Wait... did you say Elizabeth is waiting?!"
"Yes, and she's not happy about it," Sophia replied with a straight face.
"Great," I muttered, scrambling to get ready.
Minutes later, I emerged outside to find Elizabeth standing by the grand carriage, her arms crossed and a sharp frown on her face.
"Apologies for keeping you waiting," I said sheepishly.
She huffed but nodded, clearly accepting my apology.
We climbed into the carriage, which set off toward Eldergrove, the capital city. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the cobblestone roads and the golden light of the morning sun made for a serene journey. Villagers waved as we passed, their daily routines in full swing.
Upon arriving at Eldergrove, the vibrant bustle of the capital greeted us. The streets were lined with colorful market stalls, the scent of freshly baked bread mingling with that of spices and flowers.
At the city gates, we unexpectedly ran into Alice and Emma. After exchanging hugs and pleasantries, Emma glanced at the time and gasped.
"We're already late!" she exclaimed. "We need to get to the Academy now!"
With Sophia trailing behind, we wove through the lively streets, laughter and chatter filling the air. The towering spires of the Academy soon came into view, their grandeur only adding to the sense of anticipation.
As we reached the entrance, one of Elizabeth's friends appeared, stepping gracefully into our path.
"Shall we?" they asked with a sly smile.
Elizabeth and I exchanged glances, then nodded in unison. The day had only just begun.