"Shall we begin, Sir Bertram?" I asked, holding the pen between my fingers.
Sir Bertram smiled warmly. "Yes, Lady Liora. But before you write, allow me to explain the rules of the proper letter writing."
He took a step closer to the desk and stood beside me like a gentle guide.
I nodded, eager to learn. The moment felt important—like the first real step I was taking in this new life.
"When writing a letter," he began, "your words must be polite and thoughtful." His hands clasped behind his back. "If it's an informal letter—to a friend or someone you know well—you may begin with their name and speak in a natural, relaxed manner."
I nodded attentively, soaking in every word.
"But when writing a formal letter," he continued, "especially one addressed to someone of high rank, such as His Majesty the Emperor, it must begin with their full name and full title. After that, you should introduce yourself—who you are, your status, and your reason for writing. Keep your tone respectful throughout. And at the end, always sign with your full name."
"I see," I said quietly, the corners of my lips lifting. "That makes sense."
He gave me an encouraging nod, and I picked up the pen with a soft smile.
After a moment, I paused and tilted my head.
"Sir Bertram… what is the Emperor's full title?"
His eyes widened slightly, suprised by the question.
"Ah… Lady Liora," he said, placing a hand over his chest, "you must address him as His Majesty Godric Thornehart, Voice of the Divine Pact. That is the imperial family's sacred title—it must never be omitted."
I nodded firmly. "Alright. I'll remember that."
With that, I leaned over the parchment and began to write carefully, each stroke of the quill slow and precise. When I was finished, I read the letter once more, just to be sure there were no mistakes. My heart beat a little faster as I reached the end—it felt like something important was beginning.
---
To His Majesty, Godric Thornehart, Voice of the Divine Pact.
I, Liora Dreadmoor, youngest daughter of His Grace, Duke Darius Dreadmoor of the West,
have recently regained consciousness and am currently in the process of recovery. Once I have healed completely, I humbly request a private audience with Your Majesty next week.
There is something important I wish to speak with Your Majesty about—something I believe only Your Majesty can understand. I place my trust in Your Majesty, and hope you will accept my request.
With loyalty and respect,
Liora Dreadmoor
Daughter of House Dreadmoor
---
I folded the letter neatly, placed it inside the envelope, and sealed it with wax.
"Sir Bertram," I said, holding it out to him, "here is the letter. Please send it to His Majesty."
He bowed deeply as he accepted it. "Yes, My Lady. I shall deliver it to the messenger immediately."
Before turning to leave, he asked, "Would you like a specific book for today, Lady Liora?"
I looked up, eyes thoughtful. "Yes. I'd like a book about swordsmanship and healing magic."
Sir Bertram's expression softened into a gentle smile.
"Then I shall bring you some of the best books we have. I'll return shortly."
And with that, he turned and quietly closed the door behind him.
A short while later, a knock echoed gently on my door.
"My Lady, I've brought your lunch," Nirelle's voice called sweetly from behind the door.
"Come in, Nirelle," I answered warmly.
She entered with a tray of warm food and a small stack of books in her arms.
"Sir Bertram asked me to deliver these to you, he said they're exactly what you asked for, My Lady," she said, placing them gently on the bed.
"Thank you. Just put them there—I'll read them after I eat."
Nirelle hesitated. "Do you need anything else besides the books?"
I shook my head with a smile. "No, that'll be all for now."
She curtsied and left the room.
After finishing my lunch, I walked to the window and opened it slightly. A breeze rolled in, carrying with it the scent of flowers from the distant gardens. I picked up one of the books Sir Bertram sent—its cover read Aura Swords and Healing Magicians—and settled near the light to read.
Time slipped away.
I didn't even notice the shift from afternoon to dusk until another gentle knock came at the door.
"My Lady, I've brought your dinner," Nirelle's voice said again. "May I come in?"
Dinner?
I blinked, momentarily dazed. Had it gotten that late already? I turned toward the window and saw the sky tinged with violet and gold. Night had almost fallen.
"Come in," I said, gently closing the book. I hadn't realized how dark the room had gotten.
She entered with the dinner tray and looked at me closely. "Lady Liora… are you feeling alright?"
I tilted my head. "Yes, I'm fine," I said, smiling softly. "Why do you ask?"
She looked a little hesitant. "Well... You didn't eat your afternoon snacks… nor did you call for me. I got worried. Should I call the physician?"
I let out a small laugh, light and a little sheepish. "No, there's no need for that. I was just lost in reading. I didn't even realize time had passed."
Nirelle blinked. For a moment, she looked surprised, as if my laughter caught her off guard.
Perhaps she wasn't used to hearing it.
She looked at the book in my hands, then let out a small sigh of relief. "Alright. But please don't forget to rest too."
After dinner, I walked slowly around the room, then climbed onto my bed. I placed the book beside the left pillow and leaned against the right. My fingers brushed over the pages, but I didn't open it again just yet.
That dream of the future—it may have been terrifying, but it opened my eyes. I understand this world far better now.
I stared at the ceiling, then whispered to myself,
"Just a bit of rest. Then I'll read more. I need to learn as much as I can… because I can't sleep early—not with those nightmares still haunting me."
I exhaled softly, sinking into the pillow, and murmured,
"Sigh… Liora… why were you like that?"
Then I closed my eyes.
And memory drifted in—not of this world, but of another.
Of a hospital room.
A pale curtain.
A mother's voice, soft and trembling, echoing faintly in the corners of my mind.
---