Chapter 3: Other worlds?
The morning after the dream…
Weiss was sitting in the dining hall of her castle, picking at her pancakes with her fork. Not exactly puncturing it so she can bring it to her mouth, just enough to poke 3 holes in it. The maidservants watched the strange sight. It was not everyday the princess decides to just play with her food and not eat it. She seemed quite troubled about something, but they dare not ask, lest they face the potential wrath of the princess.
The white haired girl eyed her right arm, which was now wrapped in bandages. The maidservants were surprised and wondered what happened, but she assured them it was nothing too severe and it was not because some intruder entered her room. She bit her lip, wondering who that person in her dream was… and why is it that when she is injured in her dream… the injury crossed over in the real world.
She supposed that the person in her dream wasn't kidding that she would be getting a gift when she woke up. "What a gift… a painful one too…" She began to actually cut into her pancakes and actually eat it. It was slightly cold, the taste was borderline good, but at least it will get food in her system. She rather not work on an empty stomach.
To distract herself, she thought about the actual good parts of the dream. Her party… her dance with the mysterious blonde woman. Weiss blushed slightly, she didn't expect herself to dream about dancing with a girl… and in such vivid detail too. She was having a lot of fun in that dream, all things considered.
"She called herself Emerald… but I doubt that was her real name…" Weiss thought, but then she immediately shook her head. Why was she taking what that woman said seriously? It was just a dream her mind conjured up… besides the intruder of course. Saving that thought for later, she decided to finish up her breakfast.
"Any requests and or messages today that require my attention?" Weiss asked to her maidservants, not giving them a look their way.
"Hmm, only one today, and it is a request." Replied one of the maidservants.
"And…?"
"It is from a detective… he says he wants your testimony on something… peculiar…" The maidservant reluctantly spoke out. Weiss dropped her fork on her plate and rested her head on her hand, thinking. One detective did stick out in her mind and it was that handsome detective that came into her country 3 years ago. He is an odd one. Always doing things alone and always taking on cases that are quite mysterious.
"Hmm… must be Fille Beau that made that request." Weiss picked up her fork and started eating again. "Well, since he is the only request today… call him in at around… 10:00 AM. I should have enough time to fulfill his request before I start doing my work for today."
"As you wish, your highness."
If there is one thing people like about Weiss ever since she started ruling the country is that she doesn't do things you wouldn't normally expect a princess like her would do. Weiss will willingly listen to requests if she has time for them. Sure there are times where she is too busy and will leave it to others to deal with it, but for the most part, she will do the request simply because she loves her people… Of course there are limitations to what request she'll actually do. Things like personal life problems, sex life, and the like are forbidden and will be thrown away.
"He wants my testimony on… possibly a case he is working on… Hmm, what is that silly detective up to now?" Weiss mumbled to herself. She finished up her pancakes and let out a satisfied sigh. That should sustain her till dinner. She had too many things to work on today to even bother with lunch. She isn't a fan of lunch anyways. Breakfast and Dinner were her favorite meal times.
"That will do. You may clean up." The maidservants went to retrieve her now finished plate and clean up the table, along with cleaning up any crumbs Weiss may have unintentionally left on the floor. Weiss got up and stretched, noting the long day ahead of her.
"By the way, your highness,"
"Yeah? Out with it." Weiss summoned her sword to her side. Now that she had some food in her, it was time for her to do some training.
"Did you manage to finish that request about the Clock Tower?"
The princess tapped her chin in thought. That's right. She requested someone do it in her stead as she was very busy that day. Yuna Yume… that adventurer. Now that she thought of it, she hasn't heard a word from that woman ever since she met her at the Museum entrance. She was slightly concerned for that shy adventurer… but she has been in more scary and dangerous places than the clock tower. She is most likely fine… she hoped anyways.
"Well I was too busy to carry out that request, so I gave the request to an adventurer. I promised her a reward if she succeeded, but I haven't heard from her since." Weiss responded.
"I see. That is all, your highness, sorry to take up your time with that question."
Weiss waved it off and proceeded to head outside to the training grounds. If she doesn't hear from Yuna tomorrow, she'll go check things out herself, provided her schedule allows it.
…
"Goddammit…" A certain detective man grumbled as he slapped down some photos on his desk. The photos were of those mysterious creatures that have been popping up in Snowtramine lately. He even heard rumors that they have been popping elsewhere in the world. He has been gathering a lot of testimonies lately, but he barely got anywhere in finding out this mystery.
He sat down on his chair and interlaced his fingers, collecting his thoughts. Those creatures that have been sighted in Snowtramine were also in people's dreams. To note, the people that dreamt of them has never seen them before, so it being a coincidence is unfathomable.
"The Nightmares… where did they come from? Is it possible that they have manifested into the real world..?" Speaking of… there was that one testimony that he got from that girl he met at the river. He wasn't sure why a girl like her was bathing there, but he wasn't going to think too much into it. Probably ain't none of his business anyhow.
"A mysterious man wearing a Scream mask and apparently he said… 'Nightmare Purge'. Hmm…" Out of all the testimonies he gathered, hers was the most interesting one. There have been no reports of anyone hearing the man speak. Something about a Nightmare Purge. It really may be possible that he is the cause of all these monsters but he needs concrete evidence. It is not like he doubted the girl's story… as he knows when a lie is told, but he had to get more info.
"Mister Beau?" A knock came at his office door. Fille Beau quickly stored the photos away in his desk. He readjusted his sunglasses and pulled out a notepad and a pen.
"Come in."
The door opened to reveal a woman with long black hair that just barely reached her butt. She appeared to be wearing a red, very revealing red dress that left little to the imagination in regards to the chest area. A dress that went down to her feet. She appeared to be wearing sandals. A strange fashion choice to be sure, but what was more strange is that she appeared to be wearing an owl mask. Her nose and her eyes were hidden behind it. Fille Beau cleared his throat, suddenly feeling parched just looking at this woman.
"What can I do for you, miss?" Fille offered her a friendly smile. The woman sat down on the chair in front of him and simply stared at him through those owl eyes. The detective suddenly felt uncomfortable. It felt like she was staring into his soul… judging him.
"M-Miss?"
"Sorry. I was just merely taking in your appearance. You look more handsome in person. Those pictures online don't do you justice." The woman replied, backing off a bit, noticing his discomfort. Something told him that wasn't the whole truth, but he wasn't going to delve into it. "I don't actually have a case that requires investigating… more of a string of questions I'd like to ask."
"Ok. Go right ahead." He clicked his pen and began jotting down notes. He wondered where this might lead.
"I am a merely a traveler and have never been here before. What can you tell me about the ruler of this country?" The woman asked, putting her left leg over her right as she waited for an answer from him.
"Princess Weiss?" Fille looked outside his window at the castle in the distance. He thought briefly on whether or not the princess will accept his request of meeting with her before looking back to the woman. "Well… I haven't delved too much into the princess' affairs, but from living here and observing what she has done… I can say with confidence that she loves her people and her country a great deal."
"That so?" The woman remarked, intrigued. Fille nodded his head. She contemplated for a moment before leaning in and asking another question. "Well I won't ask what she has done to give that impression, but I will ask this; Did she at any point mention her dreams and or ambitions ever since she started ruling?"
Fille blinked. He did not expect a question like that. What was this woman after exactly? He crossed his arms and thought for a moment. "Yeah. One of her speeches I remember her saying something to that effect. A dream of hers was to become a strong person like her father… if not better. She wishes to make this country a peaceful place for her people. To live without fear. My opinion, she is doing a great job so far… My only worry is that… she may be overworking herself."
While he liked that Weiss is trying so hard to achieve her dream… he worries that she might just collapse one day in exhaustion. The woman in front of him seemed to be taking in his words, thinking. A moment or two later, she smiled. The woman got up from the chair and Fille raised an eyebrow in surprise. She was done already?
"That's all I wanted to know. Thank you." She took out her wallet and dropped 100 euros on the desk. Fille looked at the money briefly and then he gave it back to her, shaking his head. "I rather not take money that doesn't involve solving a case… all I did was answer questions… that involve the princess…" He trailed off, wondering what this woman was going to do with that information. A traveler wouldn't ask just about that.
"Well alright." She took the money back. The woman turned and walked towards the door. She paused and looked behind her. "Don't worry, I am not going to do anything to the princess… but just know that she might be capable of… dealing with that case you have going on…"
His eyes widened as the woman opened the door and went out. How… did she know that? There was nothing that indicated to the woman that he was working on a case at any point in their conversation. Was this woman a mind reader or something?
He felt his cell phone vibrate in his pocket. Fille recovered from his shock and pulled it out. Unknown number, but he answered it anyways. "Hello, this is Fille Beau speaking."
"Mr. Beau, I am a maidservant of the princess, Weiss Shinrai."
"Ah," Fille leaned back in his chair and placed his feet on his desk. "Is this what I think it is? Is she willing to see me today?"
"Why yes. She only had one request today and decided to meet with you at 10:00 AM. Is this acceptable?"
Fille quickly glanced at his watch. 9:02 AM. The castle isn't too far away. He can probably get there in 30 minutes by cab. "Yes, that is acceptable. I have nothing else planned for the day." He truly didn't. All he wanted was the princess' testimony and hopefully from there he would be getting somewhere with these 'Nightmares'.
"Be here no later than 10:00. Time is precious, after all." With that, the maidservant hung up. Fille shoved his phone back into his pocket. He pulled out the drawer with the photos and put it into his jacket just in case. He'll think about that mysterious woman another time. At the very least, she doesn't seem to have any ill intent.
"Well, I hope this brings me closer to the truth…" He muttered to himself as he grabbed his hat and put it on before heading out.
…
The princess sat at her throne, slightly bored. She is not a fan of just sitting around doing nothing. Yeah she was waiting for Fille to show up so they can get it over with, but even still. "What time is it?" She asked, letting a yawn escape her. The bodyguards on each side of her quickly looked at their watches.
"9:55, your highness." They both said in unison. Weiss simply sighed and drummed her fingers against the armrest of the throne impatiently.
"I am sorry for what I am about to do… but I am bored." She summoned her sword in her hand and simply trapped both of her bodyguards from the waist down in a block of ice.
"Your highness! C-Cold…" One of her bodyguards complained. The other just shivered, not saying anything.
"I said I am sorry. I'll… increase your wage next week in compensation… Just let me have some amount of entertainment." Weiss mumbled as she repeatedly froze and unfroze them, smiling somewhat from their reactions. Now, she'll never admit it, but this definitely pleases her more sadistic side.
"Your highness!"
That was the voice of one of her maidservants. She sighed, muttering out 'finally', before unfreezing her bodyguards and sending her sword away. "Bring him in."
The doors opened and the handsome detective walked in. Weiss took in his appearance, noting that he hasn't changed one bit since she last seen him. Once Fille came within a respectable distance from him and the Princess, he kneeled down on one knee and bowed respectfully.
"Your highness, thank you for making the time to listen to my silly request." Fille started, smiling up to the princess before him. "And I know you've probably heard this before, but you look as lovely as ever."
Weiss rolled her eyes, but a small smile graced her face nonetheless. "Yes, yes, yes, I know I am quite the sight. Not to be rude, but you can please get on with it, I have duties to attend to today."
Fille frowned. There it was. Confirmation that the princess is just overworking herself. If only there was something that will make the princess relax, even if for a little while. He then took notice that the princess' right arm was wrapped in bandages. Did something happen? He chose not to comment on it and went right to the point.
"Now, forgive me if this seems odd, even coming from me, but have you been having any strange dreams?" Fille gauged the princess' reactions to his questions. Weiss thought about this for a moment. She knows what he is talking about, but just had to be sure. Also, what does this have to do with a case he is working on?
"What kind of strange dreams? You are going to have to be specific. Every human being has strange dreams every so often."
"Dreams that involve… strange monsters. Monsters that you have never seen before?" Fille responded. He noticed the princess' eyes widened at the question before she quickly recovered.
"Why yes. I did have a dream about some strange wolves just last night. Covered in tar and had these strange… swirly eyes. Never in my life had I seen them." Weiss wondered where this was going. If this had to do with a case he is working on, does it have something to do with these monsters then? And if so, why? Is there monsters like those roaming about somewhere?
Actually, now that she thought about it… she had been hearing talk of the monster population rising in the southern area of her country. Is that what Fille is talking about?
"I see." Fille got out his notebook and pen. "Can you please describe what happened in your dream to me the best you can. This is important."
"Well…" Weiss started, tapping her chin as she recalled the dream. "I was holding a party for my people in it. I danced with a blonde girl wearing a mask… for some reason. All was going well and I was having fun until those monsters showed up."
'This sounds familiar… by blonde girl… she must mean…' Fille jotted this down in his notes. "What happened afterwards?"
"Well… I tried to fight them, but no matter what I did, I couldn't harm them. It was like they were immune to my attacks." Weiss crossed her arms in thought. "After that… a strange man in a scream mask attacked my dance partner…"
That confirmed Fille's suspicions. He now had concrete info. There is just no way this was a coincidence. "You had the same dream as someone I had just questioned earlier today."
"I… I did?" Weiss asked, confused.
"Yes. It was from that girl you danced with in your dream. She stated that she danced with a girl in this castle and saw the same things that you did. Although, she stated that she was knocked out in the dream and doesn't remember anything after that."
Weiss took this info in. What did this mean? She shared the same dream as that girl? Before thinking on this further, she decided to answer the question that the detective will ask next. "Well, there is not much to add after she got knocked out as I was pretty much on the brink of being knocked out myself. I don't remember word for word of what he said to me, but it went somewhere along these lines… Princess Weiss of Snowtramine, your country and the entire world will know the Nightmare Purge." Weiss looked at her right arm and gripped it tightly. "And he said he will give me a gift as a reminder. One of the wolves bit me in the right arm… And as soon as I woke up… the bite marks somehow made it over into the real world."
The bodyguards looked at her, shocked. "Your highness! You told us it was just an accident!"
"I didn't want people to worry! Also who would believe me?! 'Hey, uh, I got these bite marks because my dream self got bitten too. Whoa, crazy dude!'" Weiss said overdramatically in her best surfer dude voice.
"Thank you… this is some valuable info…" Fille now had something to work off of.
"Your welcome? I fail to understand why you are asking me these questions. What are you working on?" Weiss leaned forward to bit, wanting to know more. "Think you can share with me? Only fair."
Fille nodded. It was indeed only fair. Not like he was going to withhold that information from her… especially since she is a princess.
The detective shared with the princess on everything he has gathered so far and what he saw, even showing her the pictures he took. Weiss took all of this in. She considered her options as she now knows that this is not something she should ignore. Her country is in danger for heaven's sake. Her role as a princess is to keep it safe after all.
"I'll have to do something about this. Thanks for bringing this to my attention…" Weiss got up from her throne as if to go do it right now.
"But, your highness…" Fille started, "I don't think you can fight them if what you told me was true… and besides… they haven't attacked anyone… at least not yet."
"That's the thing, detective, the fact that they haven't yet gives me all the more reason to stop them before they do. I'll… I'll have to come up with something with my military base." Weiss sighed and looked at her bandaged arm once more. "Not only that… If that man is truly out there summoning these monsters and appearing in people's dreams just to harm them… I have to take him down myself… Hurt my people and it becomes personal…"
"You can't just go out there and fight them without learning more about the enemy, we don't know what they are capable of!" Fille tried reasoning with the princess. "And not only that… you must be tired. You should relax. I truly do fear that one day you'll just collapse and get sick."
"Why do you care so much? A princess has to do what she has to do." Weiss placed her hands on her hips, glaring at the detective. "Yes it is very tiring to do the things I do on a daily basis… But you just don't understand… a princess' work is never done. There is always something to do. If I can't do it, then I am not fit to be a princess."
"But that doesn't mean you have to do it alone." Fille sighed. "At the very least, let me help you. I will look into this matter and will relay any info I find to you…"
"Wait what? Don't you make it a point that you always work alone. Why work with me on this matter?" Weiss was honestly curious. She didn't expect to hear that from him of all people.
"True, but just this once, I would like to help you out in this manner, just to make you less stressed so you can focus on your other work. Please, your highness." Fille bowed, hoping that he convinced the princess to back down. Weiss looked conflicted and bit her lip, thinking.
"With all due respect, your highness, I agree with this detective. You have been overworking yourself. We worry about you sometimes and you haven't had a decent break in weeks." The bodyguard to her left said. The white haired princess sighed and threw her hands up in exasperation.
"Fine. I yield. And I guess I do need a break…" Weiss crossed her arms, thinking. 15 seconds later, she thought of something. "Well I guess I can hold a party for my people this saturday just like what happened in my dream… before the mysterious person showed up. I'll take a rest then and enjoy myself… good?"
Fille stayed silent for a moment. He feared that reenacting a dream would tempt the mysterious person to come over and attempt to do harm to her, but if he doesn't show up, then the princess will get some amount of reprieve to recover from her work. Guess that is a risk that must be taken. "No objections from me. I will do my part, don't you worry." He reassured her.
"Good. Now if you don't have any more business with me, you are dismissed. Good day to you, sir detective."
Fille did one last bow before heading out of the throne room. Weiss slumped back into her throne chair and sighed. "More work to do… ah well… perhaps it will be worth it in the end with this party…"
3 hours later…
The live broadcast has been set up and curious people have gathered around the outside of the castle, wondering what the princess is about to talk about. Weiss was behind the podium, waiting for the signal to start. She looked at the amount of people before her and her heart swelled with love that she has for them. A smile graced her face. They will be ecstatic to hear what she has to say, she is sure of it.
The bodyguard to her left whispered in her ear, "Ok they are ready, please begin." Weiss nodded and gripped the podium.
"Greetings, my lovely people of Snowtramine! As your princess, I have grown concerned about the low spirits everybody is in thanks to the rise in the monster population." Weiss paused, taking in the reactions of the people before her. She sees some of them nod, some of them expectant, and of course some of them being shocked as if this was their first time hearing about this.
"Fear not though, those monsters will be taken care of in due time. To keep your mind off of them even if just for a little while…" Weiss placed a hand to her chest before continuing, "I decided that I will hold a big ball for you all! Yes, all of you! You all are welcome to enjoy yourselves at my greatest ball yet this Saturday!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd gathered there. There was even some chants of her name in gratitude of her announcement. She smiled, this is definitely one of her favorite moments of being a princess. She being loved by her people as she did them.
"The ball will be held at 7:00 PM. We will have lots of food, music of course, and perhaps some fun little games for all of you to do. I of course will be joining in you in these festivities. And who knows, perhaps I'll dance with a few… lucky individuals." She winked. She received some laughs and a few cat calls here and there. Weiss giggled before continuing on.
"I hope all of you will find time to attend. One more thing… While I am not my father and I still have quite some ways to go before I accomplish as much as he did…" She took a deep breath before giving them a heartfelt smile, "I, from the bottom of my heart, love you all. Your happiness… brings me happiness… and I will do anything to protect that happiness. All of you have given me your support and it is only natural that I return the favor and help you all the best I can. That is what a princess like me should do… Thank you…"
Applause and flashes from cameras broke out. Weiss waved to them all before turning around to head back inside the castle.
Zap
Weiss stopped in place… shocked… before clutching her head in pain. Sweat broke out and she started breathing heavily. Loud gasps erupted from the crowd as her bodyguards rushed up to her, concerned.
"Your highness, are you alright?"
The princess didn't answer and collapsed onto the floor, screaming in pain. Vision was blurring… consciousness fading… What was this headache all of a sudden… why was it so painful?
"Get a doctor here!"
That was the last thing Weiss heard before she blacked out...
…
Weiss found herself lying in a bed of flowers. She got up, shaking her head. Looking around, she realized she was… in the clouds…? There doesn't appear to be any wind either. She must be dreaming. That is the only explanation. She passed out after her announcement of a party and here she was dreaming about… something that involved clouds. Well maybe not the only explanation… this could be heaven. And if that was the case, she is not sure whether to be angry about being dead or happy that she may be welcomed into heaven.
"Well before I get ahead of myself… I should explore some more…" Weiss wondered where she should start. She walked forward for about 5 minutes or so before she sees a golden counter and a locked golden gate behind it. Definitely starting to look like heaven. She quickened her pace and made it to the counter. There didn't seem to be anyone around. If this was heaven, there probably should be an angel at the counter at all times.
"Hello? Anybody here?" Her voice seemed to echo in… whatever this place is. "If there is somebody, please come out and tell me where I am." She waited around for a minute. There didn't appear to be a response of any kind. Weiss looked through the golden gate ahead and didn't see anything behind it… just more clouds.
"Maybe this isn't heaven…" Weiss touched the golden counter, wondering if doing something with this counter will make something happen…
"DON'T TOUCH!"
Weiss almost yelped from the sudden outburst and backed off. A man popped out of the cloud behind the counter. He looked to be a man in his early 30's, a blonde buzz cut, sky blue eyes, a scar on his left cheek, wearing a white business suit with a black neck tie, and wearing white gloves.
"I heard you and was making my way here, goddammit. No need to couch the counter." He growled and got out a wet cloth and rubbed at the place where she touched.
"S-Sorry?" Weiss now believed this wasn't heaven. He didn't appear to have angel wings and she was pretty sure she heard him say the lord's name in vain. She let out a sigh of relief she didn't realize she was holding. This must be another vivid dream then.
"Now that you know not to touch my counter… Just who are you?" The man demanded. "I haven't had a visitor here in a near century. So to have somebody here after so long is suspicious."
Weiss cocked an eyebrow at that. It's been nearly a century since anybody was here? Just who is this man and what is this place? Well first things first, introductions are in order. Only polite. "I am Princess Weiss. Weiss Shinrai is my full name."
"What do I care if you are a princess?" The man grumbled, looking her over. "How did you get here is what I want to know next."
Well this man was rude. Weiss held back her tongue on laying it into this man. "Well, I had a bad headache, passed out, and then somehow I wound up here in this… dream I guess."
"You are saying you managed to dream yourself here? I find that hard to believe. Only a select few can make their way here that way." The man summoned a book in his hands and started flipping through it. "You said your name was Weiss Shinrai, right?"
"...Did I stutter?"
"Fuck you too then." The blonde grumbled and continued flipping through the book. "Let's see… Sariel… Schnee… Senti… Ah here we are… Weiss Shinrai…" He pressed his finger to the name in the book and began to read.
"Daughter of the late Garland Shinrai and Lily Shinrai. A princess of Snowtramine… Well looks like you were telling the truth in that regard…"
"Like hell I was lying about that…"
"Shut up. Trying to read." The man continued to read to himself about Weiss. A minute or two later... his eyes widened in shock at what he read. Weiss wondered what made him react that way as he cleared his throat and quickly shut the book.
"I see now… Well, I still don't like you, but now that I know exactly who you are and how you came here… I can give you a proper explanation." The blonde man sighed and ignored the glare from Weiss. "My name is Harold Tachibachi. I am in charge of making sure the Dreamscape stays in order and prevent anybody unworthy from entering and causing a ruckus."
Weiss was intrigued at that information. "Dreamscape? So… this is a place where all dreams come to be?"
"Let me finish…" Harold sighed, "But you are not half wrong in that assumption." He turned his back to her and placed his hands behind his back before he continued his explanation. "Behind this gate lies the Dreamscape. A place where the dreams of all worlds go. Each world has… let's say a room where their dreams stay, 'live', and prosper. Each of those individual rooms has a gate to prevent outsiders and dreams from other worlds to intermingle with them."
"Other worlds?"
Harold turned back to face her, grinning. "What, did you think you lived in the only world in the entire damn universe? Of course there are other worlds. Countless worlds. Well that's not true, I know the exact number since I run the place… but like hell I'll tell you how many."
Weiss did not know what to think of all of this. It is just… mind boggling. Dreamscape… she did not know such a place even existed. However, there was one thing bothering her. He said only a select few can possibly dream themselves here, outside of the Dreamscape. So what made her special?
"So then… why did I manage to come here?" Weiss voiced her question to Harold. "If I were any other human being, I would be dreaming in my world's Dreamscape room, correct?"
"Yes. You would be locked into that room with the other dreamers of that world." Harold walked around the counter towards her. "And yet you made your way here unintentionally… And from what I read from my book about you… you are someone… very special."
"And how am I special? I am just a princess… that has yet to meet my father's expectations…" Weiss mumbled the last part quietly to herself. Harold placed a hand on his chin, looking over Weiss once more.
"Indeed, I see nothing special about you fruitcake…" Harold chuckled as he dodged the punch Weiss sent his way in retaliation. "What makes you special…? Well I'll tell you… later."
The princess grabbed him by the collar. "What?! Why not now?! Why do I need to wait?!" Harold grinned and shoved Weiss off of him easily. He readjusted his suit before walking back behind the counter.
"Because you don't have a specific weapon yet. Once you get that weapon, return here with it and I will share with you all the info you need about this place and about yourself…" He summoned up a lever beside him. "Until then…"
"No wait!"
Too late, he pulled the lever and the cloud from underneath her gave away. Weiss screamed as she plunged downward into a seemingly endless abyss. Harold smiled as he watched the princess fall. "Back to the real world you go. We will meet again…"
…
Weiss woke up with a gasp, feeling as if she crash landed somewhere. She whipped her head from side to side, taking in her surroundings. She was back in her bedroom chambers. The maidservants must have carried her here after she passed out from her headache. The princess sighed and laid back down, an arm draped over her eyes. That dream… what was it about? She feels like she should remember it. Why can't she? She… She was… in the clouds… Doing… what?
"Gah! Dreams are stupid!" She flew the blankets off of her in exasperation and got up. She noted she was still in her royal attire before heading off to her bathroom. She went to her sink and splashed some cold water on her face to refresh herself. There is no time to being resting, she has a country to run and a party to plan this saturday.
She heard a knock at her bedroom door. "Your highness, are you alright in there?" It was one of her bodyguards. Weiss wiped her face before answering. "I am quite alright. Don't worry. This headache was a minor setback and I am ready to continue my duties."
"Are you sure, your highness? You don't need more rest?"
"I'll rest when it is nighttime. Does it look like it is nighttime? No! So until then, I must continue to work hard… it is a Princess' duties to make sure their people… are happy." Weiss felt a little out of breath but she ignored it. She'll have some time to relax during the party perhaps where she can enjoy herself, even for a little while.
"I understand, forgive me for being foolish, I was only looking out for your well being."
"Don't even mention it…" Weiss quickly made herself look presentable before heading out of the bathroom to continue on her day. "I just hope that one day… I'll make him happy…"
