Seiichi's eyes fluttered open, heavy with sleep. He sat up in the bed, finding it empty; Iris was nowhere to be found in the room.
His gaze drifted to the window, where the sun hung high in the sky, its light shining brighter than ever. He pushed back the covers and stood, but before he could take a step, a gentle knock sounded at the door.
"Master, I have come with your breakfast. May I enter?" Iris's voice was soft from the other side.
Seiichi was quiet for a moment. "You may enter," he said, sitting back down on the edge of the rumpled bed.
The door swung open slowly, and Iris entered, carrying a tray laden with food. She moved quietly across the room and carefully placed the tray beside him.
"Why did you bring the food to my room? I was about to go down," Seiichi asked, not moving from his spot.
Iris stood dutifully beside him, her gaze fixed on the floor. "The Queen ordered me to bring your meal here. She said you might be tired after being awake so late last night."
"If Mother said so, then I cannot complain," Seiichi replied, letting the matter drop. He looked at the generous portion of food. "Have you eaten?"
Iris's eyes widened slightly. "No, I have not. We maids eat only after everyone else has finished."
"I see. Then eat with me."
"But—" Iris began to protest.
"It is an order," Seiichi interjected, his gaze sharpening like a blade. "And I will not hear a refusal."
A chill ran down Iris's spine, raising the hairs on her arms. She fell silent, then slowly moved to sit on the very edge of the bed.
"Sit properly," he instructed.
After a moment's hesitation, Iris carefully settled onto the bed, sitting opposite him. Before eating, she raised her hands and began to pray softly.
Seiichi watched her, taking a bite of his own food. "What are you doing?" he asked while chewing.
"What do you mean, Master? I am praying to the Almighty Gods." She paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Now that I think of it, I have never seen you pray. It is important for us angels to pray, to prove our faith."
"I never felt like doing it. It's not as if I will die if I don't," Seiichi stated flatly, continuing his meal. "Also... I do not wish to discuss this further. It annoys me."
Iris said nothing more. The two finished their meal in silence. "Master, I will return this tray and then prepare your bath," she said, gathering the dishes before slipping out of the room.
---
Seiichi sat in the bathtub, the warm water lapping against his skin. It was hot, but not unpleasantly so. He closed his eyes, feeling his mind grow light and untethered.
After his bath, he dressed in the warm, soft clothes Iris had laid out for him. He emerged from the bathroom to find Iris waiting for him, perched on the edge of his bed.
As soon as she saw him, she rose. "Master, do you need anything?" she asked, offering a gentle, small smile.
"There is nothing important I need at the moment."
"I see." Iris approached him, holding a red towel. "Let me dry your hair," she said, and began to gently rub the moisture from his hair with the soft fabric.
A few moments later, she was done. "All finished," Iris announced, neatly folding the damp towel.
Suddenly, the door burst open. Both Seiichi and Iris turned to see Lumine standing there, a brilliant smile on her face.
"Hello, brother!" she chirped, dashing into the room and throwing her arms around him. "You're as cute as always!" Her voice was high, cheerful, and brimming with energy.
"Stop it. You're being annoying," Seiichi said, frustration evident in his tone.
"Come on, you're as flat and annoyed as always. I'm just trying to bring some life into this room," Lumine retorted, tightening her hug.
"My lady, I believe the Master is growing uncomfortable," Iris interjected, her voice gentle but with a newfound firmness.
"Don't be like that, Iris! I'm just trying to cheer up my grumpy brother," Lumine said, her face falling slightly as she released him.
"As my master's maid, it is my duty to ensure his comfort," Iris replied steadily.
"What are you doing here?" Seiichi asked, redirecting the conversation.
Lumine's cheerful expression instantly returned. "I came to cheer you up for the ceremony! I thought you might be nervous about the Vow Ceremony." She leaned in conspiratorially. "If you don't want to go, you can just tell me. I'll try to convince Mom."
"I am not nervous. Besides, I don't think Mother would agree with anything you say about this. She is the one looking forward to the ceremony the most," Seiichi explained, walking back to his bed and sitting down.
"Well, that's true," Lumine conceded.
Iris and Lumine moved to join him. Lumine plopped down beside Seiichi while Iris remained standing at his side.
"I hope you can at least get a B-rank in the ceremony. That way, you'll have a little power to control fate, even if it's just a little," Lumine said, gently pulling him into a softer, more sincere hug. "I believe you have very strong willpower."
The Vow Ceremony was a special rite that required immense willpower rather than magic. Those who achieved a B-rank or higher would gain a measure of control over fate itself; the higher the rank, the greater the control. Those who scored below a B-rank would receive nothing.
"You don't need to worry about that. Even if I don't get a B-rank, I will still become strong," Seiichi said, his voice quiet as he slowly placed a hand on her head.
"I can't believe how carefree you are. You and Mom are both so carefree," Lumine said with a small smile.
She pulled back, releasing him from the hug. "As your older sister, I wish only the best for you." She stood up. "I hope you get your B-rank, but I guess we'll find out in three days." She winked and then swept out of the room, closing the door behind her.
"Master," Iris began, her voice soft. "You do not need to be nervous. If you are, know that I will still be here for you, even when no one else is." A gentle, reassuring smile graced her lips.
"You don't need to say all that," Seiichi deflected. "Go and bring me some food."
Iris's eyes widened slightly. "But... we just had breakfast?"
"I wasn't able to eat properly," he said, laying back on the bed and draping an arm over his eyes.
"Of course. I will go and bring you something," Iris said, rising promptly. She opened the door and slipped out.
Alone in the quiet room, Seiichi lay still, a small, almost imperceptible smile gracing his lips.