He’s wording it like that? In this society, that’s basically saying he wants to go on a few dates!

  Artemisia stared at Simon blank-faced, so absorbed in her internal monologue that she forgot any semblance of a pleasant expression.

  That means he’s interested in me! Why? I haven’t done anything to particularly attract his attention… have I?

  Actually, now I think about it, he’s been showing some interest in me ever since we met in front of the palace. She flashed back to the numerous times she’d caught his gaze. I suppose I’ve also been watching him, but not like that! I’ve just been trying to see if he fits the mould of a male lead – which he does, admittedly. But it looks like Simon’s misconstrued that as something else, and is attempting to reciprocate.

  Artemisia adopted a thoughtful position.

  Should I just get it over with and clear the air now? That would make things less awkward in the long run? But then… I’d lose my in with him, and the Guild of Philosophers. Well, there’s probably another way to get invited into the guild – I am a von Lindt, after all. I could simply invite myself and there’s not much they could do about it.

  Oh, but then they might think I’m super rude, and I wouldn’t want to get off on the wrong foot. I don’t want to make a bad first impression and ruin my chances at getting to interact with some scientists. Aaagh, what do I do?

  Artemisia raised a hand to her temple. Across from her and entirely beyond her notice, Simon watched with an air of mild bemusement.

  “When would be the soonest date we could visit?” Artemisia asked.

  “Perhaps… this coming Ludasday?” Simon ventured. “A public lecture is taking place at five in the afternoon, but I could arrange for a private meeting earlier in the day if it would be better suited to you.”

  So soon! Fine, I’ll bite. “I would be most grateful if we went on Ludasday.”

  “Very well,” Simon replied, not smiling, exactly, but seeming pleased. “I will make some inquiries, and send you a formal invitation as soon as I am able.”

  ?

  Artemisia descended from the carriage looking like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. Despite being provided by the imperial family, it had been a lot less comfortable than the carriage she had travelled to Seraph in.

  It was still impeccably designed, as expected of such a carriage, but it seemed that all the craftsmanship had gone into its beauty and not its comfort.

  “Welcome back, my lady.” Mr Merriton opened the door as she walked up the front steps of the townhouse. “How was your stay at the palace?”

  “Illuminating,” Artemisia said, although she meant “Exhausting!”

  Stepping through the front door, she was immediately met with Elise. “My lady! Are you well? When we received notice you were staying overnight, it was also mentioned that you had taken ill.”

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “I’m alright, thank you,” Artemisia said with a sigh. “I simply felt a bit faint all of a sudden, and I fear everyone overreacted.”

  “Well, I’m glad it was nothing worse,” Elise said. “Would you like to retire for the rest of the day?”

  Oh lord, would I?! “Before I do, has anything happened whilst I was away?”

  Mr Merriton stepped forward. “A few individuals left their cards, but you need not do anything about those today. They were those who would not take offence at waiting an extra day.”

  So basically they’re not important enough than I need to worry about being polite. Artemisia undid the ribbon of her bonnet and took off her pelisse, before handing them over to Elise.

  “A letter from Illirial Academy arrived, which I believe to be from young master Hansel,” Mr Merriton added. “It has been left on your desk.”

  “Thank you. I’ll eat in my room, so don’t worry about having the dining room prepared.”

  “Yes, my lady. Rest well.”

  Artemisia smiled in response and headed to her room, Elise following.

  “Is that a new dress, my lady?” Elise asked.

  “It was a gift from Her Highness.” Artemisia ran her hands over the muslin, mostly white but tinted with green. “She said I could keep it. I think it’ll need to be tailored, however – the skirt is a little long.” And a tiny bit roomy in the chest.

  “I’ll have it seen to immediately.”

  “Ah, there’s no need to rush it. I’ll save this for an appropriate occasion.”

  “As you wish, my lady.”

  “Oh, can you stop being so formal,” Artemisia said with some exasperation. “I’ve had more than enough propriety over the last forty-eight hours.

  “I… very well, my— Lady Artemisia.”

  Artemisia groaned. “I suppose that’ll do.”

  “Was it difficult at the palace?” Elise ventured hesitantly. “You seem very tired.”

  “Oh, it wasn’t too bad! Just… a lot.” Artemisia launched into telling Elise a brief summary of the events that had passed at the palace, although she left out her somewhat embarrassing encounter with Simon von Loambarn in the prince’s art gallery.

  As she did so, the two of them reached her rooms, and Elise helped her into a more casual dress. The precious dress from the palace was spirited away to be adjusted.

  Artemisia grabbed Hansel’s letter from her desk and collapsed onto the settee in her parlour. Elise had thoughtfully arranged for tea and snacks to be brought up, and Artemisia munched on a biscuit as she read the letter.

  “Is he writing for any particular reason, my lady?”

  “Sort of… I told him in my last letter that I was off to Seraph, and to address any further letters to our townhouse. However, he seems to have taken that as me telling him to come visit. Hmmm… he’s suggested that he could come for this Violetday.”

  “I don’t believe you have any arrangements for this coming Violetday. Perhaps the two of you could attend temple together.”

  “Temple? I suppose.” I went a couple of times to see what it was like, but it didn’t grab me. No sudden encounters with gods who take interest in me because my soul isn’t from this world, or suspicious priests who have nefarious plans. It was just… a place of worship, really. Sure, the myths are interesting, but as long as I know enough not to commit any taboos, I’m not too bothered about the religion of this world.

  That is, unless any deities are listening in on me!

  Artemisia considered praying that night, in case anything from above (or indeed, below) was paying attention. Then she dismissed the idea with a rueful shake of her head. No, I don’t really fancy invoking any supernatural beings without knowing what I’m messing with. I’m sure if they’re important to the plot of this story, they’ll come up in time.

  She returned her focus to the letter. “I’ll write a reply to Hansel and tell him that this Violetday would be perfect. He’ll know Seraph much better than I do, I’m sure.” Oops, Elise is giving me that pitiful look she does whenever I bring up having ‘lost’ my memory. “You know, to refamiliarise myself! It might even jog some memories!”

  “That would be wonderful, my lady! I am sure the two of you will have a most wonderful time!”

  “Mmm… talking of memories… Elise, what exactly was my relationship with Martin der Moritz?”