10: Peaceful Outing - Part 1

Auriel sighed with contentment as she lay sprawled across her luxurious bed, her silver hair fanned out over the soft cushions. 

For the past two days, she'd experienced something she hadn't thought possible since her banishment—peace. 

No princesses barging into her room, no eccentric mages dragging her into death-defying dungeons, and no shy duchesses making unsettling comments. Just her and the cozy, dimly lit sanctuary of her temporary room in the temple.

In those two days, Auriel had discovered a treasure trove of entertainment in the human world—media. 

She had started watching dramas, movies, and even documentaries on a sleek device Lilith had given her to help her acclimate to human culture. 

At first, Auriel had viewed it as part of her duty to learn more about this world, but it didn't take long before she was hooked. 

The emotional rollercoasters, dramatic betrayals, and heartwarming moments of these stories were intoxicating. She had devoured an entire series about a warrior princess, barely sleeping as she consumed one episode after another.

By the time Lilith knocked on her door the next morning, Auriel was mid-binge, her eyes glued to the screen as a heroine dramatically confessed her love for her enemy. 

The knock startled her, and she reluctantly paused the episode.

"Come in," Auriel called, her voice tinged with annoyance at the interruption.

Lilith stepped inside, her serene expression unchanged despite the faint messiness of Auriel's room. 

Empty wrappers and tea cups littered the bedside table, and Auriel herself looked far too comfortable in a casual human-style outfit she had borrowed from the temple wardrobe.

Lilith raised an eyebrow. "I see you've been... adjusting well."

Auriel grinned sheepishly. "Cultural research. It's important to understand the local customs."

"Indeed," Lilith said dryly, her eyes flicking to the screen where the heroine was about to kiss her rival. "Unfortunately, Goddess, your research will have to wait. There's an important event scheduled for today."

Auriel groaned dramatically and flopped back onto the pillows. "Can't it wait? I'm in the middle of something crucial here."

Lilith chuckled softly. "I'm afraid not. The event cannot be postponed. You'll have time to resume your... research later."

Auriel pouted but ultimately relented, shutting off the device with a heavy sigh. "Fine. What's the event?"

Lilith didn't answer immediately. Instead, she stepped aside, revealing a young girl standing nervously in the hallway. 

The girl had a striking appearance: dark, gothic-style clothing, black lipstick, and a choker adorned with a tiny silver cross. Her dark hair was tied in two pigtails, and her sharp, smoky eyeliner gave her a rebellious edge.

"This is Carol," Lilith introduced. "She's a priestess-in-training and has been assigned to assist you today. Carol knows the temple and surrounding areas well, so she will act as your guide."

Auriel blinked, taking in the girl's appearance. "She's... a goth?"

Carol's face turned bright red. "I-I prefer the term 'alternative fashion enthusiast,'" she stammered, her voice soft but tinged with embarrassment.

Lilith smiled faintly. "Carol is more than capable despite her unconventional appearance. I trust you will work well together."

Auriel gave the girl a once-over, noting her timid demeanor. "Alright," she said with a shrug. "As long as she knows her way around."

Carol visibly relaxed, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Your Grace. I'll do my best."

Auriel waved her hand dismissively. "None of that 'Your Grace' stuff. Just call me Auriel."

Carol hesitated but nodded. "Understood... Auriel."

Lilith clasped her hands together. "Good. Carol will accompany you for the remainder of the day. Please allow her to lead you and follow her guidance."

Auriel raised an eyebrow. "You make it sound like I'm going on a battlefield."

"Considering how the candidates have been acting, it's not entirely inaccurate," Lilith quipped. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."

Lilith exited, leaving Auriel and Carol alone. For a moment, there was an awkward silence as the two assessed each other.

"So," Auriel began, breaking the tension. "Where are we going?"

Carol perked up slightly. "There's a ceremony being held in the central garden. It's a public event where the people will get a chance to see you. I'll guide you there and help manage the crowd."

Auriel groaned inwardly at the thought of another public appearance but nodded. "Alright. Let's get this over with."

Carol gave her a small, encouraging smile. "Don't worry. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."

As they walked through the temple corridors, Auriel couldn't help but notice Carol's shy but determined demeanor. She was quiet but attentive, answering Auriel's questions with surprising knowledge about the temple's history and the customs of the region.

"You seem to know a lot about this place," Auriel remarked.

Carol blushed. "I-I've studied here for years. It's my dream to become a full priestess someday."

Auriel gave her a sidelong glance. "And the goth aesthetic? Doesn't that clash with the whole priestess thing?"

Carol looked down, fidgeting with her choker. "It's... not traditional, I know. But I like it. It's part of who I am."

Auriel found herself smiling despite her earlier annoyance. "Fair enough. I respect that."

When they reached the central garden, Auriel was once again met with the overwhelming sight of a crowd. People had gathered from all corners, their faces filled with awe and reverence. 

The garden was decorated with vibrant flowers, and a raised platform stood at the center, clearly meant for Auriel.

Carol stepped in front of her. "Don't worry, Goddess Auriel. I'll be right here if you need anything."

Auriel nodded, steeling herself for the ordeal ahead. Another day, another test of patience.

______

Auriel stretched her arms above her head, the sunlight filtering through the temple's large, intricately carved windows. 

Today was a day she had been looking forward to—an opportunity to step out and explore the local town without the suffocating presence of royalty or scheming priestesses. 

With Carol as her guide, Auriel hoped the outing would be relaxing for once.

The walk to the town was surprisingly pleasant. The cobblestone streets were lined with quaint shops and colorful banners fluttering in the breeze. 

Carol, though quiet, provided a steady stream of information about the area, pointing out landmarks and sharing tidbits of history.

"And over there," Carol said, gesturing toward a building with a charmingly rustic façade, "is the best café in town. They're famous for their honey cakes."

Auriel's stomach grumbled at the mention of food. "Sounds perfect. Let's stop there."

The café was cozy and inviting, with soft lighting and the warm scent of baked goods wafting through the air. 

Auriel picked a corner table near a window, where she could watch the bustling street outside. 

Carol excused herself to place their order, returning moments later with two steaming cups of tea and a plate of golden honey cakes.

"This looks amazing," Auriel said, taking a sip of the tea. The rich, floral flavor was unlike anything she'd had before.

Carol nodded, sitting down across from her but looking distracted. After a moment, she stood up abruptly. "I, um, just remembered something I need to do," she said, her voice hurried. "Enjoy your tea, Auriel. I'll be back shortly."

Before Auriel could respond, Carol darted out of the café, leaving her alone at the table. Auriel stared after her, bemused.

"Well," she muttered to herself, "I guess I'm on my own."

Shrugging, she turned her attention back to her drink and the honey cakes. She couldn't deny that having a moment to herself was a relief. 

The constant pressure of being a "divine messenger" and managing the increasingly intense attention from the throne candidates had left her feeling drained. 

Sitting here, surrounded by the comforting hum of the café and the scent of fresh pastries, she felt almost normal for the first time since arriving in this world.

Auriel took a bite of a honey cake, and her eyes widened in delight. The cake was soft and sweet, the honey's flavor rich and nuanced. She closed her eyes, savoring the taste.

"Maybe this place isn't so bad after all," she murmured.

Her brief moment of peace was interrupted when she felt a presence nearby. Opening her eyes, she saw a young woman standing by her table. The stranger had a friendly smile, her dark hair tied in a loose braid.

"Excuse me," the woman said, her tone polite. "You're Auriel, aren't you? The divine messenger?"

Auriel hesitated, unsure whether to confirm. Eventually, she nodded. "That's me."

The woman's smile widened. "It's an honor to meet you. May I join you?"

Auriel gestured to the empty seat, wondering where this would lead. So much for a quiet drink.

______

"L-Let me go. I swear I did not have bad intentions toward the Goddess. I just wanted to get close to her."

The man cried out as Carol twisted his hand behind his back. She had caught this man trying to exceed her grasp.

"Tsk, I would have liked to play with you more, but unfortunately, I need to protect the goddess from other flies as well. So you will have to die here and now."