Night 8: The Sin of Pomp and Circumstance

　　And God said, There are many women of talent and virtue, but thou art above all.

　　Gorgeousness is false. Beauty is vain. But a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.

　　***

　　A simple cave, dimly lit.

　　Along with Debbie, she made her way through the narrow aisle to a place that was extremely wet. Evina sighed and sat quietly on the edge of the rocky mass, her entire being exhausted.

　　There was a 'rustling' sound in her ears. Evina turned her neck sideways and slowly looked toward the source of the sound.

　　A python was actually slowly swimming towards her. Subconsciously, she tightened up her petite body, her face showing fear.

　　"Foolish human! Since you are so afraid of death, you still dare to make a contract with the great Master Niditra. Look at your panicked to the point of abhorrence human face, I'm afraid this is the first time you've been able to wear such an extravagant fancy dress, hmmm ... and it will surely be the last."

　　The huge, serpentine body wrapped densely around a wooden box, and then, with just a little more than a forceful tightening, the dust from the lid fell away and creaked open.

　　The simple wooden box even secretly hid rare and exotic treasures and different styles of expensive silk. All of this made her panic abruptly transformed into incomparable surprise.

　　These gowns must have belonged to a certain beautiful hostess in the past, right, imagine in the eyes of the crowd, a young noblewoman wearing it, raising her hands and feet with an inability to hide the charming charm ... But now, they are all lying in this gloomy wetland! There is no sunlight shining ah, the air without a trace of warmth, they can only wait quietly in the old box, dull, but still do not lose the low-key luxury.

　　Sadder still, they will be worn by the small and cowardly enough to wear them themselves.

　　Yvonne wasn't sure if it put the expensive frock in front of her to shame, or maybe, maybe she was too self-conscious ...

　　Glancing over to see Evina staring blankly at her spot, Debbie lets loose a further taunt.

　　"With your looks, short, thin, and a picture of weakness, how could you possibly gain 'his' favor! I'm afraid it's a rare case of confusion that the master would waste his time contracting you."

　　Evina sank her head down, she was used to the contempt of others. From the past until now, no one but her father would see any value in her existence, ever.

　　"Put it on, the sooner the better, I'm sure the master is about to get impatient." Finding a dry patch of ground, Debby carefully trailed the gown over it, then 'rustled' it as she wandered out.

　　Now, all was quiet with only the echo of water dripping in the distance to be heard.

　　Evina squeezed her eyes shut and took hard, deep breaths.

　　She had to pull herself together didn't she? If she could just hurry up and fulfill her promise, she could escape and end the horrible nightmare.

　　Weakly picking up the gown, the light inside the cave gradually dimmed, making it almost impossible for her to see the color of the gown, only the soft tweed silk material touched her hand, warming her cold body slightly.

　　By the time the dress was finished, all that was left on the floor was a string of matching diamond chains. And just as she fumbled to put it on, a strange light flashed in the darkness.

　　It was the string of pearls around her neck.

　　It was the only birthday present her mother had ever given her when she was ten years old. It was just a plain pearl necklace, and compared to her sister's expensive jewelry, it looked unassuming, but despite that, it had become her favorite accessory. Simply because, it had the flavor of her mother.

　　Laughing to herself as she threw away the valuable diamond chain in her hand, Evina smiled helplessly - it seemed she still couldn't leave the cheap gift behind, and no matter what, she still adored her mother, the ever-so-beautiful woman, and her cold eyes.

　　Hiding the necklace carefully under the ornate satin, Evina hesitantly stepped out of the cave, wondering if ... she was perhaps just a clown in the circus in this getup.

　　But she didn't have time to notice the look of dismay on Niditra's face.

　　***

　　Ink-like hair color, dark eyes, her features were still so exquisite. However, this time, the black silk gown tightly bound to her body unreservedly showed the charming curve of her waist and hips. The heavy goose down shawl appropriately covers the exposed waist and back. Blowing popping snow white skin ah ... her everything and this old furnishings so out of place ... that is a touch of irresistible crimson and temptation!

　　Time repeats itself and everything is so similar to what it was back then ...

　　***

　　Evina fiddled with her fingers nervously until Niditra's words freed her completely.

　　"You have to dress up enough to win any man's heart." Without mincing his words of praise, for the beautiful person in front of him was indeed enchanting and mesmerizing.

　　She trembled as she approached Evina, "However, your humble demeanor belies this regal attire. Be proud, you are different."

　　Evina struggled to try and understand her words.

　　"Let's go, our contract takes effect from this moment." Niditra took a few steps forward and turned back, gesturing for Evina to assist her.

　　"Gotta compare."

　　"Yes, Master."

　　"Watch over this place well, and when Gra and I return ... your status will no longer be that of just a spirit creature of lowly status."

　　"Yes, Master. Everything is by your blessing." Debi replied respectfully, not the least bit as condescending as he had been a moment ago.

　　Niditra smiled grimly.

　　And Evina struggled to restrain her unease.

　　With her intuition, she vaguely felt that this was not a simple dinner party.