As soon as I exited the room—
that terrible room—
I was embraced by the last person I wished to see.
"OHHHH, Thales, my brave, sweet boy.
Mommy is very sorry for letting you experience such a bad thing. Please forgive me."
She said this while squeezing the life out of me.
"Uggh, don't mention it—seriously don't. Please get... off me."
I struggled to choke out.
"OK!" she said with no resistance—saluting with full theatrical flair.
I was confused.
This seemed too good to be true.
My instincts were warning me.
"Well... you've been invited to the dinner ceremony."
"Ceremony?" I asked, inquisitive.
"Oh I see... you survived your first trial. That means you now have a craving."
Come to think of it—
ever since I left that room, I had a sinking feeling.
It was like a hole that needed to be filled.
But to be honest—
my entire existence was a perfect void to begin with.
The term hegemony seemed familiar too.
Like it was prescient knowledge.
But not in the way that thing used it.
That thing, though...
Observing it was very useful.
"And in the ceremony, you will eat your Verdant Nectare."
"Oh I see. Very interesting. Is eating metaphorical?"
"Good question. It's not—but it's multi-faceted."
"Oh?"
"Multiple mouths take part in the feast."
"That sounds metaphorical."
"It would do, yes. It's a strange concept to wrap your head around."
"Well... thanks, mother."
Her face suddenly beamed with delight.
"Come along now, Thales! Let's get you dressed for the occasion."
"Aww... but mother, I don't want to be dressed in some monkey suit."
For once, Lilith didn't coddle me.
She pulled my ear and explained how proper etiquette must be held for your class.
I never thought I would get to scold Thales, she thought, filled with bliss.
This must be my day of miracles.
Later, before I entered the connected mansion—the siblings' wing in House Miray—
I saw a familiar sight.
A sight I was oddly longing for.
"You.
You're alive.
I sincerely hoped you would have died.
But suppose a miracle cannot throw a curveball at fate today," the girl said.
"Wow.
Calling that statement mean would be an understatement.
What did I do to you?"
"How is your hunger? I mean—how do you have it under such control?"
She dodged the question.
Really?
"What do you mean?"
"I mean—how have you managed to retain your sanity without aid?
How have you managed not to at least require lengthy sleep?"
"Is it really that deep?"
"Yes. A craving is no joke.
That's why we waste no time having a ceremony.
Although this house is different—this ceremony shouldn't exist, really.
As soon as you completed the trial, you should've obtained your Verdant Nectare to nourish your Umwelt."
"It's more bottomless than a human mind can wrap their head around."
"Anyway. Farewell."
"But we're going to the same place."
"So?"
"Um... you said you would tell me your name if I survived, right? So what is it then?"
"I did, didn't I?"
"Yes, you did."
"Okay then. Prepare yourself, my fortuitous friend…"
"I am sorceress of worlds—Beatrix Hecate."
She said this while striking a pose—
a smug smile plastered across her face.
"Oh... is that it?"
"You're unsatisfied?" she asked, turning and walking away.
"Yes... I am..." I whispered, defeated.