However, she then shook her head. 
 
No, it's more important to find someone first. 
 
Thus decided, Celica turned back to face the door. However, just as she was about to take a single step, she suddenly stopped herself. 
 
Should I change first? Celica wondered, looking down at her currently nightgown-clad self. 
 
She then glanced towards a large wardrobe, no doubt filled with all sorts of luxurious clothes. With a hum, she walked over. Opening it up, Celica was indeed greeted with all sorts of dresses and gowns. 
 
They’re all gorgeous, the princess had to admit, looking at them in awe. 
 
After a few seconds, though, she went pensive. 
 
Had my fate been different, would this have been a common sight? 
 
Granted, it would be over at Zofia Castle and she wouldn’t be bug-sized, but no doubt she’d be living the life of a pampered royal if not for Desaix and Rudolf. 
 
Celica frowned. 
 
Or would she? Even if the chancellor hadn’t deposed the king and Rigel hadn’t invaded, that did not meant things would’ve been without their problems. Still, she shook her head. 
 
There’s no point dwelling on what could have been. There’s problems I must face now. 
 
Giving one last look at the clothes, Celica sighed. 
 
I don’t think I’m ready for this. Not yet. 
 
Especially since doing it in the current circumstances would mean accepting what the Earth Mother did to her. The princess glanced down at herself again. 
 
I think it's fine going out like this for now, she decided. 
 
For how conservative it was in its design, the nightgown was already doing a good enough job in keeping her decent. More so if she didn't intend to leave the building for the time being. Thus decided, Celica closed back up the wardrobe and made her way to the door, before leaving the bedchamber at last. 
 
She found herself in a hallway on the other side, extending to the sides. It was no less opulent than the bedchamber, if less furnished. Glancing around, she noticed there were other doors on both walls of the hallway. In addition, the hallway had downward stairs at both ends. Turning back to look at the door from which she came from, Celica noticed it too bore the Zofian emblem. It was the only one that did. 
 
It must be for identification, Celica figured. 
 
Nevertheless, there was a more important detail to take note about: The fact there was no other soul in sight. Celica glanced back towards one of the set of stairs. 
 
At least two floors… This place must be more than a mere villa. Perhaps a manor. 
 
Celica recalled her earlier thought on whether the Earth Mother had actually shrunk down a building. It was no less mind-boggling to imagine now than a moment prior, but it nonetheless reinforced the notion that she had to find someone and get the full picture on just what had exactly transpired. As it was, the hallway alone contained several places to look into, let alone heading downstairs. Hopefully finding someone was only a matter of time.     indicates the next chapter needs to be written.  |  
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