Later that day, Garima lay flat on her bed.
One arm hung off the bed, while she held the blue glowing artifact in her other hand.
"Hey Cosmo, yesterday I gave a speech," Garima said.
"Yes, I saw it," Cosmo replied.
"Do you like your new name?" she asked.
"Yes, I like it… from Luminous?" Cosmo asked.
"Yes, from Luminous… like light." Garima whispered.
"Thank you, Creator. It sounds nice." Cosmo said.
"I know, I couldn't exactly say Cosmo after 'cosmic entity'. It's just a nickname from me"
The air shifted.
"Then I thank you again. I like them both."
"Yeah, you needed branding!, and Luminae sounded nice, like light bringing brightness… giving a divine feeling"
"Yes, Creator, it matches with the priests and the priestesses. Most of them are light-affinity mages. Only a few are healers,"
"Really I didn't know about that,wait— the priest and the priestess are mages? Why didn't I know that?"
"Your hero adventure party didn't have any priests and priestesses, but you wrote about shrines spreading hope and light."
"So it's basically my fault that I made some people glow as living lanterns."
"They spread hope and light"
"Whatever,"
Garima huffed, staring at the ceiling
"You heard the whole speech?" she asked.
"Yes, I did." Cosmo replied
"It was convincing, right ?" Garima asked again.
Cosmo remained silent.
"Emotionally manipulative, slightly dramatic" Garima said dryly there was still silence.
" I didn't lie," she continued "you know that right? Cosmo? Not completely…but I just didn't say everything."
"They believed you," Cosmo whispered.
"Yes, they believed me— and by extension you. Luminae" Garima said.
That part came out heavier. Garima turned her head towards the empty side of the room.
"I told them I would protect them. That I would guide outcomes." she laughed "You know, I sounded like those motivational speeches back in my world. It's like a depressed person giving a speech on depression management."
"It's already done, you don't have to beat yourself up so much. I never meant to pressure you this much" Cosmo said softly.
"Thank you, but I can't do a job halfway. I promised you. And about the fact that I can't predict the future. You know it. I know it." Garima paused. "But not others, I can influence things in my favour"
Her expression shifted again.
"I helped someone today, it felt good" Garima smiled, her eyes softened.
"Conrad, yes a sweet boy, are you sure about that method?" Cosmo asked.
" Yes I am, I don't do things I am not sure of. His mother isn't magic-sick. Just a normal sickness." Garima frowned " And no one here knows what to do unless they pour expensive healing magic into it"
"Are you jealous that you can't do magic?" Cosmo asked with a hint of teasing.
"What are you saying, I can just collect high-end artifacts, not worried about swords and shields, they are easy," Garima protested.
"Hahaha" Cosmo laughed.
"Hey, I maybe clumsy but I used to learn martial arts when I was a kid. Though this is the first time I have heard you laugh. Anyway I was saying I can do more things like this. Instead of just preaching as a Saintess and telling stories as precognitive dreams" she smiled. "Not holy glowing things, just small…. useful things, with a few modern ideas."
"I do laugh when I am happy, and do you as wish. The methods do sound extreme. Still you are thinking of the people. You are thinking about this world, that's all that mattered" Cosmo said. "And your martial arts, I can't say until I see for myself"
"You will see soon," Garima said, completely forgetting that it has been more than fifteen years since she even held a stick.
"By the way, I told them you don't demand worship. And don't punish doubt. That you just watch. And only intervene in dire situations. I did good right?" Garima asked.
"Yes, creator, you did good." Cosmo answered.
"I have already told you to call me Garima, leave these Creator nonsense aside" Garima pouted.
"Hahaha, you are very spoiled." Cosmo laughed.
"Only with people I adore, so feel yourself privileged Cosmo" Garima replied haughtily.
"Sure, then what is a 'stormy wind' called in your language?" Cosmo asked.
"Tophani Hava." Garima answered.
"So I shall call you tophani hava?" Cosmo asked, laughing a little.
"No, that's a bad taste." Garima panicked.
"But I want to call myself a nickname too," Cosmo insisted.
"Then Aella" Garima compromised.
"What's that?" Cosmo questioned.
"Different words, same meaning," Garima said.
"Really?" Cosmo asked again.
"Just a different language from my world" Garima replied,
"Very well then, Aella," Cosmo said.
A sharp knock cut through the room. Garima cut the communication artifact.
"Come in," she shouted.
The door opened and Priest Dylan stepped in.
"You Holiness," Dylan said. "A royal summon has arrived"
Garima stared "Really?"
"Yes, the King requests your presence,"
Then she stood up.
"You Holiness, I and Priestess Ava wish to accompany you to the palace."
Garima considered then nodded.
"Good, at least I won't feel alone."
"We can act as your attendants."
"Sure, whatever you want."
By the time they reached the royal carriage sent by the royal family. It was already after two hours of discussing and arguing with Priestess Agatha and Priest Hill.
One called her Reckless and Stubborn, and the latter just fretted about her safety.
Finally agreeing and letting her visit the palace. And told Priestess Ava and Priest Dylan to take care of her.
The royal carriage stood at the shrine gates. It was beautiful. With polished ivory wood. And gold edged lining. Giving a luxurious and regal feeling.
But that wasn't what held her attention. It was the creatures pulling them.
There were two of them. They stood tall on the ground. Almost the height of an alpaca. Their bodies were broad. And hard skin like an elephant with minimal body hair. Green in color. Their faces resembled an anteater—but not quite. Something in between.
Garima stared at them for too long.
Priest Dylan followed her gaze and said. "Foldgrazers" he said "Very calm and docile, Nobles prefer them for travel."
Garima nodded. But kept nodding. It was insane. She had not thought much about their appearance while writing about them, even though her dream was hazy about the creatures. But they looked alive. Something with life. This world was precious.
They soon reached the palace. She couldn't remember the ride. Just that she sat with Ava while Dylan sat on their opposite. She was thinking about what to do. Only getting a scholar tutor doesn't make her ready. She actually needed combat training. She shuddered. She remembered her grueling training during her childhood as an aspiring badminton player. Which she had abandoned in the middle and had shifted to singing. Which she abandoned again for something else. Well that's not the main focus. But here to survive she needed training. She has to fight a hundred battles. Which is only possible if she is the vanguard accompanying the adventurers.
The palace was big. Brighter and intimidating.
Crown Prince Caelum stood at the entrance to receive her. He looked radiant— she almost swooned. But she didn't. She had built a significant amount of immunity.
He greeted her and bowed a little. Garima returned the favour.
"So, you are studying? I heard the Academy Principal came to visit you"
"Is the little prince spying on me? Still anxious?"
"Yes, even more after your speech"
Garima snorted, "At least you are honest."
Priestess Ava and Priest Dylan followed her without uttering a single word.
When they reached the throne hall, she turned back to them
"Do I look presentable? I forgot about changing clothes while arguing with Agatha."
"It's fine your Holiness, you look fine"
"They won't notice your outfit, Your Holiness"
Their comments didn't calm her nervousness but she felt grateful. At least there was someone to catch her if she collapsed.
She nodded at Crown Prince Caelum and followed him inside with measured steps.
The throne room looked more enormous from the inside. Gold coloured pillars—or was it actually gold? — with tall glass windows.
She was nervous but she would turn this into an opportunity.
The king was the only one who could help her.