Eternal Melody



SUMIRE

"There is a ballroom in the manor." Lucifer said, breaking her thoughts. 

Sumire sighed deeply. She ought to have known he would say that. He really is being overprotective about her going outside. Not just going outside. Even though she has been here for at least a month now, she knew there were still many people in the manor she hadn't met yet. 

'I do understand why. I was in a terrible state when I woke up. Lucifer explained how my heart was ripped out of my chest and  how I was dead for a few minutes. I can't even imagine the pain he had to endure seeing me like that. So, I have let his overprotective behaviour be. Even though I have longed to venture outside, long to explore those places in the manor he won't let me go to. Long to stand under the moonlight-'

Lucifer kisses her eyelids softly. "But as for tonight. Why don't I take you out to town?"

Huh? Huh?

Sumire stared at him blankly. Did-did, did he just say that he will take her out? Is she finally becoming delusional after spending a month cooped up inside? 

Lucifer chuckled again and tugged on her robes. "Allow me to help you get ready, my lady."

Sumire nodded. Normally she would strongly refuse Lucifer's assistance. But right now, her modesty was the last thing on her mind. She was too focused on the idea of going outside after spending a month inside.

"I thought you said it was dangerous outside? Especially at night?"

Lucifer paused but nodded. "I did say that. But tonight there is a festival and everyone is in a merry mood. Even the people who would be considered dangerous, will not ruin a festival night."

Sumire's eyes brightened at the thought, "A festival?"

"To celebrate the life and prosperity Norah the goddess of life, light, and sun. Alexander the god of life, order and stars started."

Norah and Alexander? Sumire felt a throbbing sensation in her head. Where has she heard those names before? A familiar pain appears in her chest. It was the same pain she woke up from a nightmare not too long ago. What is this?

"Sumire?" Lucifer said concerned. "What's wrong? Are you not well?"

Sumire shakes her head. "It's just a light headache. I'd really like to go to this festival." She paused.

But wait, if she is going to a festival then surely she ought to dress up for the occasion? Lucifer chuckled again almost like he understood what she was thinking, and maybe he does. He has the ability to speak into her mind after all. So, it wouldn't 

She glanced down at what she was wearing and gasped. A gorgeous off shoulder dress made out of the finest silk and stars. The stars on the dress were beautiful. They looked like real stars to her.

"L-Lucifer-I-" Subconsciously she found herself wanting to reject the dress. This is too expensive. Even though he has been showering her with nothing but luxuries since she woke up here. She has her limits. However, seeing the look on his face. Sumire relented. "This is beautiful, are you sure I can have this?"

"Yes, I'm sure. I had it specially made for you. There is no one out there who will have a dress that is even remotely similar."

If she had doubts about the price before now she is wide eyed. "B-but-"

Lucifer shakes his head. "It's custom made, but I commissioned it from Toh."

Still, knowing Toh he would have still charged Lucifer for it. Next time they see one another, she ought to ask him about the price. 

  ______________________

Sumire didn't know what she was expecting when Lucifer said town. She may have lost her memories but she is fully aware that they are living in a time frame where people rely on technology. The manor was designed to run on as little technology and electricity as much as possible, and seemed to resemble a manor in her memories. A castle made out of marble surrounded by mountains, and yet it isn't the same. 

'I didn't question him on anything, and let him believe that I think we are living in an ancient time period. But, I know.'

To question him on those choices felt wrong to her. It felt like shattering the illusion that she was okay with having no memories. 

She didn't know what to expect, because Lucifer insisted that going out at night was dangerous and spoke about beasts clad in human skin. The first thing she noticed when they reached the town was the smell of the ocean.

The ocean, the mountains, the row of residential houses now lit up with different decorations for the festival. The bustling brown square where there was a large bonfire in the center, and the villagers dancing and laughing.

"Do you like it?" She hears hesitation in Lucifer's voice.

Sumire blinked, sensing his hesitation. What kind of question is that? How could she hate this? She didn't even think seeing so much joy was possible. Everyone in the manor is blood thirsty, even the innocent looking servants. It makes sense considering how Lucifer runs a criminal organisation. 

Sumire turns to him and grabs hold of his hands. "I love it! It's so beautiful here." She beamed as she looked around. One particular place stood out to her. It was a bridge on the outskirts surrounded by a lake. It reminded her of the lake pavilion, and yet there was something different. 

"Can we go over there?"

Lucifer nodded as he led her down the boardwalk path. A path that was decorated with a row of lanterns that resembled stars.  as he explained. "The purpose of this festival is to celebrate the achievements of the couple's life. While there are many Gods and goddesses, these two were the ones closer to humanity than most. They were the only ones who got involved with humans, and lived amongst them."

Sumire blinked hearing those words. "They lived with humans?"

"Yes, in every one of their lifetimes they made such a deep impression on humanity. Even after being betrayed by humans in their first life, they still strived to live alongside them. The humans eventually began to hold this festival in their name."