Chapter 8: Engagement

Naku and I were alone, sitting opposite each other inside of my house.

Outside, I could feel the presence of more people approaching the house. Father and mother had obeyed Naku's command and gave the news to the villagers. It will soon spread to the rest of the region, and after a while, throughout the kingdom.

My gaze was on Naku, who had returned to the personality with which I met her.

"Wow, your house is quite cozy..." (Naku)

"..." (Aruh)

Naku was trying to start a conversation, but I was silent. While it may seem that I am being rude to the naga's benefactor spirit, I do not care now.

Appearing and proclaiming herself as my fiancee, that left me quite perplexed. I understand that maybe he had a reason to hide her identity, I'm not so childish as to bother me ... Even if I’m a child at the moment.

My mind is working wildly. Naku, a pretty girl like her as my fiancee, that means that we will have d-dates ... and that in the future we will get married, right?

Or rather, there may be a political motive for this, but why a villager like me? Is there any reason for it?

Or rather, if it is, I have to work harder and become a decent man ...

"Sorry." (Naku)

Naku apologized while I continued having ideas, it seems that she took my silence as anger.

"I wanted to enjoy everything I could before telling you who I am ... that's why I did not tell you when we met." (Naku)

"Enjoy?" (Aruh)

"It was so much fun to be with you, Aruh. I had the best moments of my life so far..." (Naku)

Naku paused for a moment, she closed her eyes for an instant, as if she were looking back at her past.

"Tell me, Aruh, how much do you know about the oracle of Nagur?" (Naku)

"Not much. I know as much of Nagur as mom, dad and all Naga do... But it's the first time I hear about the oracle." (Aruh)

"And you know why that is?" (Naku)

"No." (Aruh)

"That is because, since the Naga began to inhabit the mountains of Tulser to date, I am the very first oracle of Nagur." (Naku)

The first Nagur oracle of history. My knowledge of the Spirit of the Naga is like those of others: about how It welcomed the nomadic Naga over 7000 years ago and gave them Its blessing, about the festivities and how to pay tribute to It. But neither father nor mother... None of the villagers had mentioned anything about an oracle.

But even so, everyone seemed to know her by just seeing her. And I do not think that it was only hidden to me.

"The news about my existence will only be public until I reach the age of 23. Until recently, only my parents, the priestesses and a few elderly people knew about me, but as you will have noticed, just by seeing me the Naga know who I am and involuntarily show me respect and devotion. " (Naku)

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"That includes my own parents," Naku whispered. Now I understand why being with me seemed so much fun. Oracle or not, Naku is still an 8 year old girl but there is no one to treat her as such; Even for her parents she would be an object of worship instead of her daughter, I can imagine why a simple talk is so great for her.

But that explanation leaves a great question.

"Naku, when I saw you I did not feel that feeling yet I found you cute. Is that why you chose me as your fiancé?" (Aruh)

Naku let out a cheerful laugh, it seems my question sounded like flirtation.

"You are too adorable, there is no doubt that that influenced... Although in truth, there is also another reason…" (Naku)

There was a brief moment of silence as she looked at me, as if she were checking something in me.

"Do you know the term 'oracle'? Aruh" (Naku)

"Do not." (Aruh)

I did not lie, I know what an oracle is on Earth, but I do not know what it represents in Maltras. But from what I hear during his proclamation in front of my parents, it must be a similar concept.

"An oracle is a gift from gods or spirits, it may also be a manifestation of themselves. However, after the condemnation of the gods and the war of the demons 8,000 years ago, where the vast majority of the older spirits died, the oracles are only born when a disaster of great level approaches. " (Naku)

"So ... The fact that Naku was born means that a great danger approaches the mountains of Tulser?" (Aruh)

"Not only to the mountains of Tulser, but to the whole world." (Naku)

"To the whole world? In that case it would be better to announce something of such magnitude to the kingdom." (Aruh)

Why keep the secret of the existence of an oracle if something so serious is coming?

"Then there would be a big problem, since, although a danger is known, there is no way to know what it is about. The power of the spirits is not as strong as revealing the future as a whole." (Naku)

"Ah, such a thing would only sow fear and worry in people." (Aruh)

"That's right, there's just going to bring chaos and make things worse." (Naku)

"So, the reason for our commitment is related to this disaster?" (Aruh)

Naku nodded slightly.

"Three months ago, I had a dream. In that dream I embarked on a journey to face a powerful enemy, however, when I found it I could not do anything against it and ended up being cornered. Just before being defeated, a knight dressed and armed with the light of the moon, and followed by a legion of warriors, he cut off my enemy, allowing me to defeat it. When bathed in victory, the knight and I contracted nuptials... "(Naku)

It seems that the dream was embarrassing for her, Naku's face flushed.

"T-that knight was a Naga, and some of the actions in the dream were very romantic, something that no other Naga would be able to do with me ... Following the instructions of Nagur I came to this village and ... I met you. " (Naku)

Naku's words make me blush too. We both remained silent for a moment. But one point she had mentioned caught my attention.

".. W-well, now I understand the reason for the engagement... But I still have a question. You mentioned something about a trip, that is to say, we will leave the mountains of Tulser, right?" (Aruh)

"Yes. Following the prophecy we would have to leave the mountains of Tulser in search of the threat ... That meant you’ll the blessing of Nagur." (Naku)

It seems that she thought that was what bothered me, but it's another matter that worries me.

"After all, we must inform the kingdom about the prophecy and the existence of the oracle." (Aruh)

"That can not be, was it not clear why it should be hidden?" (Naku)

"Naku, how much do you know about the world outside the mountains?" (Aruh)

"The world outside the mountains?" (Naku)

"Yes, I am referring to its political and social condition, culture, currencies, the advancement of its technology, among other things, much of what we know from the outside has been granted by the kingdom, yes, there are humans that settled down in the Tulser mountains, but relying on information from a small group is very risky... That is why I suggest the assistance of the kingdom, or at least some reliable officers to be able to resolve the threat that is approaching." (Aruh)

Naku remained silent listening to what I said.

"Yes, you are right in that. I will seek the consent of the elders and priestesses ... But are you not concerned with the fact of losing the blessing of Nagur when you leave the mountains?" (Naku)

"If I lose my strength I will get a weapon that will empower me, if I lose my resistance I will get a more resistant armor than the mountain. I will train until feel worthy of my own skill and get the knowledge to protect you, Naku. " (Aruh)

Letting myself go for the moment, I rise and proclaim with impetus. As she listened, Naku's eyes got wet, which worried me. When I approached to try to comfort her, I was embraced by her.

"N-Naku?" (Aruh)

She did not respond to my call, she just kept hugging me. It is a bit shameful but it is a pleasant experience.