Ugh… where am I? This place looks different.
I blinked repetitively, adjusting my eyes to the bright light shining through elegantly designed windows. Each circular opening had identical detailed carving of the sacred tree’s image. This was some next level masterwork craftsmanship level.
This room was the largest I’ve ever been. It was bigger than the temple back in my village -which was the biggest building. The floor was covered with marble tiles that seemed like it was chiselled from one big piece.
I moved the mosquito nets and sat on the edge of the bed. My leg and back stung where I was struck. It doesn’t hurt as much as I thought, but I shouldn’t force myself and let my injuries recover properly. That’s what Lemi would always tell me.
“You can’t!”
I heard Martha’s voice beyond the films of panels made of bamboo encasing papers between their gaps. My ears twitched as the faint chattering gradually increasing in volume.
I spotted four silhouettes being displayed behind a divider and quickly threw myself back under the blankets. Their voices became louder and much livelier after they passed through the door. A gust of wind blew through the open windows and carried a foreign sweet odor through the room tickling my nose.
“But, his ears look so fluffy. We want to touch it.”
“He’s an Enui. A race that we thought were only myths. While he’s sleeping, it’s our only chance to approach him.”
“Sayuri. We’re happy you managed to return, but you kept him all to yourself on your way back! We are curious about him.”
““Curious indeed!”” Three unknown voices spoke in unison.
Are they triplets? I wanted to see but it’d feel weird if they began bombarding me with questions. I better stay silent and let the storm pass by.
“I had no clue he was an Enui, but no means no!”
“Just a quick touch.”
“Yeah, please?”
Martha, do your best to get rid of them. The perfume they have is making my nose itch.
“I am in charge of nursing him and right now I say you mustn’t disturb his rest! Only when he’s recovered, I will then allow visits.”
“Boo.”
“You’re no fun.”
“Call us when he wakes up.”
“It depends. I can’t promise you people. Geez, the moment I lower my guard they barge right through. But, his ears… they do look very fluffy.”
The doors shut after Martha pushed them out of the room. From her growing shadow, I saw she stopped by the table to set something down then approached me.
Her hand floated upwards. As if they were attracted by a magnetizing force, she slowly reached towards my head. She stopped mid-way, hesitating to move her hand closer.
I wouldn’t mind if anyone want to touch my ears. I don’t find them that special.
But a strong tickling sensation was building up and I sneezed.
“Kihet?! C,could it be you’re awake? Did you hear what I said?”
“I uh… just woke up.”
“Thank goodness. You had me so worried.”
Martha snapped her hand back to her chest by the time I was able to look at her.
She wore a vibrant yellow dress that complimented her slim body and made her appear younger. Her hair was cut shorter into a bob cut and her skin looked silky smooth.
I sat there gawking at her tidied appearance. Was this the same Martha who I first met?
“Kihet, you look tired. Don’t force yourself up. Are your injuries okay?”
“I… I think I’m just parched.”
“Good timing.” She reached for the table and grabbed a cup for me. “The healers recommend you drink this. I was told it’s supposed to help your body generate more blood since you lost a lot of it.”
There were drinks like this? I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t come to Xu.
I held it up to my nose and taking in the foreign fragrance. It has a strong scent similar to the black tea Elius constantly brewed. When I took the first sip, it was super bitter. I wanted to spit it out, but the golden aftertaste kept me from doing that. It was interesting.
“How is it?”
“It’s weird. I don’t know if I like or hate it. It’s just so bitter at first.”
“You better drink all of it, I spent five hours boiling this.”
“Five hours!?”
That’s insane. I never knew there were medicine made this way, even from Lemi.
Staring at the transparent brown liquid and back to Martha’s confident expression. I could not bring myself to refuse to drink the rest and gulped it down in one go. My thirst was immediately quenched but my face scrunched up due to the bitterness.
After I returned the cup to Martha, I examined the room.
“Better?”
“I wish it wasn’t that bitter. By the way, where are we? Did we pass the checkpoint?”
“We did. Right now, you are in one of the guest room the Prince prepared for you.”
“That means… I’m in the royal palace?”
My memories were a bit hazy. I remembered being shot in the back trying to protect Martha and Lily. I then remember soldiers rushing to our aid. Now that I think about it, the one leading the soldiers mentioned Martha and Lily’s real name.
Before I opened my mouth, Martha folded her lower part of her dress to made room to kneel. She prostrated herself by lowered her head and placing two hands on her thighs.
“I’m terribly sorry for deceiving you, Holy Kihet. I gave you a false name. My real name is Sayuri, I was employed to be one of the late Queen’s servants.”
“Then Lily is…”
“She is the Priestess, sister of the Prince. Her name is Tomoe, Holy Kihet.” Martha, now Sayuri, bowed. “Priestess Tomoe is resting as we speak, the healer estimated she will be fully recovered in a few days thanks to your treatment.”
“I see… I’m happy she’s not hurt.”
That explained about her name hiding. Now that mystery’s solved, I’m more worried about Martha-, I mean Sayuri calling me Holy like how Kridas called me that. I managed to make my first friend in my travel. I don’t want her calling me that all the time.
“Can I still call you Martha?”
“The name has grown on you?”
“I got used to calling you Martha. It’d be hard for me to start calling you another name.”
She looked at me dumbfounded then put on a cheery smile that made my heart stopped for a second.
No wait, I can’t be thinking about that. I have Sorah. Get ahold of yourself, Kihet. I made a promise with Sorah and if I broke it, who knows what she and my other friends would do to me!
“Then please call me Martha. Anything else?”
“I’d like you to not be as formal around me. I’m just a messenger from my village, nothing that important.”
“But, that would be rude of me. You are of the holy race the world looks up to and I have been disrespectful.”
“You don’t have to-.”
“Please allow me to express my gratitude in some way. I almost had one of the Holy ones killed. You risked your life to protect Priestess Tomoe and me.”
She didn’t have any intentions of stopping. This was so embarrassing that I hope no one comes through the doors.
“I get it, I get it. If you stop, I’ll let you touch my ears.”
“So you did hear me!” Martha shouted.
Though her words and action contradict, she unconsciously weaved her fingers restlessly. She really, really wanted to touch my ears.
“You can’t blame me, you were loud. So, what happens now?”
“I was ordered to report to his Highness as soon as you’ve awoken. Please follow me to the dragon throne immediately.”
“Dressed like this? Who changed me anyways?”
This Prince or maybe the late king was clearly too wealthy to have this kind of nightwear clothing to provide for guests. Maybe the royal family love to make themselves sparkle. I’d admit the silk robe feels comfortable, but it’s too flashy for my or anyone’s taste other than wealthy people.
I looked at Martha for answers, who avoided my gaze looking flustered. Her hands covered her expression.
“T-then I shall go report to the prince while you change-. Eek!” Martha clumsily tripped over her and fell face flat on the ground. “Fuueeehh…”
“Are you alright? You shouldn’t run with such a long dress.”
I got up from the bed and helped Martha on her knees.
That was when the doors open. A person dressed much like a scholar helped himself into the room. His horns were different than Martha’s, having to grow underneath the skin. He’s an Ogre, the only Ogre in the Royal Palace I bet. That means he should be...
“Holy Enui, I am overjoyed to see you awake.” He tilted his head. “Hm? Already courting one of his Highness’ servants?”
“I am not!”
“Then why are you holding her in such an intimate manner? You two seem very close to me.”
“I don’t know what you’re thinking about, but it’s all a misunderstanding.” I sighed as I helped Martha up on her foot. “Anyways, are you the one who’s going to explain everything to me?
“K-Kihet, you can’t be rude like that! He’s his Highness’ most trusted advisor!” She whispered to me. “He’s the high court advisor, Ikki Eizan!”
“Sayuri, it’s fine. I’m sure the Holy one is confused and wants answers after the incident. I shall answer his questions to the best of my ability.”
There’s something about his gaze that’s unsettling, but he seemed friendly enough to talk to.
“About that attack… who were those people after us?”
“They are remnants of a group of assassins that targeted the Royal Family in the past. They might’ve wanted to get revenge for their comrades by capturing Priestess Tomoe to lure out the Prince. But do not worry, they are the last members of their heinous organization. They have already been executed.”
“Without giving them a chance to repent?”
“Holy one, you must understand the risks of allowing people who harbor ill intent towards the one we serve. The Prince is the driving force keeping the people of Xu from causing riots in these sensitive times. There are those who oppose his reformations, but he has devoted himself to his cause and worked hard to gain many supporters. As his Highness and his betrothed have yet have a child, there is no heir to replace the ruler if something were to happen.”
“In short, you’re sparing no expenses to keep the Prince safe.”
“Exactly. Nothing should come to his Highness’s harm, but I’ll admit.” Eizan coughed. “The protocols to keep him safe made him rather rebellious.”
I could relate to that.
Eizan then let out a heavy sigh.
“Forgive me, Holy Enui. As you just recently recovered, I’m sure you’re exhausted and need rest. However, his Highness is eager to meet you in the Dragon Throne as of this moment. He asks of you to have your weapons and armor accompany you.”
“Eizan, the Royal Palace do not allow weapons to be brought by visitors into the Dragon Throne. Why must his Highness ask Kihet to?”
“I’m not going to fight anyone or something… I hope?”
“I am ordered as I was told and thus, I do not know. Half the time, I am unaware of the Prince’s intention. Now hurry. Sayuri shall be your escort and I shall await you there. His Highness is an impatient kind.”
“Kihet, I’ll wait outside. Call me when you finished changing.” Martha did a small curtsy as she closed the doors after seeing Eizan exited.
My belongings were neatly stowed in the wardrobes. The padlocks on my luggage remained untouched. Knowing I was an Enui, they immediately ceased the search. Is my kind that important to them? More importantly, there’s a chest in the mix I have yet opened. Who put it there?
I opened it and found a note. It was from the Elder and inside was a brand-new set of gear as part of my farewell gift. There was a plain leather jacket to keep warm, a chest plate made of the finest ore bolted onto leather straps to allow easy movements. A pair of bracers of different designs to protect my wrists. Lastly, a set of metal plated leather greaves defending my calves.
I decided to put on the armor above the leather jacket but that felt a bit restrictive. I turned it around and wore the jacket above the armor which felt better.
“This’ll do. Martha, I’m done.”
“You look dashing. The Prince will be excited to meet you. This way.”
Martha guided me around the gardens of the palace. The structure of the royal palace was designed in a grid like fashion, every opening had their unique theme. One would hold a stage at the center, another would house a pink blossoming tree.
Every time we enter a new space, it felt like we travelled through a portal. The only downside of this short tour were the workers and soldiers occasionally giving me these stares like I was an exotic beast.
I tried to fight off their gaze and remained vigilant, but the pressure was beginning to feel overwhelming. Can I just go hide in a corner? Thankfully, Martha noticed my uneasiness and waved away the passersby.
“We’re here.” Martha gestured her hand to the entrance of the dragon throne.
“Wow… this is…”
I don’t know what to say. Just how good were these people at carving things? It’s detailed right down to the scales.
Two enormous pillars, maybe taller than Kridas, supported the jade color tiles. Two golden dragons claim ownership of their respective pillars and coiled downwards with their mouths holding a different color magatama. One white and one black.
“Holy one.” A guard from the door approached me. “Our allegiance is with the Prince. If you have the intention of harming our future king, us soldiers will not hesitate to apprehend you immediately.”
“Is that a threat?”
“A friendly word of advice.” He politely gave me a small bow and gestured me towards the door. “I mean no hostile intentions.”
For the guards to willingly challenge me for the prince’s safety, everyone here is supportive of the ruler.
I pushed two doors aside and stepped into the room. Gold, gold, gold, gold. W-woah, how much does this country love gold? It was decorated in every inch of the room. Even without much sunlight reaching in, sparkles dispersed through the room rivalled daylight.
“Kihet, I will return to pick you up. Good luck.”
Deep down I shouted ‘Martha, don’t leave me! I’m scared! I’m nervous!’
When I turned around, there are two different crowds standing on each side of the red carpet that led to the Prince sitting on his golden throne. His legs were crossed and his head resting his fist. His unamused piercing emerald eyes glared at me.
If I recall, the innkeeper mentioned the Prince’s name to be Shibata. Eizan who I met earlier was standing below the steps to the throne. I don’t recognize the women sitting beside the Prince, but she was well dressed and stunning.
Oh right. She must be the Prince’s betrothal. Her hair was done up with decorated pins holding the shape. She gave me a sweet smile and a gentle wave when our eyes met.
As for the Prince, his frowning face framed by incredibly shiny black hair filled with an opposing aura. He wore golden silk robes with red and white linings. On top of his head, a small eastern themed crown hanged seven beads of valuable crystals front and back.
He raised his hand silencing the murmurs. His very presence gave him authority over the people in this domain.
“My king, the Holy Enui has arrived.” Eizan bowed.
“Excellent.” The Prince spoke with such crystal-clear tone, the echoes seemed to have their own voices. “Eizan, clear the room for now. I shall address the matters of the previous hearing at a later time.”
“As you wish. Everyone, you are dismissed until further notice.”
Everyone stole a glance off me as they walked out. When the last person stepped outside, the room somehow became frightening chilly.
There was also the fact I was asked to meet the Prince with my weapons and armor. I steeled myself against the Prince’s motives. I might’ve finally found someone that could exert as much pressure as the Elder.
“You are real.”
“Well obviously!” Is what I wanted to say aloud. For now, I kept silent and raised an eyebrow.
“My dear, isn’t that rude? Anyone could tell from a mile away. His ears do twitch and his tail does move livelier than past visitors. This Holy Enui has a genuine look of confusion rather than greedy eyes.”
“Your ability to read faces still impress me.”
“If it’s for your highness’ sake, I am pleased.”
There’s a flirty atmosphere being built around the two as Eizan and I quietly kept to ourselves.
Finally, I raised up my hand. “Erm… what’s going on?”
“Pardon my rudeness. I have had people impersonating the holy race in the past.”
Hold on. There were people trying to impersonate my kind? I’m rather curious how this country imagined my kind to look like.
“I am the ruler of Xu, Wu Shibata. This here is my beloved Anri Miyabe. Might I ask for your name?”
“Kihet, from the Enui village.”
“No family name?” Miyabe asked.
“We don’t have that tradition in our village. Our numbers are small, and we easily recognize each other’s faces.”
Compared to the population within Xu, my village probably has an amount of two villages worth of residence out of the total of Xu’s towns and capital.
“Interesting. How are your wounds?”
“Thanks to Martha, I’ve fully recovered.”
“Martha? Ah, I see. Eizan had mentioned that. I can see you’ve taken a liking to her. Very well, as appreciation for rescuing my dear sister, I shall grant you the right to be Caretaker Sayuri’s master. She is now yours to serve and use as you see fit.”
I really want to refuse but I don’t know if I should. I could only smile at the Prince’s words. If I refused, it may affect my standing with the Prince. Either way, there was no way for me to flat out refuse after hearing his kingly laugh.
“Now that some time has passed, I’m sure you have questions but as do I. I wish to know why an envoy from the holy race decide to appear in these times?”
The Princes’ eyes changed from one that sparkled with interest into a serious gaze. His posture had his back touching the throne with his chest puffed out.
Instead of replying to him, I showed him the back of my hand.
Eizan whispered into the Prince’s ear and explained the situation to him.
The crest alone conveyed the message more than words. It was a tool to fight against the greater evil invading the world. The eight crests held immense magical power capable of wiping an entire country if the user wishes it. This was why the Creator carefully chose the bearers of the crest and not from a tournament system.
While Eizan was explaining, Miyabe’s eyes were trained onto me. She must be interested in my ears. I’m guessing as do other people in the palace.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“I see. Just as the legends say.”
The Prince nodded his head affirmatively and raised from his seat. He began to pace back and forth in front of the throne, holding his chin.
“There has been an increased amount of shadow cloaked creatures wandering between borders of each country. My generals have reported large numbers gathering in one spot near my domain. Although, they haven’t moved away from those area at all.”
“Does that mean you will fight them?”
“Certainly. However, there’s one problem. Eizan, hand him a copy.”
“Understood.”
Eizan, acting accordingly to the Prince wish, pulled out two scrolls from his sleeves and passed one to me. The characters were familiar, they were written in Rozzosea’s language.
“Are you able to read? Shall I prepare a copy in the language of my people instead?”
“This is fine. So, what’s going to happen?”
“Our neighbour, Rozzosea dislike Xu raising our blades at their direction. We are unable conduct such battle if there is a chance Rozzosea is keeping a strict eye on our forces. Those warmongering giants may find an excuse to rally themselves for a war.”
Rozzosea? That’s where Lemi and Kridas are. If they plan to go to war, can we stop it?
“But aren’t you just defending yourself from those creatures? It has nothing to do with Rozzosea.”
“There is. By chance, Xu’s army press the monsters too much and have them slip away from us, the survivors will take refuge in Rozzosea and destroy unprotected habitats there. Then, the King of Rozzosea will be allowed to declare war on Xu for thinking we purposely planned to sabotage their lands.”
“That does sound troublesome.”
I really have no idea how the world works. The Elder prepared me for most things other than politics before I was expelled.
“Worry not!”
The Prince jumped down the steps, standing high and mighty.
“I have taken the initiative to propose a treaty. This way, Xu and Rozzosea may strengthen their bonds with a mutual beneficial relationship.”
“Am I encouraged to participate?”
“Certainly.” He happily replied. “There is word of an Enui like you with her trusty guard overseeing this treaty.”
That’s Lemi… it’s been nearly a week since I’ve heard from anyone. It’d be nice to see one of my friends.
“You look happy.”
“I can finally see how well one of my friends is.”
“Friends huh?” The Prince smirked. “My question has been answered. It is my time to answer yours.”
“Prince, I’m afraid it’s time. You have more meetings to attend. Also, the Holy one must be tired since he’s just recovered and came straight to meet you after he woke up.”
“That is certainly true. You must be famished by now. Caretaker Sayuri- no, Martha must have given the prepared an extravagant meal in your room by now. Don’t fret, Holy Kihet. I can attest her skills as a chef matches that of the royal chefs. For now, please excuse my rudeness. I shall answer your questions another time.”
“Oh… okay. By the way, why was I told to wear my armor?”
“I wished to see the armor designs your village created for your people.” Miyabe answered.
These guys!
“Another thing.” The Prince’s words stopped me just as I was about to exit the dragon throne. “Holy Kihet, I grant you permission to no longer be formal towards me. I do wish to inquire about your kind’s culture in near future.”
“Prince!”
“What? I gave you permission to drop formalities too, but you’re stubborn about it, Eizan.”
“If I were to act informal, there are people that will question your authority.”
“In any case I will not be withdrawing my decision. My wife Miyabe and I hold the Enuis in high regards. And that is that! Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes… Shibata.”
“Please, Shiba is more than enough.”
“Right, Shiba.”
“That’s more like it! Haha!”
I didn’t know what else to say. I simply nodded at the laughing Prince and left. He’s interesting though.
I felt a huge, enormous, gargantuan amount of pressure dissipating from my nerves. The joy freed from those prying eyes somewhat made me lightheaded. I heaved a heavy sigh as I took slow steps down the stairs.
Evening had already come. This spot was in the perfect place to see the sunset climbing down the horizon but not the sky. The pink petals of the sacred tree covered the sky above me and slowly darkened the area.
From where I stood, I saw the city lighting up in festive colors. Xu sure love the colors red and gold. This city was bustling lively as I heard its streets were packed full of crowds around stalls selling knickknacks. I’d be great if I can go down there and see more of this city myself.
“Kihet, over here!”
Candlelight shined on Martha who waited at the bottom of the stairs. She handled a small bamboo woven basket that puffed steam from the lid. Curious, I made my way down and stared at it.
“I know you haven’t eaten before meeting the Prince. I made you a quick snack.”
Inside were eggs? No. They’re soft when I picked one up and have a fluffy texture. They’re warm to touch in this autumn season. It felt like I was squeezing a puff of warm cloud.
“Is something wrong? You don’t look pleased.”
“It’s not that. I was expecting a unique flavor. Is this some kind of bread?”
“We call them mantou. The ingredients are almost identical to how bread is made, but we steam instead of baking them. They don’t have much flavor, but it should open your appetite for your meal back in your room.”
“Oh? More food?”
“Yes! The head chefs prepared amazing meals you’d be dying to try.”
“Really? I can’t wait!”
----------------------------------------
A little before dawn, a few hours before light surfaced from the east, I wandered the palace for a bit.
To newcomers, this palace was a labyrinth. Each corridor had the same architectural layout that could only be differentiated by the contents displayed.
Luckily, Martha roughly sketched me a map last night and I was able to find my room by dawn before other servants walked out of their dorms and began their duties.
“Morning, Kihet!”
“Morning, Martha. You know… doing this by yourself is tiring. You could ask me to help.”
“I can manage this much. It’s my job as caretaker after all.” Martha let out a beautiful energetic smile as she prepared the table. “Just by eating with you on the same table is more than I could ask.”
“It’s a pain having someone stare at you while eating.”
“Please don’t remind me. When you told me to eat while you stared at me, I understand what you meant. Please dig in. I worked hard on today’s breakfast.”
On the table, various mouth-watering dishes caused my stomach grumbled. Here a plate of broad selection of stir-fried vegetables mixed in batter then fried something similar to a pancake. The first bite was bland, but the more you chewed it. the sweetness of vegetables gradually increased and worked your appetite.
To enhance the flavor, Martha introduced a type of darkened red sauce. It added a hint of saltiness. The taste wasn’t heavy, and it was a heavenly match against the sweetness of vegetables.
To finish my meal, there were the bamboo woven baskets of mantous. Instead of eating the buns by themselves, I was told to dip them in rice porridge that was million times richer than the innkeeper’s food. The grains of rice were properly textured and stirred with a spicy aroma seemingly coming from the ginger root.
I’m conflicted. Between Martha and Sorah’s cooking, I couldn’t decide who’s better.
“Kihet, do you regret leaving your village? I heard from other workers this conflict may take years until it is resolved.”
“Not one bit! You have no clue how much I wanted to visit the outside world. This is the next best thing before the night my friends and I left.”
“How many are there that are in the same situation as you?”
“Eight, including me. We were sent to different countries.”
“Do you miss them?”
“I do, but I’m having the time of my life right now.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I wouldn’t have met you otherwise.”
Suddenly, a knock came at the door.
“I’ll get that.”
My eyes followed Martha. A guard came by passing a scroll and a letter. She nodded and bowed as the messenger caught a glimpse of me, gave me a salute and marched away. When Martha read the name of the sender, she hurried back to the table with a big smile on her face.
“Something good happened?” I asked.
“Yes, you are going to be busy today. The sender of this letter is addressed to us by the Priestess. She wishes us to give her a visit during noon.”
“That’s great, I want to see how Lily’s doing.”
“Before that, the Prince had sent you a scroll containing yesterday’s follow up. Inside are categorized shadow monsters that were recorded. He asks you to meet him in the library after breakfast.”
“I’m about to finish, where do I put the dishes?”
“I’ll take care of them. Now hurry, you do know what the Prince is like from yesterday.”
“Yeah, he’s quite unpredictable. At least this time I won't need to wear my armor.”
“Then I’ll meet you by Priestess’s place.”
----------------------------------------
I stood at the royal library’s entrance. After knocking, a scholar working there guided me into the study chambers upstairs.
The scent of old ink, oil and paper flood from the doors with a mysterious atmosphere creeping around me. The shelves were filled with old but well-preserved books, scrolls, letters, and anything that contained knowledge. Small lanterns dimly lit the room to give it a mysterious atmosphere. One could easily lose track of time if they stayed.
The study chamber was filled of sunlight faintly covered by papered windows. Unlike the library, this room was better suited for completing various paperwork. The Prince sat on the far side in his desk scribbling each parchment in incredible speed. Eizan and his assistants hastily categorized pile after pile of paper the Prince finished in mere minutes.
Did a dust devil pass by?
“Holy one, apologies for the mess.” Eizan, the only Ogre within this room, jogged with piles of paper in his hands. “I’m terribly sorry to ask but would you mind lending us a hand? We are short handed, and we could not ask for a better time.”
“What needs to be done?”
“We have documents ready to continue his Highness’ work. Please replace the empty pile on his desk and carry the completed ones to the left side of the room.”
“Next!” The Prince declared and pushed the next column of paper in the completed deck. “How many more?”
“Sixty piles left, my Prince.”
“No sweat, we’ll finish within two hours. Bring me more ink! Next stack!”
Already!? That stack was just there, and he’s already finished! What kind of a paper working monster was he?
“I said next!”
“H-here!”
For the next hour, even though my work was many times simpler than Eizan’s, I had trouble keeping up with the Prince. I sprinted across the room back and forth repetitively. For someone who usually lazed around back home, this was one of the rare moments I worked my hardest.
As the last pile disappeared onto the table, my lungs burned while I tried to calm myself with deep breaths to fight this exhaustion. I was at my limit.
“Good work everyone. Eizan, allow these workers to take the day off. I still have an appointment with Holy Kihet.”
“Sir, he’s already here. In fact…”
“I’m dying.”
“Eizan, why had you not announced his arrival?!”
“You were in your ‘demonic paper work’ mode. I could not have told you even if I tried.”
“Stop naming such things. You’ve been giving silly names for the things I do.” The Prince irritatingly tapped his finger on his desk. “Go prepare some refreshments for us. I owe answers to the Holy one.”
“I shall return shortly.” Eizan bowed and turned to the door.
A gust of wind brush through the room as the Prince opened the windows. My attention was still on the mountains of paper thinking I had to pick up the ones the wind pushed over. Thankfully, each stack already had paper weights on them.
“Apologies, Holy Kihet. If I had noticed, I would have greeted you.”
“That’s fine. You were really, really busy. Also, you can stop adding Holy to the front of my name.”
“If that’s what you wish. Anyways, I called you for the answers I owed.”
“I know, but for you to call me, I think you have something more important.”
“Quite sharp. There are two things I must tell you. The first is our visit to Rozzosea.”
“W-we’re going there already? When?”
“In one month. Our visit lasts five days.”
“Yes! I can’t wait to meet my friend there. And what’s the other news?”
“It’s about the assassins.” He frowned. “You must be surprised why a Devil is targeting another Devil. Let me clarify something before you assume. Were there any abnormalities they displayed before attacking you?”
“Their eyes were similar to a dead fish. Their voices too, they were almost monotoned when speaking.”
“That’s all. I can assume its them, Pixies.” He answered as if he could read my mind. “Pixies are residents of Sanctuary. Their golden dusts are a method to temporarily distract anyone who spots them and can hypnotize weak minded victims with simple commands. I suspect the disappearance of civilians are aligned with the assassins.”
Now I’m worried about Sorah. Will she be safe?
“I suppose it’s your turn.”
“O-oh. Then… is Lily related to you?”
“Lily? Ah. You must be talking about the Priestess. Yes, she is my dear sister.”
“Isn’t she a Princess then?”
“Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Tradition dictates that if a female is born from Royalty, they are forced to become the Priestess of the sacred tree or given their own path to follow if they wish. Only the male is able to inherit the throne.”
“What does a Priestess do?”
“The Priestess perform our rituals in ceremonies that affect the tree’s powers, in turn, to purify the toxic lands. My dear sister will have a lot of catching up to do if we are to create more inhabitable lands for this country. Anything else?”
“Why were Martha and Lily in the outskirts?”
The Prince reached for a box in a drawer and opened the contents to me. Inside was a transparent stone with a glowing butterfly fluttering inside it. It’s not an actual butterfly. The magic within it gave form of the image as my ears detected magical pulses emitting from the stone.
“It’s pretty.”
“This is a fairystone, a magic item that allows dimensional transportation capable of travelling a vast distance across the continent.”
“It sounds useful.”
“Useful indeed, but the caster cannot choose its location.”
“That’s the reason?”
“In short, yes. I was desperate.”
“And your wife?”
“We weren’t engaged at the time as well. She went to assist the main force. I had only known my dear sister and I were the targets after my father’s assassination.”
“And you were outnumbered.”
“They used that to their advantage. I alone can keep myself safe, but if I were to protect anyone else, my combat effectiveness would’ve plummeted. Thus, this faiystone. I ordered your caretaker to use one of these stones and find her way back to the palace. My soldiers had gone to search for them, but we lost track, assuming Sayuri-, Martha, hid her track as the killers also chased them. A month went by I had began to lose hope until you arrived. I owe you a great debt.”
This person went through a lot. Trouble is sure to lurk in every corner.
“Holy Kihet, though I am grateful, you are a type that seemingly trust everyone around you. As someone with good will, your behaviour is no good in these lands.”
“What do you mean?”
“I will say this as one who knows this land best and have traveled to countless places outside of Xu. Do not trust anyone around you unless you are sure you are able to reveal their true mask. Until you are certain, do not trust Eizan, your caretaker or even me. Everyone has motives whether good or bad. Your goodwill has almost got yourself killed.”
“But you guys are nice to me.”
“Of course! I am the ruler of Xu! A rare guest such as you should be welcomed, but not everyone feels the same as me. Not that I mean you shouldn’t trust me. I understand where your naivety comes from as a kind that secludes themselves. I heard tales of your village being a peaceful paradise. Out here, it is not. We kill, betray and exile even innocents just to make our lives better.”
I swallowed at the Prince’s words. It may be a warning from someone with experience, but it was cold facts. I’m glad I wasn’t tricked on the way here.
“I too am warning you for my self benefit. I am not officially crowned yet. I need people to acknowledge me, and I am missing crucial supporters. Many nobles dislike my reformation of my father’s legacy and bring equality to Xu. I persuaded some of the strongest factions to my side to keep myself from being dethroned. You are Enui, a divine being many people such as myself envy and respect. To opposing nobles, your existence can be one of the strongest weapons against me and to me, a strong shield to ward them.”
“I’m getting dragged into this no matter what huh? Could the assassins be related to the nobles against you?”
“I accounted for that possibility. Sadly, I have no evidence.” He scratched his head. “It’s noon… Eizan’s late. What activities had you planned for today?”
“Lily- I mean, the Priestess asked me to visit her.”
“Is that so? I shall accompany you.” He scribbled some characters onto an empty piece of paper and slammed it onto the desk. “Eizan, brewing refreshments should not have taken this long. I’ll make you go on a goose chase with this!”
“Can’t be helped. This place is always busy.”
This guy’s hasty nature resembled Vol. At least he was more mature than how Vol always acted.
By now, the sun must be directly above the tree. Light pierced through the nonexistent gaps of the leaves as we made our way to Lily’s place. Workers clear the path and bowed towards us from the Prince’s influence. The kingly aura he held made people but me nervous, but his acknowledgment of them would ease their worries, especially for the female workers who quietly squealed in the background.
I crossed through a garden and overheard a child reading from a lesson with her instructor. It was Lily. One of her horns were still broken. She had short black hair, cute chubby face and a hard-working attitude. The more I look at her, the more she reminded me of Hannah.
“Kihet! A-and your Highness! W-w-welcome!” Behind Lily, Martha stacked the books Lily had made a mess of. As usual, she’s clumsy when an unexpected figure of power appears.
“At ease, caretaker Sayuri. I’m glad to have you return safely, but are you certain this is what you wish for as your reward?”
“Absolutely. Your Highness has already given a hornless devil so much. To be able to return and grant my selfish request to be Kihet’s caretaker is more than enough.”
It was Martha’s request?! No wonder Shiba forced me to accept it. It all makes sense.
“I’ve wasted much of your time, Prince. You’re here to visit the Priestess?”
“Absolutely! I’m overjoyed to find my dear sister studying once she has awoken!”
“En.” Lily ignored the Prince as she dug deeper into the book.
“En?” I repeated.
“Your Highness, holy one. I apologize for her rudeness. She’s in the middle of a reading I assigned her.” The instructor stepped down from the room and kneeled before the Prince.
Lily continued to scribble then suddenly stopped.
“Woah!”
She screamed and ran towards me with eyes sparkling. She stared at my tail, caught it before I could move it from her and brushed it onto her palms.
“L-Lily?! That tickles, hahaha, stop!”
“Priestess, behave yourself!” Her instructor scolded. “This behaviour is unacceptable!”
“Gah! I’m sorry for my rudeness, mister Enui.” She clasped her hands together in fear, trying her best to shrink her body into her shoes. She held onto my tail and fidgeted on the fanned tip. “It’s just, your tail is so soft.”
“My, my, aren’t you lucky, Kihet. My dear sister immediately runs to you and not me.” Shiba pouted a little.
Was the Prince a siscon or something?
“Instructor, you may have today off. We will be here for while.”
“Yes, your highness.”
Lily tugged my sleeve trying to pull my attention from her brother.
“My name is Tomoe not Lily.”
I lowered myself to her height. “Lily is the nickname Martha gave you when I found you.”
“Yes. I remember. You were the one who helped me. Thwank you for healing me.”
Cute. The way she mispronounced a word childishly and not realizing it was adorable.
“Martha, you’ve changed your name and now you wish to change my dear sister’s?” Shiba said sarcastically but sounded somewhat threatening.
“N-no! It was a temporary thing!” Martha cried. “I had to hide our identities as best I could to avoid the attackers.”
“Brother, stop picking on Sayuri! She went through so much to protect me! If that’s the name she and the Enui want to call me then my name will be Lily from today onwards!”
“Eh? Eh? For some reason I feel… sad… The first thing she does for our reunion is for her to scold me. Holy Kihet! My dear sister hates me! What should I do!?”
“I think you’re over thinking.” I sighed. “Lily, your brother missed you very much. At least you could appreciate for the effort he searched for you.”
“I’m sorry… and thank you, brother.”
“Tomoe, even though our parents are no longer here I will always protect you!” The Prince cried out.
“Gosh, I would have never seen the Prince to be like this…” Martha giggled. “Kihet, I believe you made the palace a lot livelier than it used to.”
“You think?”
“Yes.” Martha answered with absolute certainty.
I don’t know what the old palace was like. From Martha’s description, it may have been boring.
I look down and Lily back to clinging on my sleeve. Her eyes were set on me, or rather, my ears.
“Can I touch your ears?”
“Fue?!” Martha let out a strange cry in the background.
Right. She also wanted to touch my ears yesterday.
Why are my ears that popular? Is there a significance for touching them? Then again, Lily and I haven’t talked much during our trip to the capital.
She’s still recovering. I think I should give her a lucky charm.
I held my breath, plucking a feather and held it out to her.
“Lily, give me your hand.”
“A feather?! You pulled out a feather?!” Shiba exclaimed.
“It’s mine. I can do whatever I want.”
“But doesn’t that hurt? Even I wouldn’t pull a single strand of my hair just because I can.”
“It’s fine. It’s not bleeding right?”
“A little bit.” Martha answered.
“I’ll rub some healing ointment on it later.” I said, dropped the feather in Lily’s hand. “Lily, this is kind of like a lucky charm. I remember the Elder of my village mentioned our feathers contain magical powers that will keep you healthy as long as it’s near you. For all I’ve lived, I don’t remember being sick once.”
“Really?! I can have it?!”
“My dear sister, you are fortunate. Not many people are able to meet an Enui, let alone being gifted with rare item from themselves.”
“In that case, I have an idea. You can use this to make it into a bracelet.” Martha removed a white ribbon from her hair.
“I also have something!” The Prince waved a bell at Lily. “It is a charm our mother passed onto me. It wards off evil spirits each time the bell rings. Add this to the ribbon. I won’t be looked down as my item is the most precious!”
He’s really trying his hardest to show off, but it compliments the makeshift bracelet nicely.
Martha secured the bracelet made from our items. The three of us smiled watching the little girl dance around.
Lily raised her wrist in the air, spinning, twirling and ringing the bell each step she took. When she came running back, she tripped over some cracks on the floor but she grabbed my arm to support herself and gave him a bright ear to ear smile.
“I-I!”
“Yes?”
“I want to ask for your name.”
“It’s Kihet.”
“Kihet, Thank you for the present. I promise, I will treasure it! Thank you Sayuri, brother!”
If only Hannah was here, those two would been best friends already.
“Shiba! This is where you went!” Eizan’s raging voice crashed into the area as he tiredly ran towards Shiba. “I get sidetracked tending to my duties for a minute then you throw me into this goose chase!” His fast-paced breathing looked like he was dying.
Despite the comedic entrance, I felt something clutching behind me. It was Lily and she was hiding behind my legs. She might not be used to Eizan’s presence, but her expression was weird. The smiling Lily was trying to hide, and she was breaking into cold sweat.
She’s frightened? Something’s not right.
“You went away too long. Holy Kihet and I were parched and decided to visit my sister.”
“The Priestess? I see. Priestess Tomoe, forgive my unpleasant entry. We’ve met only once before your disappearance. How is your health?”
“E-en.” She replied, digging her face into my pants.
“Excellent. If you need anything please let me know, I will help you with the best of my ability.” Eizan faced back to Shiba. “Now Prince, you have another hearing in five minutes about recent kidnappings.”
“Another incident? Were there any traces?”
“As usual, only gold dusts were found. There were no traces of the victims or culprits at all.”
“Even with so many eyes, not one person witnessed the kidnappings? I suppose I should be off, dear sister. Big brother has important manners to address and will be back!”
“B-bai bai, bwother…”
“Take care, Prince.” Martha bowed.
Before Shibata and Eizan walked behind the walls, I caught a glimpse of Eizan’s glare towards Lily. I couldn’t tell from the expression alone, but I sensed something ominous.
-Do not trust anyone until you are certain of their true mask.
What kind of glare was that? It’s almost as if Eizan was hostile towards Lily.
“Priestess, are you alright?”
“N-no… I don’t like Eizan. He’s scary.”
I’m not going to be able to move with her hugging my leg like that. I’ve got to calm her down first and ask when the time’s right.
“You don’t need to worry about him. C’mon, I still haven’t explored the palace yet. Can you give me a tour?”
“O-okay… I want to go to the training ground. There is something I want to see.”
“Something to see? Priestess, that sounds interesting!” Martha applauded.
----------------------------------------
“Ugh!”
Why am I here doing this? Somehow, I ended up fighting in a sparring ring.
This was the tenth soldier that asked to spar with me. I’m at my limit fighting on this ring. I think I’m going to hurl. I haven’t moved this much since Driagh forced me to join his training routine.
As another soldier lunged at me, I used the mock sword to parry his attack and stepped in to slash his wooden mail. I swung hard enough, the blade of my sword snapped. The thing was about to break anyways since I’ve been fighting nonstop for ten rounds.
I fell on the cold stone tiles, looking through a hole in the pink petals. The sky in my vision slowly blurred as I gulped large breaths of air.
The last man I fought was a veteran. Apparently, one disguised himself to be an infantry in order to fight me. Needless to say, I had trouble against him. Like a snake, the veteran performed techniques that was able to instantly circle around and strike from behind. Other times, he was able to nullify any blows I threw at him.
The only flaw for that footwork technique was they require moderate amount of stamina and strength to perform. Luckily, my endurance outranked him and won by a slither of hair.
“You were like, Khwa, hiya, and pow!”
Lily couldn’t be more accurate. Her untrained punches were like my sluggish movements. I’m tired.
“Hmm? Not bad, Holy one. I see not ten soldiers is enough to defeat you.”
The Queen to be, Miyabe was observing me with her servants follow closely behind her.
As everyone noticed her arrival, they quickly took a knee except for Lily and me. My muscles were burning, and I couldn’t get up to bow.
“Miss Anri, I am pleased to see you.”
Lily ran up to her and gave Miyabe a big hug.
“Big sister Miya!”
“Oh my. Tomoe, Sayuri, I’m so glad to see you two safe and sound.”
“It’s thanks to Kihet. If he wasn’t there for us, we wouldn’t have returned.” Martha answered.
“Hold on. Lily called you Big sister. You two are related?” I asked.
“We’re not. Tomoe has been calling me that since I had been introduced to the Prince. I am her sister in law though. I suppose it does sound strange to other people.”
“Sister Miya, you should’ve seen Kihet!”
“Yes, I saw. He’s strong isn’t he?” A malicious smirk formed on Miyabe’s face. A kind I don’t want to notice. “Holy one, if I may, would you kindly go for another bout but with me?”
I knew it.
“Pardon me, but Kihet hasn’t taken a break.” Martha interrupted. “Besides, the Prince has forbid you from doing excessive exercise. You are bearing his child. He has instructed every servant to keep a close eye on you.”
“I guess you are correct. I have to be more careful, don’t I?” Miya smiled as she rubbed her stomach.
Martha poured me a cup of water from a flask. As I brought it to my mouth, Lily came back and tugged on my sleeve.
“Kihet, Kihet! What’s that?”
I heard sharp thumping noise from the direction she pointed at. It sounds like scarecrows with leather armor were repeatedly being punctured by arrows.
“Hm? It’s the archery range.” I answered.
“Archery?”
“Watch.”
I pointed to archers taking stance and launching arrows into the scarecrows. While watching, Lily continuously pulled my clothes in a way a child trying to direct their parent’s attention to something they’ve discovered.
“I want to try! I want to try!”
I look to Miya for approval. In return she smiled and nodded, commanding nearby soldiers to bring Lily training equipment.
Lily was given a bow her size and placed her feet on the wooden platform. She used the bow her the right hand, unusual from most archers in the lands of Xu. The instructor insisted Lily to hold the bow normally. She refused and insisted on shooting like she wanted, diagonally.
“I want to shoot. Kihet, please teach me!” Lily slapped away the archery instructor’s hand and ran towards me.
“My, she’s grown attached to him.”
“She hasn’t had much friends in the palace.” Martha agreed.
I telepathically begged Martha for assistance. Martha shook her head and gestured me to abide to Lily’s wishes. She didn’t want Lily’s pampering to further affect her standings with the soldiers in the area.
“Alright. But I’m not an expert on this.”
“I don’t care. Teach me!”
I thought of Sorah and Vol since the two know how to use the bow best. Sorah has better accuracy than Vol, but Vol mainly used it to provide quick suppressing fire to draw attention off others.
For starters, I adjusted her grip to guide her on handling the bow.
“For starters, pull the arrow on the string here.” The arrow’s nock touches the string and slides the shaft over the grip. “and aim with your er… right eye? Okay, left I guess?” I slowly back off, not knowing what might happen. “Let go of the arrow when you’re ready.” I shouted from a distance, praying nothing horrible will intervene.
Lily released the arrow after she was confident where she aimed. It flew straight for a bit, then curved into the dirt. Lily turned to me to see if she succeeded.
“You did it.”
“I-I did it! I did it! One more!”
“What an energetic child.” Miya chuckled at the refreshing sight of Lily hopping around. “I pray my child will become similar to her.”
A guard passed a similar arrow to Lily. This time she nocked the arrow by herself and shot the target. It flew to where the scarecrow was, bouncing off the post.
“Try aiming higher. The arrow will curve downwards.”
Lily pulled the strings as hard as she could. She posed for a good ten seconds, slowly adjusting and calculating the distance in her tiny head. When she was ready, she jerked the bow forward to give it an extra power.
“W-whoah!”
“No way… Lily, you’re amazing!”
The arrow pierced through the bullseye at the scarecrow’s head. She turns around with a wide smile, clapping at the scarecrow’s misery.
Beginner’s luck, I guess.
But when Lily loosened a fourth arrow, hitting the bullseye again, I could tell it wasn’t luck. The arrow struck the same spot, grazing a strip of wood from the third arrow in the scarecrow’s head. The fifth arrow split it right down the middle. For all I know, she could be better than Sorah and Vol combined.
She’s a prodigy.