Auriana gave the willowy silver-haired woman a pleading stare, the translucent barrier creating a blurry and wavy figure of Ida from the other side.
“Hmm.” Ida hummed, pretending to contemplate.
She noticed Auriana’s dressing was nothing lady-like. She wore a simple, long-sleeved white shirt and a pair of long black pants, carrying a small knapsack on her back. Auriana didn’t live in a wealthy town, in fact, she lived in a secluded area in the Wastelands that was safe from all the mutated monsters residing in there.
However, just like Ida Wolfe, she was a fallen noble since she had a surname bestowed to her ancestors.
“Alright,” Ida smiled. “I’ll let you in.”
There were gasps all around and there was a look of relief on Auriana’s face.
“Lady Wolfe!”
“We can’t let a stranger in without any form of identification from them! We would get into trouble with the Royal Family if--”
“Relax, I didn’t say I’ll let them in for free, did I?” Ida sighed, turning to Auriana. “I’ll let you in, on one condition.”
“What is it?” Auriana questioned, a hint of desperation in her crystal blue orbs. “We’ll do anything as long as it's within our means.”
At that moment, Ida noticed a tall man leaning against the tree and he began to step forward into the sunlight. His coffee brown hair that barely touched his neck matched the colour of his eyes. His features were sharp and his guarded expression made him seem unapproachable.
He moved closer towards Auriana and Ida, and Ida realised the coffee brown-haired man was taller than she expected. His calloused hand lingered on the sword strapped to his hip.
“Auri, step back,” his voice was clear and low, and his narrowed eyes remained on Ida. “It stinks.”
“Nikulas?” Auriana gave him a questioning glance.
“My little one!”
June revealed herself before everyone, her aqua-coloured irises gleaming in delight. She had been hovering around Ida earlier, keeping herself concealed with her fae powers.
“A fae?” Auriana gasped in surprise.
Ida was surprised as well. “June?! Why would you reveal--”
June flitted her way to the front, straight to the barrier as her wings glittered in the sunlight.
Just then, Nikulas unsheathed his sword and aimed it towards Ida, despite the barrier still remaining there. The guards immediately shielded Ida, brandishing their swords towards Nikulas.
“...”
Ida was taken aback by the sudden turn of events.
This wasn’t how she imagined their first meeting to be at all.
“Your village has our faerie lamps! How did you tall ones get those lamps?” June questioned, the excitement evident in her voice. “You tall ones even have a barrier here that is supported by our fae dust! Why? Why why?”
This was the first time June had toured around the village while paying attention. The other times, she was either sleeping or playing around in Ida’s house, and had no interest in stepping out. Even if she did, she would be resting on Ida’s shoulder, snoring away.
Ida sighed, placing her palm on her forehead. “This isn’t the time to…”
“Hmm? My little one! Tell me! Tell me tell me!”
Ida lifted her head, seeing the dubious glances she received from Auriana and Auriana's childhood friend, Nikulas.
“Annoying stench.” Nikulas clicked his tongue, still aiming his sword at Ida.
“Put your sword away.” Auriana stated, frowning at him.
“...no.”
“Nikulas! You know why we have to pass through here, no matter what!”
He listened to Auriana, withdrawing his sword and keeping it. However, Ida could still see how displeased Nikulas seemed about June.
Meanwhile, June remained ignorant of the trouble she had caused, flying around Ida and probing her constantly.
“All of you, put your weapons away as well,” Ida said, glancing at the guards and she halted June in her tracks, her arms across her chest. “And you, if you don’t be still and quiet for a moment, I won’t allow you to taste those sweet desserts and pastries.”
“...!”
June froze.
“Hmph,” she pouted, floating her way to Ida and sitting down on her shoulder. “I will listen to you, because you are my little one!”
Ida was extremely relieved on the inside.
After spending a few days with June, she could understand how to control June, albeit slightly.
The guards pulled back without any protests, and their eyes remained trained on Auriana and Nikulas. Ida signalled for the guards to stay behind, closing the distance between her and the two of them. Her figure appeared less wavy now, since she was standing closer to the barrier.
“...?” June tilted her head, blinking curiously at Auriana and Nikulas. “Your aura looks familiar!”
Nikulas grew even more displeased with June, but he did not say a word.
“June, you recognise them?”
“Of course, my little one! They are strong tall ones!”
“You separate tall ones into different types?”
“Only for them! Because they are really different from the normal tall ones we meet!”
Ida agreed with June’s words in her mind, since Auriana and Nikulas lived their whole lives in an area with constant dangers lurking around every corner. This was excluding the fact that these two were important characters in the world of Vriafenia.
Nikulas continued glowering, though the mischievous fae disregarded his glare.
“Lady...Wolfe?” Auriana called out cautiously.
“Call me Ida.”
“Ida, why do you have a fae by your side...” Auriana trailed off upon seeing the reluctant expression on Ida’s face.
Of course, Ida wanted to be on the good side of both Auriana and Nikulas. However, it did not mean she wanted to be close to them at all.
Friendly acquaintances.
That was simply what she wanted.
It would do her no good if she were to be involved with Auriana and Nikulas. The fate of the world rests upon their shoulders, and Ida had no plans to tag along with them in such an arduous journey.
Since Ida was given another chance in life, she didn’t want to live through a life being at the frontline once again. Moreover, with such a weak body and the lack of a spiritual contract, Ida wouldn’t be able to last a minute at the frontlines.
“...”
Auriana was someone who could read expressions well.
She knew Ida didn’t like her prying into her life.
“Nevermind, forget I said anything,” she shook her head, wearing an amiable smile on her face. “What is your condition for letting us in?”
Ida eased her expression.
“It’s a simple request, nothing too much…” she took a step forward, wearing a small smile on her lips. “Instead of rushing off to your next destination, stay here for a few days.”
“Why should we do that?” Nikulas asked, frowning at Ida.
“It’s alright if you can’t do that,” Ida nodded in understanding. “I simply won’t let you in.”
Nikulas wore an unhappy expression.
Auriana’s amiable expression faltered as well.
On the inside, Ida was growing cautious. She definitely did not want to get on their bad sides, but she had no other choice. If she let them in and if they simply left, this entire village along with her would be decimated.
That crazy man that gave her a vial of beastman’s blood to drink, for temporary power, would not let it slide. There was no doubt that someone like him would burn everything and everyone around Ida Wolfe since she went against his command.
Other than the fae she had mysteriously gained by her side, she needed more protection for the sake of the villagers and her home.
Auriana and Nikulas.
The two of them would be the most perfect solution for this problem.
“You have to understand, it isn’t that Lady Wolfe doesn’t want to allow you through, but His Majesty has passed down a law that no one be allowed through the gates, unless authorised or approved,” a guard stepped in to explain for Ida, smiling nervously. “Moreover, the Lord and the Mistress are currently out of town, and Lady Wolfe is our temporary liege for now.”
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“My little one, if you need to, I will chase them away so that they never, ever come back!”
Ida heard June’s voice in her mind and she glanced down at the fae resting on her shoulder. The aqua-haired fae tilted her head, smiling brightly and Ida shook her head at her.
June dropped her smile, pouting slightly.
Meanwhile, Auriana contemplated the words from the guard, her fingers lingering on her chin.
Nikulas placed his hand on Auriana’s shoulder, nudging his head the other way. “We’ll find other ways through, Auri.”
“No, Nikulas,” Auriana pushed his hand away, shaking her head. “This is the most efficient and safest way for us.”
“We can’t afford to stop for a few days.”
“We can, actually,” Auriana shrugged, giving Nikulas a small smile. “Rael told us to take our time since he had matters to take care of.”
“...” Nikulas stepped back, crossing his arms. “Fine.”
Ida stood there patiently, the glimmer of hope in her heart igniting when she saw the expectant looks on their faces.
“Alright, a few days,” she nodded at Ida through the barrier. “Now, will you let us in?”
Ida smiled confidently, raising her arm in the air.
“Lower the barrier!”
“My little one, there’s something strange with the barrier!”
“...”
She glanced down at June who sat up on her shoulder, kicking her tiny legs in the air.
Ida wondered if June’s words only served to make her more and more anxious about everything.
“Tell me about it later, June.” Ida murmured out only for June to hear.
“Okay! My little one!”
Two guards stepped forward, taking out an emblem hidden within their shirts. They placed the emblem on the pillars that were responsible for erecting the barrier, there was an empty spot on the pillars meant for the emblem.
The translucent layer of barrier started to dissipate and the guards stepped aside, gesturing for Auriana and Nikulas to step in. The two of them took a step forward cautiously before approaching Ida.
“So you can combine fae things with things that tall ones make! That’s so interesting!”
Be it speaking telepathically or aloud, Ida had to accept that June would be noisy either way.
“I’m sure you are curious why I would state such a strange condition,” Ida said, her expression calm as she gestured. “Follow me, this will take quite some time.”
***
Auriana and Nikulas observed their surroundings as they settled down on the dining table in the living room. They did not expect Ida’s home to be a cozy hut made out of bricks and wood. They knew Ida was a noble, since only nobles were granted surnames by the Emperor.
In the end, it turns out that Ida or Auriana weren’t so different, despite both being of a noble bloodline. Although, Auriana lived in more dire circumstances compared to Ida.
Ida walked over, placing a teapot with freshly brewed tea and a few cups on the table. She poured the tea into the cup, steam rising out from it.
Auriana and Nikulas sat side by side, while Ida sat opposite them. The three of them sipped on their tea quietly and Ida could feel the questioning stares on her. Her lips lingered on the teacup, her thoughts churning in her mind.
Ida had to think of a way to show them she was not an enemy, and neither was she an ally.
She decided to be honest.
“I was approached by someone, who threatened me with my life," Ida stated, a soft thud was heard as she placed her cup down. "He said not to let you pass the barrier, no matter the circumstances."
“...!”
“...?!”
Ida brought her eyes up, coming face to face with the shocked expressions of Auriana and Nikulas.
"Auriana Lionheart, you said that was your name, didn't you?" Ida maintained her gaze, her voice tranquil. "His exact words were to not let Auriana Lionheart go past the barrier."
“Me? But why would they…” Auriana trailed off, frowning deeply.
Nikulas was quiet.
Ida could think of a few reasons why the man did not want to let Auriana in, however, she couldn’t say it now. If she did, she would only cause Auriana and Nikulas to grow suspicious of her.
“I don’t know,” Ida bluffed, sighing. “Since I’ve let you in, I am sure that man would not let me off that easily.”
“So why did you let us in?” Nikulas asked.
“That’s right, no matter how I look at it,” Auriana nodded. “Your life takes priority.”
Ida smiled to herself, meeting their eyes. “It wouldn’t make a difference, even if I didn’t let you in.”
“What do you mean?” Auriana questioned, her tone cautious.
“That man was planning to kill me along with the village, right from the beginning.”
“Wh-what?”
Ida was completely sure of that fact.
It would not matter, because her fate to die along with the entire village was already in place.
It was fine if it was just her, she would have willingly left. However, it concerned the entire village and her parents, which she treasured dearly.
This time, things will be different. I will ensure that.
She didn't care about the repercussions her actions would bring, as long as the village was safe.
“What?!”
Nikulas made a face, covering his nose.
Auriana raised her eyebrows in surprise.
June made her appearance once again, hissing out her words as she hovered in the air in front of Ida, her wings fluttering rapidly.
“Someone wants to harm my little one?!” June exclaimed, stomping her feet. “Who dares to harm my little one! You haven’t played enough with me yet!”
“You really are acquainted with a fae.” Auriana noted in amazement.
“It’s a…” Ida sighed out, closing her eyes. “It’s a long story.”
“Who is it! Who is the bad one that wants to harm my little one!”
Ida felt a drop of nervous sweat roll down her face. She wasn’t sure if June was genuinely concerned for her or if she was upset that her plaything would disappear from her side.
“You wanted us to remain here for a few days to become your temporary guards,” Nikulas was still covering his nose, grumpy. “You have guards of your own, why would you need me and Auri?”
Ida nodded in understanding, looking at June who was still growling and hissing. The fussy fae wouldn't let the matter go, but at least, she was easily distracted.
“June, tell us what you noticed about the barrier.”
June paused, before clapping her hands together in realisation.
“Oh, yes! Yes! My little one, Ida!” she twirled around Ida before flying to the center of the table and talking animatedly. “The strange and weak barrier! I don’t know why you tall ones have fae dust with you, but the magic holding the barrier is really, reallllly weak!”
“Weak?” Auriana leaned in closer, her eyes wide. “Do you mean that the barrier would collapse anytime soon?”
“Collapse?” June tilted her head. “Are you strong tall ones asking if the barrier will disappear?”
Auriana nodded.
“Of course it would!” June beamed, stretching her arms out. “Within a few days, it will be gone! Poof! And then, all the furry ones would come running in! The furry ones are always hungry for meat!”
Ida lowered her eyes, not saying anything despite her solemn expression.
“Other than my little one, all the tall ones will die! The furry ones would swallow them whole, hehe!”
She also knows that the conscience of faes was wired differently compared to humans. Hence, other than her, Ida knew that June wouldn’t be bothered to save the rest of the villagers.
Faes may love playing tricks, but their words were always truthful.
Meanwhile, the colour drained from the faces of the other two.
“He will appear before me tonight, for disobeying his order,” Ida clasped her hands together on the table, her face composed as she met their horrified expressions. “Whether it is me or the entire village, he won’t spare any of us. Not even my family.”
“...he will kill you.”
“Most likely,” Ida nodded, gesturing to herself. “Someone like me with such a miserable constitution has no possible way of fighting against him.”
“Too weak.” Nikulas nodded in agreement.
“Yes, you are very weak, my little one!” June chimed in.
“Unfortunately, it is true.” Auriana agreed reluctantly.
There was no point in denying the truth. Even in her previous world, where humans were ordinary, her constitution fared better than this current body. Ida was speechless at how horrible her constitution was.
“You told us to remain here for a few days…” Auriana frowned, her voice full of worry. “Was it because of this?”
“Not only that. I heard you mentioning the name ‘Rael’ as well.”
Nikulas gave Ida a look of askance.
“If you are looking to visit His Highness right now, it’s impossible,” Ida stated bluntly. “No one is able to enter the capital of the Grenyth Empire right now.”
“How did you…?” Nikulas narrowed his eyes at Ida.
Ida remained just as calm. “There is no one in the Empire that doesn’t know the Crown Prince’s name, and neither would anyone dare to use “Rael” as their name.”
Nikulas and Auriana relaxed, finding logic in her statement.
“The doors to the capital are closed. You won't be able to meet him.” Ida added, pausing for a moment before lowering her voice. “...his father, the Emperor of the Grenyth Empire, has passed away. If you were to force your way into the capital to visit His Highness, you would be charged for something as preposterous as starting a rebellion.”
Finishing her words, Ida stood up from her seat after drinking her tea.
She couldn’t read the expressions on their faces, but she knew they still held their doubts.
She was honest in her words, and she had given them the information she could give at this period of time.
The lack of positive responses wasn't surprising. They were still mistrustful of her, and they weren't wrong to feel that way.
“You can take any empty rooms in the house to rest.” Ida said, appearing indifferent.
“But we…”
“As long as you do not bring harm to any of the villagers around here, you can do as you wish.”
She left the two of them to recollect their thoughts, leaving the house.
“My little one, wait!”
“Didn’t you say you wanted to taste some of those sweet pastries?” Ida questioned with a small smile.
June’s aqua-coloured eyes sparkled in delight. Her questions about the barrier and presence of fae dust in their village flew out the window, twirling around Ida excitedly.
Ida chatted with the lively June, the tiny smile still on her face.
Now, all she had to do was to make preparations for her foolproof plan to save her entire village. She could only hope she convinced the two main characters as well.
***
Night came too soon, and Ida hasn't received any answers from the two. After she left them alone to their thoughts, she never caught a glimpse of them.
That's fine.
Ida gazed at the crescent moon, standing alone in her backyard garden. She donned her long-sleeved beige nightgown with a thin shawl around her shoulders.
I always have multiple plans for any situation.
She watched the clouds drift by, covering the moon and casting a dark shadow over the backyard garden.
I have to move on to the next plan, by groveling and begging them. They owe me a favor for letting them stay.
"They wouldn't be able to turn away, right?" Ida muttered to herself.
When it boils down to survival, pride and shame meant nothing. Ida would do whatever it takes to survive.
"Ida Wolfe."
She recognised that voice. It belonged to the man who gave her the vial of a beastman’s blood.
A truly horrid and insane man.
"I never expected you to be this fickle-minded and selfish."
He stepped out into the moonlight just as the clouds parted. He was dressed in his usual black robes, and this time, Ida could catch a glimpse of his lips. There was a scar from his chin that cut across his lips, stopping at the tip.
"So you knew, but I'm not surprised. You were always watching."
"Do you know what you've done?"
Ida paused, meeting his black eyes. The hostility in his tone was apparent.
"No, and I don't really care."
"Ida Wolfe! I'll rip you to shreds!"
He charged in, raising his hand as a transparent rope shot out. Ida furrowed her eyebrows, dodging out of the way but the ropes possessed a mind of its own, curling back around and aiming straight for her neck.
"...!" Ida frowned.
This guy is…
At that moment, two figures sped out from the shadows. In the dead of night, three figures clashed.