Millicent had a lot on her mind this morning. Who could have imagined that her life would change so drastically in the past few days? Moreover, she could have lost it yesterday if it weren’t for him. Yes, that strange HIM. The foolish boy from another world who was now sleeping on her couch in the living room.
What troubled her was the fact that it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to read his thoughts. Usually, the better she got to know someone, the more clearly she could see their intentions and read what was in their head. However, with this boy, her ability seemed to work in reverse.
Mind reading was a very rare magic possessed by only a few elves. It couldn't be learned - only one could be born with it, and such elves were born very rarely. In another situation or in some other world, one could have rejoiced at such an ability, but not here.
Millicent's life, from childhood, resembled something akin to hell. Of course, in a more philosophical sense, as she did not experience physical torment. It was just that after the elders of her city learned about her ability when she was about five years old, her life was mapped out for years ahead. With great power came great responsibility. Many had heard this phrase, possibly understood its meaning, but certainly not to its full extent.
She was taken from her family and forced to perform various tasks related to her ability: diplomatic negotiations with neighboring settlements and cities, interrogations of prisoners, and much more. On one hand, she was the support and hope of her city, a great fortune and, in some sense, a savior. On the other, she had to work every day despite the pain it caused her. Not to mention that some things she could read with her ability were not meant for the mind of a five-year-old child.
Millicent approached the sleeping Bogdan and thoughtfully looked at his face.
-Hard to believe that someone who looks so weak is actually so strong.
What happened yesterday? Could it be that he possesses some hidden power, the significance of which he himself does not understand?
-Good morning...
It was unclear how long Millicent had been standing over Bogdan. But during that time, he had woken up.
-I thought about giving you a compliment, but I changed my mind since you already know all the variations I played out in my head.
Millicent didn't know what to say. She couldn't read any of his thoughts, no matter how hard she tried.
-Yes! And all of them were terribly crude.
-If that's what you consider crude, then I don't understand the conversations we've had before this."
-You think too much.
-You know, hearing that from you is especially hurtful.
-I'd continue this sweet and utterly pointless conversation, but you really need to get up.
-Oh, I was hoping to lie here for a few more... days...
-If today's meeting doesn't go well, you'll have that opportunity.
-Will I be placed under house arrest with you as my personal overseer?
-Dream on. More likely, you'll be returned to the cell until your execution.
-Not the most pleasant fate, of course. And you'll just let that happen?
-What am I supposed to do? I'd be a little sad, but no more than that.
-Your words give me chills. Last night, you were, how shall I put it, warmer.
-Flirting isn't your strong suit, but let's not dwell on that... It's time to get ready.
Bogdan noticed that Millicent was very pensive today and hardly joked at all. Something was definitely troubling her. Maybe it was what happened yesterday?
-Are you worried about yesterday?
-Not exactly worried. It's just...
-Just what?
-It's just that I don't have an explanation for it. And if I don't have one...
-What you were about to say was going to sound very pompous and vain. That's actually a sin.
-A sin?
-Thinking you're better than others is a sin.
-But what if I objectively am?
-And can you judge objectively? That's vanity squared.
-Sorry, but it's very difficult. Don't forget, I don't understand half the meanings of your words. And I'm really not in the mood for jokes right now.
Despite what happened yesterday, the situation remained very tense. And the problem wasn't yesterday's incident or Bogdan's silly jokes. Millicent couldn't read any of Bogdan's thoughts. And with each attempt, it infuriated her even more.
-Damn it! What goes on in that stupid, empty head of yours?
-What? Why so harsh?" "What are you talking about?
-Why do I annoy you? I didn't do anything! If it's because of my jokes, I'm sorry. I thought you liked them. If it bothers you so much, I'll be 100% serious.
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What was that? Millicent thought. This can't be. Did he just...
-So what's the matter? What makes you so angry? We may not mean much to each other, but if you're more clear about your feelings and sensations, it will be easier for us to get through this period of living together.
-Or rather, your imprisonment with me.
-Yeah. Don't forget to mention that I'm here as a prisoner.
-Don't worry about it. It's fine. I'm really just very tired after yesterday. And although the wound is gone, I'm still exhausted.
-Then maybe you should rest. As your servant, I can take care of everything else. It's no surprise; you were probably near death yesterday...
-That would be great, of course. But today we need to meet with the council of elders. After that, we can rest.
-What are my chances of coming out of there alive?
-I think everything will go fine. You just tell them everything you told me, and I'll read your thoughts to confirm that it's true.
-And then what?
-I don't know. But I don't think they'll execute you. We need to investigate the situation with the stranger you found on the shore.
-Whew.
-What?
-Just... Wait! Why are you asking if you already know the answer?
But Millicent didn't know. She had been trying all morning, but she couldn't read Bogdan's thoughts at all. No matter how much effort she put in, she couldn't succeed. And then there was that strange phrase of his, as if he had read her thoughts. But how? She would like to ask directly, but besides the fact that it would be a huge blow to her pride, Bogdan probably didn't have answers to her questions. What to do?
Millicent and Bogdan, having finished their breakfast, quickly got ready. Before long, a convoy from the city guard arrived and together they headed to the building where the elders held their sessions.
-You know... I wanted to say...
-What?
-Please, can you not read my thoughts for a while? So I don't feel awkward while saying this, okay?
-Alright, I won't. But speak quickly, we're almost there.
-I wanted to say that no matter how things turn out, I'm glad we met. Despite everything that's happened over the last few days, they've been much more pleasant and interesting than my life before. And although we barely know each other, I'm glad I met you.
-Why are you saying this now?
-Just in case they decide to execute me, I'd like you to hear this from me personally, and not read it from my thoughts while they're lighting the pyre under me.
-No. We don't burn anyone.
-Then how do executions happen?
-You're eaten by a pack of wild bears. While crowds of elves watch.
-WHAT?! Seriously?
-Of course. We believe that by doing this, we honor the forest gods, who protect our city with their magic and ward off misfortune.
-Doesn't that seem illogical to you? Like, you feed bad people to good gods, and that makes them happy? Maybe you should feed good people instead?
-Good people can do good things while alive. The best thing bad people can do is die.
-Harsh... But maybe they can change? Don't you think so?
-Do you believe we can change?
-Well, we change physically. So why not internally?
-I don't believe that.
-Then what do you believe in?
-If you survive today, I'll tell you for sure, but for now, let's postpone this conversation—we've arrived.
-Sigh, too bad, I might never know what you believe in. But I'd be pleased to know that you believe in me!
-Don't flatter yourself!
-Of course! Alright, you can read my thoughts now.
-I was just waiting for your permission...
-She's so cute when she's angry. Ah, I don't want to die today. I'd love to have another conversation like this with her.
It worked! I can read his thoughts again! And he thinks I'm cute when I'm angry? People usually told me I was scary when angry and that I should smile more. And anyway, what the hell!?
Bogdan was led into a large room and seated opposite a big, currently empty table. The guards shackled his hands to the chair he was sitting on and left. Behind the huge table, there was something like a small audience area, presumably for ordinary spectators, but all the seats were empty. For now, it seemed Bogdan was the only one in the room.
-The anxiety is creeping in... creeping in... I wish it would just start and end quickly, or I'll end up doing all the work for them if it doesn't finish faster.
-Don't worry!
-What? Who's there?
-Sorry, you probably haven't missed me yet, have you?
-Is this another one of my schizophrenic conversations with world concepts?
-Stop insulting me and my colleagues. We talked about just relaxing and enjoying yourself.
-It's hard to do that with my hands shackled, and considering I might be executed.
-I don't think anything bad will happen to you, unless you say something foolish.
-Enough with the preludes. Just tell me, why are you here? Questions? Proposals? Or are you finally going to explain what's going on?
-You should be grateful that I even visit you from time to time. According to all the rules, I'm not supposed to do that.
-If I remember correctly, according to all the rules, I shouldn't be here either, right?
-You should have joined some kind of discussion club in your past life!
-I thought about it.
-So what went wrong?
-I don't like losing, and I don't have much effort to avoid losing. So, it all remained only on the level of thoughts.
-What a wasted career... But you asked me to get to the point.
-Well, let's get to it! Otherwise, I'll have to interrupt again. It's about to start soon.
-Alright. I wanted to say that I won’t be able to visit you anymore and I've broken a lot of rules. I'm not supposed to interfere in human lives or influence the outcomes of events. However, as I said yesterday, your fate depends on our dexa-gon. I know it means nothing to you. I just want you to know—your appearance in this world is not a coincidence. It is the result of a series of events and decisions.
-Which you can’t tell me about?
-I can only say that you were brought here for not-so-good purposes.
-So, am I a villain in this world? Sounds intriguing.
-You are who you decide to be.
-I am who I decide to be? Did you visit Sartre before coming to me?
-Is he the one who said, "Freedom is not what is done to you, but what you do with what is done to you"?
-Yes, yes! Do you know him?
-I know a lot of things. But listen. You were forcibly brought into this world to do very terrible and nasty things. They want to use you for their purposes.
-And you want me to not follow their lead?
-No. I've been thinking a lot lately. Re-evaluating my decisions, the system itself, and no. I don't want you to blindly follow my advice! I want you to make your own decision. Decide who you are, decide and find your true "self". And even if it sounds too pompous, I want you to know—whatever you choose, I will be on your side.
-You know... Without the context of the whole situation, your words sound a bit empty, but, well, thank you, I guess.
-Just...
-No. Let me finish. Maybe I have things to complain about in both my past and even in this life, but one way or another, all decisions were made by me. If that's not true and some entity dictated the scenarios to me, just say so. Then I will be angry, and I will say many nasty things to you. I will use all my skills to morally crush the concept of your existence. But somehow it seems to me that it's not like that! I have always been responsible for my decisions and choices. Whether it was the true "self" or some other "self" I invented. It has always been only me to blame. I want to believe in that. I want to think so. Because otherwise, everything becomes...
-Too sad?
-Too sad.
-If everything is as you say, then I can be sure that I’m leaving this world in safe hands.
-It sounds cool, but still nothing is clear.
-You’ll understand everything in time, and for now, see you!
-Maybe “goodbye” is more appropriate?
-No! After you finish your transitions in this world, I will be the first to meet you at the gates in the next one, so see you!
-Eh, what about eternal rest and all that...
-You’ll have time for that!