Journey of a Prince in a magical world

Chapter 6: Duality of personalities

After walking for a few minutes we came upon a clearing deep into the forest, in the middle of it, surrounded by a small lake with a small bridge made of a cut down tree, stood a giant tree, but unlike the others, this had a human-like face, and a big mustache, seemingly looking like it's sleeping. Upon seeing this for the first time, we all stood there in awe wondering how this tree came to be in total silence.

Minato: ... I didn't know what to expect, but it certainly wasn't this.

Kei: What the hell happened to this tree, and how can I get a cool mustache like this?

Aegis: I...  I think we should focus on something else.

Looking back to the tree, its eyes now open looking at us, as per usual we draw our weapons and assume a battle formation ready for an attack, when the tree speaks to us in a deep and calm voice.

Tree: Do not be alarmed young ones, I mean you no harm.

Morgan: Wha- where's this voice coming from?

Tree:  It is I currently speaking to you, the great elder spirit of the Rinitani forest and protector of the branded, Suma, and I appreciate your compliment about my mustache, not something I hear every day Mr. Kei Narukami Oh ho ho ho.

Kei: I-I see... wait, how do you know my name?

Suma: I can look inside your hearts, so there is no need for introductions.

Minato: No offense or anything dude, but that's the most bizarre thing I've seen.

Aegis: Minato, watch your tongue!

Suma: Do not be worried Aegis, I do not mind this at all, it is quite delightful to receive visitors like you, and to think I'd see two different royals today, oh ho ho ho.

As soon as he mentions a second royal my eyes widen as I try not to panic and blow my cover, meanwhile Aegis and Morgan seem confused and Kei shares a feeling similar to mine.
I quickly speak up trying to rub it under the rug.

Minato: A-Ay pal, sorry but the only other royal with us stayed back in town to buy some supplies with the others, Morgan's the only one here.

Suma's expression quickly changes to a serious one as an awkward silence fills in for what seemed like an eternity and despite my best efforts to keep calm, I star sweating heavily fearing he will tell Aegis and Morgan about the truth of my identity.

Suma: Oh, my apologies, seems like all these years are catching up to this old bark, oh ho ho ho.

A let out a smile sigh, relieved that he didn't say it out loud, I guess I own you one for this you old tree, but thanks none the less.

Suma: Well, since you're here for your prayers princess Morgan, I will open the gates to the temple for you.

After saying that, his mouth fully opened to the ground as a gate and we all step closer taking a peek inside.

Suma: You can go in, I'm not only the sage, but the temple itself, oh and Minato, I'd like you to accompany Morgan here.

Minato: Huh? Are you sure?

Suma: Of course, not like you would care about some peer pressure from dead people right? Oh ho ho ho ho.

Minato: I... Alright fine, you two wait for us here ok?

Kei: Aye aye sir.

Aegis: You better not try anything funny, funny man.

I let out a small sight and turn back to Suma's mouth, Morgan quickly grabs my hand looking at me with the same excited starry eyes as usual pulling me inside with her as Suma closes his mouth behind us.