Ethereal Madness

Chapter 45- Sleepy Princess

Ória walked forward, and no one moved, much less uttered a word.

"Ória?" The words escaped from my lips.

"Ória!" Ami ran and hugged her and Ória giggled.

"Aren't you just full of energy?" She patted Ami's head.

"It's good to see you again."

"Yes, and so soon."

Ória shifted her attention over to me and started walking, smiling all the while. When she got to me, she grabbed and held my hand as if this was normal. Her hand was small and warm, but it was shaking like she was freezing.

"Hello," Ória bowed her head.

Everyone's eyes were now on me, for obvious reasons. And I definitely wasn't happy about it.

"Hmph, don't see you for so long and you act like we met yesterday." Kenós complained. "Kinda crap is that?"

Oria's face remained unchanged. "I apologize if I came off that way. I was stunned by being stared at by so many people. It's been awhile after all."

"A little more than awhile," Kallier snarked.

"Hm? What's the deal with her?" Roxanne asked. "She special?"

"Another servant?" Eris guessed.

"Is she strong?" Ainia asked.

Why do I feel so uncomfortable right now? I know nothing's gonna happen to me but I can't help but worry. But what am I worrying about?

Ória squeezed her hand and I looked over at her.

"Stay calm Arthur." She whispered while facing forward. "Everything is going to be okay."

As much as your hand is jittering, I feel I should be telling you that.

"Since the children are all questioning, you may as well properly introduce yourself," Stin suggested.

She nodded. With all eyes glued to her, she stood tall, but did not let go of my hands.

"Hello. My name is Ória," she held out her hand and Essentia landed in her palm, "and I guess you'd consider me the administrator of Essentia."

I checked if my weapon was still in my sheath and sure enough it was still there. That only led to more questions.

Did she create a copy of Essentia? Or is that real? Do I somehow have a fake? No, that can't be.

"What bout her?" Ainia pointed at Miss Mya, whose face was filled with contempt as she glared at Ória.

"Myala and I are like co-partners. We both do our part to keep the weapon functioning." Ória explained.

I expected Miss Mya to object, but she held her tongue. Telling everyone she was a prisoner inside Essentia probably wasn't something she wanted to mention.

"Care to explain why you're here?" Stin asked.

"Hmm? Because it sounded fun."

The room went silent.

"What?" Kenós sounded shocked.

"A meeting between us doesn't happen often, wouldn't you agree? It's truly a rare occurrence."

"That is true," Kallier admitted. "However, you've never come to any of the previous ones."

"I quite like my current owner," Ória said.

I could feel my cheeks puff up.

Kenós began laughing uncontrollably and eventually he was all the noise in the room.