𝔖𝔬, ℑ 𝔊𝔬𝔱 ℜ𝔢𝔦𝔫𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔫𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔡

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 51

"Avoiding the punishment of death and order."
~※~

"Ate Himeko!" maligayang bati sa akin ng Prinsesa.

The Princess told me she knows someone who could look into the future. She also informed me of this woman's ability to get inside my mind. I just have to be careful, still.

"Is she a good person?" I probe. Naglalakad kami sa loob ng palasyo at pinasuot niya pa ako ng damit nila. Once again, my belly is exposed. But it was better than wearing my usual fighting attire.

Hindi naman naiinitan ang Prinsesa sa klima nila. Tignan mo, nakapaa pa nga. Ako naman ay nakasandals lang, kung wala akong suot feeling ko talaga maluluto ang mga paa ko dahil sa init.

"She's a good person, Ate," she smiled while pulling me. She got comfortable with me that easily after how many times she talked to me.

Right, I forgot to say. Our vacation is extended. The Fang are here. We're lying low inside the Palace. Hindi naman sila makakapasok dito. However, we're minding for spies if ever there are any. But who would even dare to get close to the Palace walls? The King will hear about it.

"Mind your steps," she says, leading me up the stairs with lighted bowls of coal on the side that served as light.

After some time, we arrive in front of heavy clay doors guarded by two Altherians. They were quiet and still. We got inside and the first thing I saw was a woman sitting by the sofa in near a huge bowl of fire, drinking tea. Kanina pa itong apoy. Umagang umaga, may apoy pa. Lifestyle na ba 'to?

"Magandang hapon, Seer," the Princess greeted with a serious look. She looked at me and signaled to follow her take a seat on the opposite couch. Nang papalapit na ako doon, halos mapatalon na ako dahil sa isang tigreng nakahilata sa gilid.

"Snowy doesn't bite."

"I'm fine," I calmly took a seat beside her. Nagulat lang talaga ako. Besides, if the Tiger attacks I'll just make it unconscious with petrification.

"You've brought her," the Seer spoke. "I see. Another Outsider."

She smiled. She was wearing a white blindfold.

What is this...

I sense a flow of mana.

Violet mixed with white.

"Greetings, fellow Esper," she smirked the moment I noticed. Her tone was calm.

"It's my first time seeing a Sahashara," I say.

The curse of the soul. The highest and deadly curse among curses.

She smiled. "You have gained and adapted the knowledge of this world. You've been here quite a while, huh?"

"It's a year and so."

Still, why is an Altherian an Esper? Only humans could become Espers.

<I am a halfbreed, Outsider.>

I almost attacked her the moment I heard her voice inside my head. Mabilis namang napansin ng Prinsesa ang mabilisang paghawak ko ng sandata ko at agad akong pinigilan.