Ice Stone Child

02 The INTRUDERS

Isang malakas na ilaw ang umagaw ng atensyon niya habang sinusundan niya si Shin Na. As expected, his new-stranged-maid took her Spirit Plaque of Soongrim. And obviously, she was not the blind girl that he heard about at the brothel. At sinubaybayan niya ito hanggang makapasok ito sa Jeongginyak bago ito biglang nawala.

He just left his last Master, a monk in Gusan, who wanted to build his sanctuary and now he found the right one. What a busy day?

Bukod sa ininsulto ng Monk na yun ang Ina niya ay pinagkabisa lang din siya nito ng iba ibang spell. He often heard that he conceived by her Mother’s affair but the old man straightly said it to his face so warned him to stopped before he ask the refund for his payment in his so called training. Sinunod naman siya nito.

“No one in this world will teach you spell because of your father. Dapat yan ang tinatatak mo sa isip mo. Para di mo na masayang ang oras mo.” He lastly commented.

“Salamat po sa pagpapaalala. I will find my own master. Someone who is extremely powerful and skillful.” He answered without thinking he would really find one as soon as he arrived at Chwireonsu.

Nag-iisip palang siya sa susunod niyang plano nang makilala niya ang katulong niya, isa itong bagong salta sa bahay-aliwan. She was on run and she hide on his room. At may kakaibang kulay ang mata nito na nagmula lang sa nag-iisang spell na alam niyang tanging panggagalingan nito.

“What are you looking at?” Tanong niya nang makita niya itong nakasilip sa pintuan ng kwartong inupahan niya. She turned and he’s mesmerized with her eyes, he knew what’s making them unique.

Akmang ibabalik nito ang pantakip nito mata ngunit pinigilan niya ito. He need to look at her eyes more. She must be still on her act. Pero naintindihan niya agad ang ginagawa nito ngunit may kailangan lang siyang kompirmahin dito.

Mabilis naman siyang tinulak nito at tinutukan ng kamay ng alimasag mula sa kinain nila ni Jin Ru, kababata at kaibigan niya.

“I heard a blind girl recently joined this place. Your new face with a blindfold but in your neck. She must be you. Pero mukhang nakakakita ka naman. I heard servants talking about you, your name started with N. Wait, mali pala. It’s Shin Na, right?” He started the conversation.

“Tama ka. It was me. Pero hindi nila ako tunay na kilala. Kaya kung gusto mo pang mabuhay ay tumahimik ka hanggang makaalis ako. Anong nakatawa?”

He can’t help but laughed. “Your eyes were beautiful. Oh, sorry. Only your eyes were beautiful.” Paliwanag niya nang bahagya itong napakunot-noo kaya bago pa ito mag-isip ng iba.

“Baliw.” Naiinis nitong sabi sabay kuha ng pitaka niyang nasa lamesa saka tumakbo sa pinakamalapit na bintana para buksan at doon nito balak dumaan.

Pinigilan nito. “Kunti lang laman niyan. You should take this instead.” Hinagis niya dito ang family plaque niya bago pa ito makalabas sa binuksan nitong bintana. Kaagad naman nitong sinalo iyon dahilan para mahulog ito ng tuluyan nang hindi handa sa labas ng bintana.

Sa gulat niya ay sandali siyang natulala bago sumilip sa bintana, mukhang ayos lang ito dahil nakatayo naman ito agad. Mabuti nalang at mababa iyon pero ika-ika itong tumayo nang mahimasmasan ito. When he confirmed that Shin Na was fine. Nilingon niya ang nakasilip mula sa kabilang kwarto na kanina niya pa napansin.

He was stunned. Pamilyar sa kanya ang dalaga. Bukod sa ganda nito, sigurado siyang hindi ito ang tipo ng mukhang makakalimutan niya. Her hair was perfectly place at the back of her head. Leaving her baby hair playing with wind.

Halatang natulala din ito sa kanya kaya hindi nito pinansin ang anino sa likod nito. He was in the middle of reminiscing their encounter and being mesmerized by her face when a black bag covered her face.

Sa gulat niya ay hindi rin siya agad nakakilos. He try to looked at her room from his. Pero hindi niya matanaw ang dalaga.

He immediately ran to her room. Naabutan niya itong humahangos na nakatayo sa kabilang bahagi ng silid. He pulled out the kidnapper away from her that was currently on the door until they have reached the hall way.

“Yeon Seo!” Tawag sa kanya ni Jin Ru.

“Ano pang tinitingin mo dyan, tulungan mo kami!?” Sagot niya dito na pasigaw rin.

His friend was shocked. Pumunta lang ito sa Chwiseonru para sunduin siya dahil sa utos ng tiyo nito. Umalis ito sandali matapos siya saluhan para umorder ng pagkain dadalhin nito kay Min Yu, isa nilang kaibigan, tapos maabutan siya nito sa kaguluhan. His friend initially ran to the girl when he noticed her catching her balanced. Pero tumakbo din ito palapit sa isang paso ng bulaklak. She flashed all the water from the vase to her head it reached her light pink dress collar.

They were shocked but she seems to have plan. Kumumpas ito at inipon ang mga tubig sa paligid. Then she pulled him away from the masked man. Saka binato dito ang tubig at ginawa iyong yelo.

Ngunit hindi iyon umumbra dahil naging tubig ang mandarakip nito. He transformed and get back quickly. At habang gulat sila ay hinagis ng masamang loob ang kutsilyo mula sa baywang nito papunta kanya para ilayo dito ang atensyon ng dalaga.

The knife didn’t reach him. Isang kamay na tubig ang biglang lumitaw at hinarang ito. He followed the floating water and found its owner, it was the girl’s hand. He saw pain registered in her serious face.

The kidnapper escaped as soon as the crowd riot to hide from the mess. Akmang hahabulin ito ng dalaga pero inawat niya ito. He takes off his robe ribbon.

“Sandali, may sugat ka.” Pigilan niya ito at binalot ang sugat nito.

“Wala yan.” Sagot nito pero bahagya nanghina ang mga binti nito. Kaagad naman niyang sinalo ito at inupo sa pinakamalapit na upuan.

“Careful. You must be really powerful to be able to handle your kidnapper alone. Pero nasugatan at niligtas mo pa ko. You seem not from here—” Natigilan siya nang hawakan nito ang ulo niya. Her eyes was tiredly smiling.

“Jang Yeon Seo.” She called his name and closed her eyes.

Kaagad naman itong dinaluhan ng mga alalay nito. “Prinsesa Yui? Ano pong nangyari dito?”

Ikinuwento niya ang mga nasaksihan nila. Sinamahan nila ni Jin Ru ang mga alalay nitong madala ito sa tinutuluyan nito. They didn’t walk. Pinasakay sila ng mga ito sa karawahe para mapasalamatan sa tulong nila.

He found out that she was Princess Yui of Gaenda. Isa sa malapit na bansa sa kanila. She was looking for him and even asked for his information. They met five years ago.

Nadismaya lang siya nang makita niya ang pagkahumaling nito sa kaibigan niyang si Min Yu. He thought she was interested in him. Pero nagkamali pala siya.

She sighed. “Look, Jang Yeon Seo, I can take it from here. Patawad kung naisip pa kitang abalahin. I was just hoping for a faster result.”

“You mean you already found someone. Hindi ba sumagi sa isip mo na pwede mo akong alukin?” He was disappointed.

“What? I mean, knowing how busy you were lately—” Magpapaliwanag sana ito. But he stopped her.

“Nevermind. Alam kong di ako qualified.” He sadly avoided her eyes then started walking away. He knew she was looking for her groom, a powerful one.

Bago siya umalis sa Gaenda noong una nilang pagkikita ay narinig niyang nag-uusap ang mga bantay ng Jin Yu Falls.

“Daeyo ang pinakamagandang lugar para makahanap ng mapapangasawa si Prinsesa Yui. They even have a lot of great mages family there. She surely found someone there before she turned 18.” Masayang usap ng mga ito.

He sighed. Hindi niya maintidihan bakit iniisip niya ngayon ang dalaga. He recalled his situation and started to focus.

Kasalukuyan siyang naghahanap kay Shin Na nang mapansin niyang may tao sa isa sa halamang ilang kilometro ang layo sa kanya.

He slowly walked towards the bush to see who’s hiding, then he saw Shin Na still running away from Min Yu. He knew he couldn't catch up with her maid in a simple way.

He recognized the dress, light blue with green outlined. Ganoon ang suot ni Yui nang iwanan niya ito sa tinutuluyan nito. He walked closer to her, close enough for her to notice him.

“Hi, Prinsesa Yui.” Nakangiti niyang bati dito sa nakatagong dalaga. He was relief to found her too in Soongrim and decided on focusing on looking for hid maid.

“Yeon Seo?” Nagtataka at gulat ito.

Tinayo niya ito at dinala ito sa likod ng isang bahay.

“I heard you can track someone with just a hair. Pwede mo ba akong tulungan mahanap si Shin Na?” He asked her while showing the strand.

Nalilito itong lumingon sa kanya. “I just saw her there. Hinahabol siya ni Min Yu—”

“Kailangan nating unahan si Min Yu.” Paliwanag niya.

“Okay. You better keep this secret seeing me here. Inaasahan ni Min Yu at Jin Ru na malayo ako sa kaguluhan.” She sighed.

Tumango-tango siya. “Kaya pala sinusundan mo ang katulong ko nang patago?”

Tinignan lang siya nito ng masama at tahimik kinuha ang buhok na hawak niya.

“Okay.” He zipped his mouth.

Kumumpas ito at kusang gumalaw ang buhok. Sinundan nila ito hanggang sa malagpasan nila ang naghahabulang si Min Yu at Shin Na habang naglalakad sila sa ibang daan.

“She will surely turn from here to there.” She predicted.

“Thank you so much. Pwede ka nang umalis. You said you didn’t want to get caught.” Tuloy-tuloy niyang wika sa Prinsesa saka mabilis na pumasok sa bahay na malapit sa rutang maaaring daanan ni Shin Na.

Ilang sandali lang natanaw na niyang parating na ang pakay. “Gotcha!” Dali dali niyang hinila papasok sa silong ang katulong niya.

“Young Master?” Gulat nitong wika.

“Sshhh.” Pagtatahimik niya dito.

“Bakit nandito ka, Young Master?” Bulong nito, hudyat na nakuha nito ang pahiwatig niya.

“Dahil sa mga mata mo.” Nakangiti niyang paliwanag.

“Mga mata ko?” Nagtataka nito sagot.

He smiled wider. “I knew the moment I saw you that you were my master.”

He can still remember when he first said that he would look for his own master. Nasa harap siya noon sa leader ng Soongrim na si Master Park Jin. He confronted him to teach him like his friends, Min Yu and Jin Ru, after he memorized all the books he gave to him.

Pero imbes na ipahanda nito ang seremonya ng pagtanggap sa kanya ay inabot nito ang espadang Ama niya at inutusan siyang buksan iyon.

“Due to spell cast on me by my father. Hindi ko po magagawa ng pinag-uutos nyo sa—”

He didn’t let him finished. “You cannot even take out you own father’s sword. Paano mo naisip na makakaya mong mag-aral ng ibang salamangka?” He was somehow angry.

“Makakapagpractice po ako ng kahit anong spell kung i-open mo lang po ang gate ng enerhiya ko—”

“I.. cannot do that.” Matigas na sagot nito. His father and Master Park were friends.

“Kung ganoon ay hanapan nyo ako ibang guro na magbubukas—"

“Walang sinuman dito sa Daeyo ang gusto sumuway sa huling bilin ng Ama mo.” Muling singit nito sa sasabihin niya. “For further explanation, no master can help you in your case. Wala kang ring matutunang salamangka dahil iyon binigay na kapalaran ng Ama mo sayo—”

“Bakit kailangan niyang pangunahan ang kapalaran ko?” Siya naman ang umawat dito saka binato ng espadang inabot nito kanina. He was on his patience limit. “Ni hindi niya nga ako trinatong anak nun. And no one even considers him as my true father! Kung wala tutulong sakin, ako mismo maghahanap ng may lakas ng loob na ibagay ang gusto ko. I will find my own master and I will break this sword.” Saka siya naglakad paalis.

“Master? May nakita ka po bang espesyal sakin?” Pukaw ni Shin Na sa kanya sa kasalukuyan.

“Nabanggit ko na nga sayo di ba, dati, na maganda ang mga mata mo. Only your, eyes, though, I repeat.” Paliwanag niya pero nalito lang ito lalo. “Your eyes has the blue glow of a soul shifter’s mark.” Dagdag niya na nakapagpalinaw ng ibig niyang iparating dito.

Wala itong sinayang na oras at mabilis itong bumunot ng patalim at sinunggaban siya nito ng ilang uli. He might not be a mage but he know how to dodge. Hiyaan niya itong sigurin siya hanggang mahuli niya ang kamay nito saka inagaw niya ang armas nito.

Hindi niya napigilan tumawa. “So that’s what your solution. Makikipaglaban ka sakin dito?”

“Oo at napakadali lang saking gawin iyon.” Sagot nito habang sinusubukang agawin ang talim sa kanya.

He smiled. “Kakaiba ka talaga sa lahat. Mabuti nalang at nasa Soongrim tayo. They will caught you.”

Sandali itong nag-isip bago bumaling sa kanya uli.

“Meron akong magandang plano sa atin. The fact that no one will caught you if you stay by my side. You will be save, by me, in return you have to be my master.” Huminto siya pagsasalita nang may maramdaman siyang tao pumasok sa silong. It was man. Sana hindi ito kasama ng mga nanloob sa Soongrim.

“Sa tingin mo karapatdapat kitang turuan. Do you even know how weak you are?” Turan nito habang nakatingin sa kanya.

“I know but it was all because my energy was locked. Malalaman lang natin ang kakayahan ko kung tuturuan mo ako.” He replied while looking at the stranger walking ahead of them, he was wearing green dress.

“Seo Min Yu?” Tawag ng isang pamilyar na boses mula sa labas tinataguan nila.

Mabilis niyang inagaw ang talim sa kamay ng kaharap at hinala ito papunta sa likod niya. Ngunit muli nitong inagaw iyon pero nanatili ito sa posisyon nito.

“Min Yu?” Muling sumigaw ang may-ari ng boses. But this time it was from the back of guy in front of them.

Sinilip niya ang mga ito. Yui was running to Min Yu. Now, he recognized the name. Kaibigan niya pala ang pumasok. Saka lang siya nakahinga ng maluwag.

“Yui?” Natigilan ito nang makilala ang dalagang dumating.

“Min Yu, kanina pa kita sinusundan. I’m glad you’re okay.” Nakangiti nito wika sa kaibigan niya.

Kapwa silang nagulat ni Shin Na nang yakapin ng Prinsesa si Min Yu dahilan para mapatalikod ang kaibigan niya sa kanila.

Sumenyas naman agad si Yui sa kanila, hudyat na pwede na silang tumakas.

“Nag-iikot lang ako dahil baka nandito pa ang mga nanloob.” Paliwanag nito sabay balik ng lingon sa kanila.

“O, ikaw pala yan, Yeon seo? Nandyan pala kayo ni..?” Inunahan nitong magsalita ang kaibigan nito habang sumesenyas ito na nakita na sila sa kaibigan niya.

“Shin Na, bago kong katulong.” Sagot niya habang sumenseyas din na dapat di silang pinansin.

“Huli na.” Sagot nito nang walang boses sabay ngiti kay Min Yu nang lingon ito nito.

“Bakit ka umalis sa bahay na pinag-iwanan namin sainyo?” Tanong nito sa dalaga. “At kayo anong ginagawa nyo dito?” Saka tumingin sa kanila habang maingat na kumawala sa yakap ng Prinsesa. “Alam nyo bang delikado dito ngayon?”

Akmang sasagot sila nang dumating namang hinihingal si Jin Ru. “Yui? Sabi ko sayo ako na bahala kay Min Yu eh.” Nilapitan nito ang katabi ng kaibigan nila.

“No need. Nandito na siya.” Saka humarap dito habang nakahawak parin kay Min Yu. “Yeon Seo is here too, with her new maid.”

Napalipat-lipat ito ng tingin sa kanila saka lumapit sa kanya. “Napakalapitin mo talaga ng gulo. You even involved your new maid.” Bumuntong hinga ito saka hinila si Shin Na para makilatis. Natigilan ito nang makita ang patalim sa na hawak ng katulong niya.

Everyone was shocked. Siya ang unang natauhan kaya kahit masama ang tingin sa kanya ni Shin Na ay inagaw niya ang hawak nito. He took the knife and hide it.

“She must be trying to protect his weak master.” Yui stepped in, luckily.

Although he was offended. Hindi siya sumagot at nagpaanod siya sa usapan. The Princess was really helping him a lot today.

Natutuwang hinimas ni Jin Ru sa ulo si Shin Na. “Mabuti ka pa alam mo kahit paano lumaban. Your master didn’t even know how to fight. Mabuti nalang di kayo nakita ng mga nanghimasok.”

“Saan kayo pupunta?” Turo niya kila Yui at Min Yu na naglakad na palayo sa kanila habang kausap sila ng bagong dating.

“Hayaan mo na sila, Yeon Seo. They have a lot to talk about.” Nakangising sagot ni Jin Ru.

“Gaano karami naman yun?” Tanong niya uli at naglakad palapit sa Prinsesa at sa kaibigan niyang si Min Yu habang hila si Shin Na. “Baka gusto nyo kaming isali sa usapan nyo?”

Nawala ang ngiti ni Yui nang bumaling ito sa kanya. Habang hawak ni Min Yu ang kanang kamay nito na nasugatan kanina.

Min Yu must have heals her wounds. Meron itong kunting kaalaman na natutunan nito kay Master Heo, biyahas ito sa medisina. The ribbon he gave to her was not there anymore.

“Jang Yeon Seo, labas ka na usapan namin. You should help your maid. Siguradong nagulat siya sa nangyari.” Saka muling ngumiti kay Min Yu. “Nag-alala ako nang makita kitang may hinahabol ka. I can’t help but to follow you. Kahit alam kong delikado.”

Gumanti naman ng ngiti ang kaibigan niya sa dalaga bago bumaling sa kanya at kay Shin Na. “Patawad sa ginawa kong paghabol sayo kanina, Shin Na. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Wika nito bago binalik ang atensyon kay Yui.

“Wala ho yun. Alam kong kasalanan ko din, nag-alala ako nang mawala sa paningin ko si Young Master Jang.” Wala kaabog-abog na sagot ng katulong niya na parang nakakaintindi ito ng ingles habang nakatitig nang mataman sa kausap nito.

Again, everyone was shocked. But this time, Min Yu was the one who broke the silence.

“Patawad uli, Shin Na. Nawala sa isip ko buti nalang naintidihan mo ko.” Akmang yuyuko sana si Min Yu para patunayang wala itong ibang dahilan sa pag-iingles nito pero inawat ito ni Yui.

“There’s no need for that, Min Yu. Now, we knew she can understand english. Alam na natin na hindi natin siya pwedeng pag-usapan ng masama.” Yui happily stared at her maid. She must have noticed his maid glared at Min Yu.

Natatawa naman habang pumapalakpak na sumingit si Jin Ru sa usapan. “Kakaiba pala ang humor ni Yui eh. Palabiro ka din pala.”

He was more surprised. Ang dami pala niyang di alam kay Shin Na. But he was sure for one thing, she is Nakki, the shadow assassin.

“Sure, just so you know, Shin Na, you are  the first maid I met who can understand english.” Then turned to him. “Tunay na ekstra-ordinaryo ka. You should really keep her, Yeon Seo.” She seriously looked at him, as if she was telling him to be careful of her maid.

“Tara na sa training hall. We need to report that this area was clear.” Pukaw ni Min Yu sa pagtitigan nila sabay akay sa Prinsesa paalis sa silong.

Sumunod naman agad ang dalaga. “Cleared? May problema ba?” Usisa nito.

“Nawawala kasi yung katawan ni Naksu. She attacked Master Park, Jin Ru’s Uncle yesterday and got wounded then she soul shifted into someone to escape. Pero—”

“Pero hindi ata siya pinalad.” Singit ni Jin Ru kay Min Yu. Hindi talaga ito papatalo pag kwentuhan na.

Yui looked at Min Yu to see if he was fine letting Jin Ru. His friend, her fiancé just smiled then together they silently listened to their friend.

“But that was what we believed until today. Siya rin ang dahilan ng kaguluhan dito bago ka dumating. She's been killing mages around here for months now. We could have picked you up in the Port if none of that happened.” Jin Ru added.

Bahagya siyang nagtaka. The two just met today. Tapos umakto ang mga ito na parang magkakilala na nang matagal. Although, he just met the Princess for the second time. Hindi parin maintindihan ang relasyon ng dalawa. The progress between Min Yu and Yui were quite fast. Bakit kailangan pa nilang maghawak ng kamay?

Natigilan lang siya sa pagmuni-muni nang makita niyang tumingin si Min Yu kay Shin Na sabay tanong dito, “Okay ka lang ba talaga, Shin Na?” Then checked her up from head to toe. Na kinagulat naman ni Yui dahil binitawan nito ang kamay nito.

He saw a confused on Yui eyes. Pero nawala agad iyon nang mapansin nitong nakatingin siya. She signed to him, “What are you looking at?”

He just smiled innocently. Ignoring her glare.

“Ayos lang ako, Young Master.” Matipid na sagot ni Shin Na.

Bumalik naman agad si Min Yu sa tabi ng Prinsesa nang makumpirma nito ang sagot ng katulong niya.

“Well, all I could say is I am very curious about Nakki’s face. Nasayang ang pagpunta natin dito, Shin Na, gusto ko sana siyang makita.” He commented while yawning. “All we can do is just visit the Soongrim Leader.”

Yui laughed while looking at him. “I guess we are all destined to meet tonight.” Then started walking as if she knew Soongrim.

Sinundan naman nila itong lahat at di naman sila naligaw.

***

Naabutan nilang nag-uusap si Master Park at ang ibang mga mage.

“Intruders must have break the barrier. Pero mga taga-Soongrim lang may kakayahan nun. Merong espiya dito, sa Soongrim. We need Jinyowan help.”

Kaagad namang lumapit dito sina Min Yu at Jin Ru nang nakaalis na ang kausap nitong mage. After they’ve reported, Min Yu introduced Yui.

“Magandang gabi po, sana di po ako nakakaabala.” Bigla itong naging magalang. Aakalain mo talaga isa itong mabining Prinsesa. Masaya naman itong nilapitan ng leader ng Soongrim.

He chuckled. Dahilan para mabaling sa kanya ang atensyon ni Master Park. “Good evening.” He greeted her then looked at him again. “Anong masamang hangin ang nagdala sayo dito, Jang Yeon Seo?” Nawala ang ngiti nito. He stared at him.

He saw Yui being confused. “I was just stopping by. At dahil, nakita ko na po ang lagay niyo ay pwede na kong umalis uli. I need some rest.”

He was about to walk away when he heard Yui calling the attention of the Leader so he stopped.

“Pwede po ba akong magtanong, Master Park?” Tumango lang ang kausap nito. Then she cleared her throat. “If I was not mistake, Nakki must’ve retrieve her body. Why? Kung nagtagumpay na siyang makalipat ng katawan? Meron po bang standard na kailangang sundin para ma-maintained niya ang katawang di naman sa kanya?”

“Isa lang ang masasagot namin dyan, Prinsesa, dahil di rin namin alam ang tunay na pakay ng kumuha ng katawan ni Nakki. All we know is that soul shifter will all be petrified as time goes and she might need her body again or they need to consume someone’s energy.” Paliwanag nito.

“Now that she mentioned it, thank you, Princess. Kapag lumipat po ba ng katawan kailangan po ba kapareho lang kasarian?” He joined the conversation then chuckled.

Hinawakan ito ni Min Yu sa balikat para awatin sa pagsali sa usapan pero tinuloy nito ang sasabihin.

“Well, you are welcome, Yeon Seo.” Singit ni Yui. “You just rephrase my question. But I have a better one. Is there some kind of criteria in shifting soul, Master Park?”

Sandaling natigilan ang Leader ng Soongrim bago tumawa ng malakas. “Natutuwa naman ako at meron ka ng katapat, Yeon Seo. If only I knew, I would have arranged your meeting with the beautiful Princess of Gaenda, long time ago.” Saka tumawa uli at lumapit kay Min Yu. “Please, enlighten our wonderful visitor and your friend about soul shifters.”

Dinala sila ni Min Yu sa labas ng training hall habang si Jin Ru naman ay naiwan. Kinausap ito uli ng tiyo nito.

"Tungkol sa tanong mo, Yeon Seo?” Siya ang una nitong hinarap. “Not really. Pero para maging maganda ang resulta ng paglipat sa ibang katawan ng isang espirito ay kailangang may pagkakatulad ang lilipat sa lilipatan nito.” Then he turn to Yui. “From gender, age and build, they all have to be similar.” Paliwanag nito.

“You mean, if anyone looked like the shifter. She could be likely to have the same thin and short limbs? And maybe a round face like Shin Na?” He stared at her maid while Shin Na sharply glared at him. Imagining what might be her face before.

“Malamang, if she did shifted to your maid. Are you even listening, Yeon Seo?” Yui interfered. “You should really rest, Yeon Seo. Umuwi na nga kayo, Shin Na.” Pagtataboy nito sa kanila.

“How could you accuse your adorable maid, Jang Yeon Seo? Unang tingin palang sa kanya alam mo nang di makakapanakit ng tao.” Singit ni Jin Ru, di nila namalayang nakalapit na ito sa kanila. He tapping Shin Na shoulder.

“That’s what I meant? Di talaga mahilig makinig ‘tong si Yeon Seo eh. He’s been teasing her ever since we found them in the hut.” Yui commented then noticed Min Yu was in deep thought. “Min Yu, are you okay? You’ve been quiet and space out.”

“Tama po kayo dyan, Young Master. Baka mukha siyang nakakatakot. Di ba po kinatatakutan siya ng ibang mage?” Natatawang komento ni Shin Na kaya nabaling dito ang atensyon ni Min Yu na sasagot sana sa tanong Yui.

“Hindi porke iba nga propesyong tinahak niya ay pwede nyo na siyang husgahan. She is a human with a story.” Seryosong sagot nito sa katulong saka hinarap ang prinsesa at nagpaalam.

Naiwang tulala ang dalaga. He could see a disappointment and sadness in her eyes. Hindi niya ito masisisi dahil halos hindi ito layuan ng ni Min Yu kanina.

“Ganiyan talaga si Min Yu. He must have a lot on his mind. Baka tungkol iyon sa pito niyang hawak niya kanina. Bago namin mabalitaan ang kaguluhan sa Chwiseonru, Yui, titig na titig na siya roon.” Paliwanag ni Jin Ru.

She sighed. Na sinabayan naman ni Shin Na. Nagtaka tuloy siya. Even his maid was sad. Sad about what exactly?

“Well, I guess let’s call it a night.” Naglakad na ito sa palayo. She was poised but obviously bothered.

Wala sa loob niyang pigilan ito. “Sandali, baka delikado pang maglakad nag-isa dito. Sumabay ka na samin.” He just wanted to cheer her up. Pero siyang ang natuwa sa reaksyon nito.

Bahagya itong nagulat ngunit kaagad itong ngumiti. She sweetly smiled that brightens anyone mood with tilted head. “That was so kind of you. Pero kaya ko naman ang sarili ko.”

He was stunned. Hindi iyon ang unang pagkakataong nakita niya itong ngumiti. But he didn’t know that was her effect if she directly smiled to someone.

“Young Master Jang?” Pukaw ni Shin Na sa kanya. But he was still stunned.

While Jin Ru was laughing on her side. Tumikhim ito bago nagpaalam din. “Mayroon pa pala akong kailangan gawan ng report. See you all tomorrow.”

Muli siyang nginitian ni Yui bago nagpaalam. He prepare himself but still he was mesmerized. Kahit nakaalis na ito na tulala parin siya.

“Young Master, tama na po yan. Baka matunaw si Princess Yui.” Natatawang tapik sa kanya ng katulong niya. Then she started walking.

Pailing-iling nalang siya sumunod. He was not really fond of Yui’s beauty but when she smiled like that. Natolero siya, literal.

***

“You must be really bewitched by her beauty.” Basag ni Shin Na sa katahimikan. They were walking to the path of Soongrim’s exit.

“You don’t know how it feels. Hindi naman ikaw ang nginitian.” He defended.

“Hindi yun tatalab sakin. Don’t tell me, you didn’t know?” Huminto ito sa paglalakad at humarap sa kanya.

“Ang alin?” Nagtataka niyang tanong.

“Gaenda’s Princess was a miracle child. Isa siyang anak sa gitna ng epidemiyang naganap dito. 18 years ago.” Panimula nito. She tried to give her hints but it was useless.

“So.. anong meron? To be honest, history was not my strength.” Hindi niya parin ito maintindihan.

“Seryoso ka ba? All of the great caster in her country, gifted her their lucky wish. Isa doon ang kakaibang karisma nito. Hindi mo talaga alam?” Natawa na ito ng malakas.

“Is that even possible? Spell lang yun?” He was still not convinced.

“No, entirely, but they dedicated their years of prayers for the princess. Kasama doon ang kalusugan, kagandahan, kalakasan at kapangyarihan nito. Most of them were faithful servants to their Gods.” She added.

“That’s really possible?” Kunot-noo niyang tanong dito. He should have been listening to the lectures he attended before.

Nasa mismong tapat na sila ni Shin Na ng lagusan ng Soongrim nang humahangos silang hinabol ng isang tagalingod ng Soongrim. “Patawad po, Ginoong Jang, pero wala pong pinapalabas ngayon dito. Hindi po kayo sinabihan ni Ginoong Seo at Ginoong Park?” Paliwanag nito.

“It must have slipped their mind. Saan kami pwedeng tumuloy?” He asked.

“Bring them to the meeting room.” Utos nang paparating na si Master Park. Then greeted the new visitor.

It was Jin Liyah. Kasama ang ilang alalay nito na may dalang isang bagay na balot ng isang tela. It must a relic that Soongrim borrowed.

***

Naabutan nila ang iba-ibang grupo ng mage sa meeting room. Matapos naipwesto ni Liyah ang dala nito sa stage ay binuksan nito iyon.

He found himself searching for the Princess. He found her standing in the middle of Jin Ru and Min Yu.

Masayang itong nakikipagkwentuhan. They were as if nothing happened. Well when it comes to his friend, Seo Min Yu, being comfortable is not easy. At malamang ay nag-sorry na naman ito.

He sighed. At siyempre wala lang iyon sa dalaga. She obviously head over heels on Min Yu. Kakaiba kislap ng mata nito pag kausap nito ang binata. Min Yu was always kind but never really entertain any proposal except the Princess’.

Napabuntong-hinga siya uli. He was bothered about nothing. O baka naiingit siya sa kaibigan.

“Gusto mo po bang lumipat sa tabi ni Princess Yui?” Tanong ni Shin Na na nagpabalik ng isip niya.

“No, no need. I’m good. Pagkatapos nito, gusto mo bang puntahan yung secret room ng Soongrim?” He need to set a trap to talk to his soon-to-be-master alone and quiet. “I just want to check something.”

“Mukhang wala naman po akong magagawa eh. So, oo nalang po ako.” Banas na sagot nito.

Kibit-balikat niya lang itong tinignan habang nakatitig parin kay Yui. She was so beautiful to watch. Napaisip tuloy siya kung magiging ganoon din kaya ito sa harap niya nalang araw.