I Ignored the Protagonists, Now They're After Me

Ch 8

I regained my sense of awareness a little while after, cautiously moving my body. When I had confirmed I had control over my body again, I immediately turned around to the direction the stranger had left.

What a strange man.

This is the first time I've ever heard of there being more than one God. In the country of Atelia, where I live, there is only one Goddess named Ophelia. She is the Mother of the Heavens and Earth. That is who we send our prayers to everyday, and that is who we follow.

So who is Kronos? Who are the other Gods the person spoke of?

Since I wasn't able to see which way they went, however, I only looked around flippantly. Giving up after a few looks here and there, I turned and made my way towards the center of the plaza.

My shoes made light tapping noises that were quickly drowned out by the surrounding people. I looked carefully at each person I passed by, trying to find any glimpse of Mother or Aunt Wynn.

"Maerie!"

I turned at the voice behind me distractedly, thinking up an excuse as to why I had wandered off. I didn't even realize the tone was not my Mother's as I called out, "Mother, I—"

Instead of lavender eyes, I locked eyes with dark green jade ones. Christopher Jäger beamed happily at me from across the path, standing idle in front of a book shop.

I quickly frowned, turning my head to act like I didn't see him. Before I could make my getaway, however, I heard Christopher say,

"Look, Allen and Pri— ehem, Lee!"

Allen? Lee?

I paused, looking back to see two boys step out of the store. One of them was definitely Allen, his thin eyes and dark silver hair easily identifiable. However, the boy next to him, was someone I didn't immediately recognize.

Since Christopher pointed me out, I could only wait for them as they approached. My eyes were fixated on the one called "Lee."

He wore a worn-out brown cap on his head, which was slightly lowered. I couldn't make out his face since he looked at the ground. Very faintly though, I could see roots of a dark, creamy brown hair color. My eyes traveled down his body which donned the same color of brown overalls with a pale tan shirt. The shoes he wore were standard commoner shoes, albeit a bit faded in color.

"Hello, Maerie," Allen greeted, flashing me a smile once they got closer.

I returned the smile faintly, giving a slight curtsy. "Sir Allen, Sir Christopher. Nice to meet you."

Shifting a glance at the third boy, I raised an eyebrow.

"And who might you be?" I asked.

I caught a glimpse of Christopher giving me a nervous glance before Allen answered, "His name is Lee."

"Lee?" I repeated, wondering who, besides myself and the future noble child, would dare hang out with these boys.

"Mm." Lee grunted.

I was confused by his lack of speaking. Is he another commoner child that fate decided to kick in for fun? I bit my lip at this, looking at through my memories at a rapid pace.

I don't remember seeing him.

I gave him another look up and down, However, now that I look at him closely, his skin is too clean to be a commoner. Instead of looking malnourished, it looked healthy and full. In fact, his appearance oddly mismatched his body...

"Ah," I finally said, "hello, Sir Lee."

I gave a lower curtsy this time, giving a quick glance upwards to see those deep azure eyes look back. A knowing smile came upon myself.

So, Noah Kingsley has a habit of going out in disguises?

"Well, I would love to stay and chat with this wonderful, new friend, but Mother and Auntie Wynn are looking for me." I swiftly excused myself, ignoring them immediately as I continued my search.

I wouldn't want to stick around to see what kind of trouble they'll get into. I have a bad premonition that something will go wrong if I stick with them.

•••

After Maerie left, the Third Prince, known as "Lee," looked up to see her quickly walk away.  Christopher seemed to be baffled at how fast she escaped, while Allen looked at the Prince out the corner of his eye with mirth.

"She knew it was me," the Third Prince said quietly, earning an acknowledged nod from Allen.

"She did."

Christopher Jäger seemed surprised. "She... she did?"

"Yes," confirmed Allen, "and instead of trying to tag along, she ran away as fast as she could."

The Third Prince didn't respond to Allen's remark, only turning and walking along the path.

"Let's go see the other stores," said the Third Prince.

Allen's face revealed a small smile before it was wiped clean. "Of course, Lee."

Allen followed after the Third Prince while Christopher sent a confused look where Maerie had vanished, before scrambling to catch up with the two older boys.