Fate Arcana

Chapter 4

Technically it is still my birthday, I thought to myself as I lied down in bed, I already returned to my room ready to turn in for the night. So much has happened in one day that I forgot but how come that girl knows. After she greeted me she quickly walked away, I tried to chase her but she suddenly disappered after turning to a corner, not to mention but there's also the necklace, how does she know about it, it was only me and Barbara who knew. She doesn't look like a servant in this castle from the way she was dressed, I wonder who she is. My head is a mess from all this distorted emotions so I closed my eyes and let sleep take over.

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The bright rays of the morning sun coming from the windows awoke me from my slumber, I could also smell food coming from the nearest table which made my stomach grumble. I realized that the last thing I ate was from yesterday's lunch from another world and what such a great host the king was, not even feeding me last night after bombarding me with too much information, I thought sarcastically.

As I munched down my breakfast somebody knocked on my door so I responded saying it's okay to come in, no longer shocked that it was Baltazar who came in so I just continued eating. "It seems my maids forgot to serve you last night, my humblest apologies Sebastian." He said apologetically looking straight into me with his lifeless eyes.

"It's okay, however I have a question Baltazar." I said looking away feeling tensed from his lifeless gaze. "May I know the name of the girl who had black hair and blue eyes?" I asked. Not getting any response I looked his way and he was looking at me confusedly "There's no such girl in my palace." He said.

Was that a ghost? I asked myself, but then she looked so alive so maybe that's not the case. "Sorry. I think I'm still dreaming I just woke up." I plainly said to Baltazar and he seemed to buy the excuse. "After you're done eating I would like to take you to a tour outside the castle, meet me in the garden once you're done." He said and I nodded, after eating I took a bath and wore the same clothes even tho they were a bit dirty. I didn't feel like changing into the clothes of this world, it just feels weird. I went to meet Baltazar in the garden after that.

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Spreading infront of my eyes were the lively streets of the Spade kingdom. We were touring for almost half a day and I could say that this kingdom was truly magnificent. Laughter and buzz echoed from people who chatted at various points, the land flourished of trade and commerce, commodities were evident from various shops and facilities. The surrounding looked very festive, comfort and security were evident in the faces of the townspeople.

"King Baltazar! To what do we owe this visit?" One of the townspeople said as he approached us. As soon as the name Baltazar was heard, the other townspeople followed to greet and chat with their king, some people were looking at me strangely, maybe because I was dressed differently from them, but still they were very courteous since I was with their king. He seems to be loved by his people and the kingdom looked prosperous, so why would Baltazar want to change this? I thought.

"King Baltazar I made soup, would you like to have some?" A girl carrying a tray with bowls soup offered "Hello there king's friend please have some as well" she offered smiling, when she was about to hand me the bowl she accidentally tripped, spilling the soup all over my clothes. "Oh no! I'm so sorry it was an accident. I'm truly sorry!" She apologized almost teary eyed. "It's fine, don't worry." I assured. "Let's head back so you could clean up, also you must be tired and hungry from walking for almost half the day." Baltazar said and I nodded in agreement, after that he whispered to one of the guards to prepare as we will be heading bach, then he said goodbye to his people and we headed back to the castle.

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Shock filled my system as I saw the familiar figure of a woman standing by the window as soon as I entered my room, even tho she was facing the other way I know very well who she is. "Barbara" I uttered, and with that she immediately faced my way. "Sebastian!" She exclaimed, relief evident in her face while she immediately approached me. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" She said as she examines me.
"Calm down Barbara. I'm okay, but what are you doing here? Why are you here?" I asked, Barbara was about to speak but she was cut off when someone knocked on my door
"Sebastian may I come in?" It was Baltazar.
"Let's talk later at the balcony after sunset, bring your necklace." She whispered "and pretend you don't know me." She added.
"I'm coming in." Baltazar said then entered "I see that the maid's already here to assist you"

'Maid?' I internally asked, I didn't notice at first that she was indeed wearing the same outfit as the maids in this castle. 'Barbara's a maid here? What is happening?' I asked myself confusedly. She handed me some clothes after that and left. "I just came to check up how you are doing, very well then I'll be leaving." Baltazar said and then left as well.

The day just went by as I wait for the sun to set, Barbara didn't come back after that and a new maid came to my assistance instead. With occasional visits from Baltazar still convincing me with the 'altering one's fate' stuff, I asked again who's fate it is that I need to rewrite but he didn't answer my question and instead told me that I need to figure out how to use my powers first. I became annoyed that he's still not telling me something so I just pretended that I wanted to sleep so he won't disturb me, but then I really did fell asleep after that.

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I couldn't recognize their faces, but they were giving me the brightest smiles as they held my hand. I couldn't explain what I was feeling, but it was warm and it felt like home. Then they suddenly let go and started walking away, I tried to chase them as fast as I could but I wasn't able to reach them "No please don't leave me!" I screamed but then the surrounding became different and there I was once again in the castle room, heaving deeply, cold sweat and my heart pounding rapidly as emotions welled up.

'A dream? Who are they?'