Twist of Fate

Chapter 14: Entrance Exam

"Why not?" Seíren said, smiling widely. "I believe Koúríema deserves a chance."

The first thought that went through my mind was, What does Koúríema mean and why does it sound so much like Kouríeó? Instead, I smiled ecstatically.

"Then that means I can take an examination?"

Seíren nodded. "Yes, Koúríema, but before we begin, may I ask your name? It is quite rude of me to wait so long."

I hesitated for a moment, my name had gotten many reactions, how would they react? There was no avoiding the question, Zulén's hard stare told me that. "My name is Lareria. Lareria Serrin."

Seíren blinked, apparently taken aback. "Honestly?" He asked, recovering swiftly from his surprise. "What a truly contradicting name."

I tilted my head inquisitively. "Contradicting? I'm afraid I don't follow you. I don't really know the meaning of my mane. Could you tell me?"

For the first time, I saw Seíren frown. "You do not know? Didn't your parents tell you? Ah, speaking of your parents, are they aware of your presence here?"

"They do not," I answered nonchalantly. "I imagine they don't at least."

"Why is that?" Seíren asked.

"Because they're dead."

"Ah," Seíren said, nodding. "That is why you do not know the meaning of your name. "Do you not have any other family?"

"I have a brother and sister." I paused and tilted my head more. "I had a sister, she died four years ago. My brother is alive, but he is back home."

"Wouldn't he worry?" Seíren asked.

He sounded worried, but I heard no pity in his words. I smiled slightly. It was ironic. Zulén, who was usually cold, sympathized with me in the beginning, but Seíren, who was clearly gentler and nicer, felt no sympathy whatsoever. But it wasn't from cruelty, for he was caring, but from understanding. It seemed he already understood my aversion to pity.

I shook my head softly. "Because of certain circumstances, my dear older brother believes I am dead." Seíren opened his mouth but I continued. "I was taken from my home against my will. The only conclusion he could gather is that I died. I almost had." This was where Zulén's story came in, though I tweaked it a bit. "Slave traders kidnapped me from my home by force, but I escaped on an island they were passing by. That was where I met Zulén. Since I didn't know how to return home, I made him-I mean I asked him to bring me here. I want to grow stronger, so one day I can return to my home. Can you tell me what my name means?"

Everyone was silent, except for the Headmaster who was laughing at my sudden change of subject. I shrugged unconcerned. I wanted to know the meaning. Maybe it had something to do with why I was blown into this world. Wasn't it weird that a name from a different world would even have a meaning here?

"Go ahead and tell her," the Headmaster said between laughs that had yet to die away. "Then you may administer the examination."

"Okay," Seíren said, then slid his gaze to me. "The meanings of your first and last name contradict, as I said before. The lare part of Lareria means 'malevolent'. The second part, aria, means 'source' or 'origin'. Which means-"

"Which means 'Lareria' translates to 'Origin of Malevolence'," I said, voice devoid of emotion.

Seíren nodded, still not pitying, I could tell, despite telling me something rather disturbing. "Yes. And that is why your last name contradicts. The ser of Serrin means 'dear' and rin means 'benevolent'. Which translates to-"