Well... this is awkward.
I was currently sitting on a sofa, sipping a cup of tea, with the Head Knight sitting beside me.
Apparently, he is Amalia and Miguel's son, which is why he claimed he lived here. He visits once in a while to talk to his parents.
Funny living in the house of the guy you fought and fought with, what a small world it is. Well, anyway, I don't care if he's here, this is his house after all. I just wanna go to the girls already, but he said he has some business with me, that's why I can't leave yet.
Amalia came out of the kitchen and served us a platter of snacks to go with our tea.
"Thank you for the food, Mom," Keith said. He was surprisingly polite even with his high-ranking position.
"What brought you here this early in the morning, Keith? Don't you have duties in the palace?" Amalia asked curiously. She was also confused as to why her son visited without prior notice.
Oh... so the Head Knight's name was Keith.
Keith put his cup of tea on the table in front of him and responded, "I just wanted to stop for a while to check on you and Dad before proceeding to my original plan. I'm supposed to look for the talking cat I encountered multiple times, but fortunately, I don't have to anymore. I just found out that the same cat is currently living inside my parents' house without my knowledge," he revealed.
I was curious as to why he was specifically looking for me.
"Uhmm, can I ask why you're looking for me? Is it about the last time? I thought you'd already let it go?"
He sighed.
"It's not about that. To be honest, I don't even want to see any of you anymore, but I have no other choice," he responded.
"Eh? Then why are you looking for me?" I asked, confused.
"I'll be direct. The Princess of the Vermine Kingdom wants to meet you," Keith revealed.
This is so sudden. I didn't know this kingdom had a princess, and the fact that she knows about me is suspicious even though we've never met yet.
"Wait, what? Y-you're kidding, right? Why would a princess want to meet me? Oh... how did she even know who I am?" I asked in confusion.
"I don't know either, but she told me to tell you this if you can't seem to trust me," Keith answered.
"W-what is it?"
"'I'm a clairvoyant,' that's what she told me to relay to you," Keith revealed.
He sighed.
"Honestly, she didn't explain why she wanted to meet you. I just don't see the point, but I'm not in the position to question her decisions. That's why I'm here right now, trying to persuade you to meet with her," he added disappointedly.
"C-clairvoyant?!?!" I jumped in excitement, hearing that word.
It means I don't have to bother looking for one anymore. Hearing that word also answered all of my questions and suspicions since the beginning. If she knows about me, then that means she really is a clairvoyant and has been watching me from the very start. That's probably also the reason why I felt like someone was watching me when Rein and I sneaked inside the palace.
"W-when can I meet her?" I asked while trying to suppress my excitement.
"Tomorrow night. A banquet will be held in the palace for nobles with the highest authorities. Meet her at the back of the palace at exactly midnight. Someone I trust will guide you to the exact location. I won't be there to help, I'll be busy guarding the palace. If something bad happens, I wouldn't be there to help you, so be careful not to be seen together with the princess by anyone. This meeting is secretly just for you and her," Keith explained in full detail.
"Eh? I'm just meeting the princess, why do you have to make it sound so complicated?" I added out of curiosity.
"Just trust me, meeting the princess won't be as easy as you think," he answered with full confidence and a hint of secrecy.
"F-fine," I responded. I paused, and an idea popped into my head.
"Oh… can I bring Komraad and the girls with me? Please?" I begged him.
Keith was hesitant at first, but he eventually caved in.
"Your companions? Ugh… Fine, but they have to act formally and with manners to avoid arousing suspicions. It will also help them not to get on the bad side of the nobles present at the banquet. I'll prepare your companions' suits and dresses for tomorrow night and have them delivered here tomorrow. For now, practice proper etiquette. My mother will teach you how," he answered in full agreement.
Amalia agreed to teach us proper manners and etiquette. It seemed like she wasn't a normal housewife who runs an orphanage after all.
After Keith explained everything and I agreed, he immediately left to resume his duties.
I then told everyone the good news, and they agreed to accompany me. It was their first time attending a fancy party, so it made them excited.
Amalia started teaching us proper manners and etiquette to prepare us for tomorrow.
While the others were practicing, I excused myself to do something more important. I wanted to meet the princess properly, and to do that, I needed to be in my human form.
I was practicing how to transform into my human form on command without having to rely on heavy emotions. I tried to force my body to transform, running through scenarios in my head.
Think Ina... think. I finally imagined a scenario where those important to me were dead and needing saving. The imagery was so realistic and detailed that it triggered something within me, causing me to transform into my human form.
"I... I finally did it!" I shouted in excitement.
I was happy, but also scared of the capabilities of my imagination. I promised myself never to imagine something so horrible ever again. Now, all I had to do was stay like this until the banquet.
I looked in a mirror. I noticed the features Fae had pointed out before, but still, nothing came back to my mind about my past. I returned inside to surprise everyone.
The first ones to see me were the orphan kids. I then went directly inside the room where the others were training.
I opened the door and saw everyone on a break, drained from Amalia's strict lessons.
"Hey, everyone. How were the lessons?" I asked while entering the room.
The three stared at me, then realized I was in my human form.
"M-Ms. Ina?!?" Fae and Rein shouted in shock. They stood up and rushed in to hug me. Komraad, on the other hand, did not care at all.
"Ms. Ina! Why didn't you tell us you're going to turn back into a human?" Fae asked.
"Oh... I wanted to surprise you all. I didn't even think I'd be able to pull it off, but here I am now," I answered.
While talking with the girls, Amalia entered the room with a surprise of her own. She was with Astrid.
"Oh... why is everyone still on their break?" Amalia asked with a poker face.
Everyone immediately rushed back to their seats.
J-Jeez, what the hell is Amalia doing with these three for them to look this scared?
"Anyway, someone was knocking on the door claiming to be affiliated with you guys, so I let her in to meet with you all," Amalia added.
"Hey," Astrid waved her hand at us.
"I thought you didn't want to see us anymore?" Rein asked.
"About that... I heard you guys were going to the palace tomorrow. I know the ins and outs there, so I thought you guys might need my help. I'm still indebted to Ms. Ina after all," she offered.
"How'd you know that? Are you spying on us!?!" Komraad asked.
"N-no," Astrid answered, looking away to dodge eye contact.
Aah… she's like a mini version of Komraad, how delightful and stressful at the same time.
"I've also never been to a banquet before. I heard there's a lot of delicious food there, so I thought you guys wouldn't mind me tagging along," Astrid further explained, looking embarrassed.
"Oh, that. You could've just told us you want to hang out, Astrid," I said while smiling at her.
"Uhm… Who are you?" Astrid asked confusedly.
Oh... right, I forgot. She also hasn't seen me in my human form yet.
"Oh, you guys didn't know. That's Ms. Ina in her human form," Fae and Rein explained.
"H-huh?!?" Astrid shouted in shock.
"Ara, Ara?" Amalia smiled.
Astrid and Amalia were speechless. After they processed everything, we resumed our training. This time, Astrid and I were included. We managed to overcome everything and were now prepared for the banquet.
Amalia sent a letter to Keith telling him to prepare an extra dress for me and Astrid.
The next morning, the suits and dresses arrived, fitting us perfectly. We prepared all day and left the orphanage in our formal wear in the carriage. Amalia, Miguel, and the children wished us luck.
"Good luck, everyone. Please be careful and come back safely," Amalia said worriedly. I felt like she was hiding something, but I hoped it was just me overthinking.
We arrived at the palace entrance. Head Knight Keith was waiting for us.
"Mom really was telling the truth. I still can't believe you can turn into a human, Ms. Ina," Keith said in disbelief. "Everyone, please be careful inside. Especially you, Ms. Ina," he added before resuming his duties.
Even Keith sounded like there's something that we should be wary of. They aren't telling us what it is, but I hope it won't interfere with us. We'll just enjoy this banquet and meet the princess. After that, we're out of there, I told myself.
We entered the venue: a vast, elegant hall. The diamond chandeliers were bright, and the orchestra music was heavenly. Our attention, however, was immediately drawn to the long table laden with fancy, delicious cuisines.
"This place is so pretty, Ms. Ina," Fae said in awe. Rein nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, it's our first time attending something like this. I didn't think it would be this intimidating," I responded.
Astrid and Komraad were drooling but managed to behave.
Before dining, the Head Butler announced a very important figure.
"Everyone, all ears with me, Prince Zion has come to bless us with some words for tonight's banquet," the head butler announced.
I was confused as to why only the Prince was introduced, and why the King and Queen weren't present.
Prince Zion appeared. Young, tall, with golden blonde hair and striking red eyes. He wore a pristine white suit embroidered with silver threads.
"Thank you, everyone, for attending this banquet. We arranged this event, especially for all of you who contributed to the wealth and success of our kingdom. This is my way of giving thanks for making our kingdom a perfect paradise for the deserving. I hope you all enjoy the food we have prepared for you," Prince Zion said.
Everyone present in the room clapped, except our group. His speech, praising the nobles for making the kingdom a "perfect paradise", ignited anger and disappointment within me and Astrid, knowing the suffering outside the walls. We had to hold our emotions to avoid drawing attention.
Prince Zion left immediately after his speech. Before he was completely out of sight, I suddenly felt something familiar inside him. It was very faint and happened in an instant, so I couldn't pinpoint what it was.
The banquet officially started. We immediately started eating. The food was delicious, and we ate so much that we almost drew attention from the nobles. Thankfully, Amor and his daughter, Aria, approached us and claimed that we were his friends.
"How is the food, everyone?" Amor asked gently.
"The food here is so delicious," I answered with honesty.
"I'm glad to hear that." Amor smiled.
While we talked, Aria played with Fae and Rein. Komraad and Astrid had an eating contest.
"This is my first time seeing you in your human form, Ina. By the way, can I know why your group is attending the banquet?" Amor asked.
"We're here because the Head Knight invited us. The princess wants to meet with me," I answered.
"Wow, how lucky. No one has ever seen the princess, not even me," Amor revealed.
Oh, shoot! I forgot Keith told me that my meet-up with the princess is to be kept with utmost secrecy! I also see now why Keith told me that meeting the princess won't be easy. Not even a single noble has seen her.
Amor and I talked until he left to interact with the other nobles. We enjoyed the banquet until midnight.
At midnight, a young maid approached me.
"Greetings, Lady Ina, my name is May. With the Head Knight's order, I am here to accompany you to the princess. She's waiting at the back of the palace, please follow me," she said politely.
I quickly assured the others that I would return soon. Komraad, whose mouth was stuffed with food, mumbled that he would look out for the girls.
May and I left the banquet and arrived at a vast, beautiful garden under the moonlit sky. I could see the princess sitting on a round bench in the middle.
"I'll stay here as a lookout. I hope your conversation goes well with the princess," May said.
Nervously, I walked towards the princess. She stood up, turned, and bowed elegantly.
"It's a pleasure to formally meet you, Ms. Ina," she greeted with a soft and gentle voice.
She was the image of youthful grace, around twelve years old, with long, straight blonde hair and large, deep crimson eyes. She wore a beautiful white dress and a simple silver circlet.
"P-princess, please lift your head," I said, embarrassed.
The princess paused, then her elegant act shattered. Her personality changed completely.
"Oh my gosh! I'm finally meeting you in person! I can't believe it!" She said, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"The feeling is mutual, princess," I responded with respect.
"I'm so happy, I don't know what to do! I got interested in you when I found out that you were a talking cat, but now you're here in your human form, can't this night get any better?!" She said excitedly.
"Oh wow, I don't know what to say," I responded, flustered.
"Oh, I'm sorry, please forgive my indecency. Let me formally introduce myself. My name is Raya, the only princess of this kingdom, and as you already know, I'm a clairvoyant," she introduced herself.
"I know we just met, but I have a question. You say you're a clairvoyant, does that mean you've already seen everything I did? Were you watching even before I arrived here?" I asked out of curiosity.
"I can see everything, but only the places I've seen before. Due to the tall walls surrounding the kingdom, my clairvoyance only works inside here. To answer your other question, I've only discovered you recently when you sneaked into the palace with the witch girl. It was so much fun watching you escape Big Bro Keith, tee-hee," she answered with joy.
"After that, I kept following you and your companions around. I even saw how you were able to save the unfortunate kids from the cursed weapons. I was mesmerized by you, and the moment I learned that you were looking for a clairvoyant, I immediately asked Big Bro Keith to find you and ask you to meet me," she revealed.
What a very useful power to have, but also scary at the same time.
"I see. I'm just glad I finally got to meet you," I assured.
After our casual talk, I went directly to the point.
"So, now that I'm here, can I know why you called me? If you already know why I'm looking for you, does that mean you already know why I'm looking for you?" I asked.
The mood suddenly turned gloomy.
"Ms. Ina, the truth is, I called you here to tell you that I cannot help you with your problem. My powers can only see anywhere in the present. I cannot see through the past or the future," she explained.
I was shocked and disappointed, but I hid my frustration.
"I see now, but I'm still confused. If you can't help me, then why look for me in the first place?" I asked.
"I… I wanted to meet my hero. Watching you made me happy and hopeful. Making me wish that my life were as exciting as yours and your companions," she answered honestly. "I wish I could help you, Ms. Ina, but I still don't know much about my powers. I was never allowed to discover my potential. In fact, I've never even seen what the outside world looks like. I was never allowed outside the palace. I guess I was just lonely, being isolated and alone."
I was speechless. Hearing her side made me realize how selfish I was.
"I'm sorry to hear that... you know what, forget about helping me. Remembering my past is not my priority for now. What's important to me is the present. Seeing someone who's lonely and alone just doesn't sit right with me. Rather than just watching, why don't you join me and my friends? We can have lots of adventures together. That way, you'll learn more about your power and be happy at the same time. It's a win-win, right?" I suggested, lending her my hand.
She was so overjoyed that she was almost about to cry. She reached out her hand, but suddenly froze and had a sudden change of heart. I felt intense fear resonating from her.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Ina, but I can't accept your offer," she said with a lonely look in her eyes.
"Why? If it's about not being allowed to leave the palace, then I can ask for Keith's help, and if he doesn't agree, then I'll talk directly to the prince and give a good word for you," I suggested.
The moment I mentioned her brother, Prince Zion, the fear I was feeling from her became more intense, and her body started to shiver.
"N-no, Ms. Ina, anything but that," she begged, looking scared.
"I don't understand, what is it that you're so scared of? You can tell me if you want, I promise I'll do whatever I can to help," I assured.
"I appreciate the thought, Ms. Ina, but I'm afraid that if you know too much, then you'll get caught in it as well, and I don't want that to happen.".
Her words, combined with the earlier suspicions from Amalia and Keith, made me angry that they were all hiding something.
"So just like Keith and Amalia, you also won't tell me anything, huh? I know something wrong is happening in this kingdom, I saw it with my own eyes, but why is it that none of you are explaining anything to me? How am I supposed to help any of you when nobody is telling me anything?" I said out of frustration.
Raya hesitated, but then her expression changed drastically, as if she saw a ghost.
"T-times up," she mumbled.
She immediately fixed her composure and started acting like a princess once again.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Ina, but I have to go back to my room now. I enjoyed our conversation, but it's time you leave as well. Goodbye and thank you," she said politely.
She then walked away.
"W-wait, before you leave, I want to tell you that I'm not giving up on you until you tell me the truth! I promise that to you!" I said, making up my mind to help her no matter what.
"You're really stubborn, but that's the reason why you became my hero," she said while smiling at me.
She fixed her posture again.
"Ms. Ina, thank you for letting me meet you, but this is goodbye. For the sake of your happiness, leave this place and never come back. Go on a lot of adventures with your companions before it's too late," she said with a fake smile. Her mind was screaming for help, yet she was too scared to tell me why.
I felt powerless as I watched her leave. Once she was gone, I also left the garden.