Chapter 147: An Old Acquaintance

"Is this tree precious to you?"

I walked up to Lianne before she could notice. It was as though she was in prayer. She was hidden inside a cloak but I could never forget her.

She looked sad. I still couldn't see her face but her eyes were enough to convey the feelings.

"Hmm! Daarc! But they told me…!" She looked like she'd seen a ghost. Her eyes almost popped out but something about that made me ease up.

Told you? So it was that brat after all. But I shouldn't let my guard down.

She was startled and I couldn't make much sense of what she said. But she quickly composed herself and started talking slowly. "Th-they told me you fell in the sea during a storm!"

That made sense. I did fell in the ocean and almost no one could lie about that. However, how I fell down was a different matter. "Yeah. I didn't think I'd survive that either."

"But I'm glad. I really am!" She clenched her hand on her chest.

There were tears in her eyes. Were they real or were they just for show? I wanted to believe her. "Anyway, come with me. I'll introduce you to the Emperor and my father."

She'd take me even at this hour?

To say such things she must have been the daughter of a high-ranking noble or something. In that case, I could ask her to do something else. I thought about it.

"That can wait. I'm here with two comrades. We plan to visit the palace tomorrow." Things actually did turn out better than I thought.

Let's see your reaction first.

I was testing her. I tried to test whether her happiness was real or fabricated. But I really wanted to believe her.

"In that case I'll tell his Excellency to prepare a banquet. After-"

"There's no need. I wish to surprise the prince you see."

I smiled to conceal my immense hostility. My brain panicked and I didn't know what I was getting myself into. If she was really in on it, then the information would be leaked and I'd know. It was a stupid and totally oblivious plan but I went for it.

"I see." She grinned and I could see the outline of her cheeks and lips. It was lovely. There were dark spots beneath her eyes. But her smile still amazed me. "This oak tree is said to grant wishes if one's heart is pure and true. I believe it works!"

I couldn't pick among, be startled, charmed, or perhaps dumbfounded. She was beautiful and mature. Yet something about her felt a little childish. Was I going senile or something?

"Really? Has your wish been granted before?" I asked. I was only humoring her. I wasn't really interested in this kind of stuff.

The answer was immediate. She didn't even hesitate for a second. "It has now. I got to see you again. There were so many things that I couldn't tell you. But let me say one thing, thank you." Her eyes trembled and tears welled but she held them. She was strong, so I never thought I'd see that side of her.

Wish huh? Then how about…. Please give me the power to protect my friends so I never have to see them die like this and let me go home…. Who am I kidding it's not like-

For a second there I took the stuff seriously. And then chuckled at my own idiocy.

"Hmm, what is this?" She came so close that I could feel her breath but I stayed sane. She smelled good. It wasn't something to get worked over but I was a guy after all. I couldn't control my heartbeat. I sweated, eyes perplexed. It took a lot of will to control my urge to hug her. And I didn't even know why.

"Why are you always covered in bandages, every time I see you?" She giggled.

She laughed at me. But that wasn't the laugh of pity: it was the laugh of relief. She took a step back and I sighed in relief. One more minute and I might have actually snapped.

"I'm getting glares. Maybe she doesn't want me near you?" Lianne held her chin.

What?

It took me a moment to realize but there was a weight on my shoulder.

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When did you?

"I didn't know you kept animals. Are you saving her for a snack?"

"N-no! Why would you think that?" I cried out.

I got some glares from around me but I ignored them.

"I'm just joking. Calm down." Lianne chuckled.

I left another sigh in relief. Lately, all I've done were nothing but sighs. But she carefully observed Biteria.

"How did you know it's a she?" I asked.

"Intuition." Her usual poker face was back on.

Seriously? Do you mind sharing with me some of that intuition?

Lianne's expression changed. "But she's-"

"I know," I said.

I had long known what had happened. Back in that forest Biteria went close to the verge and came back a half-dead. She wasn't an undead and she definitely wasn't alive either but… she was my Biteria. I knew it from the moment I saw her. I just knew it.

"You knew?"

"Yeah, from the moment she came back," I said. Biteria's eyes were black before but now they were crimson. I think all of us knew from the moment we saw her. But no one really said anything.

"If you trust her then I won't ask questions," she said. Lianne was very understanding and I knew that from the start. But it could still have been an act.

I didn't know how normal undead were born let alone the half-dead ones. But I didn't really care all that much. My precious pet was back and that's all I cared for.

The two of us wandered about in the city. My wounds didn't throb as much. Maybe company was all I needed. But I didn't let my guard down, still.

It was getting late but the crowd hadn't died down just yet. There were lights everywhere and of all sorts of colors. They were beautiful.

Most of the people were in pairs though. And there weren't any elderly or kids around. It was a little daunting.

I decided to give the earlier plan a shot. If she was a high-ranking noble's daughter then she could help me out. "Is there any magic shops around here?"

"You want to see one?" Lianne looked more enthused than confused.

Naturally, act natural…. "Yeah, I was always interested in magic, so-"

"I'll take you to one, as a token of my appreciation."

Yes! I wanted to roar in excitement but kept it all inside.

"Thank you," I said.

"You're welcome."

We walked a little and arrived at a place. The sign claimed to be a magic shop. I could read the elven language pretty well. It was weird but convenient. The curse wasn't so bad. At times I hated it and at other times, I really felt blessed.

However, the sight of the shop brought back memories. It looked exactly like the doctor's office back in Jelosce.

"Are you sure?" My eyes twitched, my face sweated.. I did not: want to go in.

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