Part 1
Laum
Estate of the Auryls
Sweat… I felt my body was so hot as if something inside me was burning. The sensation came from my tummy. Something's radiating into my body.
"S...Stop... stop it, Marikit!"
I woke up from a nightmare, a nightmare that seems so real. I was sweating and gasping as I leaned forward from the bed. I did not even notice that someone else was in the room at the moment. The young woman, who was sitting beside the bed I lay, twitched, almost dropped the thin book she was holding.
"Laum!"
The sweet child-like voice, I immediately knew it came from Marikit. Her voice was with a relieved tone. She was fine, after all. It was just a dream after all, right, Marikit?
I found myself on a soft, white bed. I looked around the room. It was too warm here for a place to be called the afterlife. I saw a lamp beside my bed and as I turned to the right, I saw a face I had seen just once. I recognized her pretty face immediately.
'W-Wait, where I am?' I wanted to ask the young lady but the pixie held first my attention.
The pixie went hugging my belly, rubbing her wet face against it. Because her arms were not that long, she was like a little girl trying to embrace a huge oak tree.
I doubted for a second that I was still alive. I mean I was already dressed in an oversized white shirt and caramel-colored trouser. It was not my casual attire, which means someone had undressed me and put these clothes on me. I would rather be dead than someone had seen my innocent body.
Speaking of my casual attire, some good spirit folded my tribal clothes neatly. It also seemed to be newly washed too. My clothes were on the table beside the lamp.
Seeing me fully recovered my consciousness, the young Lady closed the book on her hands and looked at me with cold eyes. Did I do something to be treated like that?
Nevertheless, it seemed she was leaving since she had closed her book. She stood up, paused for a while, and eyed the pixie, which was still crying and hugging on my tummy. I could see now why she had those cold eyes in me somehow. I noticed the way she looked at the pixie. She was already in-loved on the pixie's cuteness.
But as for me, her eyes were so cold maybe because of Jealousy. Seeing her cold eyes, I became sure I had seen her once.
'Oh, I remember this young lady, now.'
As I remembered her, it also came to me what really happened. I was fighting with – His Highness!
My hands were on my head as I remembered everything. The pain, the agony, the blood. Her voice, I remembered hearing Marikit voice. Speaking of which, this now fully convinced me. My eyes widened as I noticed that Marikit was visible, that this young woman here eyed the pixie.
'This young woman has seen Marikit!!! I have to do something about her.'
I wanted to get out of the bed but my body was too heavy. The pixie also stopped me from suddenly moving.
I had so many questions that needed answers immediately. I wanted to ask the young woman where we are. I wanted to ask her what she would do with the pixie. The what if and why. My head became fuzzy again. I trembled again as I had this image of his highness playing in my mind like a bad dream. My breath again became heavy.
"Laum, what's wrong?" Marikit looked up on me.
"Hey… are you okay?" The young woman had even asked me.
I needed to calm down first. I needed to grasp what really happened.
"Y-yeah… I am okay. Don't worry about me." I told them both.
"But… Laum..."
"Is that so?." The young woman turned as I answer her. "Good for you, then"
There's no need to panic. We were still alive and I was grateful that the pixie was okay.
I had things to ask, however. Before the young woman finally reached the door, I spoke to her, asking.
"Uhm…eh?"
When I started raising my right hand to ask her a question, she glared at me again. The glare instantly froze my question. I immediately read her glare was saying. 'Don't talk to me, Lowborn'. It made me fall into silence again. But I am not a lowborn. I am a Maginoo to be precise.
However, I doubted that my blood origin would be valued here.
The door made a clicked when it closed.
'Eh?'
Hmm, I guess it hurts when being treated with cold stares and fiery glares like that. But there's no time for that. First, I must know what really happened after or what will happen to us now. However -
"Laum, anything hurts?"
'Eh? Is this pixie reading my thoughts?'
"My body just feels weak but I am fine. You, are you okay? Why did you exposed reveal yourself to her?"
"I don't have any choice. You do remember, don't you?"
"Remember… yeah, I remember it."
I remembered very well that his highness almost beat to almost death. I remembered someone was crying. I remembered someone was pleading to his highness to stop. Her voice was still echoing inside my head as she protected me.
"Do you still stars?"
"Huh?" I tilted my head.
Where that weird question did come from? She must mean that I still see stars from the beating. Yes, I did saw stars from that time his highness beat me up but now, I am fine. I gave a response by shaking my head. Her face suddenly looked up at me. Her little hands were fidgeting.
Oh, something's coming.
"Um… you know, I have watched you for three days while you are sleeping. I was always beside you during that time, never leaving you. And Laum was in bed for three days, you know. Is Laum hungry?" She smiled at me like the usual smile. Hmmm... I know where this conversation going… "If you're not, well, I am."
"I see. I am. But I doubt that you haven't eaten for three days. I mean, I am talking about you, Marikit. You won't last a minute without eating."
"Eh? It's not true. They have just given me food three times a day. They did not give food even on hourly period, much more a minute."
"I see. Then, I am the only one who hasn't eaten anything for three days, after all."
"Hehe. That much is true. That why I am asking you if you're hungry."
"Now that you mentioned it, yeah, I am."
"Now, now, Laum! You won't believe me. Their food here is heavenly. I guarantee you that. Now, call that butler! Hurry!" She smiled at me frantically. It was as if she was asking the food for herself. "Just ring that bell."
Speaking of the butler, she must be talking about Gil. That Gil, he also had things to explain to me. Why did he trap me with his barrier, Dimmit! Well, I think his highness had ordered him to.
"Okay… like this?"
I rang the bell.
"Yeah, like that."
"But nothing's happening"
"Just wait, Laum."
"Okay. But while we are at it, can you tell me what happened after I passed out."
"I can tell you but…"
"…" I stared at her. She would say that I should give her my food when Gil comes so she would agree to what I asked. This pixie, she could be heartless sometimes.
"Jeez… alright. Half-half and then I tell you."
I sighed. "Okay…okay?"
"Sure! Then, I tell you what happened next after his highness knocked you out."
***
"What happened next when you passed out, Laum, was like this… listen carefully."
"Yes."
"Locked down and unable to do anything, His Highness machine-gunned us with his Molten-iron fist. His Highness's blow was heavy and one hit from this burning fist means death. Even with the aid of my mana, I could see that Laum had also focused his mana strengthening the defense of the bubble barrier. However, we had to do something to escape this. His and my mana was limited and I was running low on mana, too."
I looked at him. He threw a look at me too, smiling even he was suffering. He was sweating and gritted when his highness's fist collided with the barrier.
'I have to do something… I have to stop his highness… but Laum had told me that I should not let myself to be seen by others. However, I have to save him. I have to do something!'
"Yaah!" His highness cried as he delivered his fist. His last blow was powerful and did a crack on the barrier.
I felt a little dizzy, as my mana had hit low.
One decisive blow would be the grace de coup for the weakened barrier. Laum's face paled. His mana had become too low to support the barrier too. I could see that he was weakening as he dropped his right arm like he lost control of it. The symptoms of mana deficiency were kicking in but still, his knees were trying to stand up.
Nevertheless, even in our effort to support the barrier with our remaining mana, the barrier finally broke like glass. His Highness grinned as he successfully breached our barrier.
The molten-iron fist vanished as his highness's hand turned back to normal, conversely, his eyes were still glowing hot red, red as it was seeking for the pleasure of torturing Laum.
"No more tricks!" His Highness said preparing a heavy right-handed punch.
Laum went 'Bwaaah!'.
Saliva forced its way out from Laum's mouth. His eyes widened when the punch landed to his upper abdomen. His mind went as clear as the day as he savored the intense pain and he grasped for breathing air when it left his lungs.
*
"Wait, wait? Why do have to say it with a sound effect?"
"Now, now. Sound effects make the story more interesting, Laum. I learned that from Nanang."
"I see. Then, what happened next after I got punched by his highness in the stomach? Continue…"
*
Nonetheless, his highness was not satisfied. He wanted some more. Therefore, he smashed Laum's dumb face and blood splattered. He grabbed Laum's collarless cloth, delivered another solid blow, and repeated until Laum's light finally began to shut down.
*
"Eh? Dumb, huh?"
"I am stating facts here, Laum. There's no room for lies in my story."
"I am somehow unhappy when you described my face as dumb, Marikit. Continue!"
*
Blood stained Laum's favorite tribal cloth and his body were tortured, tattered. Violet spots almost covered his body and his eyes were weirdly swelling. His lips burst out. If this continues, Laum's would not endure this and surely, he would die. The tied tightly bandana loosened up and fell from his head.
Images of his Father and Mother started to play on his mind, followed by his little sister while she listening to the stories of his Nanang.
'Missing…someone's missing... Ah, Marikit. Where is she?'
*
"What? You knew what images I had at that moment? Moreover, you knew what I was thinking at that moment?! Are you reading my mind, Marikit?!"
"Hehe… you're underestimating me, Laum. Several years of being with you have linked our mind and soul so it's no strange if I can read your mind like an open book."
"You have a point, though. I mean, I can read your mind with ease too."
"Hmmmp! I'm glad you understand it too."
"Yeah, you're easy to understand. Continue"
*
In his last review and delusion, he smiled thinking –'Maybe, she is playing outside'
'Ah, I am dying, right?'
'Sorry, Papang, Nanang, I could not keep my promise.'
*
"Aaaah! Stop this. I don't want to hear your story anymore!"
"What? I am telling here the truth, Laum."
"That's why! How did you know I was thinking like that at that time?"
"Just because. I am continuing it, so listen carefully."
"Blaah, blaah. I can't hear you. Blaah, blaah"
*
As the curtains finally closing, a voice ringed between him and His Highness.
"Please, Stop! Don't hurt my Laum anymore!" A pixie appeared and spread her small arms as he was protecting her beaten Laum.
'Mari – Marikit….'
From his surprised, His Highness obeyed to the pixie's plea. He stopped.
"Please, don't." The pixie was trembling. Her eyes were soaked but she was unyielding, spreading her arms before the man with fiery eyes and guarding her Laum with her small body.
"A pixie, huh?"
His highness muttered. The other three people inside the hall, Johan, Gil, and the young Lady, were also stunned by the sudden appearance of the pixie. Surely, it's an extremely rare sight. Pixies, nowadays, are rarely seen due to excessive hunting. They are necessary for making a good potion and sacred ritual and such. In this land, bumping a pixie is as rare as being struck twice by lightning except if it was cast by a lightning-attribute user.
*
"Unyielding and Brave, huh? Hey, I think you are being biased, Marikit."
"What do you mean, Laum?"
"You're describing yourself with the positive imagery while you described me like I am stupid."
"I am stating the fact here, Laum."
"Ugh… continue!!"
*
"Samantha!" As his Highness called, the young Lady faintly squirmed.
"R-right away, Father" The young woman attentively answered. She knew the reason for his call. Despite immediately responding to him, His Highness glared at her. Her shoulder stiffened as his glare reminded her of his rule.
"As-as you wish, Your Highness." She repeated her response, wishing that his father would overlook her little mistake. She bowed down in front of him while His Highness giving her a stern look.
As she was lowering her gaze on the floor, it was perfect hiding her dejected face. Her eyes were blinking rapidly, perhaps wet.
Sooner, she walked straight and passed her father, still face down, heading to the bloody mess, which His Highness did. His Highness also walked away as if nothing happened. He approached his two assistant, Johan and Gil, but he only glanced at Gil.
As if His Highness transmitted some telepathic message, Gil drifted apart from his co-assistant and gave a polite bow to His Highness.
Gil turned his head to the young woman, who was currently looking down on an unconscious young man.
*
"You can read the mind of other people, too?"
"Nope, I am telling you only what I had observed at that time."
"Hmm-mmm. However, it seems His Highness is also strict to his own daughter."
"Yes, yes. However, I have a bad feeling about the young lady. There's something about her that is no good."
"No kidding. Her cold stares are bad news."
"No. It's more than that. Well, we will find that out in the future, Laum."
"I don't think so… never mind. Continue!"
*
The other assistant– Johan - followed His highness two steps behind. The two of them went out of the hall using a door behind the stone throne.
I was currently healing Laum. I noticed footsteps on my side.
"I can heal him. Let me help you." A young feminine voice rang on my side. I turned to where the voice came from.
"No, stay away from him!"
I barked at Samantha. I rejected her healing, despite the fact that my healing was insufficient since my mana had dropped low. I did want anyone here to touch Laum. I did not want them to hurt him more.
*
"Why are you crying, Laum?"
"No… No... I am not crying… I'm not touched by you. No, I am not"
"But…"
"Huhuhu… just continue."
*
The butler stood silently behind Samantha, waiting for her to notice his presence. He predicted that Samantha would turn her head behind soon enough, requesting a push from him. Gil, doing his servant role, gave her a nod that mended the wavering confidence of the princess.
"On the second thought, let me do it"
Looking at the pixie desperately healing at the dying young man, she knew that it was not enough. She knew she must help her immediately before his condition worsen.
I was also aware of that. I knew my healing was not enough and steeling my pride would take me only to nowhere. I unwound myself and my wings shrugged sensing no malice from Samantha's offer. I made my approval with a small nod. I wiped my tears. I was so worried about my Laum.
Upon seeing my approval, the young lady's eyes sparkled and her face beamed with a radiant smile. She was clearly happy as I let her heal my Laum.
Without further delay, Samantha placed both of her hands above Laum while he was lying on the floor.
"Iron melt attribute: Phoenix warmth"
Her hands glowed with warm red lights, curing the wounds and bruises of Laum. Her healing skill was proficient, unlike mine. Well, given that my mana was low at that time. Even the red stains on the clothes of Laum had vanished. His swollen face returned to its original image as if nothing happened. While casting her healing magic to Laum, she unexpectedly looked at his face that made her one eyebrow twitched.
*
"So she's the one who healed me. However, I heard you said her eyebrow twitched as she healed me? Why's that?"
"I don't know but if I were to guess what she was thinking at that time it would be like this 'Tsk! Why do I have to do this? We could just throw this thing here and ...shelter the pixie.'"
"Throw me and shelter you? That lady..."
"Yes, I know right. She's planning something bad."
"We should be careful when dealing with her. Continue."
*
"That'll do," Samantha said, satisfied.
Now, Laum was as if he was just sleeping, she turned at the butler behind her and gave him a nod.
The butler walked forward and attempted to carry Laum but –
"W-what are you doing?" I protested.
"He must rest. His wounds were healed, his stamina and mana are still low," Gil was in monotone and lacked in emotions.
"…."
I became silent because he was right. At this point, I could do nothing but to accept the help of these two.
"Don't worry. We will not hurt him, okay?"
Samantha's voice was a lot of reassuring. She nodded again to the butler and he lifted Laum.
I fixed my eyes while Gil was lifting Laum like he was a log. I flipped my wings, trying hard not to fall behind. While I was doing that, Samantha was also focusing on me. It became obvious she had fallen in-loved with my cuteness.
I followed Gil but turned as Samantha called me.
"H-hey, wanna ride on my shoulder?"
She smiled like a child, expecting the pixie to say 'yes'. I am not cheap, you know and seeing her drooling as she offered her shoulders at me, I could not help but reject her. I only ride on someone I trust and I was not in the mood to ride someone at the moment. I shook my head.
"A-ah, is that so?"
I ignored her and left her for good.
As we reached the room assigned for the guest, the butler quickly left the room after he laid Laum on the bed. Samantha said she was staying in the room for an hour to ensure Laum's condition. Hearing this, I could not help my eyes to widen while looking at the lady's smiling face.
Pixies' intuition must not be underestimated and my intuition is not an exception. I was aware of the young woman's intention. The two of us stayed in the room watching my unconsciousness Laum. However, I had another person to watch out. I sat on the chest of newly dressed Laum while I was on alert, carefully staring on the woman smiling at me. My eyes were like fish eyes, unblinking and so wide, glaring at Samantha.
*
"That's what happened. By the way, the butler was the one who changes Laum's clothes. After dressing him, he left the room with hastiness as if he saw something. His eyes were so big and white. Definitely, there's a reason why he left the room immediately. He saw something into the room that triggered him. Something... Big and shocking, it must be, right, Laum?"
"…."
"Your face is red, Laum. Why is that?"
"No… nothing… yaah… I am not so feeling well again…"
"That's why I said. Don't push yourself too hard. You're still recovering and… I know you had a bad dream."
"Yeah. I had. A very bad dream."