They all stood there, silent. Airi was so shocked, he couldn't believe himself. Eyes widened; his mouth fell open.
"Wait! Hold on, does that mean--"
"Yes" Meijin answered as if he read his mind "The two of them are born members of the guild, and they are a part of the rose clan"
"No way..." Rex gasped
"I can't believe it...." Airi took a couple of steps backward,
"Tell me. What are your connections with Enchanted palace?" Kishi asked him
"Were at the borders, obviously..." Meijin answered halfheartedly
"Not enough"
"Sister's the chosen princess, and the heir of the family" Meijin sighed "Honestly, I don't want to speak about her much...but I guess, I have no choice at the matter, do I?"
He walked closer to the painting. The children then, just noticed how sad and tired he looked like. He was paler than normal, quite grayish and it seemed to have worsen every passing day. His eyes looked bitter and sad, like there's no life in it.
He sighed again then muttered exhaustively, "It's been nine years. Time flies..."
"The guild vow has put a lot of stress in ya', huh?" Rex said to him
"Maybe, but me as a brother alone has brought more to it than you could have ever imagined. I missed her so much..."
"Why did she die?" Kira asked with earnest and curiosity
"No one knows" Meijin grinned at her with empty eyes "All we know is, she died the day you were born, the day of the crimson skies. Jen never returned after then, we just received a message saying his already dead. Until, now no one knows where he died or where his body is."
"James and I decided to raise you two in the mansion, but unfortunately, the fairies said that they'll take you in as Sacred Royals. We didn't agree at first, but then Sychi told us that it was her last wish. Until now, the cause of their deaths was unknown." He continued
"I remember it clear like it was yesterday. The whole guild is in a gathering, and the two of them were the only ones who didn't come. Of course, we've been worried. But our deepest horror came when the sky changed in color. Legend says that when an immortal died, the sky turns red. But her death seemed to have lasted until the next morning. The sky was bright crimson. Even the sun and the moon were red. Rumors spread like wild fire, then that day was named as the day of the crimson skies. The guild changed after then. In fact, I would say they became more protective."
"Why'd you not tell us?" Airi questioned, feeling a bit sympathy towards him
"You children are not supposed to know anything" He answered honestly "But regrettably, you brats are too good for your own good, the plan seemed worthless"
"Does that mean me?" Airi said, trying to cheer up the mood, but was ignored
"Anyway.....past is past and better move on"
"You don't look like your moving on" Kishi said to him bluntly but he too was ignored
"Your hellish life is just starting though"
"Why? What do you mean?" Rex quickly asked
"The curses" he replied
"The curses?" The boys said together
"Yes, curses" he repeated "One of the other reasons why you two was raised at the Enchanted palace, was also because your cursed" He looked at the twins, who's staring at him back
He continued to tell them everything. The more the truth reveals, the harsher it became. Meijin doesn't seem to be bothered though. He just told it all to them casually like it was nothing serious.
"Well....that's enough for now. If you have more questions, then answer it yourself. As of how your going to do that? I don't know. But I can tell you no more"
He snapped his finger again, then the whole place just disappeared. The children closed their eyes, then they felt the dizziness and strong wind. A second later, they were all back at the Enchanted palace's dining hall.
Meijin wasn't there anymore. They looked around but the place seemed deserted. The food was all gone except for a jar of chocolate chip and rainbow cookies, and a dozen of chocolate bars.
"Wanna hang out for moment?" Airi suggested
"Why not?....let's go to the lounge " said Kishi
The lounge was not far from the dining hall that they arrived at its door shortly. The lounge was very comfy as expected. The walls are filled with large book shelves, there is also a window seat, and an elegant fireplace. Large sofas are the center, which is filled with fluffy pillows and stuffed toys. Around it was soft bean bags and giant teddy bears. In the floor lies a furry carpet of pastel colors. The room was rather unexpectedly cute. Still, not a single soul was there either.
The boys entered and just sat wherever they wanted to. Rex sat on a bean bag, looking all exhausted. Lune sat in the sofa, trying to get rid of all thoughts. Kira was still clutching Fuffy who haven't shown any sign of life ever since last night, accompanied by Kishi settling themselves in front of a giant teddy bear near the fire place, and opposite of them sat Airi who's still couldn't believe everything he heard.
"Everyone's going to bring hell to me this Monday..." He said biting a large chunk from his chocolate bar
"You're the one who asked for it Airi" said Rex
"Can you blame me though?"
"Nah...frankly, I'm quite curious myself. How about you Kish"
"Don't go calling me nicknames, personally I really don't care, but now I have been told, and most part of me still says I don't care" Kishi answered him truthfully
"That's mean" Rex told him
They did not speak about this and they all just went back to eating the snacks left for them.
Everything has been a shock; they cannot deny that. Curious as they are, they wish to know the truth that has been hidden from them ever since. But curiosity kills.