It was almost lunchtime, hence Papa setup to cook. It was the first time that I will be accompanied by someone aside from Papa. While waiting for our meal, Max and I were changing the water in the shell, which is where the flower that Papa gave me was placed.
"It's now clean. Surely, the flower will last long," said Max.
"Yeah."
"Anyway, where is the big dog that is with you during the festival?" asked Max, looking around.
"It's not a dog, it's a wolf! It's not here because…uhm…. It's in the forest. He is not allowed here in the cave," I replied.
"Oh, all right." Phew, thankfully Papa is afar. Max can't you just forget about the 'wolf' and more importantly never mention the word 'dog'. Hah, you're making my life difficult!
"Brielle, why are you staying here in a cave? Don't you want to live in the town?" At that moment, no words came out of my mouth. I understand the reason why Papa chose this place, it's just that I don't know how to explain it to Max, a human. I bit my lip and when I was about to speak…
"My dad said that there are things that are better left unsaid. So, it's okay, Brielle." Max smiled sincerely and I felt a little guilt because of it.
"Oh, I have an idea! You can ask me anything you want to know about the Empire, I'll answer it all," proposed Max.
"Then, how do humans live in the Empire?" I answered.
"In Ronian Empire, people can use magic, holy powers, and magic stones. Mostly, nobles naturally possess magic because of their bloodline. However, the commoners, like me, use magic stones containing magical power."
"What about the holy power?"
"That's right, holy power! The temple holds the blessing of God so they are the ones who have it. Lastly, the Imperial Family."
"Imperial Family? Hmm... The Emperor Family?"
Max stands up and imitates a knight, "Yes, that's right!" I laughed at Max as he continued to pose like a knight. He is a funny kid. Again, he resumed speaking. "The Imperial Family is the Empire's most powerful family. His Majesty Ian Caspian Callis owns a great deal of magic and a magical beast-the phoenix. It said that His Majesty's magical beast can burn a whole Empire. On the other hand, Empress Helena can heal injuries. Sometimes, Her Majesty visits the capital and heals the sick. What a goddess!"
"Max, you said that the temple holds that power?''
"I forgot to tell you that Her Majesty was formerly a priestess of the temple so it is expected that she has holy power."
"Ahhh..."
"Allow me to continue... The Emperor and Empress had two sons. The first prince, who looks after the emperor, is a master swordsman, while the second prince excels in magic. Do you see what I mean? That is the extent of our Empire's strength." Max talked as if he was a member of the Imperial Family. Hahaha, he was so proud of them. I wonder if someday I can meet the Imperial Family. Perhaps if I met them, would I act like Max? Hahaha, the thought of becoming like Max was amusing.
***
"Let's eat," Papa said after he put the bowls of chicken soup down. During our meal, Max repeatedly compliments Papa's cooking. It was fun seeing other people taste Papa's cooking since it was really good. It was a waste if I'm the only one who will taste it. Afterward, we finished eating and cleaned our bowls.
It was already late afternoon so Max decided to go home. We walked him to the entrance of the forest.
"Mister, Brielle I'll go now."
"Won't you get lost?" I asked.
"Don't worry, Brielle, I'm now familiar with the forest. Trust me."
"All right, goodbye Max." After Max moved further and further away from us until he was no longer in our sight, we returned home.
This day went by so quickly that I lost track of time. What a wonderful thing it would be if time stood still for a moment.