"Priestess, you are here!" Maya couldn't hide her excitement when Aisha appeared at the door with Leslie. She was about to get up from the bed but grimaced when it affected her injuries.
"Maya, don't get up just yet. You are still hurt!" Aisha hurriedly dissuaded her from getting up and ran over to her. With a big smile, she announced, "I just received permission from the Emperor. From now on, we are allowed to live in the same room."
"Really?" Maya brightened upon hearing that, but her eyes turned vigilance as she glanced at Leslie.
However, Leslie did not intend to participate in their conversation and only stood silently by the side like a chaperone.
"Priestess, is it really okay to believe in these people?" Maya whispered.
"In our current situation, sticking together like this is the least thing we should do. Let's not overthink things that are outside our control and focus on what we can do now."
"I understand, Priestess. I'll follow your order if that's what you want."
Aisha smiled before looking at Leslie. "Thank you for your help today, Leslie. I'm pretty tired, so I think I will have some rest now."
"Of course, Priestess. And you don't have to thank me. I owe you my life, so naturally, I will do my best to assist you. Please do not hesitate to tell me if there's anything else I can do to help."
Leslie bowed and took his leave after that. Maya watched until he disappeared behind the door before asking Aisha. "Priestess, that guy seems to respect you a lot. Did you do something?"
Aisha recalled how Archibald almost 'punished' him before and thought it was probably because of that. But honestly, she didn't think much of what she did then.
"Let's not talk about that. How is your injury?" She said as she put her hand on her guard's shoulder.
Maya's bright expression instantly turned gloomy once she mentioned it. "I have gotten a lot better since before, but Priestess, I heard something disturbing from the nurse a while back. She said you vomited blood on the night of the banquet? Pardon me for making assumptions, but did you use the Moonwood herb?"
Moonwood was the name of the herb powder Aisha used to trick Archibald last time. Aisha didn't expect Maya to know about that and suddenly felt awkward.
"Yes. But I didn't have any choice."
Maya's expression became crestfallen at her response. "I knew it. Priestess, I'm sorry for not being able to protect you."
"No, Maya. It really is not your fault at all. I took it fully knowing the consequences. And I'm confident that the Emperor won't let me die because he needs my power."
Maya was aware of how incredibly valuable Aisha's ability was. Because of that, Aisha had to endure a life of misfortune and loneliness. She couldn't do what she wanted and couldn't ask for a break even when needed.
And everyone from the Land of Oblivion, including her and Ren, was responsible for putting her in such situation.
That was why, even though they were childhood friends, Maya didn't dare to treat her like a friend because she didn't deserve to be one.
"Priestess, tell me, will they force you to do the same thing as people from our land?"
Aisha couldn't answer immediately. Archibald knew she could communicate and chase away evil spirits. Still, she wasn't sure if he was also aware of her other ability.
Only some people from their land were aware of this. It was regarded as classified information which only known by several people.
Even Maya, who was supposed to be the closest to her, didn't know much about her mysterious power. The only one who knew this was only the Head Priest, the Chief Advisor, and Aisha herself.
Looking at Maya's worried face, Aisha smiled before holding her hand gently. "Maya, you don't have to worry about anything. I'm not afraid of whatever they plan for me. But they are probably planning to do something horrible using my power, and I can't allow that. We must find a way to flee from them as soon as possible. And for that, I need your help."
Maya's eyes widened. While she was busy worrying over small things, Aisha had already decided what she wanted to do next. The latter's voice was soft, but there was a strong resolve behind them.
Right. Because Aisha was like this, she never doubted her even once. Maya had always admired the Priestess for her benevolence and perseverance. She would go to any length to keep her safe, even if it meant sacrificing herself.
No one in the Land of Oblivion deserved more happiness than Aisha. Maya would do anything it took to help her achieve her freedom.
"Priestess, I shall follow you no matter where you go. Please tell me your order and I will do it to the best of my ability!"
Aisha chuckled, seeing Maya's fiery and passionate self had returned. "Maya, the first thing you need to do is to fully recover from your injuries first. I don't doubt these people will lock me up somewhere hidden once we reach the capital, so let's run before that."
"Yes, Priestess!" Maya replied firmly.
"Right. It's been a while since we slept together. Usually, you will stand on guard whenever I'm sleeping. It reminds me a lot of the past. You, me, and Ren were always together back then." Aisha said with nostalgic light in her eyes. There seemed to be sadness, too, but she quickly concealed it.
Maya smiled bitterly. Even after what happened, Aisha still cherished those memories fondly.
Even though Aisha had been betrayed by her and her brother before, she never held a grudge and considered them good friends.
"Oh yeah, Maya. One good thing happened to me after we were held here. I can finally taste how delicious meat is. You are absolutely right when you said I missed out so much by always abiding by the rules!"
Maya felt even more sour hearing those words. The simplest thing people took for granted meant so much to Aisha. This cruel and cold world didn't deserve someone like her.
Maya genuinely believed no one deserved to live happily more than the Priestess.
Thinking about this made her mind travel to a distant past when she was still ignorant about rules and priorities. At that time, Maya decided not to be her 'friend' but her most loyal follower.
That way, she wouldn't lose her place by her side.