We entered the city gates, the guards took time to check our permit and allowed us. I looked down at Marina, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sights and sounds of the bustling city.
Security in the town has been increased during the festival times, I think these guys are taking precautions considering what happened to hightide haven.
Our carriage swayed gently, lulling both Seraphina and Kimora as they woke up. As their eyes fluttered open, they were met with an unexpected sight: Marina, nestled comfortably on my lap, her small fingers tracing patterns on my tunic.
Their gazes locked onto the scene, as they have gazed at marina with jealous expression in their eyes.
"Mister" Marina, sensing the shift in atmosphere, looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes.
"I am not that old, marina. Call me onii- Big brother " I replied to her
"Onii brother " Marina replied curiously.
Strange stuff happens sometimes.
I chuckled softly, ruffling Marina's hair. "Now, now, girls," I chided, a playful glint in my eyes. "There's no need to be jealous of a child."
"Behave! " I said as I seriously glared at them
Seraphina and Kimora blushed, with embarrassment and amusement. "Sorry, my lord," Seraphina mumbled, averting her gaze.
"It's quite alright," I reassured her, my voice gentle. "But if you two behave yourselves, I promise I'll make time for both of you later."
A mischievous smile tugged at my lips as I saw a glimmer of excitement in their eyes.
I turned my attention to the front of the carriage, I addressed the woman who is my mother's trusted maid "Excuse me," I said politely, "may I ask your name? You've been doing a wonderful job with the horses since we have started our journey."
The woman, a stoic figure with a no-nonsense demeanor, turned to face me. "I've told you my name eight times already, sir," she replied in a blunt, matter-of-fact tone.
Oh Shit! I have trouble remembering names, I should use notepad.
I blinked with a sheepish grin spreading across my face. "Forgive me," I chuckled. "I seem to have a terrible memory for names."
The woman, replied in a flat tone, "Freya Stern, sir. For the ninth time."
Despite our delay, the Golden Week festival was still in full swing, a vibrant colors, sounds, and smells.
I noticed mages from the Mage Association using their magic discreetly to keep an eye on things. They consist of mostly Sage ranked members.
Sage is the 7th rank in mage association, it consists of 10 ranks. Sage rank consists of mages with must above A grade in their mage license.
I ventured deeper into the winding alleyways trying to look for that person, I stumbled upon an shop between a bakery and an apothecary. With Marina holding my hand
A hand-painted sign above the door, barely visible in the fading sunlight, read "Madame Elowen's Emporium of Enchantments."
Marina tugged at me wide, with her eyes filled with curiosity. "What is this place, onii-chan?" she asked
Onii-chan, We aren't Japanese. How it turned out to be. Let's try this.
"I'm not quite sure yet, Marina," I replied, my own curiosity. "But let's find out together."
We approached the shop, the wooden door creaking open as we stepped inside. The interior was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of incense and dried herbs. Shelves lined the walls, overflowing with strange trinkets, shimmering crystals, and leather-bound books with cryptic symbols etched on their covers.
"Welcome, welcome!" A teen girl with fashionable clothes came out, her voice dripping with the saccharine sweetness of a spoiled noble child. "Prepare to be amazed!"
Marina clung to my hand, her eyes wide with a terrified and shy expression.
The girl giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't be shy, dearies," she chirped. "Step right up and let Madam Elowen reveal the secrets of your future!"
Madam? Elowne? Aren't you basically my age,
"Madame Elowen?" I inquired, raising an eyebrow. "Is that you?"
She curtsied dramatically, her elaborate dress swirling around her. "Indeed it is!" she declared, her voice ringing with self-importance. "I am the one and only Madame Elowen, seer of the unseen, revealer of the unknown!"
My head is hurting.
Marina let out a soft gasp, her eyes widening with wonder asking. "Can you really see the future?"
"Why, of course, my dear," The little brat replied with a dramatic flourish. "I can see all that was, all that is, and all that will be."
She gestured towards a plush velvet chair in the center of the room. "Take a seat, my esteemed guests," she announced, her voice dripping with theatrical charm. "And let Madame Elowen unveil the mysteries of your fate!"
Just stop taking. If you turned into a fake, you will be bullied by me. I will get you as my new target, It's a win-win for me.
A smile tugged at my lips. "Tell you what," I countered, "if you impress me, I'll buy you your favorite treat."Her eyes lit up, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Deal! I adore those honey cakes from the bakery down the street.""Consider it done," I chuckled, settling down before her.With a flourish, she began her divination, her gaze fixed on the swirling patterns within the crystal ball. After a moment of silence, she spoke, her voice hushed and mysterious."Seven figures I see, intertwined with your destiny," she began, her words hanging heavy in the air. "An assassin, veiled in shadows. A woman of faith, wielding divine power. A lady of noble birth, her beauty a mask for secrets. A ruler, consumed by ambition. A captivating stranger from distant lands. A girl shrouded in darkness, her laughter echoing with madness. And finally... a figure cloaked in mystery, their identity elusive even to me."Her words sent shivers down my spine. "What kind of messed-up fortune reading is this?" I blurted outThe fortune teller, unfazed by my outburst, giggled and tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Oh, come on, it's not that bad," she said with a dramatic eye roll. "It's just a little... dramatic. You know, for effect.""Dramatic?" I echoed, my voice laced with skeptic. "You're telling me my life is going to be like some kind of twisted fairy tale?"She shrugged, a nonchalant smile playing on her lips. "Hey, I don't make the rules," she said. "I just read the cards. And the cards say you're in for one wild ride."I leaned back, crossing my arms over my chest. "Okay, so let's say I believe you," I said, raising an eyebrow. "What am I supposed to do with this information?""Well," she began, leaning in conspiratorially, "you could start by finding these people. They're obviously important in your life, so they're bound to show up sooner or later."She paused, tapping her finger against her chin thoughtfully. "And who knows," she added with a sly grin, "maybe some of them are already closer than you think."Her eyes darted towards Seraphina and Kimora, who were watching our exchange with a mixture of amusement and curiosity from far. Do they fit in this description.Kimora probably fits stranger in distant land."Wait a minute," I replied. "Are you saying that some of these... figures... could be my future wives?"The fortune teller burst into a fit of giggles, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, you never know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Stranger things have happened.""Does Ethan big brother, like women?" Marina asked curiously looking at me."Brother Ethan likes to marry several women " I responder to her as she gazed into my eyes with wonder."Okay, you seem reliable, here is the cake for you " I replied placing the cake for her while exiting the location.. "Thanks!" she chirped, her cheeks flushed with delight.It's time for witch hunting, Break time is over.