My instructor was especially hard on me, because I was never willing to fight anyone. It was difficult for me to throw even a single kick or punch against my sparring partners for fear of causing them harm. Hence, I became a target of malicious bullying.
"Are you sure you're a real Sant, princess?"
What was more distressing was their betrayal because at some point they were my friends. For reasons unknown, they suddenly decided to turn on me. Their sworn loyalty had long disappeared, and only their scorn and disdain remained. They laughed, mocked, and isolated me whenever we were alone. All the while pretending to be on good terms in front of the adults.
"The only thing she's good at is pulling tricks like manipulating the elements of nature. Any magician can do that much."
My favorite lesson was at the temple, browsing through heaps of ancient books and scrolls. I felt at peace there and everyone treated me well. I learned so many things thanks to the vast knowledge I was offered.
"All she does is weep in the middle of combat."
"What a pathetic wimp."
They pretended to be whispering but in reality, they were just indirectly insulting me. I was willing to put up with them for a while until they had the brilliant idea to pour cold water on me under the guise of an accident. Having had enough, I decided to restore my honor by training day in and day out, until I eventually brought them to their knees.
"H-how is this possible?"
"It hurts! It hurts so much. My arm is broken!"
"My leg! Argh! It hurts so bad."
They were wriggling on the ground like a bunch of earth worms in ashes. Since they had the gall to call me a magician, I let them have a taste of what a trick from me truly feels like. I used air to enhance the force behind my kicks and punches, thus the impact would feel like being hit by a medium-sized boulder. Mister Valdemar, our instructor, was speechless while the paramedics came to escort the boys off the field. Since that day, I was no longer seen as the pitiful princess who cried whenever she had to face someone in combat. I realized at the young age of seven that the world was not only made of sunshine and flowers. There are also those no matter how much you cherish them; they will prey on you the moment you show your vulnerability.
~Present time
Right now, I'm oozing with confidence that I can beat whoever is behind this little parlor trick.
"I will kill you!" he yelled striking a straight blow towards me which I easily evaded.
"How are you so weak? For someone who can summon a realm, your punches are rather pathetic." I mocked nonchalantly.
"Shut your mouth!"
Looks like I've struck a nerve there. Haha! The rumors must be true. Warlocks and their underlings are physically weak as opposed to their magic. None of the Ecchelon's priests believed me when I argued it was a fact disguised as speculation. We even placed bets on it. Fun time…
"Die! You wench!" he lunged another punch towards my torso which I also dodged by merely bending over backwards.
How boring. He's all bark but no bite. I appreciate the entertainment, but I've dallied here for far too long. He lunged at a side kick which flew right above my head as I crouched down and aimed my fist towards his manhood. His deafening shriek filled the air as I shut him up with a strike across his face.
"How…is this possible?" he stuttered while squirming on the ground.
Frankly, I don't know what came over me. My limbs suddenly felt so powerful I had to hold back as I punched him. Where did that surge of power suddenly come from?
"Listen carefully…"
"I will let you leave here with your life, however if you come after duke Kartier again, I will not hesitate to kill you, and everyone involved in this matter. Understand?" I warned sternly.
"Y-yes ma'am! Understood! I p-promise I will not come after duke Kartier ever again."
Of course, he's lying to save his neck. There was not a drop of sincerity in his statement. In that case, I'll gladly make the first move.
"This…is for lying to me, you evil scum!"
The loud thump of his head crashing into the ground felt exhilarating. Whether he was a warlock, or sorcerer remains to be discovered wherever he is in the real world.
+++++
"Help! Please help us. Cleric Samuel has suddenly collapsed!"
"What is all this commotion?"
"Your holiness, Archbishop Michael. Your presence is required in the healing room. I-it's cleric Samuel…"
*Sigh…not this again…
"We found him lying on the ground near the entrance of the orphanage coughing up blood. According to the witnesses, he was clutching his chest while walking out of the building when he suddenly collapsed…"
The same thing happened a little while ago. One of my clerics suddenly collapsed in the middle of a prayer session and died on the spot. Why are these casualties happening so frequently in the temple of all places? I should call a meeting to open an investigation before this matter reaches the emperor's ears.
"It is with great sadness that I must inform you that our brother, cleric Samuel has passed on."
How saddening. Some were weeping while others gaped in disbelief, as the rest engaged in meaningless chatters.
"Silence! One of you go and relay the message to priest Jeffrard immediately."
"Right away, your eminence!" promptly responded one of them as he rushed out of the room.
Since the deceased is one of his acolytes, I figured he would be the one to oversee the process of his burial. He's usually quite sensitive to matters related to his people. It is always heartbreaking when a young one leaves so suddenly.
++++++
The moment she opened her eyes, she started coughing up blood while gasping for air. She not only bled from her mouth, but it was also coming out of her ears and nostrils, which terrified me. Thankfully, I made it to Sir Hayden's facility just in time. It's been three days since she fell unconscious, during which she broke into a high fever multiple times, yet she never woke up.
"P-please excuse my rudeness, your highness. The young lady has awakened." Announced the caregiver.
The sensation of a weight being lifted off my chest made me feel light as a feather. I could finally breathe properly, henceforth I stormed off towards her room.
"Where is she?"
"She's resting in the recuperation room, your highness. Also, she suddenly requested fresh bread for lunch."
She wouldn't be Fati if she didn't make such a ridiculous request. I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Y-your highness? Is everything alright…?"
"No need to concern yourself with me. I shall be back momentarily."
"Will do, your highness."
I did not know his highness could laugh like that. I must say, he looked thousands of times more attractive with that expression. Oh dear, my heart is still pounding.