"Let's go."
Buji continued behind Emra as she took his hand, leaving all other students behind them as they made for the door.
"No matter what happens or what she might be to your strength, you will forever remain the weakling!"
It was the same bully that was just taught a lesson by Emra, or rather, given a warning.
'Just ignore…'
Buji thought after hearing the burst of laughter that had followed the statement, but the sound faded at the closure of the door behind them.
"I won't be getting in your way next time, in case you get in messy," Emra said, taking the lead to a limousine that was parked directly opposite the hall's door.
***
After some minutes' drive, the limousine stopped in front of an intricately designed gigantic gate. The gates had gold runes on them that stylishly indicated 'VIN'.
"I want to walk down the mansion," Buji said, leaving conspicuous looks on the faces of those in the car.
From the look of things, they wanted to throw questions at him but Emra was the fastest.
"Why? I mean, the distance is a bit far."
"I don't mind," Buji replied and closed the car door behind him.
The gate eventually opened to allow them in. A young man dressed in soldier-like attire stood by the side of the gate as his guests ushered in, including Buji on feet.
'For some reasons which I'm yet to discover, the rich will continue being rich, while the poor continue being poor. Luckily, here is my foster family.'
Buji thought while making his movements. Then, he halted and continued again, gradually and steadily formulating descriptions of the whole environment in his mind.
The Grand Vin estate faces down across squarely manicured lawns, surrounded by trees, arranged in ascending order of height. A driveway, winding and lined with refined marble stones, made its way down to the magnificent mansion. The exterior's glossy design revealed a hint of its interior look.
The road seemed unending as Buji continued on a steady path, facing the mansion. Finally, he arrived at the second gate, a small protector gate that shields the mansion, firmed by the surrounding short fences.
'Protection.'
It does not require just a single barrier, but rather a series of barriers—layers of barriers might be best. Security, in all applicable concepts, is not static in state, but rather ongoing. Considering this, is true protection really going to be achievable?
He continued making this analysis and remembered.
The Inner Sanctum…
This was a movie he had come across in the cinema, with Emra. His father had advised him to be a fan of movies, but right here Emra is doing the same as him. Does it mean watching movies truly expands one's horizon?
Back to the Inner Sanctum, the movie only centered on the protection of one's inner self or space. A dragon boy had mastered a certain strange ability. Due to this, he was isolated by many, virtually all that surrounded him. Not only the isolation, had they hungered for his death.
In a bid to protect himself, the boy had created a sanctuary, covered by more than a hundred layers of barriers, unknown to those who sought after him. This creation was named the boy's inner sanctum.
'This boy was too young to be given…'
"What are you thinking about?"
"Uhn"
Buji was interrupted and at the same time, startled to see Emra standing beside him. He hadn't noticed Emra who had come out to check for him. Literally, he had stood at a point for more minutes than he could imagine.
"Surprised? Well, I've been observing you for quite a long time. Don't tell me…"
"Cut it. I was only imagining the strong version of Buji," Buji interrupted, facing his front in readiness to make a move.
"Strong version of who, I doubt," seeming not to care, Emra added, "Anyway, I came to let you know that the appetizer was ready. I had ours, setup in your room, let's keep the dining space today."
…setup in my room?
'Why?'
***
Upon finally entering the mansion, Buji's eyes set on the foyer's high ceiling and crystal chandelier which created an atmosphere of elegance. He was driven back to his description world.
The entire room he had entered was illuminated with a soft, golden lighting, while plush carpets and rich hardwood floors exhorted luxury underfoot. The walls were adorned with attractive artworks and the ornate mirrors added to its building delicacy.
'Just like the ancient mansions.'
Anonymously to Buji, he was watched from the spacious dining nestled beside the sitting room. It was not out of sight from guests who might decide to make a side turn of their head, upon entering the building.
'Whoosh.'
Buji remained static at that point. His face flushed in embarrassment as he noticed sixteen balls of eyes, focusing their gaze on him. He wanted to move his legs, but they were stiff. He couldn't remove his eyes from their stares either, so, he just stood, moping.
Just as the man in the midst of the on-lookers was about to open his mouth, Emra's voice distracted.
"I'm still waiting for you! Buji" Emra's voice rang from the stairs on the other side.
'Thank you, Jesus. What was coming for him earlier...' He did better page the thought off.
His legs moved, slowly at first, then hastily towards the direction where the voice had called. Emra stood there, her hands crossed across each other immediately below her breasts.
'This girl is a miracle. She should have answered that name, Miracle.' He thought and smirked slightly.
"You still haven't told me what's eating your thoughts," Emra asked with a calm voice now. She noticed the smile Buji had put on his face. Buji however, ignored her question and joined her, both of them climbing the stairs. Buji still felt the sixteen eyes from earlier following his every movement, but it didn't matter anymore as far as they were not locking eyes with him.
The Vin family, one wealthy family Buji was privileged to live with. They are no doubt, rich. The family is made up of ten living beings, including Buji—time will tell for Buji, though. Things should just be bare, at least, for the meantime.
***
(In Buji's room)
Emra and Buji sat facing each other on the tiled floor. That was Buji's habit whenever he was inside his room, doing one thing or the other. On several occasions, Emra seemed to pay attention to him and advised him to use the chairs but he was not affirmative. He just loves the floor. Now, Emra has joined his page, sitting with him on the same floor.
"I joined the cook in making the appetizers. What do you think about 'em?" Emra asked Buji, breaking the silence in the room.
"Uhn."
"I couldn't stay to help prepare dinner, I was famished," Emra continued, regardless of whether Buji had even grabbed her first statement.
"So, Emra decided to explore the kitchen today."
Buji on his part was not in the mood. His whole concentration was locked on the food in front of him. But he had to reply Emra, sorry it came as a criticism, kind of.
Emra understood Buji's reply. That was his way of letting Emra know he was not in the mood. He only wanted to be through with the food and do whatever concerns him after.
He seemed to remember something, or probably, a nut had fallen off his cranium.
"Oh, yes. I forgot the uniform men while walking down here."
"Uniform men? You mean the guards? Any problem?" Emra asked, all at the same time.
"No problem," Buji answered, tucking himself in and gulping down the chunks of food he had in his mouth. He realized the impression his action might create on Emra.
"I still haven't known what you are thinking about…" Emra stated, her voice genuine with concern.
Buji's assumption was false, maybe. Instead of an expected question, a clear but unexpected statement came. Probably, he was in to answer a question.