Everything is different now.
EACH AND EVERYTHING.
I no longer believe I am the only one with a special talent. The fact that the Kingdom of the Eufrata was a magical place gradually engulfed me. In truth, I am one of those who belongs to the basic users. I am one of the weakests. All I have are my acute perceptions. That’s it, I can’t do what the folks in front of me can do. I haven’t even fully discovered my skills, and even more so I haven’t been able to control them adequately to use them more correctly. In this magnificent Palace with Elites in front of me, I'm a piece of trash.
I might be thinking like this because perhaps I grew up with this kind of view. We were treated like trash, so it's becoming normal to me to call myself such especially since I am amidst golds now. The echelons walked out of the room as soon as I recovered. I've heard they'd prepare for the evening since the search is coming. Perhaps it's what makes them busy.
"Manang Omeng will take care of you now, we'll rehearse; it'll be tonight to find the stones, bye witchy!" Corinthians was the last to leave. Nathalia and the two men simply departed the room where I was staying without saying goodbye. Well, who am I to be given any kind of attention from them anyway? I'm lucky enough Corinthians is kind to me.
When Manang Omeng appeared in front of me, I was taken aback. "How are you hija?" She asked with a smile on her face. I'm still getting acclimated to this environment, and I'm also struggling to understand that I'm surrounded by peculiar strangers. I've lived a simple life in the districts, people there were normal, so having these kind of people who just appears out of nowhere freaks me out.
"I know you're still perplexed," she said, smiling as she sat down next to my bed. "Let me explain."
I tried to relax, but I'm terrified! Manang Omeng's hand gleams! Nathalia done the same thing to me earlier. She's also a sorceress, which just freaks me out! What more could they do? And when would I be used to these?
"Don't worry, I'll just treat your injury," she said as she touched my arm wound. I flinched for a moment as it ached but the pain faded as time passed. I sighed, they're really good. I was hurting last time that I even passed out but now, I'm breathing fine. I was barely hanging from consciousness last time but now I feel like I'm fully recovered. Wow, the things they could do with the powers they have.
"You're in the Palace's hospital, hija, what happened to you?" She asked while treating me carefully, "I just put you behind my wardrobe and never saw you again."
I didn't respond since I had no idea what to say; everything remains unbelievable. I'm perplexed! Is this truly going on? What's going on? From the Echelons to this High Echelon? Never in my life had I considered approaching these individuals. But now I'm in the same palace, surrounded by individuals of higher social status. Should I now consider myself fortunate?
"I just fetched you some tea; I haven't seen you in my room as you escaped already; when Zavan called, he was carrying you while bloodied and unconscious."
Zavan? The prince, perhaps? Oh shocks! Why was he carrying me--oh my gosh! I was taken to Manang Omeng by the Prince? Oh, my goodness. I'm messed up now! I know I'm a nasty one, but is this penalty excessive? What if the Prince then charges me? If he charges me, I have nothing to give.
I sighed. All I want is to freaking live.
"Tell me what happened, hija; Zavan was enraged when he brought you here with his bunch."
I gulped. The Prince was furious with me. Well, who wouldn't? I am just a plague and a plague lost in the palace, and I have no right to tread on this beautiful place. Then suddenly I appeared on the labyrinth interrupting their practice.
"W—who are you?" I couldn't help but inquire and lowered my eyes in humiliation. Who am I to inquire of her?
The elderly lady smiled and placed her hand on my wound. I groaned again as I was kept from yelling, "It hurts so bad I want to pass out," though the pain gradually faded. Does she seem to have recovered from my question?
"My name is Salome," the elderly lady said quickly. I was disappointed because our habit allowed us to get along. Manang Omeng has an attitude as well; the only difference is that people respect her, whereas I am a pest. "You hija, who are you?" Manang Omeng inquired.
"W--what are you? Who are you?" I can't help but wonder again. My lower lip was bitten. I ignored the inquiry of a royal official and focused on my own interest. Can I live after this?
"You have so many questions but you haven't answered my question yet." Manang Omeng may be getting furious with me, so I close my eyes and wait for her to say something.
She continued, "I like that."
I locked my gaze on the elderly woman who was absorbed in her work. My tears streamed down my cheeks, and I realized it was too late that she reminded me of my grandma. I really miss my grandmother. My commitment to "G-grandma" was not kept. The elderly lady turned to me, lost her grin, and glared at me.
"I can't tell you what you're up to, and I can't read you, but I know you're a good one."
My tears eventually spilled there. I remember my grandmother, who had complete faith in what I was doing. She's probably thinking I'm working right now. She also thinks that my job is safe and legal which is the total opposite of what I actually do. She had complete faith in what I was doing, only to discover that I was a criminal.
I'm a bad person. A thief, a liar... a miscreant.
The elder woman inquired, "Why are you sobbing, hija?" I was eventually able to answer, but only by shaking my head, she then continued; "For some reason, you will never be able to properly depart this palace."
I was taken aback by what she said. "W—will I die here?" I wondered.
She chuckled. I expected to be angry, as I usually am, but I found myself smiling in front of the old woman who was laughing.
"What's the big deal?"
"I'm Salome," Manang Omeng said, smiling. "I used to be in the ranks of the mender sorcerer, then of the palace. As I grew older, my power waned, and now I'm just an administrator of some work in the palace. My duty includes healing, because that's the ability I possess."
Gradually I came to understand the things they were saying. She was like Nathalia, a physician. They're called Mender Sorceress.
"I'm still a good doctor who can heal your wounds quickly." She added.
"How did you know I was in the box if you were just a doctor?" I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer. When I don't understand something, I burst like a flying balloon.
"Do you still remember that?" She asked and I nodded, "Well, I was in the ranks before. I was a high echelon, and only those who have higher and phenomenal skills passes as an Echelon. So basically, I don't have just one ability. My senses are strong, which is why Zavan consults me whenever he has a problem. I feel if something bad would happen in the palace, something like that. And then I felt you. But despite this, I know your intentions aren't bad. Am I right hija?" Manang Omeng said, and I was taken aback by her last words. I'm not sure how I'll respond to that question.
That's why the Prince was present when he discovered my footprint. If that's the case, my extrasensory perception isn't unique to me now. There are other people who possesses the same ability as mine and they could do more and better than me as well.
"Did you just feel me within the box?" I inquired, and she nodded in agreement. Being in the ranks is no laughing matter; I believe they are the best Sorcerers in the Kingdom of the Eufrata.
"That group is already ranked," she said referring to the people with me earlier, the Echelons, "And the folks you were with before are at the top of the list."
My eyes dilated. Oh my gosh! Those people are Echelons and they're the top ranked! I can't believe I approached someone I should not be even looking at since I am so much undeserving for their grace! I made a mistake with the wrong people. The Prince brought me here, and now the folks I was with were high Echelons?
I was too embarrassed to ask, "H-how do I get out of here?"
I assumed she would never respond since I'm thinking of escaping, but I was struck when she replied.
"I don't know hija," the old woman said, "but if you're truly determined to leave, I've heard that whoever finds the jewels would complete his request, so you can ask to depart peacefully and when you can be with your family."
Really? I've heard it too, when the Duke was announcing it at the second district. Whatever your wish would come to reality once you find the stones.
I stared at Manang Omeng, is she related to anyone? What am I even thinking right now? I sighed and looked down. I can wish if I find one gem. But how am I going to get out on the streets once I return to our district? Will I return to my previous job, as I am unable to lift them? I'm torn between two options for what I want. Why did this have to befall me? Do I deserve to go through so much pain? If I join the search despite the risk, I could wish to save my fellow paupers.
Manang Omeng inquired, "How is your hija family?"
I gulped. Should I respond to her?
"I-I don't have a family anymore; I only have grandma," I said, puzzled. I miss my grandmother. I'd like to make sure he's all right. Does Laura look after him? The old woman was taken aback by my answer. When she stopped mending me, I let go of my hand and studied it carefully. It's all good now, looks like I'm totally recovered after facing death last time.
"Your wound will heal quickly, and you will soon feel better," Ani Manang Omeng said. "Corinthians told me you came from the forest of illusion, and whatever happened to you there, I'm sure you were hurt deeply because look at your wounds, how did you even managed to survive. It's not just that you have a wound; you have poison in your body, which I had difficulty removing, and you need to be uncovered to be fully healed," the old woman explained.
I was surprised and relieved at the same time. So that's why my clothing are different, and Manang Omeng took them and change for me. "I haven't taken off your clothing yet; I still require the assistance of another doctor," she continued.
My eyes widened. Is there anyone else who has seen my body? Oh my gosh--
"Don't worry, hija; there's no other gentleman here; Zavan went straight to his meeting."
There my breathing became stable. It's not that I don't care about the Prince, but regardless of what happens, I don't think I care.
"The search for the gems begins tonight, and the two groups are getting ready."
What she said perplexed me once again. The Kingdom of the Eufrata has two Princes, but what do they have to do with locating the gems?
"Make an effort to rise."
I would have asked a lot more questions if I hadn't been following the old woman's orders. I got up, however it wasn't easy because the pain was still present. But the agony faded over time, and I was able to adjust because they were perhaps treating me well. They are indeed amazing! I can now stand, and I can now walk. I thought I would never live again. But here I am and I can walk again.
Manang Omeng admonished me, "Take it easy. You're not very good yet," but I didn't move and roamed around the room.
I'd have to join the search later if the gem was the only way to get me out of here and save my fellows. I knew my objective was too lofty, but I knew I wouldn't be able to tolerate the First District if I were confined here indefinitely.
"What should I do now? What do I do to join the search? How do I get involved with them?" I seriously asked. The old woman looked me in the eyes as if asking whether I was sure of what I said.
"You'd be damned to think the group has been preparing for almost a year only for the impending Eclipse,"
I shut my eyes. I know. I knew the group's destination would be dangerous, but I was determined. I'll start with the first District. And now I've made my decision: I'm going to look for jewels. I simply need to discover a valuable stone, and I'll be set.
"I -I need to get out of here."
The old woman sighed, "I'm not going to allow you come along; you're a weed compared to the practice they went through. If you want to come along, talk to the young ranks; I'm out of that issue," the old woman remarked as she exited my room.
Sh*t! Sh*t! Sh*t! The anguish. I am well aware that I am insignificant in comparison to the Sorcerers present. Is it a bad thing to try? Is it wrong to seek freedom, even if it means paying a whip? I was locked in the room. That's when I understood I wasn't like them. I have the skill, but it pales in comparison to theirs. I'm still alive, but I'm just a weed that they step on instead of lovely flowers. I'm still no one and have nowhere to go. I'm not sure where I fit in, because we're a plague in our neighborhood. I can sense it now. I'm nothing but garbage.