Chapter 10: Let’s Go Home

Only by experiencing despair—the full depth of this immense and all-consuming emotion—can we truly find happiness. Everything is understood in comparison. If no one ever hurt anyone, how could we understand what true kindness is? Everything, little Ańes, is connected much more deeply in this world than you think. One day, maybe in a few years or a few centuries, you will understand this.

But if I am happy now, why do I need to know this, Mother?

.....

It was an understatement to say that everyone present in the hall was shocked. It was likely that many of those present at that moment were not even born when the Great Queen Ańes last spoke aloud.

Wait! We need to take a short break for a meeting.

Otto was the most shocked of all. It was clear that he respected the Queen more than anyone, and the fact that his decision—which he believed was made out of concern for his home—did not align with hers was probably tearing him apart inside.

Don’t be so surprised! If you respect my experience, you should respect my decision. If you insist that this young man must leave our city, I will leave with him!

Such situations are probably rare in life. When something very frightening happens to you personally, and then, almost immediately, something even worse occurs.

At that moment, I didn’t understand what these events meant for their future and mine. Previously, I always tried to keep everything in focus, as it somewhat quelled my internal anxiety.

I don’t know why, but I concluded that if I kept all my problems in mind, I was somehow solving them, and thus nothing bad could happen. Of course, this was self-deception. By doing so, I only made things worse and drained my own energy dealing with all these problems.

I only became wise enough to understand this now. Even at the moment when I was hit by a car, I was thinking about the problems waiting for me the next day.

Now so much is happening that I decided not to worry about it any further. Only by entering a different, more dangerous, and vast world did I realize that I could only influence myself, and even that was not entirely within my control. I tried to control so many things, consider so much information and facts, but in reality, all I was doing was muddling the waters and scaring away my little fish of success.

In truth, there are so few things we can truly influence. Maybe Lady Ańes thinks the same way?

She didn’t listen to Otto’s and the others’ arguments and addressed me directly.

You understand, don’t you, that I made this decision for a reason?

Probably, yes. But you must also understand that I am very far removed from your context. I know nothing about the world I’ve found myself in.

I know that. But I also know that you are destined to play a significant role. Not only in your own life but in the lives of millions of others.

...

Letting you go now means giving up the chance to gain wisdom, giving up the chance to influence the outcome, giving up a prize that has fallen right at our feet.

Regardless, I think you’re overestimating me.

Really?

I have no special powers. I’m not particularly wise. All the knowledge I’ve tried to gain is useless in your world. I lack physical strength and skills. I’m just very charming and incredibly perceptive.

Indeed, I’ve noticed you have deep intuition. But there’s something else.

......

Suddenly, everyone froze.

It was as if time had stopped.

Or maybe it really did stop.

Or perhaps those strange entities summoned me for a dialogue again?

Don’t be surprised, little one. It’s just my power.

A young woman approached me from her place.

Oh, right, you haven’t seen me in this form.

Are you Queen Ańes?

I did say you had excellent intuition.

Thank you, but I’m completely lost now. What is happening?

Explaining this would take a lot of time, so let’s postpone it for now. To prevent you from going mad with questions, just know that I have the ability to stop time. For now, that’s enough information.

I wouldn’t say it explains much, but let’s assume. But why do you look different?

I’m telling you, it’s complicated for now. But yes, this is me. Or rather, this is how I looked when I was young. Very, very long ago.

I must say, you looked excellent.

Thank you so much! I’ve never received compliments from beings from other worlds before.

There’s always a first time for everything.

You’re right about that. But let’s focus on the main point. I stopped time to clarify a few things.

I kind of figured that out, but why couldn’t we talk, well, there?

I didn’t want to scare or raise unnecessary questions among my subordinates.

You don’t trust them?

No. You might disagree, but think of it as a form of care. They are dealing with something that is very hard to imagine and comprehend.

I understand your concern. But what do you want from me? First, you stand up for me, and now you’re calling me to some strange rendezvous.

Are you sure you were 100% sincere with me and the others?

Do you know what percentages are?

That’s not the point. Please answer the question.

If you’re so wise, you should know that I can’t answer that. Besides, Millisenta told you and the others that I’m speaking the truth.

Millisenta’s ability is unique and very strong, but unfortunately, it is not omnipotent. But let’s not get into that here.

What do you mean?

Tell me about the personalities you’ve interacted with.

This question shocked me. How does she know?

How should I put it? Considering everything I’ve seen in this world before, I made an educated guess.

What? Can you also read minds?

Not exactly. I can deflect powers directed at me.

And how did you read my thoughts then? Are you saying you deflected my spell?

Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. I don’t doubt your so-called peaceful nature. You probably didn’t even realize what you did.

I don’t understand anything.

If you think a little more, I’m sure you’ll find the answer.

But the tests showed that I have no powers at all.

You’re a smart boy. How can they show what they don’t understand or see? No fact from a single source can be trusted completely.

And what does that mean? I have the power to read minds, but its nature is completely different from, say, Millisenta’s.

If its nature were not different, I wouldn’t have been able to deflect it. But yes. I don’t fully understand it myself yet, but you’re partly right. The nature of your power is completely different, and it’s somehow connected to those entities you couldn’t describe earlier. Entities Millisenta didn’t see in your thoughts.

But where did I get this ability from and why don’t I feel it?

I’m not sure, but I think you might have taken or somehow copied it from Millisenta.

So, can we conclude that my ability is to take abilities?

Possibly. But now you need to understand and feel the mechanism of how it happens. But that’s secondary.

Did you figure it out right away, or only now? Did you decide to keep me here because of this power?

Yes. I sense that something is going to happen soon… Something that will change the established order and balance of things. An event, and this event will take my life. I don’t have much time left, but since my journey ends here, I want to be sure that nothing bad will happen to my people. That’s why I kept you. You didn’t come here by accident. I don’t know why or how. In all my life, I’ve never seen anything like this. Nothing even remotely similar. You’re a system glitch. And there are two possibilities: it’s either just an error or a conspiracy from someone higher up.

Gods?

Gods.

I spoke with some strange shadow.

And what did it say to you?

There were two or three of them, though I’m still unsure about the last one. But the one who was the most threatening tried to provoke me. When he spoke to me, I felt an overwhelming surge of power and aggression. How should I put it? I’ve never felt like that before.

Did it say what it wants from you?

It said that with the power it gave me, this world could be mine.

Ugh.

What?

I didn’t like the pause she took. And what I had just learned. One could say that in a way my ambitions had come true. In this world, I am a big deal. People take me seriously. But it was now crystal clear that a peaceful life was out of the question for me. I wasn’t sure if I wanted it in the first place. But I definitely didn’t want problems I couldn’t solve. And right now, I couldn’t even begin to imagine what awaited me.

...

But I caught myself thinking that although the unknown scared me, deep down, I felt an excitement that seemed to fill my body molecule by molecule.

It’s hard to say what we should do next.

I thought you had a plan.

For starters, we need to observe you. We need to understand the nature of your power and how it works. What triggers affect it and how you can manage your abilities going forward.

So, I’m going back to prison?

No. You’ll stay with Millisenta for now. If you want, we can find you a job to keep you occupied. Just relax and try to get used to the new world and us. I think, as bad as things may seem, we have time for this.

That sounds nice. Especially with such a neighbor.

One thing... I’d like to make one thing clear.

What?

As soon as I blinked, Lady Agnes was behind me. I couldn’t see her eyes, but I could tell that at that moment, she looked anything but kind and welcoming.

If you harm Millisenta or any other residents of my city in any way, if I even suspect for a second that I made the wrong choice and you are now a danger to us, I promise I will direct all my power against you.

I had no such intentions...

I blinked again and saw Queen Agnes back in the same place where she had been before.

That’s good! It’s pleasant dealing with you. Now let’s release the others. When I need to speak with you again, I’ll let you know.

Is that all?

It’s just the beginning. And to be honest, as things stand, I can’t even imagine what awaits us next.

I was definitely frightened by the uncertainty that tomorrow, with its delicate brush, was painting for me. Gods, Goddesses, Queens, and curses. I had only read about such things in fairy tales or manga before. I’d seen them on TV in cartoons or anime. And now... Now it’s my reality. A reality where I’m not some minor character, as I was in my old world.

Although... Is that really the case? Maybe it’s just a dream that will end soon, and I’ll wake up in my gray apartment, and as terrifying as it is now, I’ll be pleading with the universe to bring me back. Old Socrates was right—nothing I know and nothing I understand. And it feels like I won’t understand anything for the foreseeable future.

As I said before, the boy will stay with us, and that’s non-negotiable!

I’m glad it worked out this way. - Lady Ruby said.

A bit hesitantly, Millisenta approached me and removed the handcuffs.

Well, you really stirred things up here...

I didn’t do anything as usual. I just sat there.

I know you don’t understand, but the fact that Queen Agnes spoke because of you...

What?

Even if you die in some terrible battle or while working on a farm, you will still be mentioned in the chronicles. As a participant in an incredible event.

Don’t forget, I’ll also be recorded as the first human pig-keeper among the forest elves. By the way, do you have farms and pigs here?

You’ll learn a lot about us soon, so let’s not spoil the surprises.

And do they have sharp ears too?

Very clever question. You’ll find out soon enough. I’ll make sure you get a job there!

Yay!!! Well, no. I’d choose something more interesting if possible. I could be your personal doctor!

Yes, yes! I’ll definitely consider it. The offer is incredibly tempting.

Millisenta seemed to tense up inside. It felt like all the drama and her not insignificant role in it had caused her a lot of stress. Finally, with the positive outcome, she seemed to relax.

Did she really care that much about me?

Tell me... Would you be upset if I were actually expelled from your city?

...

It’s just... You know, all these events happening to me lately. It’s all so complicated and confusing. I can’t seem to keep up. But I’ve decided that I won’t postpone things any longer. So, I wanted to say that, no matter how things end, I really enjoyed spending time with you!

That’s a very sweet speech! At one point, I thought I might cry.

You really can’t lie.

Well, I won’t. You really aren’t good at speeches. I’m sure, after everything I’ve done, you could have tried a bit harder!

Wait! I’ll improve it right now.

No!!! I don’t want to hear any more of this. Let’s just go home already.

Home???

Home... Let’s go, shall we? Probably.

Let’s go.