Disparaging Ego of the Tempest [Part 2]

I hastily packed my things and somehow slowly, I then simply tossed them back in my room. As I anxiously walked to Valaquendë’s room, my mind was clouded by one memory. Every time I have an IED episode, I almost always dwell on one specific outburst from when I lived in Japan.

I don’t recall the reason behind it, or even where exactly I was. I just remember I was afflicted with such an uncontrollable rage that I hammered my right hand on a table repeatedly, without a thought, to the point that it felt just like I stabbed the center of my palm with a rusty knife. I also remember hiding under a desk: sniffling, crying for hours before I told my parents. My so very detached parents. I had to get a cast for my hand. I can still feel the aches in my pinky and wrist to this day.

My hand is trembling just to knock on the door. What if she’s not in there? No need to dwell on what ifs. Just start by knocking and worry about the steps after that.

“Oh, hello!-Ah!”

She sounded like she was struggling with something inside of her room.

“Hi, Ryosuke! What brings you here?” She said as she slowly opened the door.

Haah… Unbelievable, I already feel a little better.

This is the first time I felt like crying.

“Hi, I-I was just kinda in the mood to chit-chat and uh, was wondering if you are available?”

“Really?! Yeah, sure! I’d love to talk!”

I smiled ever so slightly, trying to mimic her welcoming beam. She gleefully invited me into her room. Her room was not much different from mine. Victorian interior, plenty of décor with the same style. Hers felt a little brighter than mine. Probably because the sun was shining on her side of the mansion.

“So, Ryosuke. What do you want to talk about?”

Still maintaining that smile, she sat on her fancy Victorian couch. I sat next to her.

“I’m not sure, really.”

I pulled my legs right to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. I don't entirely know why I sat like that. Possibly because I subconsciously knew it would promote more sympathy from Valaquendë. I clearly didn’t want to talk, I just wanted to listen. Hopefully she can figure that out.

“Mmmm? How are you enjoying it here so far?!”

That spritely tone gave me a quick yet forced smile. I think she knew I was a little upset about something. Which is good, I think I was making that a bit obvious.

“Mhm, It's all so new. I think I'm getting a little overwhelmed, ya know. I came from a pretty simple life. Now, that’s all changed.”

She was quiet for a moment.

“Yeah, I kinda know what you mean. I had a great life before I joined the Guild.”

“What do you mean?” I wondered. Was it better than this place?

“Um, heh-heh. It’s a bit of a depressing story and I don't want to bring down the mood.” She waved her hands with an odd flare. It makes sense why she didn’t want to tell a sad story to a sad person.

“Okay, no problem, another time, maybe.” I grinned a little.

“But, um, if you ever get overwhelmed with something. Please let me know! I’ll gladly help you as much as I can.” She quickly went back to her spritely tone.

“That’s good to know. I really appreciate that.”

“Yeah, of course! I can help out with anything, you name it! Need help finding a book, or a place on a map. I’ve studied a lot of things ya know.” She smirked with pride. I was interested, so I shifted my posture to be more open, with my body aimed more to her.

“What did you study?”

“All sorts of things! Botany, architecture, and medicine. I’ve even practiced a fair amount of Mana manipulation. I’m also a pretty great dancer. Heheh, I was actually dancing a little earlier before you knocked.”

Mana? Is that like magic? It wasn’t my intention to get information from her. What I should talk about is her dancing… But…

“You know how to manipulate Mana? Only our elders could do that.”

“You bet! Vapula and Vahaemarr taught me! Well, mostly Vahaemarr.”

Hah. I shouldn’t focus too much on this Mana, but she’s so excited to talk.

“That’s so cool!” I still somewhat forced myself to smile.

“You want me to teach you?!”

Hmm. Do I want her to do that? That will be beneficial and I suppose it would help build our friendship more. And how can I refuse? She looks so happy.

“Really? You can do that?”

“Totally! That would be a lot of fun! Just come by my room at any time and we’ll start your first lesson!”

“Wow, okay!”

“I could even get the others involved! I bet Vahaemarr wouldn’t mind.”

“Hah-hah.” She giggled randomly. Wonder why?

“What?” I asked.

“One of the first times I practiced with Vahaemarr. Haha, he was showing me some ways to manifest fire and when I started to get the hang of it I got over excited by manifesting a lot of fire. I accidentally burnt some of his beard! HAHAHA”

“Oh, really, hah-hah! Was he mad?”

“Totally! But that was the best part because he didn’t yell or scream so one of his big veins popped out of his forehead! HAahahaha”

“That’s hilarious! HAhaha!”

Such genuine laughter.

Not just from Valaquendë, but from me as well. That was the first time I did that since I arrived in this world. I then shared a quick story. Her story reminded me of one that I had with some similarities. I’m not much of a conversationalist, but I think I was doing pretty well with this one. I actually was enjoying our conversation. We both laughed from the gut at every story that we shared with each other. I was having the best time. To the point where I almost made a few mistakes with my background story.

After catching our breath from laughing so hard, we both got a little quiet for a moment. I felt close to her, not just in the familial way, but physically too. I looked intently at her hands moving to do that thing with her index fingers, I then saw her make a couple of quick glances.

“Ya know. Ryosuke.” Her tone was a little mixed and apprehensive.

“I, uh, thought you didn’t really like me at first.”

“Huh? Why do you say that?”

Is she about to say what I think she is…?

“Well, on the day we met, I tried to talk to you a few times, but you didn’t hear me or something.“

Damnit. She was trying to talk to me back then!

“Oh no, you were! I’m sorry, I really didn’t mean too!”

“It’s no big deal. Really!”

“Well, I still feel bad for ignoring you. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?”

I did feel bad. I hope she can see that.

“Thanks, but the time that we’ve spent with each other is good enough.”

“Okay, if you say so-”

A sudden yet soft knock took our attention away.

“Oh, I wonder who that could be? Come in!”

I figured it was Vahaemarr. That knock sounded like it was from a butler.

“Hi Vahaemarr!”

“Lady Valaquendë, Lady Ryosuke. Good evening. Duke Vapula wants me to inform everyone that he will be joining us for dinner. He will be giving an announcement.”

“Oh, okay, thanks Vahaemarr!”

Vahaemarr did his butler thing and left.

“What do you think Vapula wants to announce, Ryosuke?”

“Probably about his goals or something. I haven’t known him for long but he really likes to be unnecessarily cryptic.”

“Haha, yeah!” She laughed.

“Oh, heh. I didn't mean for that to be funny?” I ask with some confusion.

“No, no, it's just funny because that’s totally accurate!”

“Oh, it is? Heh-heh.”

“Uh-huh, I’ve known him for a long time and he hardly ever makes sense when he talks!” She chuckled.

“Haha, why do you think that is?”

“I have no clue! Probably cause he’s old, haha!”

“Well, he can’t be that old. Vahaemarr looks way older.”

“Oh, he is! Way older than Vahaemarr. I’m not sure how much older, but Vahaemarr told me himself.”

“Really? The elders at my village never really told us a whole lot about Infernalior.”

“That doesn't surprise me. A lot of Infernalior can be like Vapula. Keeping to themselves all of the time. Like some kind of hermit.”

Uh-oh, I’m getting a lot of ideas. I should probably go, before I start asking questions. There’s a time and a place for that. That’s not why I came here and I don’t want to take advantage of Valaquendë.

“Well, Valaquendë, I’m going to get ready for dinner.”

“Wait, Ryosuke!”

I was at the door but she stopped me. I turned back to look at her and walked a little closer. She was making good eye contact, but also doing her index finger thing.

“What is it?”

“Well, would you mind calling me ‘Quen’? Only Vahaemarr and Vapula call me Valaquendë.”

That’s cute. I couldn’t help but smile at her request. She is so innocent, so I don’t think she knows as much as I initially thought. I just think she has been here for so long that she just hears some conversations accidentally.

“Sure, no problem. Quen!” I smiled, genuinely.

Those few words made her quite happy. She then lightly bit her so clearly soft lips, maybe so she doesn’t show too much of her smile. Why is she holding back her joy so much? So, she doesn’t embarrass herself, maybe? Or… Something else.

I walked away with my smile and heard her door slowly close. Now… Time to find out why Vapula wants to join us for dinner.

⧫⧫⧫

A few clinks of the decorative wine glass to gather our attention.

At the dining table, everyone was pretty much in the same spots as last time. Except, Aeryvon was gone. No one seemed alarmed by his absence so I didn’t bother asking. The meal looked more appetizing than yesterday’s so Nel and Vahaemarr might base it on if Vapula will be dining with us. Vapula tapped his glass to get everyone’s attention again.

“Thank you all for joining me this evening.” Vapula announced.

Pfft. What? You are the one that joins us! I chuckled to myself.

“News has spread about our achievements. Some may be threatened by our success. There is a likelihood one of the other Consociations could well be developing a plan to slow our progression.”

The air felt tense. This was likely the most they’ve heard Vapula speak. If what he says is true, the personage of this one must be notorious among the other Infernalior. It’s reasonable to assume that we are a high rank or he himself was in the higher ranks.

“What’s the most likely plan they might do?” Elros spoke up.

I was kinda surprised that Elros was the first to ask a question. He probably did because Aeryvon wasn't here to ask the question on everyone's mind.

“One common gambit for many lowly Infernalior is to simply attack the base of the other Infernalior. Thus, we have to be on guard for the coming days.”

Of course, it’s something violent. Such a weak minded strategy. Although, I shouldn’t be too surprised. There are 72 Guilds with 72 leaders, which means some of them will inevitably have some foolish plan. We’ll likely see more tactics like that in the future. My only concern is we’re a small Guild. We’re almost asking to be attacked. Hopefully he has some type of plan himself.

“If there are no further concerns, I shall retire for the evening. Please remain vigilant and protect yourselves as well as your fellow members. That is all.”

Great.

Things are moving faster than expected. Oh, how shall I prepare for this? Only time will tell.