Epilogue

______________________________
PART 01
______________________________

As Almika and the rest were still caught up in the line complaining about how slow it was, Frianne and Osar argued about Esia’s travel to another country.

“Like I said, Esia already travelled last night. Though I, too, think it was a bit sudden.”

“Where did she go?!” Osar shouted out his question. It gave Frianne a fright.

“S-She’s headed to Orzshresha. Didn’t she inform you a few days back?” Frianne gave an answer immediately and asked back.

“Like I said, I’ve never had any contact with Esia for the past few weeks. I intentionally avoided her.” With a tsk and a turn, he ran outside and ordered a few men to inform the leaders in each main gate to send out a quick search party in all directions and focus on the west and to relay this to both the Count and other leaders.

The men he had ordered got on their horse and dashed through the streets. The outside was still very much chaotic, people shouting and trying to barge themselves in. When Osar returned inside, he was informed that they had discovered the entrance. The entrance to the underground was finally opened and the soldiers and hunters rushed in. He ordered for Aniem and Frianne to remain bound but to let them follow Osar. As they stepped in front of the entrance, they were both shocked. They never knew such an entrance was even there. Osar tried asking them a question regarding magic but it seemed that their knowledge on the matter was almost negligible. He thought ot himself that this was most probably the real Frianne and Eiulj. To keep a better eye on them, he ordered a few of his men to watch over the children. As he walked into the dungeon, the soldiers gave a nudge to the two and let them follow behind Osar.

The inside was so dark, some magicians had to lead the way while they casted a light source, and while they did that, others made make-shift torches. The corridor which they traversed in was quite narrow. Two people could fit side by side comfortably but when a third person came, it would be very cramped. The place was not only dark, but was eerie as well. There were metal doors that aligned the corridor walls but it seems to be inaccessible. Mages have tried opening it with magic or mana, but nothing happened, so they left it as is. They determined it was safe as they don’t feel any mana emanating from it.

After walking for quite a while they saw a right white light, not from the mages’ magic, but from a hole at the end. It was a room with tables almost everywhere. There was a single light source from what seems to be the ceiling but it shone so bright. But even with that strength, it didn’t light the whole room. There were people gathered around one spot and even vomited. Some fainted. As they walked closer, they could smell something foul as if meat was rotting. As they drew closer, they saw the body of Pharazus lying on the bed. He was still breathing but his body was basically mutilated. They only knew it was him from a label.

His body bloated so much it’s as if he drowned and was resurfaced after a couple of days. His skin looked like it was boiling. A layer grew and popped and it repeated all over his body. One eye was dangling out of it socket and the other grew so big it was wider than his mouth. He had multiple uniform cut marks throughout his body and within in, were little sprouts. No one knew what it was but just left it there. They could see one of his arms were filled with stitches. Stitches that circled the arm. They then realised it was cut and sown back but some of its flesh was attacked to other cuts. He was naked as well, but he was missing his manhood down there. He still had his testicles, but the penis disappeared. It was cleanly cut, it’s as if it was never there to begin with. The men had shaky knees upon that sight and even more so imagining what happened.

Another group near them were also busying themselves with something, calling in for clothes or any cloth at all to cover the body. They said it was a devil child. Osar, Frianne, as well as Aniem were curious as to who it was and were in shock to find out. Frianne struggled her hardest to be free from the soldiers grasp but it wasn’t enough. Even Aniem was shouting to let Frianne go. She cried as she called out Veyyr’s name.

“Veyrr?! VEYRR! Wake up! It’s me! Sister Frianne!”

Seeing Frianne struggling so desperately, he wanted to release her. But there was the risk of being an accomplice of Esia or her being Esia given that she can transform with magic. Even if that ate away at Osar’s conscience, he stood strong and let her be bound. He even thought to himself, if it was Eisa, who was a devil with such strength, why bother go through all the acting. But then he remembered the say of the first snow fall.

“Mother... Esia...” He called out her name but soon realised it was not her but it was someone else. “Sister... Frianne...” He smiled but his eyes quickly closed and lost consciousness.

Frianne frantically thrashed around, demanding to be unhanded. A mage came up and tried examining him. he concluded it was just mana deficiency. If he was to rest, then it would naturally recover. Upon hearing that, Frianne had calmed down for the most part, although her appearance was anything but. As he eyes still locked onto Veyrr, she heard a very familiar voice. She scanned the area and her eyes landed on an individual who should not be in this space.

“Veyyr...?” The silver haired Vulupis with two bushy tails stood near the scene and caught a glimpse of Veyrr’s lifeless-like naked body. She stood there expressionless. No tears, no laughter, not even a twitch in facial expression.

“Come here! You’re not allowed in here!” A woman grabbed Alana by her waist and hoisted her up, securing her in her arms.

Another soldier was right behind her, almost out of breath. As Alana was finally caught, the soldiers apologised and returned back to where they came from. But Alana was just as expressionless when she was carried out. At that point, it hit Frianne. She was too focused on the events she forgot about the children on the surface. Again, she thrashed around but was ignored.

Osar commanded the soldiers and mages to continue their investigation of the place while Frianne and Aniem were left in the circle space. After a cloth wrapped around Veyrr, they carried him out of that space and the investigation resumed. People entered different corridors but found only empty space. Only one corridor had two accessible rooms with items and the rest were rooms with empty spaces.

Frianne started to weaken, her thrashing almost stopped but the urge to vomit grew stronger. And she let it out. When the mage noticed that and her condition, he immediately requested everyone who feels nauseous to evacuate the premise.

The reason why Frianne suddenly vomited was not because of anxiety or seeing what happened to Veyrr, but it was because of mana poisoning. The space in the dungeon is one big concentration of mana and if a regular person steps inside with no protection, they can get sick and die. With permission from Osar, the mages circulated the order. Quite a lot of people had evacuated immediately as they felt dizzy and had the urge to vomit. Aniem was surprisingly tough but Frianne had to be evacuated.

After majority of the soldiers left, the rest continued their search.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the dungeon, after further investigation, they found out it was pretty large space. Osar even thought that the space within the dungeon might be half the entire estate of the Count. As he travelled along the corridor, he had smelled something fragrant, something familiar. Like a perfume. He wanted to investigate but one of the mages near him let him have a second thought. He described the sight as something so horrific he didn’t even want to go near it, but Osar insisted.

As he walked closer, the smell grew stronger, more potent. And in a room, he saw light. He thought that was where the smell came from and as he entered, he could not believe the sight. He remembered the scent of that plant. He remembered it came from Evealoras, but now the scent they give off is much more fragrant than what he had smelled before. Was it because it’s concentrated in a single room? Or is it because its bed is so nutritious that it affected its smell.

He took a deep breath, swallowed some saliva, and forced himself not to vomit. Those who were with him cannot stomach the sight and insisted they remain outside. Only a few mages had gone inside to investigate further. Corpses with Evealora growing out of them lined the walls, the corridor space. They had labels attached to the pedestal lifting them up. He understood what it said but comprehend what it meant. The mor he walks, the more it feels like an endless stretch, but some magicians started to disappear into some space. He went further down the path to only realise there is a much larger space. It was even bigger than the courtyard of the Count. It was a large space, but it was empty. There were some other bodies with Evealoras growing from it were seen but they were few and far in between.

Among them, a group of mages gathered in one spot. As he too was curious, he found a body that was breathing. He was still alive yet Evealoras were growing from it. He was still alive, but the plant was larger than the others and much more fragrant. The face looked awfully familiar and he concluding it to be someone he knows. The label said that it was Illar and beside his spot was Abram. People who were said to be missing since before the first snow fall. That was all that he could resist. He felt more nauseous the longer he stayed there.

He had no choice to but to evacuate. It seemed that Aniem had already gone out earlier than him, before he entered the Evealora garden.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Osar exited the dungeon, he saw Frianne, Aniem, and the children in the main hall. The children were all gathered together like a flock of sheep herding towards the shepherd. Frianne, who looked haggard and exhausted, only glared at Osar as he made his way towards them. The children could feel the tension between the two so they were confused whether it was safe going near Osar.

“Explain.” Frianne calmly spoke. Aniem, who was behind her, sighed in relief, thinking that she might go berserk and shout at Osar once again.

Although Frianne had directed her animosity towards Osar, it quickly died down. With her in such a state, especially that it heavily involves Esia, it scared her not knowing what’s happening.

“Lord Osar... Please tell me... What’s happening...?” She spoke softly and in broken phrases all the while hugging herself.

______________________________
PART 02
______________________________

Osar stood in front of them, silent. He took a deep breath as he closed his eyes then finally spoke.

“Sorry, I could not speak of it yet other than needing to arrest Esia because of her crimes.” He clenched his fists. He wanted to tell them why but held back.

“Crimes? What crimes could she have...” She became silent after seeing just the circular room. She looked down and became more dejected.

“I, too, would like to believe she is innocent. But after seeing those things down there, I think she had a reason for doing such.” Osar sat on of the chairs near the group. “Or maybe it’s just me not wanting her to be labelled as a criminal and enemy against humanity.”

“Don’t worry, sister Frianne. I believe mother Esia is someone who does things out of the kindness of her heart!” Alana interjected after the two’s pause in their conversation. “I also want to believe she had reasons for doing so, like what grandpa said.”

Alana tried cheering Frianne up. Although they were just words she wanted to hear, it still let her regain some spirit back.

A man who had robes on with some decoration approached Osar and the rest as he held a large number of papers which seemed to be of importance. They were handed to Osar and after a bow, the mage left. The papers were found on top of a desk in one of the rooms which still had things in it. There was also one more piece of paper that particularly stood out. It was so large it was almost the size of the map in the Count’s estate. As Osar read through the large piece of paper, he handed it over to Frianne who was still on the ground.

“I think it’s better if you read this.” Osar said as Frianne reached out to it slowly. After she received it, Osar started reading from the pile.

The paper Frianne reads is about the condition of Veyrr. The new things she found out about his race. She had conducted lots of experiments on him to the point where he’s almost at breaking point. There, it also describes what she had done so far. Frianne couldn’t believe what she was reading. Was this what Esia had really done. Frianne had started to hyperventilate once again but soon calmed down after Aniem had hugged her slightly.

There was more that was written in it. The results of her research and experiments on Veyrr. According to her, it wasn’t much since her time with him was too short. Veyrr’s horn acted as a magic dispeller. But wondered why it didn’t dispel the dungeon. So, Esia assumed that it does not work if they are inside a certain magic area, or it does not work within magic spaces in general. Frianne didn’t know what the content mean. It continued for a while and just before she was about to stop reading, she noticed that the contents were vastly different. Instead of results and findings from her research, it was more of a personal message to Frianne.

By this time the paper should be in your hands, Frianne. Sorry I dumped all this on you so suddenly. You can blame the Count for speeding things up and Osar for coming to visit the orphanage when he said he was just passing by. But before anything else, once again, I’m sorry.

I’m sure they are searching for the rooms in the dungeon. There is a stack of papers somewhere and a large bag containing money. You would know what those are for once you read the papers. Also, since you wouldn’t last long in the dungeon, I prepared a special medicine for Veyrr. It’s a small oval shaped medicine. I think you’ve read the earlier texts. I’ve done lots of harmful things I never intended to do on Veyrr, even if it was exciting. This medicine does the same as one of Veyrr’s horn’s power, to manipulate memories. Be it seeing past memories, clairvoyance, or even seeing things from far away in real-time. The medicine, in short, would block off certain memories of Veyrr. With no time for further research, this medicine will wipe his memories from a few days before the first snow fall till when you give him the medicine.

I’ve been administering those while he was still underground. The medicine in my room is the last dosage he needs for its effects to activate. Once you give it to him, let him rest, and he would return back to the old Veyrr, without any memory of the winter. Basically, a memory wiping drug. Although it would have some bad effects such as having a hole, but as long as he won’t dig further for it, it might be fine.

Ah right, the location. Bring Alana with you and let her chant the words written below while pouring her mana into the wall. But only do so when everything has settled down. Veyrr won’t wake till after a month. That should be more than enough time for the search to be finished. And once he wakes up, let him drink it. Just say it’s something to help his body recover, especially his hand.

Well, I’ve written out other messages to each of you there. Maybe Osar is sorting them out as you read this. Trying to find something else besides personal messages in a pile of papers.

Also, Esia is the real and genuine daughter of Relkas and Senya who suffered from a disease called the Amroq’s Curse. Regarding the child’s history, I’ve hidden it in my room as well. Give it to Osar or Count Garthus personally.

This is it for now. There’s a high chance I will never see you again as I’m a wanted person throughout the continents.

From your loving sister and friend,

Eiulj

P.S. If you still come looking for me after all the information goes to your head, you are one strange lass. But do it after your child and the children grows up to be good people, unlike me.

P.P.S. Don’t forget to give the letter I told you to hand over. I’m pretty sure you know who the visitors are.

P.P.P.S. You can reveal my name if you want to.

That was the end of the letter. Frianne could only stare at it as she read through it. Osar noticed it and wondered why she was crying as it was only the results of some taboo research. He wanted to grab it but considering Esia’s eccentricities, it was probably a message meant for Frianne only. So, he held back. But not long after, she ran towards her room. Osar was confused and even asked Aniem. Then Aniem also realised and remembered the letter Esia told them to hand over to the visitors.

Frianne came running back holding a rolled-up paper and handed it over to Osar.

“This... is for you, Lord, Osar, the visitor.” Frianne spoke as he wheezed.

“For me?” He received the letter and scrutinised it. “What do you mean ‘visitor’? And can I open it if it’s for me?”

“Esia... Just before you barged in here, she visited our room here in the orphanage. Aniem and I were told to hand this paper over to a bunch of noisy and rowdy visitors that might come any time. She didn’t know when the visitors would come, but she expected them to just barge in. Also, I think you can open it? She never told us when they should open it.”

Her words raised multiple questions in Osar’s head. Last night? Before they came in? Why hasn’t there been a report then? All he received was Frianne and Aniem exiting the orphanage for some reason, and was assumed to be just a lover’s quarrel. Osar stood up, wanting to scold all the watchmen but calmed down and sat back. His actions shocked the children, Esia, as well as Aniem. Esia might have done something. It was almost impossible to escape their surveillance as not only Osar’s men were watching the orphanage, but as well as Zila’s and General Vaila’s men.

With that out of the way, he stared back at the rolled-up paper. And finally, he untied the ribbon and opened it to read it. As he scrutinised the contents, reading each sentence and paragraph over and over again, he glanced at the weary Frianne, the expressionless Alana, and looked up thinking about the unconscious Veyrr. Frianne doesn’t know about the contents, but she was curious.

A man suddenly rushed inside informing Osar that they have not been able to locate Esia, even with magicians skilled enough to detect mana leakage from a person. Osar tsked and ordered everyone to remain searching through the orphanage and the dungeon for anything of importance. He also ordered his men to watch over Frianne and Aniem, making sure they do not step out of the orphanage. Food will be provided by them for the children and the two adults. Frianne was not fully curious of what’s written in the letter she was told to give the visitors. But even after days and weeks or trying to ask Osar, he never spoke a word of it.

=============================================================================

Two weeks have passed since the raid of the orphanage. Everything had already calmed down but the search inside continues. The children have been transferred to a building not far from the Count’s estate and with them are Frianne and Aniem. They have been provided with an almost luxurious lifestyle. Their beds were very soft and warm, very delicious food had always been prepared for them, and they have been given new clothes as well. Frianne had calmed down and was back to her usual self, or at least tried to be. There are times when she trots back and forth, mumbling things and being uneasy.

But even with their current lifestyle, there were things that they missed. The beds in their room were close together that they would sometimes push it together just so they can sleep closer to each other while feeling warm. The meat that Esia always brought from somewhere was so delicious, it was the tastiest thing they had in their lives and might probably for a long time. Even until now, Frianne wondered what meat was it. It was rather soft and had no smell of game.

The kids were looking out the windows, board, Frianne was also having deep contemplations on her own. The orphanage is under strict investigations. He wondered if that space really would be fine considering all the mages that are present. She glanced over Alana and wondered why Alana was mentioned as well. Was there a special gift to her? And right now, the one who always floats up in her head is Veyrr. She, nor the kids, have seen Veyrr after he was brought out of the dungeon. Apparently, when they were still in the orphanage, the children never even saw Veyrr being brought out. So, she wondered if the soldiers or Osar did something to him. If so, Frianne would do anything to bring him back and maybe even cause harm to Osar and the others.

As she was thinking, a knock came from outside their room. All eyes were locked onto there as someone they were all familiar with entered. The kids rushed towards the man and basically clung onto him. They were glad to see their favourite grandfather.

“The mages have finished their investigation and this concerns you, Frianne. You have been summoned directly by the Count.”

With Osars declaration, Frianne had let out a huh as she stared blankly at Osar.

______________________________
PART 03
______________________________

Frianne was standing in front of five people. Those are the same people who always gathered at the Count’s study. The Count himself, Osar, Zila, Johannes, and Avim. Frianne was invited to sit on the couch since it’s going to be a long talk but she humbly refused. After Osar and the Count strongly insisted especially since she’s pregnant, and offered some coffee made by Zila, she sat down, albeit hesitatingly.

“The reason why we called you was because of this stack of papers.” The Count handed a stack of papers to Zila, and he handed it over to Frianne. “Do you know what these are?”

Frianne skimmed through most of them and she generally got an idea on what it was. She even teared up and a smile floated on her face as she read through some of them. Frianne responded with a yes and handed them back to Zila but he said it was for her to keep. Count Garthus asked her to explain the contents to the men inside the room.

“Esia, she always thought of the children first. These papers are plans she made for each of the children after they turn 14. Since they are considered adults at that age, they have to leave the orphanage. These papers are plans that highlight their strengths so the kids can use them to their maximum potential. The times I had to sleep in the orphanage, I usually see her at her desk writing something up. One time, I asked her what it was and she said it was for the children’s futures. Only she and I know of this thought, so the children would not be limited to what Esia had written.”

The men in the room had gone silent. And after a brief moment, they sighed in relief. They had thought it was some kind of experiment plan she had made once the kids become adults. But it seemed that it was unlikely considering what they know of the current Esia.

“Ah, yes. There was a message that was specifically for me written by Esia. At the end of the letter, she said that her name was not Esia, but Eiulj.”

“This message, where was it found?” Johannes asked Frianne.

“Umm... I’m not sure I can say.” She replied with a perplexed face.

“Then did she say anything about the real Esia? It seems strange to me that this Eiulj would just take over Esia.” Johannes continued his inquiries.

“I... um... am not allowed to say...” With a face that oozed reluctance, she hung her sentences.

“You do know you are still under suspicion for colluding with that devil woman. Please, my Lord, let her speak-“

The faces of Count Garthus, Zila, and Osar were that of serious contemplation. Or rather, they’re processing of what was just said.

“Um... my Lords?” Johannes tried calling out to the three but their reaction was so slow they only noticed the other three’s stare.

“Ah, I’m sorry. It was just something that Frianne had said that... shocked me.” Count Garthus pulled his collar a bit, gesturing his nervousness. “Please continue.”

“Right. Miss Frianne would not answer a question regarding the source of information when asked. So, I implore you to ask her instead.”

“As you heard, Frianne. Can you answer?” Count Garthus asked in Johannes’ stead. But Frianne had given the same reply she had given to Johannes.

“I truly apologise, but I really can’t. I cannot break a promise from EIulj.” Rather than a promise, the source of information, according to Eiulj, is inside the space in her room. And that space should only be opened with Alana when everything has settled down.

“This woman!”

“Calm down, Johannes. Let’s leave it at that.” Count Garthus let out a stream of air, trying to feel relieved. “Well, that’s it for now, Frianne. I’m sorry, but you have to stay in the place you’re staying for now.”

“It is alright, my Lord. I will comply and stay there for the time being.” Frianne had stood up and bowed. She was then escorted out of the room by Zila.

When the doors shut, only the four men remain inside. And with some irritation on his face, Johannes asked the Count why he allowed her not to speak.

“Frianne said that Esia’s true identity is Eiulj. A name and great figure lost in the annals of history.”

“Sorry, my Lord. I do not understand.” Johannes still couldn’t comprehend what they meant. So, she might have been famous long ago, and considering that she’s a devil a couple of centuries might be a long time for Humans.

“Osar, Zila, and I had been researching more on Esia’s background. And the more we tried to dig, the more confusing it became. And if we try adding other variables such as her being a devil or being able to use magic, interesting information came up. If we consider her to be a devil who could use transformation magics or conjure illusions, we found that she could either be Milya, a Vulupis from a Vulupis village at the mountains up north, or Eiulj, a devil that has been alive for three millennia. But since we are looking for a devil, then Eiulj is the best bet.”

“And since Frianne had mentioned that her name is Eiulj, it’s pretty hard to ignore that her words hold true. The character we inferred from the records we have of Eiulj was that she was an eccentric, much like Esia.” Osar added after Count Garthus spoke.

“But, my Lord, could they not just have found her name from ancient records and claim to be that devil.” Avim asked.

“That would be impossible. Names of devils are unique in a sense that their name is a form of magic.” Zila entered the room, spoke, and closed it once more. “Also, we found that Eiulj is still being hunted in many continents for dabbling in taboo research. The Beast-kin, Spirits, even other Devils, Elves, Dwarves, Giants, Dragons, Humans all banded to catch her but failed every single time just like now.”

“And, considering what we all saw in the dungeon left behind by Eiulj, we can say and confirm it’s the real deal.” Garthus concluded and spoke the thoughts of Zila and Osar.

“Um, I have a question.” Avim asked once more and Osar allowed him to continue. “What does it mean to have a Devil’s name unique? Like magic?”

“Knowing the true name of a devil is akin to knowing every secret they have while seeing them naked. There are some Devils who are fine with exposing their names, but they are mostly criminals or wanted people. And Eiulj is one of them. So, even if you know of their name, they don’t really mind. But if you know the name of an innocent devil, it’s like exposing their every being out to the open. Thus, they have multiple fake names. We also found that Eiulj specialises in transformation and possession.” Zila had answered the question in full.

“Her researches might be taboo, but seeing what she has produced over her lifetime, it’s hard to say if she’s acting for the greater good.” Osar also spoke out.

“What do you mean by that, Lord Osar?” Johannes was curious. How could something taboo result in something beneficial.

“Those red plants with a sweet smell you saw in the dungeon? That’s an example. They normally grow in highly dense environments enough to kill a normal person who has low tolerance to mana poisoning. The Evealoras there are in a lower concentration zone yet they grow so beautifully, more than those in highly dense zones.

“There’s also the vaccines Eiulj produced under different names, of course, and had given it to various races. With that, hundreds of diseases are practically non-existent today because of her vaccines and other medical contributions.”

“Sadly, it’s just her method in obtaining those results. There might have been other ways in achieving the same result.” Count Garthus added to Zila’s statement. “But then again, considering how many things are made possible now all because of her, it’s difficult to say if she’s an ally or enemy of the races and species.”

And the men are back to being silent.

“Let’s end this conversation for now. There is still a myriad of paraphernalia to go through. And I think it’s best to leave those things in the dungeon.” Count Garthus ended the discussion and suggested such. “Even the mages were baffled on the existence of the dungeon. It’s a surprise that it isn’t underground, but a space that is connected to our reality.”

“True. I don’t understand magic all that well, but having two worlds merge is something currently not possible with our knowledge. Eiulj must’ve found something yet again.” Osar laughed and it was contagious enough for the others to follow as well.

“Do inform one another if you found anything related to Eiulj, Esia, or the orphanage.” Everyone agreed and had left the room. Now it was only Count Garthus and Zila that remained.

“Zila, do you think... Eiulj took over Esia’s body because she was unable to cure whatever illness the real Esia had?”

“That is possible. What about the fact that Eiulj killed Relkas using Esia’s body? I wonder what transpired at that time.”

“Yeah. But I’m betting he knew something was going on, or Eiulj probably said that the real Esia had died when she was just two years old. Heck, we never found their bodies in the dungeon.”

“That’s true. Unless Eiulj was somehow able to transport a large corpse like that.”

“That’s not impossible. I mean, there are so many empty rooms and that space where all the Evealora are growing. Maybe she used magic.”

They could only ponder about other uncertainties. But after a few weeks, all their questions will be answered when Frianne makes a visit.

=============================================================================

It has been a month since the attempted capture of Esia. The children were brought back to the orphanage and the building itself remained the same. The interior, the beds, tables, chairs, even kitchen have been cleaned. Zila, the right-hand man of Count Garthus, has approached Frianne when they entered and offered if they wanted the orphanage to be renovated. But Frianne declined for now as she had things to do before anything big would happen.

Zila had also given something to Frianne. It was a key, a very familiar key. It was the main key to the orphanage, the one Eiulj always held. She was also given a heavy bag, in it were several gold coins with a silvery centre. They were white gold coins. With that much, it could even buy the whole estate of the Count. But according to a letter that came with it, the money is for the kids and other necessities like renovations, food, clothes, etcetera. Her mouth agape and her eyes were glued to that for quite some time. The kids, as well, saw it but only Alana reacted the same way as Frianne.

It was late at night and Frianne was standing next to Alana inside the room of Esia, Eiulj. They mentally prepared themselves as they were about to see what Eiulj had in store for them. Aniem had already left the room even if Frianne had allowed him to enter, but since it wasn’t stated in the message if he could be with them or not, he decided not to be in their presence as it may be a personal thing.

After both took a deep breath, Alana had spoken the words that was written on the message. After she spoke, the walls, floor, and ceiling had a ray of light sweep it, as if it was scanning it. They didn’t understand what happened but continued. On the wall was two circles and another set of instructions. It said to place their palm on the circles, one palm per person. As soon as they did that, the space around that area distorted and opened up to a separate world.

______________________________
PART 04
______________________________

A room with nothing but a desk and a book and papers on top of it, and the rest was a deep dark space. Who knew what it led to if one’s curiosity got the best of him and led him straight into walking into it?

On one pile was a letter. It was written for the Count, Osar, and Zila. But Frianne was confused. Zila’s name was crossed out and replaced with ‘the creep’ instead. She ignored that and set aside the papers and letter meant for the three. Now, there is one stack of papers meant for Frianne and a small box for Alana.

The box was given to Alana, but Alana was curious as to what was written for her. Frianne smiled wryly and read out aloud the letter.

It said that the papers for the three men would probably answer all their questions and that it would be better if she would join them. It contained what Eiulj had been doing a bit before she arrived in Heom, the things she had done whilst she was in the body of Esia, her intentions on the orphanage and the children once they all turn of age. Many things were listed. She also said she would continue her research if it’s to improve the well-being of the masses no matter what. And that she would expect a follower soon. Someone who recognises her scent. Both Frianne and Alana know not of what she meant here.

Eiulj also reiterated that she may never see her or the other children ever again because of obvious reasons. This made the two tear up once again. The other parts of the letter just contained reminding Frianne of the medicine for Veyrr. As soon as she read this, she spots the tablet on the table.

And the last, was her goodbyes and to always keep safe. The youngest among the children was eight years old and there are only 17 children left. Six years would go by in a flash as how centuries for Eiulj. There were gifts for Frianne’s unborn child as well just underneath the table in a leather bag. After that was her final farewell, from her sister.

Frianne and Alana paused. They stood by the table, letting the things they’ve read and heard sink in for a moment. After a while, it was Alana’s turn to open and check whatever is in the box. When Alana opened it, there was a small rock with beautiful and intricate engravings and with it came along a note.

Alana, I’m very sorry. I hope you forgive me. But even if you don’t, it’s fine. The rock-like thing is a piece of Veyrr’s horn and a memory of mine from long ago. Hold the rock in your hand and chant whatever you said when you entered this space. Again, I’m sorry. Take care of the orphanage and the other children for me with Frianne.

Eiulj.

The rock-like object was a piece of Veyrr’s horn. But from what they remember, Veyrr’s horn was still in one piece and looked fine. But now, it was Alana’s choice whether to activate whatever is in this piece of Veyrr’s horn. She didn’t know of what Esia meant in both hers and Frianne’s message, but she did so anyway. She began chanting the words she said earlier and once she finished, her head started to feel fuzzy.

Memories of a Vulupis couple rushed through her head. Their names, the village they lived in, and Eiulj who’s name was Milya and was a Vulupis herself. She was confused at first why she suddenly sees all these things. Eiulj helping around their village, the village thriving but suddenly attacked by Human’s, the Vulupis’ enslavement and escape. She also saw Eiulj about to be executed but she managed to run away. The couple and three other Vulupis chasing after her, the death of the first three, and seeing Esia’s child self. Then images of the Vulupis couple from earlier fighting Esia, their farewell and deaths, then lastly, she saw herself. She saw the house all, cluttered and in a mess. She headed for the outside, in search for her parents but there was no response. Until her nose and ears twitched. She ran through the forest, evading the tree roots and other plants and at the end o her path, she saw the bodies of the two. Alana had closed her heart from here, refusing to acknowledge whatever happened and walk away.

She saw her young figure walking where she came from but saw Esia as well. She stood in front of the bodies as she closed her eyes and lifted her arms. The ground was shifting and moving and the soil underneath the corpses sunk. Esia was using magic to bury them and after the land had returned to its original form, Esia sang in a language she was unfamiliar with, but it sounded melancholic like those sung at the church when someone had died.

Then she saw Esia again, grabbed her hand and asked where her parents were, where her house was. But all she answered was that she didn’t know. Now that Alana thought back to it, Esia had reddish eyes when they first met and her hand was strangely warm. And when Esia hugged her before they continued walking on, the warmth permeated so much it felt so nostalgic.

Besides the horn piece and the note, there was also a necklace with two fangs attached to it. As she glanced at the necklace, the face of Eiulj had come up once again.

“Alana, this necklace is a tradition of the Vulupis. The parent’s pull one of their fangs out and makes a necklace out of it and gives it to their child once they are recognised as an adult. Don’t worry, though, their teeth grow back to the same size and length in about a month. Although I feel like I don’t have the right to do so, your parents told me to make it for you. And although it is a bit early, I’m giving this necklace to you made from the fangs of your parents. I’m sorry, and I hope you forgive me.”

Alana cried her heart out. It was the loudest wail she had ever let out. It was the first time she had broken down. Even Frianne, who was with her, didn’t know what to do after she became such just after a few seconds after chanting.

“Mama! Papa!... Mother Esia!” Alana cried out throughout her howls, sobbing in between and eventually drying her eyes.

At one point, she had finally stopped and even fell asleep while grasping onto the necklace.

Frianne had carried Alana and placed her onto the bed of Esia then brought the papers out, leaving the desk inside. She was wondering how to close it without thinking much, she decided to chant out the words from when they opened it. But before she did so, she noticed one thing. The desk inside was the one Esia had always been using in the main hall. And Frianne did, indeed, notice the desk was not there. Maybe there’s some deep connection to Eiulj. Maybe it was a coincidence. After reminiscing, she chanted the words and the entrance slowly disappeared.

Frianne had tucked Alana on the bed and went outside only to see Aniem leaning his back against the wall and sleeping. With a blank expression, she sighed upon the sight. But she had a thought, why was he soundly sleeping despite the loud cries of Alana earlier. Maybe the light the surrounded the room for a few seconds was something that blocked sound from entering or exiting. After she had made her conclusion, she had closed the door, grabbed a chair, and placed her head on top of her arms on the bed, accompanying Alana.

=============================================================================

Spring was just around the corner, most of the snow had already melted and flowers were blooming with such intensity. The hunters are lazily wasting their days in the open or in their houses. With the hibernation period coming to an end for some beasts, they are ordered, by law, to not hunt during a certain period. They could only cry at the slowly rising prices of meat.

In the orphanage, in Esia’s room, Veyrr had awoken due to the sunlight hitting his eyes. He got up lazily and saw Frianne holding his hand and her head leaned on the bed. With his movements, even Frianne had woken up. Upon sight, Frianne immediately hugged Veyrr.

“Si-siter Frianne? Wh-what’s wrong?” Veyrr asked.

“Welcome back, Veyrr!” She exclaimed

But it was not long after that Veyrr had remembered everything that happened. His complexion was much better than when they initially found him but it seems his mental trauma had resurfaced. He hugged himself and upon seeing this, Frianne had brought a cloth with something in it in front of Veyrr.

“Veyrr. Listen to me.” Veyrr’s eyes shifted from Frianne’s eyes to the cloth in her hand. “This... is a medicine that was for made for you-“

“NO!” Veyrr slapped Frianne’s hand away. Luckily the tablet hadn’t flown off. “I.. I don’t want that! I don’t... want to forget...”

“Huh?” Frianne was perplexed. She had thought that Veyrr wanted to forget everything, all the pain he had gone through, the shock of seeing Esia harming him.

“I’d rather be cut... than to forget. I don’t want to forget Alana, Eliam, big brother Aniem, sister Frianne, mother Esia. I don’t want to forget any of them. I DON’T WANT TO!”

Frianne only stared at Veyrr with eyes of concern. She didn’t know what to do. There were no instructions or notes regarding Veyrr rejecting the tablet. Should Frianne force him to drink it? But she thought it would let him suffer more. She went with what she thought, with her gut, she threw the tablet away and hugged Veyrr.

“it’s okay. I won’t let you forget. You won’t forget. Everyone is still here. Even mother Esia is watching you.”

“No. It’s not Esia. Esia is dead.” Frianne detached herself from Veyrr immediately, looking at him with such great shock.

“How... do you know that.” Frianne asked.

“Mother Esia... Mother Eiulj told me. But I felt sorrow whenever she told her stories. So, I don’t want to forget. I want to be like Mother Eiulj who remembers painful things too. Because it made her look strong. She’s strong, right?” So innocently, he declared. So innocently, asked.

“...Yes... your mother Eiulj is a strong person.” Frianne hugged him once more and told him that she will get him food and tell the others.

Not long after, the other kids rushed in to Esia’s room, hugging Veyrr and crying. Alana tried separating them, saying he still needed to rest. Frianne said the same thing as she arrived. She properly scolded them, acting like the old Esia. Everyone was silent for a while but then cheerfully obeyed and headed downstairs. Even Alana was shocked.

“Sister Frianne. You, just now, were like Mother Esia scolding the others.” Alana said.

“Oh, not really. I’m still not sued to scolding, so it feels unusual.”

The three laughed.

Days continued like this until Veyrr fully recovered his physical strength. Even if he had to live with such sad and painful memories, especially at a young age, younger than Alana, he still wanted to hold on to them, like how his Mother Eiulj did.

Several days after Veyrr had reccovered physically, the three stand in front of the Count’s estate’s gates. There, Zila had met them.

“Welcome, Frianne, Alana, and Veyrr. My, aren’t they cute.”

“Good day, Lord Zila. I have brought the papers I mentioned in the letter with me.” As Frianne spoke, Alana and Veyrr hid behind her, glaring at Zila as if he was some sort of threat.

With cold sweat pouring down Zila’s head after getting a cold reaction from the children, he led the three inside the estate. The stack of papers Frianne brought was slowly slipping out of her arms. Even if Zila was holding majority of it, some still slipped passed. Alana and Veyrr, who trailed behind Frianne, picked them up. With each movement Alana made, the necklace she wore proudly dangled within her sight. She gently smiled seeing her improved necklace with the two fangs from her parents and a ring in between. It was a ring that Esia always had on her hand. Although no one notices it, Alana was always attracted to it somehow and now that it was left there, she took it and added it to her necklace.

“You really like that necklace, huh?” Frianne noticed Alana looking at the necklace as she raised it up high.

“Ah... um... yes...!” Embarrassed, Alana let go of it and continued carrying the papers properly.

“Your bracelet, too, Veyrr. Your eyes are always glued to it.”

“Ah... ehehe.” Veyrr only giggled.

It was only lately they noticed Veyrr’s hand was reattached. And along with the reattached hand was a bracelet. When the mages noticed it, they couldn’t comprehend what it was for but it emitted such powerful magic and leaked a large amount of mana. The child had no mana, but the bracelet did. They concluded it was some sort of device that linked and supressed his mana through the bracelet. Veyrr, too, claimed to have seen less nightmares than before.

Frianne lightly giggled at the cute sight of the two.

“Well, here we are. The same audience is waiting to hear whatever Eiulj had left behind.” Zila stood in front of the door and pushed it.

“Oh, Frianne is here.” Osar spoke and was surprised to see who trailed behind her. “Alana?! Even Veyrr?!”

“Oh, it’s grandpa.” The both ran towards him and hugged him.

Johannes and Avim were about to peel them away for showing disrespect, but Osar stopped them.

“Firstly, I’m very sorry for keeping a lot of things from you. Eiulj had told me to do so, and I only complied.” Frianne declared before the meeting has started.

“It’s fine. I don’t know what Eiulj will do to Heom if things go awry, but one thing’s for sure, and that it not wanting to gain her ire.” Count Garthus accepted her apology and let it be bygones.

“There are a lot of things here and Eiulj said that these papers would answer all your questions. Like about how she entered Heom, about Relkas, Senya, and Esia, about her research, and many more. Also, Alana and Veyrr are here since they are directly acquainted with Eiulj in a special way.”

“Special way?” Count Garthus asked. He wanted to ask more but was interrupted by Osar’s boisterous laughing.

“HAHAHA! ‘The creep’! Even Eiulj labelled Zila as a creepy person!”

The meeting opened in such a hearty way, but it was a good thing as the things they would discover would be more scarring than what they have previously discovered. Even the two children with them understood what she had done, what she had been doing, and what she had planned. Will their views on Eiulj still stay the same? Will their previous praises remain the same or would it become scorn?

Thank you everyone for reading! Really appreciate it. Welp, that's all for now!
~Byeee