Chapter 68: A Prophecy

Haru asked a nun for permission to go over there and check out what it is. Strangely though, it seemed like the nun was a bit confused with his request as she confused the 'tent' with trees.

"W-Well, if it's just over there, then it should be fine," She said with a smile. "Just make sure not to stray too far. And come back before lunch, alright?"

"Okay!"

The young Haru ran over the meadows and went inside the tent.

As soon as he was inside, an eerie air blew over through his skin, making him docile and silent.

"W-What's this place?" He softly asked, almost tearing up.

He felt overwhelmed as his skin crawled with eeriness and coldness.

He has never felt that way before. But for some reason, he felt drawn with the darkness he was seeing.

And so, despite the frightening aura, he was addicted to the scent and sight of darkness.

He doesn't even understand himself, since he never particularly liked black in the first place.

"Hey, there, little guy," An old woman called out. "Come here, come here!" She excitedly beckoned over to him with a wrinkled smile.

Haru hesitantly went nearer and slowly sat on the seat in front of her as she guided and gestured to him to do so.

"Madam, who are you?" Haru politely asked. "What are you doing here? Are you one of the donors? Entertainers?"

The old woman chuckled, "No, I'm not. I'm not generous and I definitely dislike doing service for anyone!"

"Then what are you doing here near the orphanage?"

"Hmm, well, I sensed something interesting here," She contemplated, saying it aloud. "It's like a compatible vessel or medium for black magic or demons and so…" She glanced at the child once and chuckled once again. He was more confused. "Young man, do you want me to predict your future? I can do clairvoyance!"

Haru's eyes lit up. "Y-You can see my future? Really?!"

"Really!"

"That's so cool!"

"Then would you like me to read you?"

Haru nodded and for a split second, suddenly had a somber and worried expression. "B-But… wouldn't it be scary?" He asked.

The old woman reached out her hand, asking for his.

"Put your little hand over mine, darling," She grinned and nodded, as if telling him to go on. "C'mon, this won't be scary."

"A-Alright."

Haru put his hand over hers and she began staring at it intently with a big grin on her lips. It was eerie with the wrinkles around her face out of old age, but more than anything, she seemed genuinely excited.

"You… You wll be adopted soon," She said. "Didn't you always wished for a family? That's fortunate, young dear!"

"R-Really? You're not lying?"

"How would I be able to even know something you want without asking you? So I've proved you my ability now, haven't I? Well, let's continue…"

She stared at his palm again with so much concentration.

"Oh, I have a word of advice, though. You must follow the desire of your family, especially your parents. You must treat them like… like a god! Because they'll give you everything you want and so, you must obey them no matter what."

Without telling Haru, he intended to do such a thing.

The question that lingered in his mind wasn't if he could do his responsibilities. "Will they be glad to have me? Will I be useful to them?"

The old woman was silent at first, as if hesitating to answer him honestly or with a lie.

In the end, she couldn't lie.

"They will be glad to have you at first. But unfortunately, you will not be useful for them. In fact, they will think of discarding you. No worries, though. Someone else will make use of you… but strangely, very strangely, I don't know who it is."