Chapter 20

My martial arts instructor was especially hard on me, because I could not bear to hurt anyone. It was difficult for me to throw a single kick or punch against my opponents, whether they were my age or older. Hence, I became a target of malicious bullying during practice.

"Are you sure you're a real Sant, princess?"

What was more heartbreaking was that they were my friends at some point. However, for reasons unknown, they suddenly decided to turn on me. Their sworn loyalty had long disappeared, and only their scorn and disdain remained. They laughed, mocked, and isolated me when we were alone. All the while pretending to be on good terms in front of the adults.

"The only thing she's good at is pulling tricks like manipulating the elements of nature. Any magician can do that much."

My favorite lesson was at the temple, browsing through countless books and scrolls. I felt at peace there and everyone treated me well. I learned so many things thanks to the vast knowledge that they offered me.

"All she does is weep in the middle of combat."

"What a pathetic loser."

I was willing to put up with them for a while. However that was until they had the brilliant idea to pour cold water on me while I was reading a book. In a fit of rage, I decided to restore my honor by training day in and day out, until I eventually brought them to their knees.

"H-how is this possible?"

"It hurts! It hurts so much. I think my arm is broken!"

"My leg! Argh! It hurts so bad."

All it took from me was one kick and they were all defeated. They were squirming on the ground like a bunch of earth worms in hot ashes. Since they had the gall to call me a magician, I let them have a taste of what a trick from me truly felt like. I used air to enhance the force behind my kicks, thus the impact would feel like being hit by a medium-sized boulder. Mister Valdemar, our instructor, was gaping in shock while the paramedics came to escort the boys off the field. Since that day, I was no longer seen as the pitiful princess who cried whenever she had to face someone in combat. I realized at the young age of seven that the world was not  only made of sunshine and flowers. There are also those that no matter how much you cherish them; they will prey on you the moment you show your vulnerability. 

~Present time

Right now, I am oozing with confidence that I can beat whoever is behind this little parlor trick.

"I will kill you!" yelled the man as he lunged a blow towards me.

I was able to block it before it hit, since I could sense the direction, it was coming from. 

"How are you so weak? For someone who can summon a realm, your punches are rather pathetic." I said nonchalantly.

"Shut your mouth!" he yelled angrily.

Looks like I've struck a nerve there. Haha!

The rumors must be true then. Warlocks and their underlings are physically weak as opposed to their magic. Wait until I tell the Ecchelon priests about this! None of them believed me when I argued it was a fact disguised as speculation. We even placed bets on it. Haha! Fun time…

"Die! You wench!"

How boring. He's all bark but no bite. Well…it's about time I leave this place. I have dallied here for far too long.

He lunged a kick which flew right above my head as I dodged it and aimed my fist towards his manhood. His deafening shriek filled the air as I proceeded to hush him with a strike across his face.

"How…is this possible?" he stuttered while grunting and panting.

Frankly, I don't know what came over me. My limbs suddenly felt so powerful that I had to hold back as I punched him. Where did that surge of power suddenly come from?

"Listen carefully…" I said in a serious tone.

"I will let you leave here with your life, however, if you come after duke Kartier again, I will kill you and everyone involved in this matter. Understand?" I said as I squeezed his neck.

"Y-yes ma'am! Understood! I p-promise that I will not come after duke Kartier ever again."

Of course, he's lying to save his neck. There was not a drop of sincerity in his statement. In that case, as a parting gift and a warning…

"This…is for lying to me."

The loud thump of his head crashing into the ground felt exhilaratingly good. Whether he was a warlock or sorcerer remains to be discovered. 

+++++

"Help! Please help us. Cleric Samuel has suddenly collapsed!"

"What is all this commotion?"

"Your holiness, Archbishop Michael. Your presence is required in the healing room. I-it's cleric Samuel…"

*Sigh…not this again.

"We found him lying on the ground near the entrance of the orphanage coughing up blood. According to the witnesses, there was no sign of an attack, so we do not know the cause of his sudden ailment…"

The same thing happened a little while ago. One of my clerics suddenly collapsed in the middle of a prayer session and died on the spot. Why are these casualties happening so frequently in the temple of all places? I should call a meeting to open an investigation before this matter reaches the emperor's ears.

"It is with great sadness that I must inform you that cleric Samuel has passed on."

They were all terrified at my sudden announcement. Some were weeping while others gaped in disbelief, as the rest engaged in meaningless chatters.

"Silence! One of you go and relay the message to priest Jeffrard immediately."

"Right away, your eminence!" promptly responded one of them as he rushed out of the room.

Since the deceased is one of his acolytes, I figured he would be the one to oversee the process of his burial. He is usually quite sensitive to matters related to his people. It is always heartbreaking when a young one leaves so suddenly.

++++++

The moment she opened her eyes, she started coughing up blood while gasping for air. She not only bled from her mouth, but it was also coming out of her ears and nostrils, which terrified me. Thankfully, I made it to Sir Hayden's facility just in time. It has been three days since she fell unconscious, during which she broke into a high fever multiple times, yet never woke up.

"P-please excuse my rudeness, your highness. The young lady has awakened." Announced the attendant.

The sensation of a weight being lifted off my chest made me feel rather light. I could finally breathe properly, henceforth I stormed off in the direction of her room.

"Where is she?" I asked as i halted in my steps.

"She is resting in the recuperation room, your highness. Also, she asked for fresh bread for lunch." Said the attendant with a blank stare.

She wouldn't be Fati if she didn't make such a ridiculous request. I could not help but laugh out loud.

"Y-your highness? Is everything alright…?"

"No need to concern yourself with me. I shall be back momentarily."

"Will do, your highness."

I did not know that his highness could laugh like that. I must say, he looked thousands of times more attractive. Oh dear, my heart is still pounding.