RHEIN'S POINT OF VIEW
"This place is old-fashioned," Sister said as we walked down one hallway. "Good thing we don't wear extravagant gowns anymore. Only during important occasions."
I chuckled. "So, we're like a modern-day monarchy."
"Exactly."
"How did modern technology even reach here?"
"Oh, that? When human technology advanced, so did ours. In time, ynomnarillazas have been born—they're ecialis, too. That's when modern technology spread across Mnarra."
We paused when we heard loud crashes from behind a half-open door. Peeking inside, we found Brother Dylan and Justin fighting. The training room was a mess, with broken surroundings and fresh wounds visible on them both—yet they continued clashing fiercely.
"This is the training room," my sister whispered. "It's so huge, hundreds could kill each other here at once." She even chuckled at her own joke.
But I wasn't laughing. I couldn't take my eyes off the fight. Justin's attacks were strong, but Brother Dylan's speed always outmatched him.
"You already knew I can't beat you! Why'd you bet against me?!" Justin shouted in frustration.
"Just shut up and beat me!" Brother Dylan grinned wickedly.
"This isn't good. Let's go." Sister grabbed my arm and pulled me away. "I have a feeling they're up to something reckless. Better we stay out of it."
I couldn't help but laugh secretly when I saw the fear flash across my sister's face. She had once been traumatized by a dare back in high school—forced to hold a frog for half an hour. She cried all the way home that day.
Sister Rona led me to her room. It looked almost the same as mine, though hers felt livelier, filled with more things, more colors, more life.
We settled on the balcony where snacks had already been prepared, as if she'd been expecting me. But before either of us could touch the food, the two praciens beat us to it. They fought over the apples again, their bickering echoing through the room until Sister and I retreated to her bed to continue our talk.
"They're amazing, right?" she said with a smile, referring to the two guys earlier. "Do you want to know why they're here in the palace?"
Those two... I know they are special mnarillazas. That much is obvious. Perhaps that is the reason.
I nodded. I wanted to know how, exactly, they ended up here.
"Justin has been here since he was eight," she began, letting out a sigh. "He practically grew up in this palace. You probably have an idea why."
Her eyes grew somber. "His parents were part of the Deorcanen. He was born into that clan, which means he himself was bound to it."
"Then why is he here? His family is there. Why join us?"
"Because his parents are no longer with the clan. They didn't agree with its belief and instead made a pact with our parents. They served as our spies for years, but eventually, they were discovered. They were killed."
My chest tightened. "Justin... so he's an orphan? Then... how did he survive?"
"The Deorcanen never knew he existed. His parents kept him hidden all those years. Before his eighth birthday, his father sensed their betrayal had been uncovered. So, in secret, they brought Justin here. Our father tried to stop them from going back, but they refused. There was nothing he could do except promise to take care of Justin."
He hardly even had time with his own family. That must've been unbearable.
"It wasn't until his eighteenth birthday, when the seal on his power broke, that the Deorcanen learned of his existence," Sister continued. "They've been cautious with their members ever since, suspecting Justin might become our spy among them just like his parents."
Silence wrapped around us after that.
A few minutes later, our attention was stolen by the praciens again. This time, instead of fighting, they were laughing together as they ate fruit.
I looked back to Sister. "What about Brother Dylan? Is his reason for being here the same as Justin's?"
Her nose wrinkled. "Why are you asking me about that arrogant guy? I don't care about him."
I smirked. "Sister, do you like him? They say the more you hate, the more you love."
"Geez. Of course not! He's your age, and I don't waste my time on youngsters. Ugh, don't even start."
"Age doesn't matter when it comes to love and admiration, right?" I teased.
Her eyebrows almost fused together as she glared at me, but the look only made me laugh harder. I stopped when she shot me a sharp glare, and I smiled innocently instead.
"Eh..." I scratched my cheek, suppressing another laugh. "But seriously, Sister."
She held my gaze for a moment, then flopped onto her bed with a sigh. "Honestly? I don't know."
My brows furrowed. "Didn't they grow up here together?"
"No. When I first came to the palace, only Justin was here. Dylan wasn't. I only met him last year. He was the one who helped me plan your trial. I asked Mother about him, but she told me it was confidential. A secret."
"You never asked Dylan directly?"
She suddenly sat upright, eyes locking onto mine. "Do not ever ask him about that, Rhein," she said firmly. "Not ever."
"Sister—" I wanted to press her for answers, but she slipped away and joined the praciens at the table, leaving me no choice but to stay quiet.
Later, after our snack, she vanished as quickly as she had appeared—clearly avoiding my questions.
Forelody nudged me. "You're frowning again. We just ate. Aren't you full?"
"No. I'm sulking. Sister Rona's avoiding me." I pouted even more.
"I noticed. She ran off in a hurry. Why though? What were you two talking about? You both looked so serious."
"About Justin's and Brother Dylan's past," I muttered, too lazy to explain. Instead, I placed my fingertip on her forehead and showed her the memory directly.
"So, you're planning to bug your sister until she tells you why she doesn't want you asking about Dylan's past?"
"Of course not."
"Good. Stop it, Rhein. That was your room."
"I know."
"Then where are we going?"
"Just a bit more," I answered with a grin. "You'll see."