Chapter 94: Cifera, I Love You Forever
"I heard the new High Priest is Atticus."
"That young priest?"
"Yes, apparently he's giving an important speech at Dawn Cliff tomorrow."
Dawn Cliff was packed with people. A young man in a priest's robe stood on the high platform. He looked to be in his early twenties, with a dignified appearance, and was indeed the legendary Atticus.
"Citizens of Ohema—" His voice echoed across the cliff. "Today, I have two things to tell you: one unfortunate, one joyful." "First, let us pray for the departed High Priest Floros. He has returned to the embrace of kephale…"
Low whispers of prayer rose from the crowd.
"But, citizens, there is no need for sorrow!" Atticus raised his voice. "Because the High Priest, on his deathbed, heard the last divine revelation from the Heavenly Father!"
The crowd stirred.
"Many years ago, when the Eternal Night descended, the great kephale left a prophecy before falling into slumber…" He paused, his voice growing even louder: "He said: 'The divine revelation has been passed down, My mission is complete, and from now on, I shall fall into deep slumber…'" "'Though the Eternal Night comes, the dawn machine shall guard the Holy City, awaiting the Golden Blood to create miracles… forever!'"
"Forever?!"
The crowd instantly erupted.
"kephale's grace is endless!" "Dawn shall forever shine upon Ohema!"
You stood in the crowd, feeling a bit confused. Forever? Is there really a forever? But looking at the excited expressions of the people around you, you were also infected by the atmosphere. If it was true, then it was indeed incredibly good news.
"As the new Priest, I propose—" Atticus continued from the stage, "that we hold a hundred-day celebration at Dawn Cliff, in gratitude for the Heavenly Father's blessing!" "Let these hundred dawns of celebration prove to everyone—" "That the light of the dawn machine will never extinguish, and kephale's protection has no end!"
The crowd burst into thunderous cheers.
You followed the flow of people, thinking you should tell Cipher this good news. Although she claimed not to care, she would probably be happy to hear that Ohema would be protected forever, right?
However, when you excitedly returned to Aglaea's home—
"Cipher?"
Her room was empty.
"Cipher?"
You searched every room, but she was nowhere to be found. It wasn't until you returned to her room again that you noticed an envelope on the table. Your name was written on it.
An ominous feeling welled up in your heart. You tremblingly opened the envelope.
Little Cat:
By the time you read this letter, I will have already left. Don't look for me, and don't worry about me.
There are some things I must do alone.
Do you remember when you said you would protect me?
All these years, you have kept that promise.
But now, it's my turn to protect you.
You, Tailor Woman, and Tribbie unnie…
Forgive me for leaving without a word.
Forgive me for not being able to tell you the truth.
If one day you discover something… please believe that everything I do is for everyone.
Take care of yourself, Little Cat.
Don't miss me too much.
—Your forever loving Cifera
The letter slipped from your hand.
"Cifera…"
Why? Why did she leave so suddenly? She was perfectly fine last night. Your hands were trembling, the letter crumpled in your grasp. Your chest felt as if it had been violently struck, the pain making it almost impossible to breathe.
You rushed out of the room, but suddenly stopped at the doorway—Which way should you go? East? West? South? North? She could reach anywhere in an instant; if she wanted to hide, you would never find her. This made you feel an unprecedented sense of powerlessness.
"What happened?" Aglaea happened to see you at a loss and came over to ask.
You silently handed her the letter.
Aglaea's brows furrowed after reading it. "Did I… did I do something wrong?" She said, blaming herself. "Was I too strict with her lately?"
"No." Your voice was trembling.
"But why would she suddenly…" Aglaea thought carefully. "A few days ago she stole something from a Council member, and although I lectured her a bit, I wasn't really angry…"
"And you never cared when she stole things," you said, your throat feeling like it was blocked by something.
"Then why?" Aglaea looked at you. "Orion, did something happen between you and Cifera?"
"No… We've always been fine. Last night she was still smiling and talking to me, and she even said she wanted to go see those Little Wildcat today…"
At this point, your voice suddenly choked up. She lied to you. She had already planned to leave, yet she pretended as if nothing was wrong.
"She said in her letter that she wanted to protect us…" Aglaea murmured. "What does that mean?"
"I don't know!" You punched the wall hard, blood instantly seeping from your knuckles. "I don't know anything!"
Why didn't she tell me? Why did she bear it alone? Aren't we partners? Didn't we promise to always be together?
"I'm going to find her." You turned to leave, your steps stumbling.
"Orion, wait, she has super speed; if she intends to hide…"
"Then I'll search all of Amphoreus!" Your eyes were red. "There must be somewhere she'll appear."
"Calm down." Aglaea held you. "Panicking won't solve the problem."
"No, I have to go quickly! What if she's in danger? What if…"
What if you never see her again? This thought was like a knife, piercing deeply into your heart. No, it won't happen. She's so strong, with super speed, she'll be fine. But why do you feel so panicked? Why do you have a premonition that you'll never see her again?
From meeting at eight years old until now, it's been almost twenty years. Cipher had become an inseparable part of your life. More natural than breathing, more essential than a heartbeat. Now that she suddenly disappeared, it felt as if someone had forcibly torn away half of your soul. It hurt. It hurt too much.
"I'm going to Dolos." You wiped away the dampness from the corners of your eyes. "She might go see those children."
"I'll go with you…"
"No." You shook your head, trying to calm yourself. "If she comes back, someone needs to be here."
"Alright…" Aglaea nodded, looking at your still bleeding hand. "But you have to promise me to calm down. Searching in such a panic, you might miss her."
She gently held your hand and bandaged the wound with a handkerchief. "Mm… I will definitely find her."
No matter where she is. No matter the cost… You will bring her back.