Ophelia's POV
I stared at my suitcases and realized I do not have things to bring with me.
Over the past fifty years, all I care about is improvement and growth that I do not enjoy the materialistic things that Rosalia had been offering me.
She raised me to be the kind of woman who would not be swept away with these trends that will just disappear over time. I know very well that she will hate to see me change as soon as she left this world.
I packed up just enough food and money to set out on a journey where I do not have any objective. All I want to do is to leave this place for Amy to finally be at peace.
I may not understand it but I know she hates to see me here. How her eyes immediately glows in flame every time she crossed paths with me in the long eerie hallway.
They do not need me here anymore. I have done my part and surely, they won't ask for more.
I tidied up my room and erased my trace. I made sure no one will remember me living here because it would hurt those in pain.
As soon as I left my room, all I see was their stares. I know how much they all been wanting to get rid of me.
Before I could completely step out of the house, I paid Amy a visit on the garden.
It was Rosalia's favorite spot. The place where she once taught me how to manifest my power and concentrate my mana in order for me to help the flowers bloom despite it not being in season. It was something I would surely miss once I walked alone on a path that has no guaranteed future.
She was drinking alone. A tea that has been brewed solely for her taste; her expensive taste.
She looked at me as she dropped the cup on the table. Her eyes full of disdain as she looked straight at the suitcases.
"Are you finally leaving?" She mastered the art of asking questions while not giving the look of care. I just know she's relieved.
"I will not prolong your agony by staying here with you. I am going to the East, or maybe travel until someone needs my aid. I appreciate what your mother has done for me and so, I will use everything she had taught me in order to find a place that will make use of me." I explained… despite the fact that she might not need it.
"Good for you." She claimed. "Go now, I do not want to see your face."
I bowed at her a bit to show some respect. I carried my baggages and immediately paced to the gate.
For the last time, I looked back at this huge mansion. As I was abandoned by my parents, if it hasn't been for them, I would have already been a rogue elf who have been fighting everyone to survive.
I would not be sheltered or be taught properly how to fight. Maybe all I would know is how to kill in order to see the next day.
Just like how elves who are not given home feels…
And so I walked away. I do not have enough time to dwell on the past and be stuck on a loophole. I want to move forward because why would I be stuck in something that I would outlive, huh?
I walked and walked… not knowing where to go. I took out my map from my bag and knew how long the journey would be.
As I was setting my foot alone, I was shocked to feel someone walking behind me.
However, as soon as I looked back, there was no one behind me.
But I am sure I heard a footstep different from mine…
I took another step but this time, the suspicion grew darker.
"Whoever is there, show yourself." I plainly said, just waiting for that person to jump at me.
The leaves are rustling, the whole place seemed to be shaking.
I don't seem to feel any powerful entity here…
"Show yourself–"
"Boo!" I was taken aback when someone jumped right in front of me, looking as if he was just playing some tricks with me.
"Excuse me?" I stared at him blankly. "Who are you?"
I see this weird smile from his face. It seems as though he thought he had completely startled me and that, he successfully played tricks on me.
"Samuel Ridhley." He smiled with all his teeth showing. "I am so sorry for trying to scare you, I just thought you were lost and you might need some help."
"No, I do not need help." I firmly said and walked past him.
"What? But you were looking at your map miserably." He followed my steps and I can't believe I have another nuisance to take care of.
"Look." He jumped in front of me again and I am exercising every bit of patience I have in my body not to crash out.
"Just tell me where you're going and you're also going to help me by leading me to my way. Is that good?" He is trying to make me an offer.
"Where are you going?" I sighed, accepting defeat.
"I am on my way to the North because I heard there was a mage there that help me cure my father." He said.
Mage of the North? Is he talking about me or is it a completely different person?
"Your father?" I tried to make some scale on whether I should help him or not.
"I am not supposed to say this because I hate the title but… I am the prince of the kingdom of the east and I need someone who will help me solve matter with my father's health. This beautiful elf that everyone has been talking about might be the biggest help for me." he explained his circumstances coherently that I could almost pick up.
"Maybe you can show me the way because I really need her help." He even followed up.
"I am the elf you are talking about." I said.
I saw how his eyes widened and how the sparks started showing. It seems like he has just gained another lifetime just from my words.
It is weird… because why is this handsome man looking at me that way? The kind that I could not explain.
In his joyous moment and excitement, he held my hands.
"That is great! I knew when I see you there was something different." He said, acting like he had already felt that I was the person he is looking for even though it is clearly not the case.
"Can you help me cure my father? I will do anything for you. I would give you everything you need! I will even help you find the place you had been looking for in your map. Just let me know what you need and I will do it for you!" He sound desperate.
"Okay, okay… calm down." I was getting overstimulated by how he had been talking nonstop.
Come to think of it… he seemed to be of urgent need of help. And I, I don't even know where to go.
It won't be a bad idea helping, right? It would be just right. I do not know what my purpose is right now… he might be the best way to let the time pass me by.
I looked in his eyes and realized how much he was begging. The kind of eyes that dogs has whenever they need something.
"Please…" he uttered. I felt like something just stabbed my chest even though I am not supposed to be feeling anything.
This man… who the hell is he?
And why the hell am I still holding his hands?!
"Okay, fine." I immediately redeemed my palms from his grip. "But you have to help me as well."
"Really? Okay, just name whatever you need!" He seemed careless about making a pact with me and vouching he will do anything.
This man… for being a prince, surely is careless.
"I'll let you know what I need once we get to your home." I said.
And almost as immediately, his eyes grew sparkling. I could feel how happy he was that he was able to find the help he needed. I just knew that I can finally make myself useful.
"Won't you lead the way now?" I whispered. I cannot believe he was still staring at me.
"Right!" He laughed awkwardly.
"I'll bring you to my estate." The warm smile on his face somehow brought comfort that I do not know I could feel.
For the first time, I felt like I could connect with a human and it kind of make me feel like I am complete and whole now.
I wonder… if this time around, time will be in my favor so I may get to know this mortal better than I know Rosalia.