Who Is Ester Winch?

Chapter 22

Calcifer POV.

It’s smart of her to camp in the safe road. I didn’t expect that.

There’s no thrilling if she stay there.

I have an idea.

I disturbed a small portion of the barrier and let a Phinx get in.

It's a normal beast but when you get near of it, it’s appearance change.

It emit a magic toxin where it can change what you see, of course, it is based on what you are scared of.

After seeing the face of the phinx, she may go wild and scared of what she is seeing.

I wonder what will be her face– I mean her reaction since it's Ester's face, I can't make fun of it so, let’s rephrase it, ‘What will be her reaction after seeing what she scared of?’

I’m confused.

Why that imposter is now chasing Phix? And, the garm turned into a human?

I do not doubt that the goblins will participate in this marathon but their placement shouldn't be like that.

Despite the unexpected situation, I’m glad she can use magic on the first try.

A loud clash and trees are taken down one by one.

It’s coming towards the direction of the imposter.

He finally decides to meet her.

I can’t help but laugh…how can she face her after what he has done?

Alpha, you don’t have any shame at all.

Befriend her and then what? What if she found out?

You must not let her found out, Alpha. Or else, all of this will be a waste.

Ester POV.

“Meet my sons and my wife!”

Alpha Garm introduces his wife, Beta Garm, and his sons, there are too many of them. I can’t remember most of their names.

“Nice to meet you!”

We are here in their nest. It’s a cave and beside it, is a river.

I could camp here and with Alpha with me, I doubt any beast will attack me. It’s better with a companion than being alone.

I think I could trust them. If only there’s a list of friends of Ester in that Book, I might be able to recognize them earlier.

About his sons, I’m going to marry one of them, My one!

I’m being delusional again.

As I was saying, his sons…when they attack me in Moonshadow’s grave they were just trying to get me out of that place but I didn’t get their message.

Obviously, how can I know their intention if they keep attacking me like they were about to eat me!

“Ester, can you turn back my son?”

Oh, right…Ester is my name.

Ehh? Turn back but I don’t want to! Can’t he just stay that way??

Ha…I have no other choice.

His brothers keep on attacking him, if I don’t turn him back he will end up as their dinner.

Done. I turn him back.

“Ester, I heard you lost your memories?” asked Mama Garm. Even her said Ester’s name?? Their family is fearless.

“Yes, I’m sorry if I act differently towards you.”

“It’s okay. We are just a little bit sad that you don’t remember our moments before. But, we are glad that your curse is broken.”

“Yes, thanks to Rem and Rom.”

Their expression changed. Hmm?

“How are they?”

“For now, they are under Lorelie’s magic. It slowing the progress of their death.”

“Is that so? That’s good to hear.”

“By the way Sir Alpha, can I camp here with you?”

“Sir A-Alpha?” He laughs. They all laughed.

“Is there something wrong?”

“No, Is just that…You never called me that before. You prefer to call me, Doggie.”

That’s worst than being called Sir!

“My sons know that you called me Doggie. So, it is kind of a shock that you formally called me Sir. They expected you to call me Doggie.” Isn’t that kind of an insult? He’s not a dog though.

“Do you want me to call you Doggie?”

“Yes, I’ve been waiting for it for years.” If that what he wants then I will give it to him but don’t blame me if everyone make fun of you.

“Doggie.”

Happiness and satisfaction is written all over her face.

Papa Garm, you shouldn’t look at someone like that especially in front of your wife. She might get jealous and eat me alive!

“Ester, you can’t camp here.” Wow, after I did your request; you just rejected me like that?

“Why?”

“Rem and Rom's wound caused by a beast that when you are scratch by it, it will never heal.”

I was shocked by what I discover. Does that mean after I learn about healing magic, it will be useless because it will never work?

Is there no other hope? I thought I can finally save them.

Sir Alpha, noticed my hopelessness.

“That’s why you’re going to camp in Moonshadow’s grave.”

So, that’s why. He knows after knowing the truth, I will lose all hope and grieves to the upcoming death of Rom and Rem.

He’s telling me to suicide.

“Moonshadow is your only hope to save your little ones.”

What’s up with the suspense?!

He just told me that it can’t be healed and now, he saying that I could save them?

“Moonshadow’s grave has a Holy Treasure but this can only appear if you complete its condition.”

Holy Treasure? The one that can break all natural laws of the world.

This… if I got this I could save them.

“Tell me! Tell me the condition!”

“I can’t.”

“What?”

“You’ll be killed if you attempt it. It's too dangerous…”

“…I can’t let you go again.”

“What’s the point in telling me if you don’t teach me how, if you’re not letting me…would you do it?”

He didn’t react.

“A beast like me cannot touch a Holy Treasure.” If that’s the case then let me! What a hardheaded!

“Sir Alpha, is there any other beast that has the same ability as you here in Ester’s Forest?”

Quite a shock appeared in his face, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“It’s one of your sons, isn’t”

“What do you mean, Ester?”

“Don’t try to hide it. I’ve read Asmodeus’s Book and all information that’s in there includes you.”

“She knows.” Mama Garm.

“She knows.” Sons.

I don’t want to hold a grudge to anyone that’s why I’m being goody-goody in spite of knowing what one of his sons did to Rem and Rom.

I realized this yesterday the time when his sons attack me in Moonshadow’s Grave. When I first saw them, I know they’re the ones who hurt Rem and Rom. And, all my conclusion were proven when Sir Alpha mentioned the ability when scratch by it the wound wouldn’t heal…only the Garm have that ability. But, I have no intention to get revenge because I have no right and a nobody…all I have to do is to find a way to save them from death.

Sir Alpha knows what his sons done but still, preventing me to save Rem and Rom.

“I know what my son did…Apologizing will never save them. Still, I will never tell you the condition…I prefer them to be dead than you, risking your life.”

Huh? I snapped.

“Your son is at fault. You should do something to pay back what they did.”

“I will pay it back with my life. I will never tell you the condition.”

“No. Your son is at fault. Your son will pay it with his life. Of course, it will be One and for all. I hope you understand that term.”

One and for all means, all of his sons will pay back what they did with their life.

I’m against this kind of method but I need to threaten him to say the condition.

“Not my sons…”

The sons sneered at me.

I glared at them. “I’m pissed off. Behave.”

They got scared and whine like a puppy.

“I never back down in my words. What will you do Mama Garm?”I noticed that Mama Garm is trembling, I hope she will give in.

They looked at each other.

“I will kill my son who is at fault.”

He’s not giving up! Is Ester that important than his son?!

“Mama Garm, are you okay with this?”

“If this is the only way to save the other sons, then I’ll let it be.” What’s wrong with this couple?!

“Killing my kin is more hurt than anything. I hope this will repay the debt that we cause to Rem and Rom.”

A Son Garm walks forward and bows his head, it’s My one.

“This is the son who scratches Rem and Rom. What he did to the little ones will be done unto him.”

He raised his paw with a sharp claw.

“Stop…”

“What he did should be done unto him.”

“Stop!”

A clashing of flesh and claw are heard throughout the forest. A rip in his throat is visible, blood is gushing to go out.

“Awooo…” The Sons garm howled from the death of their brother.

The cried howled from Mama Garm checking his son if it is still alive.

“What did you do? What did you do!?” he killed his son…

“He repaid his debt. I hope you stop asking for the condition.” He walks away…

There is still blood left in his claw. Blood from his son.

I’m dumbfounded.

I don’t know what to react.

I’m not Ester yo….

I’m not Ester.

I don’t deserve your protection.

Ester is dead... I’m an imposter.

A hot liquid drips in my eyes. I’m crying….

“Ester…” Mama Garm.

“Let’s bury him…” I’m the one who suggested to kill your sons… Why are you smiling at me? I’m an imposter.

“Let’s go…” she asked again.

“Forgive me…”

She shakes her head, “No…don’t blame yourself for this. A being who commits a crime to others should be punished.”

She’s right…but not to the point that the criminal receives the death penalty. It’s too much…

I felt so wrong…

I ran.

I heard Mama Garm calling for me but I didn’t look back. I have no face to look at them.

I keep on running.

I didn’t stop.

I want to get away from here…

I bumped into something apparently I was near the gate.

“Child!” The lady exclaimed. “What are you doing here? Is your training finish? Can we now go picnic?”

I don’t know why but I hugged her and cried on her shoulder.

She pats my back,” There…There…Let it out.”

“I told Sir Alpha to pay back what they did to Rem and Rom with the life of his sons and he did. He killed his own son.” I felt like a child crying on her mother’s shoulder.

“Oh no…you shouldn’t tell that to a parent, child.”

“I hope I didn’t.” I really regret what I said. If I only didn’t threaten him, his son will be alive until now.

“Don’t worry everything will be alright.” I got off from the hug. What did she say? I ended a life! And, she said everything will be alright?! No, It’s not!

“It will never be alright.” I said.

“You must be used to this cause in the future, there will be more deaths than this.” What does she think I am? Get used to death? She wanted me to be heartless?

I shouldn’t come here. I felt like she was saying, death is okay.

I ignored her then walk away from here.

I ran again and found myself in Moonshadow’s grave.

“You put yourself in an awkward situation.” A burst of laughter is heard behind me.

“Calcifer.”

“I haven’t forgiven you, go away.” I haven’t forgotten what Calcifer did to me for not telling me about the Moonshadow’s grave.

“Hm? I gave you a hint to save Rem and Rom. And, you are angry with me?”

“You told me, I can save them if I learn healing magic.”

“Certainly you can, but you don’t know how to. The way to activate it, is not written in that servant’s book. It will take long for you to discover it…Rem and Rom will be dead by that time.” He knows I can’t do it so, he throw me out in Moonshadow’s grave.

“Did you know about Rem and Rom’s wound?” if he knows, then he keep it from me.

“Yes.” Then…why did he?

“I keep it from you because I thought you will avenge those children and I don’t want that to happen because Alpha is precious to Ester.”