The Lost Story

Chapter: 5 - Present day

“We’ve arrived," our Isami announced, snapping me out of my reverie. I sighed and glanced at my mother, who was beaming with excitement. Our relationship, along with that of Mother Via and my younger brother Lyas, never repaired after that day. When the celebration began, the three of them rushed to me, filled with joy—joy that seemed to contradict their earlier acceptance of my supposed death just 15 minutes before. As for Zarbist and father, I clung to them tightly. They have been my steadfast supporters and protectors throughout the nine years leading up to this moment. “My dear,” Father says, extending his hand to help me out of the vehicle. “Shall we?” he says, taking my hand and leading me to the celebration. Mother and Mother Via were already far ahead of me, full of excitement. Ever since I received the title, you would think Mother was given the title as well. She walked around as if she were superior to everyone, and like fools, many people allowed her. I just wanted to get through the night, go home, and continue working on my studies.

I used to find joy in other things, but as more people started asking me questions and seeking wisdom from me, I began to feel a sense of loss. When it first happened to me, I was so confused. I was ten, and a person almost three times my age began to ask me for advice. It didn’t help that Jixy was there to belittle me without outright disrespecting me. From that moment, I dedicated every spare moment to learning. In the nine years, I learned to speak and read in every known language, even dead languages that had long disappeared. I studied about every race, culture, domain, gift, ability, and the history behind them. It didn’t stop there; I learned every war tactic ever written. I became so proficient in my knowledge that I could instruct every ritual in the seven domains. I refused to be incompetent.

“Come back, Renata," my father's voice interrupted my thoughts. I looked up at him and replied, "Yes," which made him laugh. “You've gotten lost again. I see some things haven't changed. That's good. Good," he said, smiling down at me. As we reached the entrance, Father stopped me and took me in his arms. I needed this. I needed him. He signed, releasing me, then bowed his head in my direction before turning to head toward my mother's. As the ‘virtuous’, I had to keep a space between myself and anyone other than the incoming Rey. “Stars, moons, fallen. I hope this night ends soon," I said before the doors opened for me.

As usual, my arrival made everyone stop what they were doing. I smiled and inclined my head, encouraging them to "please continue what you're doing and enjoy," which prompted a few giggles. This scene unfolded each time I arrived. I didn’t enjoy the spotlight and had hoped to go unnoticed this time, considering the diverse crowd, but once again, my wishes were unmet. “There she is, Renata. Our Reina, so humble! Here comes a daughter of man, one of the weakest in our world, who has ascended beyond others,” Jixy says, clapping her hands. I never understood why she hated me so much, but it was clear that she despised me. “Thank you, Aela," I said, bowing my head. I didn’t want to argue with her. For some reason, she forgets that I outrank her, but I didn’t want to draw any more unnecessary attention. “Glad you could join us," a deep voice whispered in my ear as I felt hands wrap around my waist, pulling me against a solid chest. I didn’t need to meet Jixy’s gaze to feel her intense hatred; I already knew it was him. Over the past year, he has grown increasingly familiar with me, making my skin crawl. I looked into his green eyes, and that same gaze from the celebration loomed over me again. I couldn’t simply push him away, but I desperately wanted to. As I turned in his embrace, I smiled at him. “Your Majesty, if I didn’t know you any better, I would think you were trying to keep me all to yourself.” I grinned at him. “Wouldn’t that be perfect? A beauty like you all to myself,” he chuckled, tightening his grip. Just as I was about to respond, Sanxi entered like the hero she truly is, pulled me from his grip, and enveloped me in a warm embrace. "As beautiful as always! As for you, Jiryis, keep your hands off our Reina," she said, casting a sharp glance at his majesty. “It was all in good fun; now that our Reina is here, shall we start?" He says, cutting his eyes at her before locking eyes with me once again. “Certainly,” she replies, guiding me to our seats. Soon, Sanxi had Xyephire, Astia, and me greeting and establishing a connection with each monarch in the room. As professionals, Xyephire and Astia dazzled the room, while I attempted to stay in their shadow. Astia captivated most dignitaries with her beauty and noble lineage; they hung on her every word. In contrast, Xyephire exuded such dominance and power that he attracted others like moths to a flame. Then there was me. I was unable to initiate a conversation with any of them, so I stood quietly and observed. The main speaker of the group was a council member of the Furvus domain. That domain was known for its strength and military power. So, it was clear he was more interested in Astia and Xyephire as they would be taking on the title that embodied those traits. He appeared to overlook me entirely, but I didn’t mind. This allowed me to observe those around me, which I did. I watched them enjoy themselves while deducing each person's identity and abilities based on their appearance, voice, and body language.

“Renata is very familiar with the ways of your land and has developed a great interest in your knowledge”. Sanxi's voice brought me into a conversation. I turned to the man. “Is that so? What are your thoughts on our domain, mistress?” he asked, scoffing in disbelief. “Yes, Renata. Please share with us your wisdom,” Astia smirked at Xyephire, who rolled his eyes. I don’t know why these two disliked me. I made sure to stay away from them, and we rarely spoke. I did everything to avoid ending up on their bad side, but they still hated me. I bowed my head to the man. “It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Renata," I said in his language. Shock appeared on his face. "You speak Furtivs?” he responded in his language. "I am fluent in all the primary languages of the seven domains, and I also know several other languages, but I rarely get the chance to practice them to maintain fluency," I said in his tongue. He started to clap, saying, "You speak as if you were raised in our domain." Smiling, I replied, "Oh no, I am still struggling, which is why I hope to journey to your domain one day." From that moment on, our conversation flourished. The smile on his face never fell. He even brought others from different domains to give me a chance to practice with. The entire time, Sanxi smiled with pride, while Astia and Xyephire glared at me.