🦊 🦊 🦊
“WHEW! We made it! Should I put everything in the kitchen, Claire?”
“Yes, please. I’ll take care of it from there.”
We finally return to the guild at just past noon, bags packed full of goodies. It took us longer than I expected to get everything, plus we stopped for a bite to eat at one of the local bakeries. Rinny also bought some meat for lunch. He really loves meat… And we bought so much stuff! I was impressed by how easily Rinny lugged everything around and equally impressed by how much food Claire bought. The shop owners, and even Rinny himself, were blown away by the sheer amount of stuff Claire shoved in her basket.
After helping put everything away, Rinny stepped out for an errand of his own.
We just got home, and he’s already off again. Maybe he had plans already. If that’s the case, I feel bad making him go shopping with us. Thank you so much for carrying everything, Rinny!
I silently thank him as he heads off.
“We better get to work! Will you help me, Miku?”
“Of course, Claire!”
Returning to the kitchen, we roll up our sleeves for a long afternoon of prep for tonight’s party. I diligently wash the vegetables and chop them up for a salad, following Claire’s directions exactly.
When it comes to cooking, it’s best to do everything she says! I’ve learned from experience how quickly things can go wrong when I do things my own way. I always end up creating more work for myself.
“Hey, Claire? Remember earlier today, when you and Ektor got really mad at that guy in the guild office? What was that about? Everyone told me you were angry because he leaked personal information about me that should be kept confidential.”
I scrounge up the courage to ask Claire a question that’s been bothering me all day, breaking the silence as we work. This seemed like the perfect time to bring it up, as we’re alone. Her hands freeze at my question before she continues, silently concentrating on the task at hand. I keep talking.
“It seemed like everyone understood what happened, but me. I want to know, too, Claire. It’s about me, right? Please, will you tell me?”
I look over at Claire, refusing to drop my gaze. After a moment, she mutters “Ugh…” under her breath before heaving a huge sigh and turning to face me. She looks worried, or possibly exasperated.
“I can’t keep quiet when you say it like that. But…I can tell you’re curious. And I feel like you’re old enough to be able to handle it.” And with that, she gives a smile of resignation.
What does she mean I’m old enough now? We’re both the same age! Does she feel older because of her memories from the other world? She is pretty mature for our age, so I guess I can accept that!
“But!” she says a lot louder. “Try not to be too shocked, okay? And don’t forget, I’ll always be here to protect you!”
“Okay. I promise I won’t be surprised by anything you say. I’m ready!”
I’ve heard so many fantastical tales from Claire that I feel as if nothing could surprise me now. I watch Claire silently, squeezing my hands in front of my chest.
Please ignore how puffed up my tail is from nervousness, Claire!
“You know the elemental magic you control is light, right?” she begins. “And you know how most other people can control more than one element?”
“Yeah, I know. I’m always so jealous that I only have one.”
I’ve actually never met anyone else like me. I hate to admit that I’m jealous, but those feelings have grown in me over time. Claire told me something once that cheered me up, and I remember those words to this day.
“You’re one of the Beloveds. Err… In other words, it’s a mark of how much the Goddess of Light cherishes you. She would be jealous if you used any other type of magic!”
Whenever I remember what she said, it fills me with joy for being favored by the Goddess of Light. It gives me confidence. And it’s all thanks to Claire that I can think like that.
“Well, there are others in the world like you, Miku,” she continues. “Other Beloveds of the gods and the goddesses. Others who possess magic abilities far greater than those who know more than one type of magic. I told you when we were much younger, right? The Goddess of Light loves you more than anyone else.”
“Yeah! I was just thinking about that.”
She smiles almost sadly in response. And yet, there’s a kindness shining in her eyes. I can tell she’s about to tell me something very important. I nod silently, waiting for Claire to continue.
“A love that strong is based on jealousy. I teased you about it when we were kids, but it’s true. In other words, while it’s a blessing…it’s also a curse.”
A curse? That sounds scary…
I can tell that word holds a darker meaning behind it. That’s why she tried to play it off when we were younger. She didn’t want to scare me. And in turn, I was less anxious thanks to her kindness.
“For example, if I was blessed by the God of Fire, I’d have a curse as well. The curse of passion. They’re often slaves to their emotions, and when their emotions run high, they can accidentally set themselves and their surroundings on fire. I’ve heard those with this specific curse tend to always keep water, warding, and healing amulets on them at all times, just in case.”
Imagine being born with the power to control fire and then allowing your emotions to run so wild, you burn yourself with your own power. How scary! I guess that’s why people who control fire are taught from an early age to clear their mind and the importance of always remaining calm. I see…that’s why it’s a curse. Because of the danger to themselves.
“Th-Then…what’s my specific curse?”
I’m frightened, but I need to know.
My heart pounds anxiously in my chest as I wait, and before long, she opens her mouth, her voice quiet.
“The curse of light is devotion. If you fall in love with someone, and they don’t feel the same…you’ll die of a literal broken heart.”