Episode 4

It was only nine in the evening, and yet, people who had learned about my situation were spreading the news. I was hiding under my large cloak, trying to avoid them.

Really? How did the noble ladies make it like this? The people here totally knew about my situation! The rumor was spreading that I was crazy!

They were gossiping about me! They didn't even know that the person they were gossiping about was right next to them.

My face remained stoic and silent. They act like they know all about me. They can't even pronounce my family's name perfectly!

I heard the laughs of two ladies. I think they were mercenaries. “She's probably really gone crazy. She just can't accept that she's not the one the Prince wants!” one of them said.

The other lady shrugged her shoulders. “They say she's depressed. Maybe she's just seeking attention. She might just be acting so that the Crown Prince will notice her. She probably wants their wedding to go through,” her voice was full of judgment. They both laughed again.

I sighed. Ah, prejudices. That's why other people are suffering from darkness because of these kinds. They're just judging from the surface, when in fact, they have to dig deeper to know the truth.

I deliberately walked through the middle of them. I bumped into them on purpose without turning back to apologize. I could already feel their heavy gazes on me.

“What the hell?! Are you blind?” I heard them hiss. I didn't turn back to them anymore and kept walking. I felt satisfied when I heard their angry shrieks.

I walked away from them completely. I walked gracefully on the streets, as if I was a veteran in this place. Well, I just read this in the book.

I had a strong feeling that I would find the man in this area.

I entered a secluded tavern. It was dark outside, but because of the yellow lights and the loud noise, I knew there were people inside. Immediately, I felt the instant stares of the crazy people... in the room.

Barbarians, assassins, and rogues were inside. They were all staring at me like prey. Gone was the noise and the light atmosphere. They were probably wondering how and why a little lady got to a place like this.

I removed my hood. They smirked, but their eyes widened later when they realized something. Their eyes glimmered with greed when they realized who I was. A dagger immediately pierced my right side.

I expected it so I wasn't shocked.

I scanned them all one by one. Without getting scared, I walked in front of them gracefully like I was born to slay. They were staring at me intently.

I don't know why they still weren't moving to attack me, but I could sense that they were somehow... intimidated.

Soon, they couldn't hold back their questions anymore.

“What are you doing here? Lost your way?” a man asked gruffly. He had a scar on his left eye and looked terrifying. I shook my head and turned to him seriously.

He seemed annoyed by my reaction. “Well, you’re so arrogant— ”

“Hold it, Alexus. Maybe she has guards outside and we'll all be caught. She wouldn't enter a place like this so confidently if she didn't have someone with her,” an older man with a large build stopped him.

I stared at him before shaking my head. “I have none.” I said. I sat down in front of them, and they let me. The man in black wasn't here, but I thought I could ask these people.

The man laughed. “Young lady, you're in a place where someone with high ranks isn't treated nicely. We're criminals. We could kidnap or... kill you, in a snap,” he replied.

My brows raised as I heard him. He seemed experienced in speaking like that. I nodded at him. “I know,” I said.

Even if you could kill me, the casualties won't let you. I'll still live even though I want to die too. This isn't my time to die yet. That's why I came here confidently, without fear, because I know the book won't let me die.

I heard the old man's loud laughter again. “I can't believe that the daughter of Duke Eléftheros is so interesting. What's your name, young lady?” he asked.

I turned to his other companions who were also looking at me. They weren't saying anything, but their intense gazes were on me. I let it be. “Malaya. I'm Malaya Eléftheros,” I said.

The man I was talking to nodded. I noticed that the rogues were silent. Maybe he was their leader. He wasn't mentioned in the book, so I don't know him.

“What's your business here? It's my first time to meet you in a place like this. You don't seem like you're here to do business, do you? I think you just need... something,”

I nodded. I handed him my wrist and looked at him seriously. Everyone there was now focused on my wrist. I noticed that they knew something about it.

I sighed in relief. I took it back. Even though I couldn't see the man, I could still get some information.

I yawned and looked at them listlessly. The guy named Alexus earlier hissed. The old man I was talking to stopped him.

“So, what is this?” I pointed to the mark. “I want to know what this thing is. I can buy your information. Just name the price,” I said. The man laughed at me again. But again, I let it be.

“We want one bag of gold bars. Deal?” he said.

I smirked. “Deal,” I shook his hand.

He started to tell me about the myths of these kinds of birds. He said it was a mark of a powerful bird.

“The Black Phoenix meant destruction, war, envy, darkness, and death. He was titled as the most powerful one. So, the other six Phoenix’s made an alliance to... exterminate him,”

“Then?” I asked casually.

“He was cursed and lost his powers one at a time. He can only gather them back if he breaks the curse.” He smirked. I couldn't tell if he was lying, but since this was information, I listened attentively.

“What curse?”

“He was cursed to protect someone deserving, from any possible dangers. It was to protect that, ‘someone’ from his own powers. The marked Muryō will be his Master. And that's you,” he stared at me.

“You have his mark, that means he is obliged to protect you at all cost. You're his Master. Your words are the chains for him,” he added.

It hadn't registered with me yet, but I asked again.

“Why me? Why did he choose me?”

“I don't know. But as far as I remember, Black Phoenix are... possessive,” he laughed.

I cringed. That wasn't helpful.

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