Chapter 6: Her New Friend

I looked around the interiors of the tavern. I never had seen one before this, but I've read and heard about it before. It was forbidden to go outside the palace so the only thing that can connect me to the outside world was—books. Reading became my some sort of hobby to ease boredom and to somehow marvel around different things through imagination. It was the only thing I could do.

The woman who introduced herself as Thiara, looked symphathetic and horrified as I went in detail with the story I've made up. She seemed really kind so I felt a little guilty telling her those lies. I just really pray that the deities would spare me for that. After all, I do not have ill motives against anyone.

"You've went so much hardships, Ophelia. I cannot imagine going through that alone!"

"Thank the heavens I was lucky enough to survive," I said.

"I could not agree more. Here, eat. You must be hungry all this time," she encouraged as the servant brought us a tray of food.

My mouth watered as I smelled the aroma of roasted chicken. The rumbling in my stomach worsen so I started eating shortly.

Won't you ask me if I would like to have some, my lady? Raja's voice made me stop chewing for a second.

Can a dragon spirit eat anyway? I guess not.

"Do you have family, Ophelia?"

My eyes drifted back to Thiara. I swallowed and drank some water.

"Yes and no."

Her forehead creased. "I do not understand. Can you explain it? If you don't mind..."

"Uh, my mother died years ago. Then just recently, I was told that my father is around somewhere. I traveled for the sole reason of finding him. I've got a lot of questions that only him could answer," I replied which was partly true. At least I'm being honest to her at some point.

"I'm sorry about that..."

"I don't mind." I smiled.

"But what do you know about your father? What kingdom does he belong? I just want to know if I could help you in any way."

"I wish I could answer that, madame. But my knowledge won't allow me to. I don't know anything about him, not even his name."

Her lips parted, both in shock and worry. "Then how are you going to find him? You're like searching for a certain unknown fish in the middle of the sea."

I sighed. Right. I know that would really be hard. But no matter how much pain it might take, I'm determined to find him. I have to do it in order to know the truth. Why my mother didn't tell me anything about him? Why didn't he come to see us even once? And what about these weird things happening to me like there's some spell casted upon me? If before I had no reason to continue existing, now I have one — to know the mystery of my identity.

"I know but I will never see him if I won't try."

Well, it won't be that hard only if my dragon spirit has the ability to trace him or can do something relevant to that. But my poor dragon cannot even show himself—

And who's fault is that? If you can only master your ability in a short span of time, I could have done more than you imagined.

It is not my fault either. Why, have I known that I have such ability? I almost said it verbally but I remembered Thiara is in front, watching.

"But considering your state now, I don't think you can continue in your journey. And how could I have a heart to just let you go without anything and without any point of direction?" Thiara shook her head.

"Thank you for your concern, madame. But would I have a choice? I don't want to be a burden to anyone."

"Burden!" She gasped. "Why would you be? You can stay here in my tavern for the mean time to make up for what you've lost. You may continue searching for your father later on once you can afford a carriage and have enough funds to feed yourself along the way."

A very kind woman, indeed, Raja commented. Don't tell me you would say no.

If only I can see Raja now, I could have scowled at him or rolled my eyes.

"But... I think that is too much of a help. Like I said, I don't want to be a burden—"

She cut me off. "You won't be. How about while staying here, you help me managing my tavern? You can help with the chores, or anything else you can do. Now, don't you think it's just fair?"

I smiled genuinely. I can't help but see my mother in Thiara. She has such a loving and compassionate heart who's willing to help anyone in need. I promise to return the favor in the future once I'm able.

"Thank you," was all I could say.

"It's decided then. You stay here for the mean time. Come on, let me show you your room upstairs." She stood and reached for my elbow probably because I looked very weak, she was afraid I can't keep my own balance.

Ah. The scent of relief, Raja said. I'm glad you didn't have to go to the extent of selling yourself in a whorehouse like you originally planned.

For your information, Mr. Dragon, I didnt have plans to sell my body in a whorehouse. Stop mentioning it, will you?

Pardon my words, my lady.

"This annoy—"

"Are you saying something, Ophelia?" Thiara glanced at me while we're walking up the stairs. I unconsciously bit my lower lip. I could have said something offensive and she would have thought I was talking to her.

Mind your actions, my lady.

I didn't mind Raja and answered Thiara first.

"Uh, no... I was only stalking you silently. Your travern has nice interiors by the way."

"Thank you," she replied and went back on her track.

"Anyway, what are you?" she suddenly asked when we were already past the stairs.

I was caught off guard for a moment. What should I tell her?

"My mother is a mage... but I'm not that certain since there is a possibility I could be wrong."

"And your abilities? I want to check since I have a little knowledge about different kinds."

Don't say anything about me nor the changes in you lately, Raja advised.

"I don't have any ability, though."

"Why is that so? If you're a mage, you can at least do a bit of sorcery. No offense intended, but that alone is not something normal."

"I know. That is why I have to see my father so he can explain everything to me."

"Let's just hope for the best," she said gently and opened a door.

"Here you go. I will send a servant here shortly with some clothes you can use. The chamber is clean and you may take a bath to clean yourself. I suggest you take a rest after. You can start helping me tomorrow."

"If only I could only let you see how grateful I am... Thank you so much, Thiara."

And for the first time in my entire existence, I found a friend.