I guess she really did come from a foreign kingdom because no one was allowed to carelessly call me by my name here in Arameth. It was also impossible not to notice the little girl’s magic. She was glowing with it. She also had a yellow aura surrounding her. Everything about her was strange but in a good way. She looked bright and sunny.
“I also know that you are a good person. That’s why I am really excited to be working with you, Mister Sormont.”
Ali sounded so sure that I would help her. Now I’m certain that she couldn’t be one of my ancestors. They would never talk like her. Aside from that, none of the Armethians had this kind of yellow aura.
“It’s nice to meet you, too. But I’m sorry, you can’t work with me, kid. I will just find someone else who is more capable to help you.” My head was already in shambles because of my damned schedule. I might end up losing my sanity if I were to add more in my to-do list. As much as I did not want to disappoint the kid, I had no choice but to say no to her. Despite of that, a part of me felt happy that she thought highly of me.
I never thought that a time would come when I would seek for a foreigner’s approval of me, and worse, it was from a kid whom I only met today. But her innocent words and that beautiful glint in her eyes made me feel quite good about myself.
“I will find someone who can help you.”
“But I told you… only you can see me.”
“Who is the ruler of this realm again?”
“It’s you, Mister Sormont.”
I smiled faintly. I like this kid. Even if she knew my status, in her eyes, I’m just ‘Mister Sormont’. She doesn’t talk or address me formally. She does not even hesitate to tell me what she thinks and feels. Most kids her age would refuse to meet my eyes once they were in front of me. With her, I don’t have to feel pressured to pretend to be someone I’m not. I don’t think I’ve ever been this comfortable with anyone before, not even with Clavia.
“Then Ali, who do you think is the person who knows best the people in this realm?”
“It’s also you, Mister Sormont.”
“If you are aware of that, then just trust me and follow my lead. Don’t worry, I will personally send you to my friend today. He is not as busy as I am that’s why I know that he would help you right away,” I said before I took the damned crown off me. I grabbed my cloak and walked past my servant who was eyeing me as if I had gone nuts.
I can’t blame her. Seeing wandering spirits was not new to me. But only a few people in this kingdom could see and hear them. That’s why an average Armethian would be confused about these things.
But I did not bother explaining anything to the servant. I didn’t want to be bothered today. I’ve been putting everybody first before me all my life. And for the first time, I had this overwhelming desire to try putting myself first. To hell with everything else for a while.
I saw my parents in the corridor. It looked like they were about to visit me, too.
“Where are you going?” Dad asked, his brows were wrinkled.
“Oh, hello there, Mister and Misis Sormont! I am so happy to see the both of you. You look good together! It would have been nice if I could shake hands with you as well,” the little girl beside me said in a chirpy voice even if my parents did not hear her. I glanced at her. Ali looked like she really wanted to be seen by my parents. In fact, she seemed a little sad. But then, she shook her head. And when she faced my parents again, her eyes glowed and her charming smile was back. “But this is better than not seeing the both of you at all. I’ve only heard stories about you before.” She added as she clapped her hands as if she really was thrilled.
But why was Ali like this? Why does it seem so important for her to meet my parents? Was she somehow connected to me and my family? And out of all the people in this realm, how could she land straight to my Castle, worse to my office? Somehow, I find it hard to believe that all these was just a mere coincidence.
What surprised me the most was the fact that my mother could not see the kid. I could understand if other people could not detect Ali’s presence, but my mother was supposed to feel Ali’s presence at least since she was the strongest person in this realm. What in the world was happening?
“Alexandros, I’m asking you a question,” Dad said.
I shook my head. “I don’t know, Dad.”
I will save all the questions later. Right now, I don’t want to think about anything else. I’m too tired to do so. I walked past my parents. But Dad quickly caught up to me and blocked my path. His expression darkened.
“Oops, just so you know, that was very rude of you, Mister Sormont,” Ali said as she stood beside Dad and blocked the corridor, too. She put her hands on her waist and looked up to me like a little mother who was about to preach her stubborn son. If this was a normal situation, I would have laughed already because she looked funny. She was just so tiny that she barely reached my waist. But she talked as if she was older than me.
“You should never walk out from your parents like that. My Mommy always tell me to never bypass your parents. You should properly answer when they ask you something to avoid any misunderstandings. That’s basic manners."