I wake up in the same spot as yesterday. Unlike this time, Mr. Bushé leans against my shoulder, holding a large book labeled Teleportation Teachings.
“Mr. Bushé?”
“Huh…”
“Sir…”
“Oh! Damian. How long have I been asleep?”
“I don’t actually know, sir. I slept here before you arrived.”
“Oh, I must’ve taken you by surprise. I’m sorry for my inappropriate actions.”
“No problem. What’s that about?” I point to his book. He follows my gaze before staring straight into my eyes.
“I just called you D-damian… O-oh sir! Please don’t report this.” From every chance I had before to report people, I know better to report Mr.Bushé.
“It’s fine. You can call me that.”
“Oh? Thanks… Anyway, what are you doing here? Searching for something?”
“Right…” I assume I can trust Mr. Bushé. “Did you ever meet Yehain?”
“The Monster of Euothia?”
“Why does everyone call her that?”
“Did mother… Oh right sorry nevermind. I’m confusing them.” He tugs on his glasses.
Mr. Bushé’s glasses were different. They were only two thin circles, connected with a long chain string. Today, the frames were tinted gray, matching perfectly with his purple skin.
Out of everyone in the palace, Mr. Bushé has the most unique style, wearing all sorts of demon brands. Mother sometimes called him to her room before festivals to get fashion advice.
“Anyway, yeah, I saw her.” His tone changes, “a beautiful woman, isn’t she?”
“W-what? Oh, I don’t think like that… She’s only twelve, sir.”
“Right, that reminds me, when’s your birthday?”
“Oh, the thirty-first day of sunshine.”
“And that is tomorrow?” I never stopped to think about my own birthday. Only now did it hit me that tomorrow I would be twelve. I also never thought to ask Yehain’s birthday.
“It is.”
“You're only twelve too now.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Lundo already told me, Damian. You can’t hide this from me.” He signs, “ ah, young love.”
I blink my eyes, “I’m sorry, pardon?”
“Do you not understand, Damian?” He stands up, lending his hand so I can get up too. “Look, you’re spending all this time helping her. Don’t you get in?” He wraps his cold hand around my neck. By now I know not to trust anyone when they do that.
I push him off. He stumbles back, confused,
“Oh right… Damian, did you not realize that I can still hear you? You can still talk.”
“Wait… How?”
“A simple magic trick. Don’t expect to be able to communicate with everyone. Mother still knows communication is important. Besides at least you won’t talk to yourself like Lundo.”
“...”
“Still shocked? Well I got to go, Damian. Bye!” Mr. Bushé flies off, still carrying his book.
“Bye…” Suddenly, my mouth feels different. Like I didn’t say anything. I never felt my mouth open.
Magic
ns 15.158.61.45da2
