We’ve been sailing in the sea for three consecutive days now and they said that in an hour or two we will be able to reach our destination, The Consair Cave. The haven of all the pirates sailing in this vast sea. This means I have to strengthen myself before we reach the Consair if not, I might collapse in there because of fear. Especially since I have traumas when it comes to waves.
I might know how to conceal my feelings and emotions but still, deep inside I’m slowly dying in fear or anger. I sighed and continue walking down to the kitchen together with the Hellbender’s pillar and Marion who keeps clinging to me. She just won’t let go of me no matter how much I pushed her. But anyway, I already surrendered. I already gave up and just let her cling to me until we reach the dining hall.
Von walks on my side and keeps glancing at Marion who’s smiling all ears and keeps babbling about her marrying me and starting making a family. Oh goodness, this lady is. She's so wild, how the hell did she end up like this. Also, Von is listening.
“Hey you, look at how beautiful my wife is huh, beautiful right?” Marion said to the poor man who was drinking silently in the corner.
“Marion stop saying nonsense!!” Her dad interrupted. But Marion being Marion, just laughed and pull me deeper on her side. I chuckled a little seeing her pouting.
“Von pulls Lady Vienna on your side now,” Gerald said as he pulled her daughter on his side. Von nodded and took my arm.
“Marion is just like that Lady Vienna. Despite how she acts she’s already a grown-up lady but still acts like a child!” He said as if he is not a child too himself. Well, I can’t deny it though that the way Von acts is much more mature than Marion. Or maybe Marion has a reason for that, just like me. Hiding our own true emotions.
I smiled at Von and patted his head. I couldn’t help but wish to have a younger brother or even an older one. Being alone is lonely.
“And you look like a grown-up man inside a child’s body,” I said and he just laughed and scratched his nape.
After a few minutes of walking, we finally arrived at the hall. The people inside are laughing and singing while enjoying their feasts. I was surprised that the amount of men eating is not much as I expected. Maybe only around 20 men and a few women on board. And when they finally noticed our presence they all greeted them in glee. I don’t think they will all agree on me being in here. So I just averted my eyes to where I won’t see them. I hate people judging me just by how I look. Most people are like that.
Von and the others started walking towards the table where they distribute the food. I took a deep breath and silently follow them.
All eyes followed on us but they all returned to what they are doing before we arrived. I took a plate and followed Von as he lined in the line in front of me and Jake on my back. I can feel his small taps on my shoulder. The old lady who’s at the end of the table gave everyone a creamy mushroom soup, a freshly baked bread, and a piece of dried fish, I never tasted one before.
The soup and the bread look delicious and the smells of it are intoxicating making me excited to taste it. But as my eyes landed in the dried fish, I started to doubt that it’ll taste nice or something because of the way it looks, you can easily tell it. Ha, how funny that I hate people judging the book by its cover when I am the same with them. Judging the poor fish just because it looks weird.
I should taste it first before judging. Yes, let’s taste it first. Get a hold of yourself Vienna. Everyone’s eating it so you should at least try it for yourself.
Goodness, the darn fish is making me sweat like crazy.
After a while, it’s already Von’s turn and he looks really happy with it. I gulped and gathered all my courage to turn around to ask him if that fish is edible.
“Jake is that black dried fish edible??” I asked him but he just laughed at me when our eyes met. He patted my shoulder and nodded back.
“Yes, sweetheart it is. It’s the most delicious food on the menu today!” He exclaimed. I’m still bothered with the fish that I don’t care anymore how he called me. I got used to it already.
“W-well if you say so,” I answered and gulped again.
But my doubt won't ease as long as I am not sure about how it tastes. It’s my turn now. I sighed and walked towards the old lady who was not looking at me. She’s too focused on giving me food.
“Ah excuse me but can you please exclude the fish on mine,” I asked because I really can’t. I don't want to disrespect the food by not eating it.
She slowly looked up and stared at me, her eyes widening, and accidentally dropped the soup ladle.
“Oh, my Rina!!” She marveled and hugged me tightly.
“My goodness dear, I didn’t expect that you’ll return to us!” She said while still hugging me.
I couldn’t speak nor push her away. This happened not once but twice and I’m not that dumb to not realize something. Who the hell is this Rina?
“Rina?” I unconsciously asked. It brings me back to reality when she pulled me out.
“Yes dear, how are you? It’s been years since we saw you, Valor will probably be happy to see you again!” She added.
Years? Valor? It’s making me speechless. I want to ask her who the hell is Valor and Rina but words won’t come out from me. 
“Old hag you must have been tired cooking all day for us. You should rest!” Gerald interrupted and pulled the old lady. I also felt that someone pulled me away from her. I looked around and saw Regor in his serious face.
The captain and the other pillars are confused about what is happening.
“Wait Gerald, let me talk to Rina first. Aren’t you excited that she’s here with us again? Regor, look. Your brother will surely love this.” The old lady added.
“Shut up now Madela!!” Regor shouted which made me surprised. Something is off. I forced myself to be free from Regor’s strong grip and stood in front of Madela.
“Tell me, who is Rina?” I questioned the lady but she just laughed at me.
“Oh my you silly, of course, it’s you!” She excitedly said in glee that left me in awe. “I’m not that old to forget you.” She added. I looked at Gerald and he just avoided the gaze that was making me more nervous.
“Me? You must be mistaking me for someone Old Madela.” I said and stepped back.
“Am I?” She questioned herself.
“You sure are old hag, you should rest. Gerald takes her back to her cabin.” Regor ordered and Gerald just nodded. Everyone in the hall is already looking at us.
“But you are Rina, your eyes say it all.” She added and then she looks like she realized something making her stopped from walking.
“Madela please!” Gerald plead.
“Rina have brown hair, you have black. But the uncanny similarities of you and her, don’t tell me, oh goodness this can’t be happening again!” She exclaimed and faced the two-man who’s been stopping her.
“Regor, Gerald, you let this happen again?” She angrily hissed.
The way her attitude changed made me more confused. It’s giving me more reason to look at this to the bottom. It’s making me curious and my guts keep telling me that I should know all of this.
“Let’s talk in your room Madela, let’s stop making big scenes here anymore.” Gerald calmly said and the old lady nodded.
“You should forget about it, She’s just mistaken you for someone who’s already gone. Continue eating your food with my nephew.” Regor said to me and turned around to follow the two who were already nowhere to see. But before he walk forward I grabbed his arm and he blisteringly look at me but it doesn’t stop me from looking beastly at him too.
“You have to tell me who is Rina? Who the hell is Rina?” I asked him but he just left and didn’t even answer me.
The curiosity is slowly killing me and I really don’t get it but anger blooms inside me and strongly tells me that I should be angry. My head is clouded with many thoughts and I’m forcing myself to set them aside or else everything I plan will go to vain. I have to return home and unnecessary things should be set aside and only look to the path I choose. The path to return home.
A hand tapped my back and saw Von smiling at me signaling me to sit together with him. I sighed and smiled back at him. Yes, let’s bury this curiosity and not wait that it will kill me.