Cousins

Imsong had discussed with Lord Bai Yur regarding Bai Hua's schooling and had made arrangements for everything. Lord Bai Yur had reluctantly acquiesced to all her "demands". Who would dare go against the powerful Head Shaman?

While Imsong was yet to tell Wana about her "plans" for Wana.

"Wana, you have been in the mortal realm for so long. I know you don't need any kind of education from this world. But I want you to explore more of this world."

Wana was suspicious and asked, " What do you mean? That I don't have my own adventures? That I haven't seen everything about this world?"

"You may have seen much of this world. But in terms of interacting with people, it is quite abysmal."

Wana did not like where this conversation was heading.

"What are you really trying to say, Sister Imsong?" Wana was one of those few who knew about the real identity behind Imsong's mortal identity.

"I want you to go to school in another kingdom. I want you to interact with mortals and maybe other immortals as well. Isn't that why you are here in the mortal realm? Because you got bored up there?" she hinted.

"Hmmm... Where is this school? For how long?"

"Well, in the kingdom of the Azure Dragon. For 3 mortal years."

"What?! There? Some immortals live there. And there are also people from other kingdoms, kingdoms with different gods. Why do you want to send me there?"

She asked suspiciously, "Is it because of Bai Hua? Please don't tell me it's because of him."

"Why do you dislike him? Isn't he your cousin? The Divine One being your mother and being his aunt, you ought to help him."

"That's exactly why I don't want to help him. Some gods don't like him. And I have not even attained godhood. He may have been a young god in his previous life but he threw it away. He deserves this punishment."

And she also added sympathetically, "Sister Imsong, you shoulder too much responsibility for him. I know he saved you and helped you become an immortal and so on but you're just too stubbornly loyal to him."

Imsong sighed, "You call me sister and yet you argue with me. Just go and attend school with him. Who knows it might help him recover his memories faster. That way both you and I have lesser troubles."

"And he is your cousin brother after all. Though he is merely a kid right now, later on, you will come to rely on him. He may have shirked his duties before but he's very reliable when he wants to be. Help him this time. He will owe you a favor."

"Hmmm... A favor from the wielder of the Witch Bone, a favor from a god. Sounds good. Do I hide my identity or go like this?

"Ah, you hide of course. You... attract too much attention when you appear."

Wana suddenly asked, "Does Bai Hua know I am his cousin? He doesn't remember after all."

"Ah, the Divine One will meet him tonight. Leave it to her. She likes her nephew after all."

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In the palace library, Bai Hua was rapidly going through maps and the history of the world. Some information was incoherent to him. There were many mainlands and there was also the thing regarding different gods. But the books in the library were insufficient. He did need to go to school.

He sighed and thought, school and Wana. It's not that he hated her but all he ever got from her were disapproving looks like his existence was a crime itself. She may look like a fairy but her eyes sent chills down his spine. Like he has been marked for some reprobation in the form of fists.

He had been in the library for two days now after he met with Imsong regarding Anna. And all this time he had plenty of time to think about Imsong's comment. Why would Roland, Anna's brother whom he doesn't even know exist want to hurt him? And the woman involved. Was Roland involved with this woman? Or was he involved with her? Or she was involved with him? Or both him and Roland? These involvement complications were giving him a headache.

Imsong had said that it entails painful memories so he had been reluctant to pursue the matter further. He just hoped that he didn't do anything stupid to that woman.

Lor Bai Yur entered the History section and gave a small cough.

"It's time."

Ah, he lost track of time again in the library and the beast had come sniffing for his prey.

He gulped and said, "I am coming. I apologize, father, I made you wait again."

His father is going to be more violent this time. He made him wait again. He was crying inwardly.

"Today you're not fighting me. I have a special guest for you. He had been staying in our kingdom. And he was eager enough to accept a duel with you. Come, Bai Hua."

A guest? Who could it be? Was Father generous enough to give up his spot to someone else? This was strange.

Bai Hua's mind began to whirl rapidly.