It had been about an hour since Anastasia stormed off and Asuka was now roaming the streets of Cael looking for the princess. She could've used her anima to search for her but decided against it since it would also let the princess know that she had found her. So, Asuka leisurely made her way through the streets.
To the girl, the city of Cael looked identical to the capital. The same scenes of innocence and serenity warmed her heart just as they did in Sanctavia.
One young girl, who was dancing with her friends, ran up to Asuka. In her hands was a ring of flowers made to look like a crown. The child gestured for Asuka to lower her head. She did so with a smile.
It was small on her head, but the Trinity did not seem to notice. The child then grabbed her hand, insisting she join them. Asuka tried to decline, but she could not hold down the infectious energy from the girl.
She joined the other children, both younger and of similar age to her, and danced as the drums played to the beat of their hearts.
Asuka wasn't as graceful as the others, but she managed to pick up the moves quickly and keep up.
After a while, they stopped, all the younger ones out of breath. But even some of the older children marveled at the fact that Asuka didn't look the least bit tired.
"I…uh… used to dance a little bit with my mother," she lied.
Eventually, she left the group, though a bit reluctantly.
She walked around the city exploring different places. She went to the market where store owners had small stands for whatever they were selling. She bought a few things she and Anastasia would need to cook meals for the next few days.
She walked over to the stand where bread was being sold.
"How much for two loaves?"
The storekeeper looked at her and failed to hide the smile on his lips.
"That will be twenty silver pieces child."
Asuka nearly reached over to slap the man.
"What kind of scam are you running! twenty silver pieces is a whole meal, not one loaf."
"It's twenty or nothing girl. Consider it a hospitality fee for letting you stay in our city despite the risk."
"Hospitality fee! You can't be serious? What happened to kindness and selflessness?"
"None of those things are gonna put money in my pocket. Either cough up the coins or get going."
Asuka groaned and was about to turn and leave before a voice called out behind her.
"This is not behavior becoming of a merchant in the city of Cael."
Both the merchant and Asuka turned to see the owner of the voice, only to see empty black nothingness staring back.
Seeing who the culprit was and feeling the pressure, the merchant began to sweat and tremble.
"S- sister Kopika! Ah you know me. I was only messing around with the kid. Here, have two loaves for free child."
Despite the gesture, Asuka noticed the pulsed veins in his head and how forced his smile was. Still, she didn't mind taking in the small win.
"Oh, how kind of you sir," she replied with the cheekiest of grins.
That only seemed to anger him more, but the presence of the sister seemed to halt his anger. He reluctantly put two loaves in her bag and bid her 'farewell'.
Asuka and Kopika left the market together. Only when they were out did Asuka turn and bow to the woman.
"Thank you very much for before. I don't have much money on me, so it really could've gone bad for me."
Kopika turned her head to look at the girl. Her lack of a response made Asuka look up at her. The two eyeless holes made her shiver and avert her gaze.
"For someone with so much fury, you are strangely anxious."
The words shook Asuka. Her awkward demeanor dropped a little, becoming more forced, and her guard raised.
"What are you talking about?"
"You need not try to hide it. I can sense your emotions. Like most people they are quite complex, but once I looked deeper, your anger became much more apparent."
Asuka wasn't sure what to make of the situation.
"What could she want from me?
"I can also tell," Kopika continued, "…that you are able to manipulate your anima now."
Fear eroded Asuka's heart.
"She knows? How much else does she know? Does she know what I am? About the mission?"
Kopika tilted her head to the side, as though confused by what she was seeing.
"There is no need to be anxious, Madeline. It is only natural after what you have been through. It would be very strange if one had as much anger and hate as you yet couldn't manipulate their anima."
Relief washed over the Trinity, and she nearly let out a sigh, but she caught herself before she did. Nervously, she let out a small chuckle.
"Was I that obvious?"
"No. You actually put on quite the performance. If not for my advantage, I wouldn't have noticed."
The sister then looked over both their shoulders.
"I would like to talk with you in private. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like you to follow me to the church."
At first, Asuka thought it would be too dangerous to go with the woman in private. But then she thought about the opportunity.
"What if I get some information about the cult. I probably shouldn't push too hard, but I'm bound to find something at some point."
"Okay then. Lead the way."
~
The church was luckily not far. Asuka spent the duration of the walk trying to make small talk with the woman, but she only ever gave seemingly dry, one-word answers. Whether she was annoyed and sick of Asuka's attempts was beyond the girl.
The church was noticeably bigger than the one of the bishop. Five spires with the longest one in the center. Large stained glass on both sides of the main entrance showing the image of a beautiful, ethereal woman. Four white radiant wings sprouted from her back. Long glowing white hair flowing. Her skin was clear porcelain, and her eyes were closed but a small kind smile was on her lips.
In her right hand, she wielded an intimidating spear with a long blade. Her left hand stretched out facing upward as if extending a warm invitation of aid.
"Beatrice," Asuka thought in awe.
No matter how Asuka felt about the Aeons, Beatrice would always be a welcome figure. She may not be as infatuated as Anastasia, but it was impossible to deny her respect for her.
She then turned, interested to see what kind of face Kopika made. She had forgotten the woman wore a mask and was about to stop herself when she caught a glimpse of the holes in the mask. They were focused on one of the images and despite the mask, Asuka could tell the emotion she was feeling.
A deep, vile hate.