YOU'RE QUITE FAMOUS

The route to the immortal gate was filled with so many obstacles. Since the king had forbidden us to ride in our carriage so as to show respect for the immortals, we could only tread towards our location on foot. Now, my toes were covered in red blisters due to them being constantly jarred by the rough stone on the road. 

Both my legs were already trembling and I felt they might give out anytime. I turned my head sideways, looking at the luxurious carriage that was being protected by an entourage of soldiers. Damm that two-faced king. When he was talking about showing respect to the immortal, he had never intended to include his daughter from the start. 

Seeing almost everyone around was gritting their teeth as they persisted in walking and then the princess who was seated leisurely inside the carriage with maids at the sides to attend to her order, I bit my cheeks in envy. Gosh, why did I enter the body of a bullied girl instead of royalty?

“Aww.” I gave out a moan of pain. “I wish I had been the princess.”

“Me too.” 

Surprised by the sudden voice, I turned to my side and saw that there was a girl who had unknowingly arrived beside me.

She continued. “I would have been liberated from having to walk this long distance if I were her. Gosh, I'm so jealous thinking of that.” She looked sideways as she spoke, her eyes meeting mine. “Hello, my name’s Janice.” Her bright red lips parted into a grin, revealing the white teeth beneath as she introduced herself.

“Hum… I am --.” 

“Zanillia.” She suddenly cut in before I could introduce myself. “You're a very famous topic to talk about in the whole kingdom. The talks of the prime minister's daughter being a crook has been every house gossip.”

“Huh...” I didn’t know what to say at her bluntness, so I could only nod. “Yeah.”

Realizing that her words might be offensive to me, Janice immediately apologized. “Oh! I’m so sorry. I didn't mean to call you a thief. I was just saying what I’ve heard from the passersby. I’m so sorry if my words have caused you any pain.” She lowered her head as she apologized.

“You don't have to be sorry.” I waved my hand in understanding as we continued walking. “The earlier event had already proved the kind of reputation I have among the people.”

“But you didn't steal that young lady's hairpin,” Janice spoke out. “Natasi did. She just wanted to frame you because she disliked you.”

“Yeah. It does seem like I’ve got a great affinity with those who dislike me. I was also framed before I entered this strange world.” A wry smile appeared on my face the moment I thought of Alison's accusation against me.

Janice didn’t understand what I meant by my last sentence. “So, why do you join in the competition, Zanillia?” She asked

“Don't know. My father just told me that he had put down my name on some bride candidates list and wished me luck.” I replied indifferently.

“Ah! That means you aren’t interested in participating in the bride competition.”

“Bride competition? What's that all about?” I had only been in this world for about a day when that father of mine decided to send me off. Although I do understand that I was being sent out for marriage, I’m still clueless about what the whole activity is all about.

“You don’t know? It’s a contest to select the predestined bride of the lord of the seven realms. My ancestors would be swirling in their graves if I get chosen as his bride.” Janice's face was filled with excitement as she spoke.

“And who is the lord you're talking about?” I looked at her with inquisitiveness. 

“What?! Don't tell me you haven't heard about lord Vagamound. He's known for being the ruler of the seven immortal realms. People also call him the legendary master. No one has ever seen his appearance. Not even my dead ancestors. Legend only talked about how powerful and graceful he was. But I bet he’s going to be handsome just like the beautiful words in poetry.” Janice uttered in adoration. “I also heard that he can converge time and space. Isn’t that powerful?”

“What?” My footsteps immediately halted. “Can you repeat what you just said?” 

“I'm not sure if it’s true. It's just some rumors that had been going on and on.” Janice answered.

“I see.” I resumed back to my pace. However, my mind was in turmoil as to what I’d just heard. If this lord Vagamound can converge both time and space like Janice says, then he might be the key to how I can find my way back home. 

My mind was filled with excitement at the thought of that. It looks like I’ll have to give my all in this contest. Only if I emerge as the victor would I be able to approach him. But that would be quite hard. Although Zanillia’s face would have been a beauty on earth; in comparison to the ladies present here, it seems more lacking. Even Janice looks more beautiful than her. Damm, I just hope the contest won’t be focused on beauty or I should just consider it game over for me. 

“We've arrived at the boundary to the immortal realm. All people who aren’t part of the candidates list should stay behind.” The instructor ordered.

Hearing this, the princess could only climb down from the carriage. Her beautiful face was witnessed by all. Even I sucked in a deep breath the moment I saw her appearance. She’s worthy of being the most beautiful maiden in the kingdom. 

The instructor continued. “Also, be mindful of your behavior once you arrive at the immortal realm. This place is much different than the mortal world you came from.” 

“Yes.” We all chorused in answer before stepping into the boundary dividing the mortal and the immortal world. Every one of us vanished from the spot.

“Wow!” Janice exclaimed out in surprised the moment we saw what was before us. Including these young ladies who hadn’t seen much of the world. 

In front of us were a wide spread of beautiful flowers, and high floating mountains. Even the air breath in washes away all the fatigue in our body. The blisters on my foot soon began to heal through what the naked eyes could see, revealing perfectly new skin. 

“The immortal realm is so magical.” No one knows who said that but everyone agreed with the voice. It was indeed magical, like a paradise on land. It fits in my imagination of the immortal world. 

“A beautiful sight to behold.” I looked around in admiration. Almost instantly, a bright light covered my eyes, blinding it.

“Close your eyes, everyone! We’re now arriving at the immortal city.” The instructor shouted and everyone immediately shut their eyes. It was only when she announced that we’d arrived at our destination did we opened our eyes. What greeted us was people walking about, carrying strange equipment beside their waists. Suddenly we witnessed someone fly above our heads on a sword.

“Zanillia, look.” Janice pointed excitedly at the flying figure that went past us. “That person can fly. Is that one of the abilities of an immortal? Could it be that all the people around us are also immortals?” Her questions came out one after the other.

Soon, a group of men in an armored dress approached us.

“Greetings, Lady Mo.” The head of the guard’s cup his hand towards his chest as he greeted the instructor. “The immortal lords have been waiting in the hall for your arrival.” He then lifted his head and looked at the crowd of maidens behind the instructor. “Are these...”

“Yes.” Lady Mo nodded. “They're the candidates chosen for the lord to pick his bride from.”

“Ah...” The captain nodded in understanding. “Follow me.” He turned around, leading us into a huge mansion. 

We arrived at an open hall. Seated at the front hall were six men who bore an ethereal look that was unlike of this world. Each of the were so handsome, that all the maidens’ cheeks couldn’t help but be filled with a red blush. Even me inclusive. Heaven, how can one be this good-looking? Even the celebrities shown on the TV pales in comparison to them. The six of them were all young, bearing a youthful look. 

“My lords, Lady Mo has arrived from the mortal world. Behind her are the candidates participating to be chosen as the legendary master bride.” The captain relayed.

“Wow!” One of the lords exclaimed out loud when he saw the number of maidens in the hall. “What a huge crowd. It seems like Big Brother is going to have a life full of fun as from today.” The man clicked his tongue, a hint of playfulness in his tone.

“Don't be silly, Sean. Older brother mustn't hear that you uttered those words.” One of the men admonished the latter who had just spoken up.

“Pst. What are you getting all worked up for? It’s not like Big Brother is here or something.” Sean pouted his lips in dissatisfaction. 

“You... Gia, what do you have to say in this?”

“Just let him be.” Gia didn’t want to interfere in their argument. “Sean is still a kid.”

Hearing this, the man could only stop his lecture. “Fine.” 

“Greetings to you immortal lords.” All of us bowed as we greeted the six men seated on the high platform.

“I hope your journey here from the mortal world wasn’t stressful?” One of them inquired.

Even though the journey was indeed stressful, we could change our wording.

“Not at all.” 

“That's great then. Well, the thing is, our eldest brother isn't in his seat at this moment so I'll be the one overseeing the bride’s selection test. Given the long journey, you must all have been quite exhausted. Lady Mo would escort you all to your residence. I hope you'll all enjoy your stay here.”

“He’s so handsome.” Janice leaned into my ear and whispered. “He must be the second legendary master, Eason. He's well known for his good looks and gentleness.” She blushed. “Do you think he might take an interest in me even if I failed the competition?”

“Humm... I guess so.” I said without any certainty.

===

I was inside the room designated to me. The décor in the room was made to match a lady's tastes. Beautiful flower plants, the jumbo bed with tons of pillows, and so on. A knock came on my door.

“Who’s it?” I probed.

“It’s me, Janice.” Janice's voice answered from the outside.

“Come in.”

 The door opened at the invite and Janice's figure stepped into the room.

“I thought you must have been asleep by now.” She gently closed the door behind her. On her hand were two round plates filled with food. “That’s great. I brought you something to eat.” She put down the plate of food before me and took a seat on the couch. “The food in the immortal world tastes great. I just can’t get enough of the delicious taste.” When she saw me making no attempt to reach out for the plate, she asked. “You aren’t eating?”

“I’m not hungry.” 

“Then I’ll eat it all to myself.” Janice poured the content inside the plate onto hers and began to eat ecstatically. Soon, she felt a piercing gaze on her. She looked sideways and was met with my intense glare. Her expression turned guilty. “But you said you weren’t eating, that’s why I added it to mine. Sorry.”

“No. I’m not hungry. You can have it to yourself.” I wave my hands.

“Really.” She seemed not to believe it but seeing me nod, her guilty feeling vanished away. “I thought I’d done something wrong with how intense you were staring at me. Could it be I’ve smeared something on my face?” She began to wipe her face.

“No, there’s nothing on your face. It's just... Do you think the immortal lord would find me attractive enough?”

“Huh, I thought that you weren’t interested in the competition.” Janice looked at me with puzzlement.

“Yeah, I wasn't back then but after seeing how handsome other lords are, I bet lord Vagamound's look would be much more astounding.”

“Well, I'm not sure about that.” She truthfully answered. “I haven’t seen him in detail so I won't know what his likes and preferences are.”

“I'm not talking about his preference. I mean my appearance. Am I pretty enough to attract his attraction?”

“Err... I think so. You just have to apply some beauty oil on your body and so on. But let me remind you, you can't be as beautiful as the princess.” Janice's words hit the hammer on the nail.

Oh yeah, the princess? My expression fell at the thought of this. It looks like I won't be able to meet this lord Vagamound.

“What's the competition all about?” I inquired.

“Don't know either. Everyone is also clueless about it. I just hoped that there wouldn't be a cooking assessment because I'm so bad at cooking.” She sighed.

“Do you know where lord Vagamound resides?” I put forward.

“Legend has it that he lives in the emotionless palace. Isn't that quite pitiful?” Janice's expression at the end became full of anguish.

“Do you know where it's located?”

“How am I supposed to know that?” She took a spoonful of food into her mouth. Her movement suddenly halted as she looked at me with shock in her eyes. “Hey, Zanillia. Don't tell me you are trying to go there?”

“What? That's a crazy thing to do.” I feign a peal of laughter. “I don't even know my way there.”

“Well, that’s right.” Janice let go of her suspicion and continued eating.

===

A very handsome man sat with crossed legs on the opaque glass-like floor. His richly black hair fell behind his shoulder sprawling loosely across his back. However, if one looked closely, one could see several strays of white hairs dangling amidst his richly dark hair. The young man’s face was perfectly made. 

But his dry lips and colorless face seem to have cast a big flaw on his appearance. The deep dark circles under his eyes were like filth obscuring the appearance of a beautiful painting. The man’s eyelid began to move, hearing the sound of footsteps advancing towards his door. However, he remained indifferent and continued on his meditation. 

Soon, the figure approaching the door was stopped by the enchantment erected at the entrance.

“Big brother,” Sean called out. “Are you in there?”

“What do you want?” The young man opened his eyes, revealing the blue iris that lay beneath.

“I... I just want to inform you that the maidens from the mortal world have arrived at the palace. They're so many, big brother. You should have seen them. I thought--.”

“I'm meditating, Sean.” The handsome man cut in. “I don't like any disturbance whenever I’m meditating.”

“Oh.” Sean’s tone became sad. “Okay, big brother.” He then turned around and walked away quietly. 

Vagamound let out a sigh when he heard the receding footsteps. Suddenly, he felt a painful shock in his heart, as if it was being squeed by something.

“Ugh.” A groan escaped from his mouth as he clutched tightly onto his chest. “Putui.” A mouthful amount of blood spurt out of his mouth. Almost instantly, a portion of his dark hair turned a sliver white. 

He was dying. Vagamound knew that. That’s why he’d locked himself in for so many years. If outsiders were to discover about his illness, he knew that would be the beginning of chaos in the immortal world. Hence, he could only use seclusion as an act to cover up his injury. But such an act wouldn’t last for long before the people discover about his illness. 

Now with the divine decree being brought forth to him, he knew that his days were coming closer. A white orbit core appeared on his palm. It was the last of the seven-orbit protecting the immortal world. He stared at it, a painful memory flashing across his mind. 

Kira. A name he would never forget even if he were tortured in the seven depths of hell. The six missing orbits were all stolen by her. Kira had approached him, proclaiming her deep love for him. Since she was both beautiful and charming, he seems to have let go of all resistance, falling deeply for her. 

Who would have thought that his chase for love would almost bring destruction to the seven realms? What a shameful event. If he could go back to the past, he swore that he wouldn't make the mistake he had made. Instead, he would make sure to kill her, vanquishing her soul to make sure she would never enter the cycle of reincarnation. Never!

 His chest tightened again and he coughed out more red blood. With the last orbit still in his possession, he was certain that she would come back for it, ready to destroy both him and the whole seven realms, altogether!