Suspicious Fortune Teller (3)
My hair turned as white as snow.
"In the future, you'll have at least six wives."
My lips froze at the fortune teller's words. I'd lost the ability to speak.
"What do you mean by that?"
My mind began to grow complicated. The words that burst from my mouth in bewilderment trembled awkwardly without my realizing it.
Originally, he was fated to meet a tragic end without bonding with anyone—a destiny I knew all too well from Arnold's future in the game. Yet six wives? Not just one, but six lovers? It was so absurd it felt unreal.
The fortune teller eyed my expression, then lifted the corner of her mouth.
"Just as I said. But you'll need to make the right choices."
Her voice was slow and low. She chuckled softly and continued at a leisurely pace.
"To put it metaphorically, you are a massive star."
A star...? I furrowed my brow briefly at the words. I had no idea what she was getting at.
But the fortune teller ignored my reaction and pressed on in her own peculiar tone.
"You're emitting such brilliant, alien light that countless celestial bodies are drawn to your allure. But at the same time, it's an unstable state."
"Those captivated by your star could very well lead each other to ruin."
Her words were abstract, but I could vaguely grasp their meaning. 'Lead each other to ruin'—did that mean they might fight among themselves and all meet tragic ends? That these six could kill each other over me?
"You look lost in thought."
"But don't worry too much. You'll have plenty of chances."
The fortune teller wiggled her fingers in the air and gave a slight smirk. Her voice carried its usual eerie undertone, yet it felt oddly soothing, as if meant to comfort me.
"If you make the best choices, they'll all come to accept and acknowledge one another, desiring only you."
A smile spread across the old woman's face. It wasn't ominous—more like brimming with intrigue.
"Anything else you're curious about?"
As she posed the question, the crystal ball's faint glow slowly faded. As if she'd said all she had to say, she rested her chin on her hands and gazed at me like I was some entertaining spectacle.
I felt like I should ask more, but talking further seemed pointless. I'd gotten answers to my original questions anyway, and dragging it out would just muddle my thoughts.
"No, that's enough. I'll be going now."
I stood, giving a brief bow. I placed a single gold coin on the table.
"Thank you. Come back if you get the chance. Peering into your fate is quite fascinating."
The fortune teller tapped the table with her fingertips, drawing the coin toward her. It scraped across the surface as she tucked it into her sleeve, chuckling lowly.
"...I'll think about it."
"Farewell, Mr. Massive Star."
I lifted the tent flap to leave. Her parting words felt oddly profound. Honestly, it made me question if I'd ever return here.
That knowing attitude, as if she grasped something I didn't. There was no malice, but it didn't leave a good feeling either.
"......"
A cold wind brushed my cheek as I stepped outside. Unlike the heavy air inside, fresh energy seeped deep into my chest.
But my mind was still a tangle.
A star...
I couldn't tell where truth ended and fiction began. But one thing was clear: her words were enough to crack the foundations of everything I thought I knew.
Six wives—maybe even more, she'd implied. Her talk of 'the best choices' lingered uncomfortably.
"'There's someone I like... Even with our difference in status, can we truly be together?'"
Next up was Eily. She was visibly more tense than usual—shoulders stiff, slightly hunched, hands rigidly straight on her knees. Her eyes held a subtle unease, lips pressed tight unconsciously.
"Hmm, let's see..."
The fortune teller slowly scanned Eily's face, then began fiddling with the air around the crystal ball. A dreamy pale purple glow emanated from her fingertips, creating an eerie atmosphere.
"Oh ho..."
She pondered for a moment, then spoke in a low but clear voice.
"Right now, you have a secret even you don't know about. That secret will be the key."
Eily's eyes sparkled at the words. Faint hope softened her expression, easing her tense shoulders a bit.
"Really?! But... a secret about myself that even I don't know...?"
Eily's voice mixed doubt with budding faith. The fortune teller smiled gently and nodded.
"Everything has its time. When that moment comes, you'll seize the opportunity naturally—no need for excessive worry."
Eily mulled it over, swallowing dryly. A sliver of expectation bloomed from the prophecy's subtle hope, and a certain man's face flushed her cheeks as it surfaced in her mind.
......
"There's a man I've fallen for. At first, I despised him, but after learning the truth, I started to like him."
"But... I'm afraid my past hatred will ruin our relationship."
Next was Elisha. She looked anxious, as if facing some exam—hands clasped tightly at her chest in desperate prayer, amplifying her nervousness. Even the air felt heavier.
The fortune teller silently regarded her, then caressed the crystal ball again, peering inside. Pale purple mist swirled within, forming mystical, dreamlike shapes.
"No need for concern, it seems."
The quiet words flowed out. Life returned to Elisha's face. Overwhelmed with emotion, she covered her mouth, struggling to steady her breath.
"Is that true?"
She stared wide-eyed, incredulous. The fortune teller nodded calmly and continued.
"That man doesn't resent you much. At least, your past won't hold you back."
"But... don't let your guard down. Don't take your mistakes lightly. Otherwise, that bond will become a bridge that can never be crossed."
Elisha nodded slowly, etching the words deep into her heart. Complex emotions swirled in her eyes, mingled with firm resolve.
......
The last visitor was the elf with pointed ears and noble beauty, Melina. She pressed a hand lightly to her chest, drawing a deep breath.
"I'd like to know about my romantic prospects. There's someone I believe is my fated savior—can we be together?"
Her voice was calm, but the earnest longing was unmistakable.
The fortune teller silently stroked the crystal ball with her fingertips. But unlike before, a subtle tension flickered across her face.
Melina's heart began to pound. Dread surged that a single word could shatter all hope.
"Not good..."
The fortune teller muttered lowly like to herself, shaking her head, then fixed Melina with a serious gaze.
"As things stand, the chances are low."
The words struck Melina like a needle to the heart. But the fortune teller paused, observing her reaction.
"That said, it's not impossible."
"If you want to claim him, what you need is proactivity and sincerity. A lighthearted attitude won't convey your true feelings."
Regret flickered across Melina's face. Reflecting on the past, she'd always approached the competition with a smile and casual demeanor—joining in because others did, rather than taking the lead.
"...I understand. Good thing I came today."
Even without specifics about herself, the old woman's sharp insight into her flaws convinced Melina to trust her.
"I think I get what you mean."
"I'll be rooting for you. I respect every woman who pursues love."
Melina offered a faint smile at the words. She gripped her hands tightly on her lap, a new determination taking root in her heart.
......
"Ex, excuse me."
The final visitor was Varis. He already looked tense before even entering the tent.
"Hm?"
But the fortune teller widened her eyes at the sight of him, scanning his face with puzzled curiosity.
"Wh-what's wrong...?"
Varis responded in a shrinking voice, and the fortune teller delivered her verdict.
"You've had your fate stolen by someone else."