Chapter 86
“Abraxas.”
“Hmm?”
Those words slipped from Cesar’s lips.
“Its name is Abraxas.”
“Abraxas?”
It was a serious name, ill-suited for this adorable chick. Surely a sweeter, more fitting name existed.
Cesar then added, “…A god’s name.”
“A god?”
I asked again, wondering if I’d misheard. The chick, no, Abraxas, hopped up and chirped.
“Peep!”
At that moment, an indescribable light flickered across Cesar’s eyes. As if mesmerized, I could only nod.
And so, our chick received the grand name of Abraxas.
“Abraxas… is too long. Let’s call him Av.”
“Okay.”
“Peep!”
They both nodded simultaneously. It made me smile, seeing Av bob his head as if understanding, even if Cesar’s nod was expected.
***
White clouds drifted across the clear blue sky. Spring had fully blossomed, and the air was filled with its fresh fragrance.
With the official social season underway, the Imperial Palace bustled with people. Today was the debutante ball, an event where young ladies, newly introduced to society, were presented to the Empress.
New faces were everywhere. As it was a period when outsiders were permitted within the palace walls, security was tighter than usual.
The Emerald Palace was no exception. However, the watchful eyes on us had lessened somewhat since the recent conflict between Cesar and the White Rose Cross Knights.
Whether this was fortunate or not, I couldn’t decide. They, too, were likely busy dealing with the increased activity within the palace. It was probably better to avoid any further confrontations.
Besides, we had the fruit of our love, the chick, Abraxas. Apart from Delphina, no one knew of his existence.
The weather was beautiful today, so Cesar, Av, and I went out to the desolate garden of the Emerald Palace for some sun.
Sunbathing wasn’t anything special. We simply spread a thick blanket on the ground and dug at the earth with twigs. This would bring earthworms wriggling to the surface.
“Peep!”
Pecking at them was part of Av’s morning routine. I suspected these worms, Av’s special treat, were the reason he was growing so quickly.
“Av seems really smart.”
“Smart?” Cesar asked, pausing his digging.
Yes, I had to explain just how clever this cute chick was.
Delphina’s biggest worry had been Av’s droppings scattering everywhere. But our remarkable, brilliant chick was, astonishingly, potty-trained. Even Delphina was amazed by this.
Sometimes, he seemed to understand human speech. Even now, at my praise, he puffed up his chest feathers, preening proudly.
“Here’s another one.”
As I dug, the clever chick darted over and snatched the worm. Worms were, admittedly, a little creepy, but after living on the streets, bugs were nothing to me.
“Peep!”
This little one never seemed to want to leave our sides. Delphina said chicks imprint on the first beings they see upon hatching, recognizing them as parents. Perhaps that was why Av always tried to follow us everywhere.
With a full belly, Av circled his spot, then playfully pecked at my hand. I gently stroked the tiny chick with my finger.
“Are you full?”
“Peep! Peep!”
“Even so, you have to hide well if anyone comes. We can’t let them see you.”
“Peep.”
No matter how smart Av was, raising a chick in the Imperial Palace was naturally worrisome. He was a small chick now, but soon he’d be a large chicken. What would we do then?
“What if someone from the kitchens thinks he’s one of their chickens and lets him loose outside?”
I’d tied a blue thread around his leg as a marker, just in case, but if the thread came loose, would I even be able to tell him apart from the other chickens?
As I scattered feed for Av, these worries overwhelmed me, and a wave of melancholy washed over me.
“Peep.”
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