[II] The Past

Walter was only five when he learned pretty much everything there is to understand about this world.

Just at the age of three, he was already able to understand their language and write their letters - and of course, he was one smart kid, gaining the knowledge of his previous life. And, being considered a prodigy, he was exposed to early training of becoming a knight.

The training was considerably easy and considerate of his age, but he was eager to learn and he swings his dummy sword non-stop until he became a truly talented fighter - hence, he was able to easily disperse of the pursuers of the small girl in front of him. Of course, he was only able to deal with multiple enemies with the help of his many tutors and servants, but nevertheless, it was an easy fight and he participated in most of it.

The girl is injured and is wearing a very ragged cloth that is full of dirt and holes. A slave. He can't really see her face, but he can clearly see the large collar that is keeping her neck tight. It looked rather painful as it leaves marks that burns her skin and prevents her from breathing heavy breaths.

Whoever the person who put that collar on her was evil and doesn't care for her a little.

Walter steps forward and sees that the girl reacted, moving away as she senses his presence. Knowing that he won't easily be able to calm her down, he took a moment to observe her.

A petite body full of tattoos, a short gray hair that covers half of her face, and a scared personality that won't let him get close to her easily.

[ It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you. ] reaching a hand, he tried his best not to make her feel threatened. He waited for her to react and after a while, she lifted her head and her hair makes an opening to show her face.

( She is...! ) he was more than surprised to see her face.

Immediately, he understood that she's of a different race. A monster. A cyclops. But instead of feeling afraid, he felt excitement as he looks at and observes her more.

There is nothing about her that he sees as a monster. In fact, Walter finds her cute. Her teary, wetted mono-eye is straight out of an Eroge which of course, he has a fetish of. He was immediately reminded that this is a different world where his dream monster girls exist.

Maybe because he was a kid that he felt so contented that he wanted to jump into the air and shout on top of his lungs, but knowing that his servants are still there, he decided not to. Instead, he kneels onto the ground to catch her eye, and with a gulp, he touches her soft cheek, which in response, she looks at him with her tearful mono-eye directly.

( So cute! ) he wanted to shout but can't. His servants might think he's weird and the girl herself might get scared off by it.

But... He was still able to utter the words he truly wanted to say.

[ You'll come with me. ]

There are no questions anymore. It was already decided that she will become his own.

~~~

And after he freed her and removed her collar, they spent every single day together. Walter did his best to teach her stuff, especially that she doesn't understand their language. He slowly but surely taught her everything she needed to know.

And when the time came that she can already understand his words for a little, he learns that she still doesn't have a name. And as at this time, she already recognizes him as her master and owner, she gave him the privilege to give her the name he wants, and of course, he had already planned for it.

Alice. That was the name he had given her. One of the mono-eyed characters in the Eroges he played before.

After that, they officially became masters and servants.

It was only a matter of time since their relationship escalated. With its peak: when Alice offers herself into him without doubt nor hesitation.

Then, the rest was history made and to be made.

***

Back to the present, the party is nearing its end.

[ You...! Do you know what you did!? ]

[ Well... It just happened... ]

Walter was really careful of his words, not accidentally blurting out what the two of them were doing. But still, the fact that he has affection for a servant, and not just an ordinary servant, but a cyclops - will affect him in different ways.

And first at that would be...

[ You're at the age where you will finally be able to get married and you did this? Many of your marriage invitations will be declined! ]

[ It's fine; I promise I'll do something about it... ] ever-so-casually, Walter brushed his father off.

[ You...! ] his father tried his best to contain his anger and resist beating him right there, but the party is still going so he can't really do it.

[ Haah... ] and so with a sigh, he calmed himself down, promising to himself that he will beat up his own son after the party is over. But as he seemed to have realized something, he tried to regain his composure - standing his back straight and stares a serious gaze at Walter.

[ Anyway... Walter, from here on out... You'll be living on your own. ]

What he said would surely be surprising, but knowing that it will come sooner or later, Walter did not show any kind of reaction anymore.

[ You're already an adult and you now need to grow on your own. ] at the serious expression of his father, he stared quietly. And as one of the servants passes them, his father was able to steal two glasses of wine as if he just performed a magic trick. And as if he was the audience, he gave him one for them to share a drink.

But Walter did not drink as his mind started to wander off.

( So it's finally that time, huh...? )

The tradition of their family: to make their sons live their own when they finally reach a certain age, whether if they're successful or not, they will throw them out of their house - but of course, their last name will remain.

His older brothers experienced the same and they now have families of their own, and he, the youngest will soon follow them.

[ I've already prepared your stuff, and we also have brought you your own mansion. ]

( Oh...? I was sure I will get nothing... )

[ And... this will be your final day in this main house. It's your decision whether what you will become... Even if you wanted to become a bride, I won't complain. ] his father sneaks a sneer on his face as he showed his real personality: a guy with a huge sense of humor.

[ Just remember that you're a knight. And if you ever succeed, you'll become a much important figure in our house. Just remember what your potential is. ]