Nocturne in a Fiery Night

I felt the cold wind passing by again.

I woke up with low energy. It's like my body wants to continue to stay down.

"It hurts."

I still feel the pain from last night. I have bruises everywhere; hands are reddish, my back feels so sore, my garbage-looking clothes stained with blood. As of right now, I look so terrible. I ran and escaped which is great but I couldn't do it with a less dangerous way. I see my side, my claymore is there, unfazed. Talk about what's supposed to be protected. Back then, I could have used it and stab the wall to prevent myself from falling too hard but I realize now that I would fail since it's too heavy even in that state.

I looked at my surroundings, it is still sunrise. The guards of the gate were not there, maybe they took a rest.

I think I'm back to square one again.

No shelter, no food, no water.

"So hungry right now…"

Wait my money! I totally forgot!

I immediately checked, it was still there hanging on my neck.

Feeling relieved, I tried to get up.

I struggled to stand, I grabbed the claymore and used it as support.

I am going back, but not to the inn.

I need food.

I won't probably get help in the public, but I saw something that might help.

With that in mind, I started to walk.

I hope I won't run to those men again.

Struggling to walk properly due to the pain, I held onto the wall to retain my pace. I reached the gate, and went back inside. Losing the wall I was holding on, my pace became slower and barely maintaining a good posture with my legs shaking so much.

I am surprised I can still keep up without food, even when I'm trying to drag such a heavy thing.

As I was walking, I see people already opening their windows and curtains, and people feeling energized in the morning like it's going to be a good day. However, I see at the alleys beside the garbage are those who look like me, resting as their heads are lowered.

Can't escape from reality…

I'm so close to the destination which is in front of sir Gio's place, at the other side of the road. I remembered that the sign put up is a spoon and fork crossed, it wasn't even a wooden board, but instead it was metal. It might be possible that was a restaurant.

I keep walking poorly until I reached the door.

I will leave my claymore outside, maybe it will less make people stare at me.

I left it and thus went inside.

It is a restaurant indeed. Some people already are at their tables eating their breakfasts.

"Hmm…" I smell something delicious.

I walked past the tables and went to the join the line of people who are to yet to order.

Currently at the last, I waited. After people went to their tables after ordering, it finally came to my turn. No one was behind me so I can at least take my time.

I look at the one in charge of receiving orders, she's a middle-aged lady.

"Madam, can I order freshly cooked bread?" I said not knowing the menu is.

"Kyah!!Mario!!" She shouted.

"Milady!" a guy comes rushing to her side, good thing I understood what he said.

"Th⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺!"

I don't understand what she said but clearly I can tell she's startled again because of myself.

She then points her hand at my clothes. Ah, the blood it is.

The guy looking frustrated, came to me.

"De⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺!" he said.

"Sorry, I'll be going instead."

I'm out, trouble is here again.

Immediately, the guy grabbed my shoulder as I just turned around. I faced him back, but he punched me so hard in the face.

I stumbled on one of the tables that I almost fell. It caused a ruckus that the people inside are looking at us.

My body is already pain so much, I'm trying so hard to compose myself.

I'm also trying so hard to tolerate, although in my mind I'm already snapping out. However I'm powerless to even defend myself. I left my weapon outside thinking that it would startle people but I need it right now just to intimidate at least. I turned around, I struggled to walk to the door, and I opened it.

I didn't notice that the guy was following me. Suddenly I felt immense pain in my back as I was sent outside the door. I fell on the ground.

I was kicked at the back by that guy.

It hurts so much!

"I just…want to get food…" I whispered to myself as I was going through the pain.

Then the guy, not satisfied, came close to me.

"We⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺!"

He kicked me in the face.

I became unconscious.

▬▬▬▬▬

The sun's up, its light went through the window of the second floor.

I look at my side, my wife is still sleeping soundly. It would be better if I don't wake her up, after all, she worked hard as well.

I woke up, went into the first floor, and did my usual exercise.

Twenty push-ups, twenty sit-ups…

After my usual exercise, I went to the kitchen to cook breakfast. I wanted to cook for her too cut some slack for her, she deserves it.

I prepared the fire, cooked the bread and potatoes, and prepared tea. After which I prepared the wooden table with the mugs and plates.

The prep was faster than I expected, and she's still asleep… maybe I'll go clean the display part of the shop, where all the finished weapons, armor, and other items are placed.

I went to organize the swords, wiped the armor, and cleaned the rest of the room. Being done, I opened the window to have some fresh air and sunlight come in. I opened the door and went outside to ge some fresh air myself. I stretched my arms upward, then sidewards.

What?!!

As I look forward, I saw Carlestine, with her claymore, on the ground. Her clothes is tained with blood and there are bruises almost everywhere in her body. She's in front of Mario and Lisa's restaurant.

Then immediately, Mario came out approached her.

"We don't want you near this place, you piece of garbage." he said

I didn't have enough time to react immediately, he kicked her face, then went inside.

I ran immediately after and checked her.

"Hey Carlestine, keep it together!"

"Hey!!"

She's not responding.

I checked her pulse, fortunately there's still some beat. Maybe she's just unconscious. It's not safe here, I shall carry her inside.

I carried Carlestine inside.

I saw my wife just coming down from the stairs.

"Mina! Quick help her!"

"Oh up here Gio!"

She must have understood the situation immediately, I'm grateful for that.

I brought her upstairs, then placed her in the bed.

I took a sit beside and let my wife take care of the rest.

"I'm going to retrieve something, I'll be quick." I said

"Okay."

Hurriedly, I went back outside and get her weapon, then went back immediately after.

"She's unconscious, I don't know what happened but I saw her just outside."

"Oh this girl, huh. Okay I'll do what I can."

Fortunately, Mina knows something about magic.

"Recover." She casted

It was a healing spell. It speeds up the time of recovering wounds and other damage taken in the body.

After a short time, the bruises around her we're gone.

I realized back then, people we're watching me, but didn't even care to help the girl.

And that Mario, he's the piece of garbage! Not even thinking about helping her. Given the norms in this place, of course she would end up badly. However, I'm not part of that mindset. I must help her when needed.

While thinking, I just realized that I just dragged my wife into this mess, despite her not getting along with demi-humans.

"Sorry for dragging into this troublesome situation Mina."

"It's okay"

She smiled and looked at me.

"I know we've talked about this many times but, I just realized last night that I was becoming foolish. Even now that this happened, all the more reason to change my views in demi-humans."

Ohh finally has she finally realized what I've been telling her many times, if it is then it's great.

"Thanks for understanding me."

"Now I've got to clean and change her. Go downstairs for the meantime."

"Okay, I've prepared breakfast already. Let's eat after you're done."

"Yes."

Thus I went downstairs.

I went to the table and get myself tea. After a few sips while waiting, she came down. We ate together, then talked about her.

"I'm done dressing her, I lent her some clothes of mine and it fits her."

"Again sorry Mina."

"I'm telling you Gio, it is okay. Maybe this is better for me that I am changing."

She sips her tea then continued.

"I've been rude to her before but I'll apologize."

"I hope she will forgive you, after all you're not that bad of a person."

As we were having our breakfast, we heard someone knocking at the front door. I was about to tell whoever it is that we were not open yet but immediately after knocking, the person knocking opened the door.

"I'm coming in."

Oh Macey Grazzle Beminglon came in with another man following him.

"We're not open yet Macey." I said.

"Well I've come just to see how you are."

"What do you want?!You know already we don't get along."

I stood up and went closer to them.

"Well I just want to check my latest order of forging swords for me hahaha."

He is poking me.

"I refused that order long ago!"

I was angry.

We're not in good terms as always. Macey keeps throwing me absurd orders like one order of his was going to make him 80 swords within 3 weeks. He said he was going to give it to his underlings. Of course I refused, there was no way I could handle that. After that more absurd requests kept coming until I got pissed off, until now, he gets into my nerves.

"I'll be back imbecile, I'm going to pay of course. Keep that in mind." He said in a serious tone.

Then went out with his companion. I closed the door.

"Pay my ass bastard."

He doesn't pay me well, last time I got my money from him was lesser than intended.

"He keeps coming Gio."

"Yes he is Mina, I hope he won't come back anymore."

I sighed, then went to the kitchen to help clean the table.

"Gio!"

"What is it?"

I looked at her, she was looking above.

"I heard something coming upstairs."

"She must be awake then. You go ahead, I'll finish what I'm doing then I'll catch up."

She went upstairs.

I must finish then what I'm doing.

Washed the dishes, cleaned the table, and followed after.

In my sights, I saw Carlestine, awake, sitting with Mina wiping her face. Her clothes was changed from the bloody slave clothing to my wife's clothes that she outgrew. It was a simplistic white of knee length tunic one could see around the common folk.

"Well are you okay now Carlestine?"

She flinched.

"Ah! Um, I'm fine sir Gio."

Again I already informed you not to address with that honorific. Fine, I'll let it slide.

I sat on the side, Mina then told me.

"I've already apologized to her, she forgave me."

So that solves her change in her mindset.

"Thanks for saving me and helping me. I shall repay your kindness, again thank you so much." Carlestine bowed.

It was so sincere that it made the room fell silent. Looking at Mina, she became stiff.

"It's okay, we did it out of our own volition. There's no need to trouble yourself." I replied.

"But­⸺"

"How about we stop right there. Besides, what happened to you that led into your shape?"

I interrupted her.

"Well…" She hesitates.

"It's okay, you can tell us." I replied.

"Okay."

Then she us told us her story. She explained how she got so much into trouble, being a slave I've heard from people, would get in trouble no matter what. I expected her to be the same, however, I retracted my expectations when she said she is free from slave traders. One thing I noticed when she was explaining that she never told anything about herself nor her where she is from. I asked her for that, she flinched but she told us.

After she answered my question, I was so surprised that I stood out of shock. I saw my wife as well shocked. She said that she is from this "England" before coming into the capital. I don't know what that place is but then she clarified that we can understand it as a place from another world.

I've heard about the royalties trying to summon people from another world to become the Paladin to fend off invasions and repel the demons, however I've not heard about someone arriving here from another through waking up.

After the story, Mina asked Carlestine.

"Carlestine, are you really from another world?"

"I suppose you could put it that way ma'am."

"What are you going to do now?"

"I don't know. Can I go back to my place?"

"We can't help you with that, I'm sorry."

She haven't decided yet, huh.

"I'm going to make tea so we can refresh ourselves a bit. Gio, I'll leave her to you for the meantime."

Mina then waved to Carlestine, she waved back, then went downstairs. I cleaned up the used things, Carlestine then asked me.

"Is it possible to go back?"

"I don't know to be honest."

"Um, then can you teach me more about everything I need to know? Like the language."

"I don't mind helping you but it could take the whole day."

"It's okay, I planned beforehand to learn from you first. I'll give you what money I have left."

She pointed at her pouch on the chair on the side.

"It's fin⸺"

She cut me halfway.

"No take it, I want to repay your kindness Sir Gio."

It would be discourteous to argue further.

"I shall accept your gratitude then. I'll be going down. Take a breather and when you feel like it, come down and we'll talk."

"Okay."

I went down. I closed shop today so that no one will come. It would be better without people trying to ruin her time. I've done so much just for one girl…the lengths I would go…Maybe I'm a good person after all. While thinking about it, I've sat on the chair of the table, waiting for Carlestine to come down. Mina is preparing tea in the kitchen.

After a brief moment, Carlestine came down and sat on the table. Mina brought the tea for everyone.

"What do you want to know specifically Carlestine?" I said.

I tried to sound more positive, since the mood earlier was more serious.

"Well first I want to learn how to speak Pristanian, I still have trouble conversing with the public. I'll ask as we go along."

"Okay."

▬▬▬▬▬

Evening befell. We spent the whole morning and afternoon on me learning. In the morning, Sir Gio thought me Pristanian, and learning it for hours. We took a break and ate lunch. In the afternoon, he talked about lots of things such as money, and the places. I have learned so much in such a short amount of time.

Communication shall be a lot easier with me finally getting comfortable with Pristanian. I was able to converse with his wife in Pristanian quite properly.

Where I am at the moment is called Prista which is the capital of the Kingdom of Palestine. There are several other cities under the kingdom, which are named Prisley, Pamone, Polonaise, and Prislan. Sir Gio explained that with recent wars with other kingdoms, Palestine was able to conquer two cities which is Pamone and Polonaise. The kingdom is located near the Alfalfa Mountains, and to the east is the Alaster Empire which are currently on war with Palestine. To the south is the Great Barrier Sea. It is said it was named after being a border after another land further to the south. Sir Gio explained no further since he doesn't know much more about the other places.

When he asked about if I know magic and skills, I don't even know what I means by those so I took the luxury and asked him to tell me, he then explained. Magic are powers in this world that can everyone can wield. It comes in two ways to use magic, which is magic spells and skills. That's all he can say about magic, Mina was out at that time so she did not tell magic since she seems knowledgeable. I remembered then that some guy back then did the thing where he cured my wounds so I asked him, he confirmed that it was magic.

Sir Gio explained everything else like money matters, various establishments, and landmarks. During the late afternoon, Mina returned home. She then prepared for dinner.

"It's already evening Carlestine haha." Gio said.

"Yes."

"I'm going to check some things."

"Okay."

I should ask for the things about magic to ma'am Mina, I haven't had enough during the talks.

When I was about to approach her, we heard a loud noise. It was someone banging the door so hard.

"Oh Gio! Can I come in?" a voice came from the door.

This voice…I recognize this.

Gio then immediately went to get his sword displayed on the wall and rushed to my side. I don't know where my claymore is, I'm currently defenseless.

Thud!

They have destroyed the door…

"Macey!!You bastard, what do you want?!" Gio shouted.

It was Macey, that's why the voice seemed familiar. He has a sword in his hand.

"You failed my request yet again and I'm here to pay the price." Macey said.

In his back, two suspicious people wearing robes, covering their heads, followed. They were also equipped with swords.

Macey then eyed on me.

"Why is this animal with you?"

A chill ran up my spine.

"Leave her out of this! She has nothing to do with our situation."

"Oh I see…then have you prepared my request?"

"I told you I just refused a long time ago!"

Macey and the other two came closer us.

What is going on?

"Carlestine run, you can't meddle with us. You can use the blacksmith way to get out of here!" Gio instructed me.

"How about you and madam?" I replied being worried.

"Don't worry about us, go and don't forget to take the book on the table!"

"…Okay…Hope you come out safe."

I reluctantly agreed. I grabbed the book and went away through the blacksmith.

▬▬▬▬▬

She left through another route.

"Go get her James." I instructed one of my subordinates.

"Yes sir." Said James.

However as he stepped, as chair went flying and hit him, knocking him out on the entrance. It was Gio who threw the chair.

"Don't you dare touch her! Mina get out of here as well!" he shouted.

Agreeing to him, she goes as well.

"Now now, I can't let you do that again haha. William go get her."

"Yes sir." William replied.

He disappeared in an instant. It's just me and Gio left.

"Macey! Where the hell did he go?!"

"Who knows?"

The next thing happened, William reappeared on my side, holding Mina down.

"Huh?! Damn you Mac⸺"

"Silence your damn mouth. We are just starting my dear Gio… How about this? I will let my subordinate take Mina to your 2nd floor and hold her there, if you want to get her, you go through me first." I took a stance "Now, let's dance."

William walked with Mina to the 2nd floor, Gio didn't intervene.

"You'll pay for this Macey. Very well, let's dance!" He took a stance as well.

I charged at him immediately.

I took a knife out of my pocket and threw it at him. He dodged to the side but I immediately swing my sword to him, unfortunately he noticed it immediately and parried with his sword. He dragged my sword to the side and used my momentum to slide his sword through my sword to stab my head. Noticing it, I dodged immediately but I backed off a bit because the next thing I know is the fire is imbued with fire. The moment I moved my head, the sword was engulfed in flames.

"Let's do this." Gio bellowed being pumped up.

He extinguished the fire. Now he charged at me.

I held a hand, "Ice Wall" I said.

A wall of ice appeared in front me. He then imbued his sword with fire to slice through the wall. He sliced the wall but I immediately surprised him with my sword also imbued with fire. I raise my word above my head and I strike down to his head. He blocked it then tried to kick me.

"Blink." I said.

I teleported to his back and then stab his back to where his heart is. I undid the fire imbued immediately and removed the sword.

He falls on the ground, blood is spreading slowly.

"The dance was performed." I said to myself.

After that battle, I went upstairs to check on the two. I saw William beating Mina up so that she can't struggle so hard anymore. She was tied on her feet and hands.

"I'll take it from here, go wake James."

"Yes sir."

William let go of Mina, and went down. It was me and her left. She continued to struggle to free herself. I went closer to her. I brought up a knife and cut the ropes that cover her mouth that is preventing her from speaking.

She was breathing heavily.

"Where is that animal going?" I asked directly.

"You're wasting…your…time" She replied catching her breath.

"Where?!!" I screamed.

I cut the ropes from her leg and arms.

"haa…I don't know either where she went so it's useless to⸺"

Midway into her sentence I sliced her right arm and immediately her left leg afterwards

"AHHHHH!!"

She fell over to the ground, struggling to stand.

"For the last time, where the hell is she?!" I shouted while readying for another swing.

"Haaa…haa…even I don't… know where… she is…"

She was suffering trying to soothe out the pain. With her remaining leg and arm, she was pushing herself to lean against the wall, trying to regain posture.

"I'm done with you."

After that, I immediately stabbed Mina's heart making her quick death inevitable. Blood was pouring out of her mouth. I pulled out the sword and it began leaking as well.

I haven't got any information about the whereabouts of that girl. It would be bad if she spread word that may ruin my reputation.

"Carlestine was it?"

"Flame shot"

An arrow of fire came out of the palm of my hand. I targeted the wood planks in order to spread the fire more quickly. It immediately slightly spread after impact.

I went below and left. In the first floor, I saw William and James waiting for me. It seems that William woke James up.

"We're off, let's burn this place down. Lit up anywhere you like, I've started already upstairs"

""Yes!"" They answered in unison.

They went to their own designations, one to the kitchen, and one to the living room.

"""Flame shot""" We all recited.

Arrows of fire shot at different directions started to spread fire which made the room hotter.

We immediately went outside, cloaked ourselves for disguise, and finally left the house burning to the ground.

▬▬▬▬▬

I was running, running away from sir Gio's place.

I ran and ran, my destination was the gate where I came from.

How long have I been running…Hmmm?

I immediately stopped. I smelled smoke.

"No it couldn't be⸺"

Immediately, I looked back. I saw large area of smoke rising coming from where I have been. With no hesitation, I ran back. When I arrived at the incident I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

Sir Gio's place is burning.

"No no no no no no!"

I should check inside, maybe they're still there!

Thus I ran inside. At the door I already see wood planks on fire dropping from the 2nd floor⸺

"AHHHHHH!!!' I screamed painfully.

I saw Gio's body on the floor, already dead with blood flowing.

Ooh no! Where's madam?!!

I looked at the scene, she's not in sight.

Strong emotions of anxiety and fear engulfs through me. He is not moving and I couldn't see Ma'am Mina. Did she escape? Or is she still around here? Screw that! I'll just find her. If she's not here then she must escaped, if she's still here then I'll get her out of here.

Before I searched, I was dragging Sir Gio's body outside to not get burnt.

"Heavyyy"

I dragged him until it was enough to be safe.

"Help!!HELPPPPP!!HELPPP!!" I shouted three times. I tried it in both English and in Pristanian so that whoever can understand either of the two can come immediately to help.

I couldn't wait for the people so I fixed Sir Gio's position, blood covered my hands, and went inside. I tried walking to the kitchen, she wasn't there; went to the blacksmith, nowhere to be seen as well. I had only one choice left which is upstairs.

As I went carefully to avoid obstacles, I saw around me being on fire. I was sweating so hard because of the heat. I tried to wipe off the sweat in my head through my hand but I forgot that my hands were bloody. Blood covered my forehead and my cheeks that it was now pretty hard to distinguish my facial appearance.

One more place…I'm at the stairs now…

...

…!!!

"EEEEEEEEKKKK!!" I shouted.

I was shocked so hard that I almost tripped and fell down the stairs.

After the last step of the stairs, I saw already on the wall Ma'am Mina's dead body, her leg and arm are on the floor, and cut ropes scattered. Blood was leaking out from her heart.

"MADAM!" I shouted.

She was very close to catching a fire. I rushed to get her away from the fire. I laid her first on a safe part of the floor. Then I thought about her other body parts.

What about her leg and arm? I don't have time to carry so much. I must get them nonetheless because it can still be useful.

I looked around to think of something. Then I saw the window.

The window! I will throw her other parts!

Thus I opened the window, grabbed the parts and threw them outside. I didn't have the luxury to see if people are coming to help because I was too occupied trying to get her out as soon as possible.

It was time for herself, I started to drag her as well. We reached the stairs, I went even slower and more careful not to mess up. However, as I was trying to drag her down the stairs, I didn't notice that the ceiling was already burning that a small plank of wood fell hard onto my shoulders.

"Ah!" I was startled that I fell down the stairs.

THUD!

"Arghhh!" pain went into my back.

I looked up.

Good thing madam didn't fall.

Trying to compose myself, I got back up and went to continue getting her to safety.

I passed the stairs, I started to breath heavier than before. It was continuously getting hotter. The fire spread a lot further.

I almost at the door…AHHH!

I fell down the hot floor, front first.

"What was that?! ⸺AH my back hurts!" I spoke aloud.

It was a long plank that was on fire fell and hit my back.

Arghhh!

I flipped myself and get the burning plank immediately out of me. It was on fire that my hands were hurt in the process. I've accumulated burns and my back hurts from the impact which made me struggle to move properly. I struggled to get up. When I got up my legs were shaking a bit because of the burns I got from the fire close to them. I tried to look for something useful when I saw a sword lying on the floor. I went and grabbed it, then used it like a cane to support myself. On one hand is the sword and the other hand dragging Mina, I continued to get ourselves out of there.

My hand is holding the neck of her clothes, I could've held onto other areas but I went straight away for it…

It's so hot… I'm almost there at the door…

After a few more steps, I was at the door.

Finally fresh air.

"Finally…" I murmured to myself trying to catch my breath.

I got out of the building engulfed in flames, looking downwards to not mess up again. Upon reaching the outside, I noticed noises of shouting and chatting. I look up to see, it was a crowd of people.

Finally!

"Helppp…Please…help" I said.

Quickly after, I went to put Madam Mina beside Sir Gio. Unfortunately, I failed to notice that the crowd was quiet after I requested for help. I ran to one of the people to try to ask once again. Luckily I can get by with a little Pristanian.

"Please help them! Your magic! I beg you! PLEASE!!!" I begged trying to shake that person.

But then the guy immediately shoved me away so much that I almost tripped.

"You bloody monster get off me!" He shouted.

"Don't come near us you disgusting animal!" Another continued.

"You must be the one who set this all up bastard!"

I was just in the floor, flabbergasted.

"I've seen you before going in Gio's smith many times already! You must be the one behind the shenanigans! Lads! Let's beat her up so we can make her speak. She's been quiet for a while now!"

"""Yeah!!"""

"Agreed"

What?!

I've tried to stand up immediately, but then I was stopped midway when someone rushed and punched me in the guts. I've fallen again to the ground.

Kicks then barraged my whole body.

It hurts! It hurts! It hurts! It hurts!!!!

I tried to held out a hand and grabbed onto whatever I can. However…

"AHHHH!!" I shrieked

Another person strongly stepped on my hands which ruined my moment. After that the barrages of blows kept coming at me. I was trying to resist, trying to endure the pain throughout thinking it may end. Then someone suddenly pulled my hair a lot that my head was lifted. I saw just feet of people, I didn't see anything else. My head was continued lifted until a person stomped on top of my head which buried my whole face to the ground.

OUCH!!!!

I was in so much pain. I was almost going to black out.

Amidst the commotion, all the loud uproar and the beating of the crowd, I heard a voice.

"Smokescreen"

Smoke then immediately appears, blocking my vision.

What's happening?! I can't see and move but the crowd stopped kicking me.

The crowd backed off from me.

"Be careful lads!" A person shouted.

After a moment of silence…

"Don't worry your safe for now young lady." A soft voice reached my ears.

This…voice…this is…Rolly…

After speaking, Rolly carried me like a princess, then quickly ran through the nearest alley that no one noticed due to the smoke.

"Thank….yo..u…" I barely said due to struggling to form words.

I can't see him…my face… is covered in blood right now…

Rolly continued running without saying a word. He didn't stop nor slowed down. After a few minutes of running, He slowed down immediately, then stopped. I still could not see anything so I was not where I was taken. Then I heard a door opening, after that he continued to walk.

I was then placed in a soft bed.

"Please wait" he said.

Footsteps were fading away as he goes out. I was left alone in the room. I wondered where he brought me into

"But still…I can't see a thing." I mumbled to myself.

"Don't worry, I'll clean your face right now." He said.

"Oh uh thanks Sir Rolly."

I didn't expect him there.

"No need for the honorifics young lady."

Okay then, even him, huh.

He wiped my face with a clean cloth. I was able to see Rolly and my surroundings. I was in a bedroom with a man wearing a suit. The room itself was well lit and fully furnished, making the atmosphere lively.

"Goodness gracious young lady, your face is a mess. 'Recover'. That's better."

He held out a hand then said something. After that, my body damage was decreasing rapidly. I started to feel relieved.

I don't know what to say anymore, so much happened that I'm still coping up on the situation. I am just here spacing out meanwhile Rolly's right there trying to take care of⸺

"What's wrong?" He stopped me in my nonexistent world.

"Uh um nothing…" There was a brief silence until I continued. "I was just spacing out." I was hesitant to talk because I was still trying to piece together information.

"Calm down, you're safe for now, why not try to tell me what happened to get a grasp of the situation?" He said trying make me rest assured.

I told him the situation. I started explaining from when Sir Macey attacked us until I got beaten up. I didn't tell him yet everything before that because I was worried something might go wrong. It's either the next thing that happens is that I get taken away again or something of a grand scheme might start for some reason and those are not two good situations. So I decided to hold onto it until a great opportunity comes.

"Young lady, are you alright?" With me spacing out again, he called me back.

"Oh sorry."

"No it's fine. So, I understand the situation now but before anything else I want to ask something first. What are you going to do now? Do you have something in mind?"

I became silent.

What am I going to do now?

…

What am I really going to do now? It's like I'm having a mini mental breakdown.

"Can I think about it? Maybe I will give my answer tomorrow."

"It is fine, you can stay in here for the night as well."

"Thank you so much." I bowed at him.

"How about we go for a stroll around my abode, trying to lighten up the mood." He proposed.

"Okay." Thus I agreed to go for a stroll

Outside the room, I can see immediately the bright chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

"Welcome to my place I call home." He stretches his hands.

The room I was settled in was in front of the main entrance of the building. Looking from the balcony you can see directly a big, decorative panel door, which is the main door, at the side is a curve staircase with a red carpet filled with detailed embroidery of flowers. Beside the stairs below is a grand piano stationed with a circular red carpet beneath it. I was surprised, this must be a mansion. Rolly is just standing right beside me but I didn't him expect him to be this rich. From the walls decorated to the flooring being clean and polished.

"Let us go on our way shall we?" I nod then he continued "So we're currently on the 2nd floor and there are 3 floors on this building excluding the attic. To our sides is just both rooms for guests which explains you are here. Let us go down young lady." We get down then showed me around more. "Here is the kitchen­⸺"

He continued talking but I was slowly spacing out just thinking how can I go by now. I want to calm down first. As I was following his back, we arrived again at the main entrance.

I just thought of something.

I poked him. He responded "Hmm? What is it young lady?"

"Sorry but can I have a try at your piano?"

"Sure go ahead, I'll just get a chair for myself." He walked away.

I went to the piano. Playing the piano can help me relax and it proved right many times back then. I want to play because it can help me relax to think better.

I started to try playing different keys, it sounds majestic as usual.

Thus I started to play a composition. I was playing Nocturne in C sharp minor by Chopin, choosing it because of the terrible events that happened.

⸺♪♫♪♫♪♫

⸺⸺♪♫♪♫♪♫

⸺♪♫♪♫♪♫

The sound of music spreads across the building. I can hear at my back, Rolly just arrived. As I was playing, I soon realized that I was crying a bit. He soon realized then stood up immediately.

"What's wrong?!" he almost shouted, being worried.

I looked at him while playing, shaking my head to say no while tears are falling.

He then stops, then went back to his seat. Maybe he understood where I'm coming from so I smiled at him then looked back at the piano and continued to focus on playing.

⸺♪♫♪♫♪♫

⸺⸺♪♫♪♫♪♫

⸺♪♫♪♫♪♫

I continued playing until I was done. At the end I said to him "It was my fault….It was my fault they've died. Sir Gio and Ma'am Mina are gone because of me." Rolly then approached me and gave me a handkerchief to wipe my tears off. I wiped my tears and calmed down.

"No it's not your fault they've died. Please be at ease young lady it's not your fault."

"Okay."

After a few seconds of silence.

"Now, your performance is amazing. It seems you have experience already playing and I didn't know the composition but it sounded so good for an atmosphere like this. You're excellent young lady. It's been a while since I heard and saw someone play music and fortunately I witnessed something great."

Oh my, such praise but I'm not something special.

"No, it's nothing special but thanks I guess."

"You know young lady, music is not the well appreciated by people nowadays."

"Huh? Why is that?"

"I don't know the cause but I think it was due to decline of music knowledge and performance that made people less enjoy music. I wish I could've known more but if you want, you can visit the theatre if you want to know more about it."

"Okay."

Well that's unfortunate, music is not that crazy here.

"I'm going to bed young lady, I'm quite sleepy already. I'll hear your answer tomorrow, good night." He smiled then went to his room.

I am alone. I should probably go to bed as well.

Thus I went to my respective room as well. I went to the bed and laid down but did not sleep yet. I kept thinking of what I should do.

What should I do? I just want to survive right now, goals are for later. If he is kind enough that he can allow me to live here it would be great but I can't depend on him and he might not allow me as well. Maybe working for him might be beneficial.

I kept thinking until I fall asleep.

Morning came, the sun's shining brightly. Streets are already bustling, however I was not still awake, and rather I was still asleep. The window was open and birds start perching down and chirp all the way but I was not fazed at all until Rolly came to knock on door. He knocked on the door few times.

"It's morning already young lady, I have prepared breakfast for us. Come down to the dining table when you are ready." He said

I hesitantly woke up and opened my eyes quite haggardly but I went back to bed immediately for another hour. He called me again but I wasn't responding I was sleeping soundly. Then I woke up again.

Ughhhhh

I opened the door and went outside. I peeked at the balcony and I can see below Rolly just standing. He notices me.

"Ah good morning young lady! You're kind of late. Come down we have a guest to attend." He sounded energetic.

"Good morning too Rolly." I walked down the stairs. "What's happening right now?" I stood beside him.

"Well someone's coming. You will know soon."

Just as he said I heard something loud at the front door. Beside the door is a window and I saw a horse, just standing. The horse was equipped with some kind of leather at the face. Then I heard noises coming towards us. A knock came afterwards.

"Come in." He said in Pristanian, luckily I understood a bit.

Then the door opened.

I see four girls coming in. They're all in a fancy dress with each person with a different color. They all look so beautiful. Then here I am all haggard and in a completely ragged clothing.

"Now Carlestine let me introduce to you from left to right; Sophia Gretholme, Nicole Crassvatt, Christine Ivanovich, and Grisellia Libes. These four girls are all nobles from different families. Introduce yourself to them young lady." He said.

Ohhhh no no no no! I feel like this is a flag.