Lost Child And Love

The door to the study opened, and the palace staff ushered in the two children, a boy and a girl. They were clearly apprehensive, their eyes wide with uncertainty as they stepped into the room. The girl clutched her brother's hand tightly, a protective gesture that did not go unnoticed by the King.

At once, the King stood up from his desk, slowly approaching the two. When he got closer, his lavender eyes widened, his throat quickly felt very dry as he tried to call the boy.

But no sound came out of his mouth. His heart was racing and his breath was short. He was struggling to keep his composure.

But how is that possible? How did he end up with the thief's family, when he himself did not match the family's lineage… how did…

The King takes a deep breath as he tries to compose himself. He is unable to believe that this is actually happening – the boy he rescued in Feigan, now standing right in front of him.

He takes a step closer, his eyes locked on the boy's golden, almond-shaped eyes, his throat feeling dry and tight, "Arama?"

The cat-boy hybrid stared up at the king, his golden, almond-shaped eyes wide with wonder. He opened his mouth to speak, "My Lord.." 

"Arama… how are you related to this man?" The King asked urgently. 

"My Lord, long time no see," Arama smiled as he clutched his sister's hand tighter, "You see, this man— my father is wandering around Feigan, searching for his lost son. Then, I came to respond as he was near to the street, when I approached him, he suddenly cried out of nowhere." he explained then he paused, looking at the King's eyes.

"He told me that I look like his long-lost son," He smiled bitterly, "At first, I didn't believe him because I was a hybrid, and he's a human, but then when he gave me his son's portrait, his son looked exactly like me, except, he's not a hybrid, but a human."

To prove it, Arama retrieved a folded portrait out of his pocket and offered it to the King. The King was, at first, uncertain, but he trusted Arama and he received it, steadying himself as he slowly lifted up the folds.

The King's eyes widened with disbelief, his mind racing to process the revelation. He thought that the case of the illegal hybrid breeding had already finished but the pieces of a long-lost puzzle seemed to fall into place, forming a picture he had never imagined.

It was true that there were some cases of the missing people, especially the youths. Now, as they discussed the issue, it was certain that Arama could be the thief's son. The portrait is enough to prove that Arama was his biological son. 

But as for the other missing youths, they were never found.

"Arama…" The King's voice trembled with a mix of shock and realization. He took a step back, realizing he just killed Arama's father. The resemblance between Arama and the image of the young boy in the portrait was uncanny, the shared almond-shaped eyes and the golden hue that glimmered with a familiar warmth.

He steadied himself, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. The boy he had rescued in Feigan, a hybrid left to perish and became a victim as a hybrid specimen, was now standing before him, claiming to be the son of a man he accidentally killed.

The King's mind flashed back to that fateful day in Feigan, the desolation stretching endlessly before him. He recalled the emaciated hybrid child, his eyes filled with fear and hopelessness, begging him to save his friend at that night in his tent.

"I remember that day in Feigan," the King murmured, his voice barely audible, "You approached me, begging me to save your friend…"

Arama nodded, his eyes mirroring the King's turmoil, "I didn't know until he found me. I grew up without knowing anything about my origins, about why I was different. My father... he had been searching for me for years, clinging to the hope that his lost son might still be alive."

The King's heart twisted with a mixture of emotions—guilt, compassion, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. He had unknowingly torn apart a family, separated a father from his child, and Arama had grown up yet curiosity won over the scientists, and used Arama as their specimen.

"I don't know how to make this right," the King admitted, his voice filled with regret, "I'm… sorry." Then he kneeled in front of Arama.

Arama immediately reacted, he loosened his grasp to his sister's little hand and kneeled as well, "My Lord.. please don't. I owe you my life. And, what happened to my father's death is not your fault.. he tried to stab you, and you responded to it, it was self-defense." He held the King's arms, gesturing him to stand up, his cat tail lowering with anxiety, "My Lord… it was him who was wrong, he committed a sin."

The King looked at Arama with a mix of emotions — surprise, guilt, and gratitude. He felt grateful for the cat-boy's understanding and compassion, but also guilty that he had to take a life, even in self-defense.

"You are very kind, Arama," the King said, standing up and taking the boy's arms in his own, "But I still feel responsible for what happened to your father. I wish there was something I could do to make it right."

The King's words seemed to resonate with Arama, who looked down at the floor, his gold-tipped ears drooping in sorrow, "What's done is done, my Lord," Arama said quietly.

"Arama," The King's gloved hand ran through Arama's hair. Arama's cat-ears twitched as he pet him, a soft pur started to resound in response. "I will make amends to what I've done; You and your little sister will live here in Danschen. I will pay for everything, and I will hire enough servants to help around the house. You're still young, Arama, you should be playing outside," The King couldn't help but sigh, his chest feeling heavy with guilt, "there are also schools around here, but you may find it uncomfortable since it's all humans, would you like to be home-schooled?"

Arama looked up at the King, his eyes mirroring a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. The touch of kindness and care from the King was both unfamiliar and comforting. He nodded slowly, his cat-like pupils dilating with a mix of emotions.

"Thank you, my Lord. I never expected such kindness and generosity," Arama said, his voice a mix of awe and gratitude, "We will be happy to live in Danschen and accept your offer of help. And as for school, I think home-schooling would be best for me. I have always lived in the forest and am not used to being around others, especially humans but my human sister is exempted. But I promise to do my best to learn and grow."

The King nodded in understanding, "Consider it done, Arama. I will arrange for the best tutors to educate both of you. Your sister deserves the same opportunities as any noble child."

Arama's gratitude deepened, "I cannot thank you enough, My Lord. This is more than we could have ever hoped for."

The King smiled gently, his eyes holding a glimmer of paternal warmth, "You and your sister are under my protection now. You are free to explore the palace grounds, learn, and grow."

Arama's purr grew louder, a sound of contentment and acceptance. The heavy burden of the past began to lift, replaced by the promise of a new future under the King's benevolent gaze. He never knew that he'd ever meet the man who helped him and his friends in the scientist's hide-out. He never knew that he'll able to feel this kind gesture again from the man he admired. 

Arama's mind was filled with gratitude and wonder as he looked up at the King, who had become more than just a benefactor to him. The King had shown him kindness, compassion, and understanding in a way that Arama had never experienced before. He felt like a burden had been lifted from his shoulders, and he was eager to start this new life in Danschen with his sister and new friends.

"Thank you, my Lord," Arama said, his voice full of sincerity, "You have given me more than I could ever imagine. I will do my best to honor your generosity and help you in any way that I can."

The King smiled at Arama, genuinely touched by his words, "That's all I ask, Arama. Just be yourself and keep growing into the strong and kind man that you already are. I'm honored to have you and your sister in Danschen."

Arama continued to purr as his tail circled around the King's leg as the tip of his tail swung oh-so friendly.

The King smiled as he felt the soft sensation of Arama's tail wrapping around his leg. He couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and joy, knowing that he had made a difference in this young cat-boy's life.

He softly stroked the young hybrid's fluffy ears, feeling the soft fur against his fingertips.

How lovely… 

Arama's purr continued, sounding like a tranquil melody in the air. The King continued to stroke Arama's hair and his fluffy ears, enjoying the peace and contentment that both he and Arama felt in the moment.

"You have a very soothing purr, Arama," the King said softly, his voice filled with wonder, "It's quite lovely."

Arama's eyes widened, taken aback by the King's compliment. He had never received such kind words before, and he felt a sense of contentment wash over him. Arama leaned into the King's touch, his purring growing louder and louder, almost as if he was trying to say thank you.

"Arama, what do you think that made your father commit sins?" the King asked.

Arama considered the King's question, his purring slowly subsiding as he contemplated the matter, "My Lord," he began with a pensive expression, "I believe my father, like many others, may have been driven to such desperate actions by circumstances. Life can be harsh, especially for those living in the margins of society."

He paused for a moment, his golden eyes glistening with sincerity, "While it doesn't excuse his actions, it helps me understand that sometimes people do things out of sheer desperation, not malice. It's a harsh world out there, and we're often left with no choice."

These words are like a pan that had just struck against his head. He's been too busy with being so righteous, busy pampering Elias, busy solving the case and finding Elise's justice, busy building schools without considering that those schools are for common people, especially they're suffering from poverty. After all he made to make Landroich a prosperous country, with righteousness and safety it prioritized, he forgot that the majority of his people were still suffering despite all the improvements.

How could he, as their King.

He had been so focused on grand plans and improvements that he had lost sight of the daily struggles of his people, the ones living in the shadows of the nobility, dealing with poverty and desperation.

The King's expression grew somber, his eyes filled with regret. He had strayed from his initial goal of making Landroich a prosperous and just kingdom for all, "You are right, Arama," he admitted, his voice tinged with a sense of failure, "I have been blinded by my own ambitions and overlooked the suffering of the common people. It's time for me to make amends."

Arama nodded in understanding, his purring a gentle reassurance, "My Lord, it's never too late to right a wrong. I believe in your intentions and your capacity to make a difference. Your kindness is not lost, even if it took you time to realize it."

"Thank you, Arama," The King smiled faintly, "you're always so kind to me."

Arama's golden eyes softened, a glimmer of gratitude reflecting within them. He dipped his head respectfully, acknowledging the King's words, "My Lord, kindness is not just a trait you possess; it's the core of your being. Sometimes, even the noblest of hearts need reminders."

—

Hundreds of Kilometers away from Danschen and Thistlebrook, the mid-afternoon of autumn added lively colors behind the dried leaves. 

In a quaint Thistlebrook restaurant, Matthew, Elias, and Ezra sat at a small, round table. The aroma of freshly baked bread and savory dishes filled the air. The restaurant was bustling with customers, the clinking of cutlery and murmurs of conversations creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Elias shifted in his chair, feeling slightly out of place in this unfamiliar setting. He glanced around the restaurant, his cheeks tinted with embarrassment. The menu was a bewildering array of choices, and he had no idea what to order. His dining experiences had been limited to simple home-cooked meals and whatever he could find on the streets.

Matthew noticed Elias's discomfort and offered a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, Elias," he said in a calming tone, "I'll help you navigate the menu. Just tell me your preferences, and I'll recommend something."

Elias hesitated for a moment before nodding, thankful for Matthew's guidance, "Okay," he said, "I trust your judgment."

Ezra, on the other hand, was excited by the variety of dishes on the menu. She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, "I want to try something local," she declared, flipping through the pages, "What do you recommend, Marquis?"

Matthew leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping the menu thoughtfully, "For something local, you might want to try the Thistlebrook stew," he suggested, "It's a hearty dish made with local vegetables and herbs. And you, Elias?"

Elias held the menu with his trembling fingers. Though he knew how to read, for some reason, he couldn't understand any of this!

Seeing Elias's confusion, Matthew smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry, Elias. Let me help you out." He leaned closer, his finger tracing down the menu, "How about starting with something simple? The Thistlebrook sandwich is a popular choice here. It's made with freshly baked bread, filled with a variety of local cheeses, vegetables, and some savory meats. It's a safe and delicious option."

Elias nodded, grateful for the guidance, "Thistlebrook sandwich sounds good," he said, trying to sound confident.

Matthew turned his attention back to Ezra, who was still flipping through the menu, her eyes widening with curiosity, "And for you, Ezra, if you want to explore something more adventurous, there's the Forest Feast. It's a dish with grilled game meat, wild mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, all sourced from the nearby forests. It offers a unique blend of flavors."

Ezra's eyes lit up with interest, "Oh, that sounds intriguing! I'll definitely go for the Forest Feast."

Elias nudged at Ezra and whispered with haste, "Hey, aren't you ordering too much? Just how much money have you got?"

Just as Elias whispered to Ezra, Matthew leaned in, a playful grin on his face, "Worry not, Elias," he said, his voice light, "It's my treat today. Consider it a small gesture of appreciation for all you've been through."

Elias was taken aback by the offer. He hadn't expected such generosity from the Marquis. Gratitude welled up within him, and he nodded with a grateful smile, "Thank you, Marquis. That's very kind of you."

Ezra beamed at the unexpected generosity, "That's incredibly generous of you, Marquis."

Matthew waved off their thanks with a casual shrug, "Think nothing of it," he replied, his eyes warm with a hint of mischief, "Today, we enjoy ourselves without the burden of the world. Let's savor the food, the atmosphere, and each other's company."

With the orders settled, Matthew waved at the waiter to pick up their orders. The waiter is polite as expected, not to mention that he's also quite good looking. He's quick at taking notes, and leaves without any worries off the table.

Once the dishes were served, the fresh smoke from the Forest Feast wafted in the air, it's such a good scent, a scent that will make you immediately feel hungry. 

The smoke quickly clouded Matthew's half-framed glass. With care, he removed it, small strands of his silver hair followed freely as it was removed.

As Matthew removed his glasses, Elias and Ezra exchanged surprised glances. His eyes, now free from the distortion caused by the lenses, revealed a striking shade of gray. The two of them had never seen the Marquis without his glasses before, and the difference was surprising.

Matthew's eyes appeared half-lidded, adding an alluring charm to his already handsome features. Elias couldn't help but think that the Marquis looked even more handsome without his glasses, though he didn't dare say it out loud. It was as if the glasses had been masking the true depth of his attractiveness all along.

Ezra leaned in closer to Elias and whispered, "He's... he's quite the handsome gentleman, isn't he? I never noticed it with those glasses on."

Elias nodded in agreement, his voice a hushed whisper, "Yes, I didn't expect that. It's the glasses that made him look so stern all this time. His eyes are enchanting."

Matthew blinked as he looked at the two, his vision blurry without his glasses, making them appear as hazy silhouettes. He noticed their hushed conversation and smiled, though his half-lidded eyes seemed to add a layer of sophistication to his expression, "You two seem to be whispering secrets," he remarked, his tone playful.

For a moment, Elias found himself captivated by Matthew's eyes. They were sharp and perceptive, yet there was a warmth in them, a kindness that contradicted the sharpness. He realized he had never seen the Marquis without his glasses before, and the change in his appearance was unexpectedly striking.

Ezra, too, seemed taken aback by the sight. She leaned in closer, studying Matthew's face as if trying to capture this new image of him, "You look... different without your glasses," she remarked, her tone slightly teasing but mostly intrigued.

Matthew chuckled, his voice warm despite the blurriness of his sight, "I suppose I do," he said, rubbing his eyes gently, "These glasses are quite thick, you see. Without them, everything is a bit of a blur up close."

Curiosity won over Ezra, she asked, though the question seemed dumb, she still insisted on knowing, "If we were blurred in your eyesight as we speak, can you describe us?" 

Matthew laughed, his tone filled with a mischievous, sarcastic humor, "Of course, I can give it a try," he began, waving a fork in the air as he spoke, "Elias here, well, he looks like a rather dashing and mysterious stranger, with his rugged appearance and that perpetual five o'clock shadow, ready to sweep someone off their feet."

Elias chuckled at the exaggerated description, shaking his head in amusement, "And Ezra," Matthew continued, "She's like a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm, always ready for adventure and fun. I think she might be planning to conquer the world one day, with that infectious laughter and those sparkly eyes."

Ezra joined in the laughter, raising her eyebrows playfully, "Well, you're not too far off, Marquis."

Matthew smiled, enjoying the lighthearted banter, "See? Even without my glasses, I have a talent for painting vivid pictures with my words."

In reality, the two are just a pair of hazy blurred silhouettes. 

Matthew retrieved a short garment and carefully wiped his glasses. Though his glasses are stylish ones, they're frail and easily broken, thus, Matthew treats them with all care. 

Once he was done, he folded the garment and tucked it to his pocket. He raised his hands to wear the half-framed glasses. As his glasses back on, the world around Matthew sharpened into focus. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the clarity before turning his attention back to Elias and Ezra. The once hazy silhouettes transformed into distinct figures, their features and expressions now clear and defined.

Matthew smiled warmly, feeling a sense of familiarity wash over him as he looked at his companions, "Ah, there we are," he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth, "Much better."

Ezra grinned, teasingly nudging Elias, "You were right," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement, "He does look more handsome with his glasses on."

Elias chuckled, nodding in agreement, "Definitely," he said, offering a playful smile to Matthew, "Although, you did quite well describing us even without them."

As they continued to eat, Elias couldn't help but wonder as he chomped his sandwich, The Marquis seemed to be handsome among every nobles, he's gentle, he's caring and he's intelligent, why didn't the King like him?

Why was such a kind and caring man left in the shadows of unrequited love?

Lost in thought, Elias almost missed Matthew's question, "Is something bothering you, Elias?" Matthew's voice was soft, concern etched on his face as he observed Elias.

Elias blinked, realizing he had been silent for a bit too long. He forced a smile, trying to brush off his concerns, "Oh, it's nothing, Marquis. Just lost in my thoughts," he replied, attempting to sound nonchalant.