Chapter 33

In a small little city that looked like it had seen better years, there was a bar street bustling with life, where a modest yet lively bar was nestled among the crumbling buildings and flickering neon signs. Amidst the murmur of laughter and clinking glasses, a young girl who appeared to be no older than seventeen was darting about with an air of determination. Balancing trays laden with food and drinks, she would expertly place them on one table before racing back to the bar to grab more, either returning to the same table or serving another group of patrons who eagerly awaited their orders.

This girl, known as Estella Marsden, possessed pale, delicate skin that seemed to glow under the dim, flickering lights of the bar. A particularly striking feature was a large cut that marred her forehead, a testament to the rough life she led. Her hair, a curly cascade of vibrant orange, was tied up in a haphazard bun, with stray curls framing her face and lending her an almost ethereal quality. Her tired little dark green eyes, adorned with a pair of thick eyebrows, told a story of resilience and weariness far beyond her years, revealing the burdens she carried daily.

Estella was the second child of a Baron family that had fallen from grace, a fate brought on by the personal troubles that plagued her family. Her father, the Baron, was notorious for his severe gambling addiction, which had spiraled out of control and contributed significantly to their decline as nobles. However, her father was not the only source of their family's troubles. The Baroness, equally complicit in their financial demise, squandered what little money they had on extravagant jewelry and opulent clothing, living far beyond their means. This reckless spending only exacerbated their financial woes, leaving the family in a precarious position.

As for her older brother, his behavior was even more alarming. He was consumed by an insatiable desire for women, alcohol, and drugs, often using the family's dwindling resources to indulge in his vices. But his actions went beyond mere indulgence; he harbored a troubling penchant for violence, frequently assaulting women who caught his eye. Due to his noble status, he would often evade the consequences of his misdeeds by bribing those who sought justice, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. This web of corruption and moral decay within the Marsden household painted a grim picture of a family in disarray.

The only person in the family who seemed to be untouched by the chaos surrounding them was Estella. Despite the darkness that loomed over her life, she carried a quiet strength. She worked tirelessly to support herself and, in a way, her family, hoping that one day things might improve. Her efforts to bring some semblance of normalcy to her chaotic world were commendable, but the burden of her family's legacy weighed heavily on her young shoulders. As she darted between tables, she often dreamed of a brighter future, one where she could escape the shadows of her family's past and find solace in a life filled with hope and possibility.

From a very young age, Estella learned the importance of self-sufficiency by working for small businesses in her bustling city. It was through these early experiences that she picked up the essential skill of bookkeeping, a talent she honed with meticulous dedication. This newfound proficiency enabled her to manage her family's finances, a challenging task that often felt like an uphill battle. Despite her relentless efforts to budget and save, the unyielding cycle of her family's overspending continued to plunge them deeper into the abyss of debt.

Yet, in the face of these challenges, Estella displayed an uncanny ability to keep her family afloat. She ensured there was always enough food on the table, even if it meant sacrificing her own needs and desires. Her selflessness often left her with little, but she took pride in her ability to provide for those she loved, even when it came at a personal cost.

But it wasn't just her remarkable aptitude with money that set her apart; Estella also possessed an extraordinary talent for navigating human interactions. Whenever a fight broke out among customers at the shops where she worked, she had a unique way of diffusing the situation. Without needing to physically intervene, she managed to calm the agitated patrons with her soothing words and empathetic demeanor. It was almost as if she had a special gift—an innate understanding of human emotions and the ability to communicate effectively. Time and again, she would engage the rowdy customers in conversation, and they would back down, often apologizing and even offering to pay for the damage they caused in their moment of anger.

However, despite her skills and resilience, Estella found herself questioning whether this was truly the life she desired. Deep down, she yearned for a life where money wasn't a constant source of anxiety. She didn't aspire to be wealthy, but she longed for financial stability that would free her from worry. More importantly, Estella wished to be surrounded by people who loved and cared for her in return—something her own family had never truly provided. To them, she was often seen as an obstacle to their enjoyment and spending habits, rather than a beloved family member.

Sometimes, in her moments of solitude, she pondered the idea of running away from home entirely, dreaming of heading for the capital city in the Montcroix Arch-Dukedom. However, the thought of finding success also brought with it a nagging fear: if she ever made a name for herself, she was certain her family would come searching for her, not out of love, but to exploit her newfound success for their own selfish needs. This dilemma weighed heavily on her heart, leaving her caught between the desire for freedom and the fear of being dragged back into the very life she desperately wanted to escape.

As the day drew to a close, Estella left the pub after her shift had officially ended for the night. A sense of melancholy wrapped around her as she stepped into the cool evening air, the laughter and chatter of the pub fading behind her. She began her solitary walk down the dimly lit alleyway, heading in the direction of her family home, where the weight of their financial troubles loomed over her like a dark cloud. However, her journey was abruptly interrupted when a shadow emerged from behind her, cutting through the stillness of the night.

"Hello, Estella Marsden." The suddenness of the voice belonging to a man sent a chill down her spine, and she froze in place, her heart pounding in her chest.

"W-Who are you?" she stammered, her instincts kicking in. It was only natural for her to be on high alert, especially since her family owed a significant amount of money to numerous unsavory characters. "If you're after money, I still have two weeks to pay..."

"I'm not here for money." He replied, raising his hand to signal that he meant no harm as he stepped into the light of the gas lamp. they were young and looked a little older then her, he possessed light-skinned with pale, almost white, hair that appears to be a bright, somewhat icy blue hue even in the dim light. His eyes were a striking light blue, and his expression is serene, almost thoughtful. He wore a dark grey or bluish-grey hooded coat that features a slightly mottled or textured pattern.

The mystery young man stood before her, slowly lowering his arm. She recalled that he was a new customer at the bar, his presence a rarity in a place that was a local secret. "I've come to offer you a deal."

"A deal?" The moment Estella heard that word, her curiosity piqued, but she remained even more guarded. "What kind of deal?"

"One that would free you from this life and give you all the freedom you wish. Imagine a life unburdened by debt—a chance to create your own destiny, away from the shadow of your family's financial troubles. A life where you can pursue what truly makes you happy, without fear or limitations." His words hung in the air, enticing and mysterious, as he waited for her response. Estella felt a mix of apprehension and intrigue, her heart racing at the prospect of what he was suggesting, the flickering gaslight casting shadows that danced around them.

"And what do you want?" she asked, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. She knew there had to be a catch; nothing came without a price, especially in her world. The darkness of the alley seemed to close in around them, amplifying the tension in the air. The man smiled, a knowing look in his eyes, as if he had anticipated her skepticism.

"All I ask is for your trust in my words and meet my masters." 

Estella weighed his words, contemplating the risks and rewards. Could she really escape the chains of her family's debts, or was this just another trap set by someone seeking to exploit her vulnerability? As doubt crept in, she found herself torn between the familiar pain of her current reality and the tantalizing possibility of a brighter future. With each passing moment, the choice before her became increasingly daunting, forcing her to confront not just her circumstances, but the very essence of her own desires and dreams.