Season 1: ARC' THE Training'Ep 1_Ch/2

SEASON ONE: EPISODE 1_Ch/2[THE BEGINNING]

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In that moment, as Maria held her little brother Haruka tightly, she felt each tiny tear soaking into her shirt. She continued to pat his back gently, her soft voice trying to soothe his young heart:

"Haruka... my little brother, don't cry. This isn't a goodbye; it's the start of something new. I'll always be here. Even if you can't see me, you'll feel my presence."

Yet despite her reassuring words, Haruka kept crying, his sobs filling the room. Maria held him closer, smiling sadly. Her gaze shifted toward her mother, who stood elegantly nearby, her composed smile betraying the emotions hidden within.

---

"Maria."

Her mother spoke in a tone that was both gentle and firm, motioning for Maria to set Haruka down for a moment. She stepped forward gracefully, placing a delicate hand on Maria's shoulder and saying:

"Maria, always remember to stay radiant, just as I taught you. Take care of your appearance, eat your meals regularly, and please... try not to cause any trouble."

Maria looked at her mother nervously before letting out a short, awkward laugh:

"Mother... I know, I know! Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Her eyes, however, darted away as if she wanted to escape the moment—especially when her mother added with a sly smile:

"And don't forget to clean your ears regularly, dear. I know you always forget that."

Maria's face turned bright red as she covered it with her hands in utter embarrassment:

"Mother! Not in front of everyone!"

Her mother simply smiled, clearly enjoying her daughter's reaction.

---

The servants, standing in neat rows, struggled to hold back their emotions. Some wept silently, dabbing at their tears with their sleeves, while others tried to maintain their composure, though they were clearly on the verge of tears.

Amid this heartfelt scene, the elderly head butler, Mr. Hiroshi, emerged. He clutched a stack of tissues and wiped at his teary eyes, muttering in a trembling voice:

"Miss Maria... even though you were a constant source of trouble for me, I will... miss you."

The other servants immediately stopped crying and turned to him in visible shock. One of them whispered under his breath:

"Mr. Hiroshi is crying? Impossible... this is the same man who always scolded Miss Maria for everything!"

Still, Mr. Hiroshi continued his mournful muttering, saying:

"I won't hear her running up and down the stairs anymore... or see the messes she leaves everywhere... Ah, my life will be annoyingly quiet now."

One of the servants next to him tried to console him, but Maria, overhearing his words from a distance, placed her hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. Eventually, though, she couldn't hold it back and muttered softly:

"Even Mr. Hiroshi? It seems everyone has a soft side."

---

Maria took a moment to look at all the faces surrounding her: her mother, her little brother, the servants, and even Mr. Hiroshi. She felt the warmth of their love enveloping her from every direction. Yet, she knew the time had come. With a bright smile, she lifted her head and said in a strong, clear voice:

"Thank you all. I'll never forget you."

The camera begins with a close-up of Maria's face, her wide eyes glimmering with a mix of love and sorrow. In the background, her mother, Juliette, holds the little baby Yuna, who looks adorably angry.

Yuna's puffed cheeks were tinted with a soft blush, making her anger more endearing than intimidating. Maria, unable to resist the cuteness, reached out with her free hand – her other hand was still holding her sleeping brother, Haruka – towards her little sister's cheek.

Maria: (gently, with a soft smile)

"Let me touch that adorable face, Yuna. You'll always be the little princess, right?"

But Yuna, in a comical reaction, quickly turned her face to the side, her angry expression unchanging. Her sparkling eyes radiated a childish defiance. To top it off, she let out a tiny "hmph!" sound, as if to say: Don't touch me, I'm mad at you!

Maria paused for a moment before letting out a small laugh, shaking her head.

Maria: (with a sad smile)

"Really? You're still mad at me?"

The atmosphere in the room was filled with mixed emotions. Despite her laughter, Maria's gaze lingered on her sister, sensing that the childish anger hid something deeper.

Juliette, who had been quietly observing, glanced at her little daughter in confusion.

Juliette: (whispering to Maria)

"How can this little one be so smart when she hasn't even turned one?"

Maria gave a soft smile but didn't respond. Her attention returned to Yuna.

Maria: (lowering her voice, trying to connect with her sister)

"Yuna... I know you're upset. But I have to go. I don't want to, either, but..." (she pauses, trying to hold back tears)

"But I promise, I'll come back to you soon. And I'll bring you a big gift. What do you want? A doll? Or maybe…"

Yuna looked at Maria with her sparkling eyes, but the anger in her expression began to fade slowly. She stopped puffing her cheeks, though she kept her head tilted as if still unsure.

Maria leaned in closer, lowering her head to be at her little sister's level.

Maria: (softly, her voice full of emotion)

"You're so smart, Yuna, and I know it. That's why I'm sure you understand me, even if you're still so little. I'm going to miss you so much… more than you can imagine."

A single tear rolled down Maria's cheek, but she quickly wiped it away with her fingertips.

Maria: (with a bittersweet chuckle)

"Oh dear, I'm crying in front of a one-year-old. How embarrassing."

Yuna, who had been quietly watching, suddenly reached out her tiny hand and lightly touched Maria's cheek. Her small, warm hand sent a rush of tenderness through Maria. Yuna let out a soft hum, as if to say: Don't cry, please.

Maria: (letting out a small laugh through her tears)

"Even as a baby, you know how to make me feel better. Thank you, my little one."

The moment ended with Maria giving Yuna's cheek a gentle kiss. Yuna, despite everything, remained silent, trying to hide her childish sadness behind a serious expression. Maria slowly stepped back, returning to her mother, her face a mixture of sorrow and determination.

Inside the grand mansion, which seemed to have lost some of its shine due to the upcoming departure, Maria stood facing her mother. Her eyes were filled with sorrow, yet her face showed a strong determination. The atmosphere was heavy, as if time itself had stopped. Her steps were slow, filled with hesitation, but she was resolute in what she was about to do.

Maria: (in a calm voice, with an expression full of emotion)

"Mom... you have to take care of yourself, and take care of Yuna and Haruka too. I'll be fine, don't worry."

Maria gazed at her little brother Haruka, who was asleep in her arms. He was so small, barely three years old, yet his face was full of sorrow. His tears had just dried, but the pain of their separation was still visible in his expression. It was as if his heart couldn't comprehend why she had to leave him. His small hands clung to her, as if trying to hold onto a world that was slipping away.

Maria (looking at Haruka with tenderness, her face filled with deep sadness)

"You too, little one. Do you understand why I have to leave? But I promise, I'll be back."

Just then, a guard entered through the mansion's gates. His heavy footsteps echoed, and he delivered the sad news.

Guard: (in a quiet, sorrowful tone)

"Miss Maria, the carriage is waiting."

Upon hearing those words, the entire mansion seemed to freeze. No one could hide their shock and grief. Maria, despite everything, was the light of the mansion, the one who filled it with laughter, even if it was through teasing or playful sarcasm. She was the one who brought joy and warmth, especially after her father had become busy with his work at the Purity Organization. He rarely visited the mansion anymore, and even less so with his two sons, who were working with him in the same organization.

Some of the servants tried to persuade Maria to stay, 

"miss Maria please stay"

" yah! Please stay with us"

but with tears in her eyes, she refused. Her resolve was unwavering, knowing her father had requested her to join the organization, and she couldn't defy his wishes.

Maria: (in a sorrowful but firm tone)

"I can't stay, I must go. But I promise, I'll write to all of you every week. You'll hear from me."

This brought a small sense of comfort to everyone, but the pain still lingered in their hearts.

One of the maids stepped forward to take Haruka, still asleep, from Maria's arms.

Maria (sighing deeply, then gently leaning in to kiss Haruka's forehead)

"Goodbye, my little one..."

She then turned her gaze to yuna, who was looking away from her with a frown, as if trying to show her anger. Maria smiled sadly and stepped closer to her mother, embracing her tightly. Her mother, holding the still-sad yuna in her other arm, returned the hug with all the love she had, as if she didn't want to let her go either.

Maria: (whispering)

"Mom... don't say goodbye. I'll be back."

After slowly pulling away from her mother's embrace, Maria leaned in once more and kissed her mother's forehead for what felt like three long seconds, as if trying to give her a piece of her heart before she left.

Maria: (in a soft, emotional voice)"Mom, I'll miss you so much… please, take care of yourself."

Juliette: (with small tears running down her face, her voice trembling)

"You are everything to me... don't go too far."

They looked at each other, and slowly, Maria began to speak in a calm voice, while her mother tried to stop her tears from flowing. Their words were filled with love, yet laced with sorrow.

Maria: (gently wiping away her mother's tears, and smiling sadly)

"I'll always be here for you, even if I'm far away. We're never truly apart, no matter the distance."

Juliette: (smiling despite the tears, then looking at Maria with deep sadness)

"I'm so proud of you, no matter how hard the road gets. Just remember that I love you."

Maria: (in a soft, sad whisper)

"And I love you too, Mom… I'll be back soon."

The scene was filled with silence, as eyes teared up and hearts intertwined. Maria turned, placing her hand over her heart, and walked towards the waiting carriage, leaving behind a piece of her soul in the mansion, and in the hearts of everyone there.

Maria walked out of the grand doors of the mansion with calm steps, heading toward the carriage waiting for her at the main gate. A long staircase stretched ahead, leading to the narrow passage that opened to the estate's grand gates. But she stopped abruptly midway, her face overtaken by a mix of shock and surprise.

Down at the foot of the stairs stood all the workers of the mansion—maids, guards, and gardeners. They were lined up, their faces wet with tears. A massive guard was sobbing loudly, his booming cries echoing through the courtyard, while a young gardener and another security guard attempted to console him. Meanwhile, the elderly gardener smiled warmly, encouraging Maria with words of praise.

Maria (thinking to herself, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears):

"They're just workers here... yet they care for me as if I were their family. How lucky I am to have them."

Her expression shifted gradually from astonishment to a bright, radiant smile. She descended the stairs more quickly this time, hugging each one of them side by side in a playful manner. She laughed with them, her warm smile lighting up her face like the sun.

Maria (with a cheerful grin):

"What is this pitiful sight? Crying like this as if I'm off to exile! Don't worry, I'll send you all letters filled with sarcasm every week!"

A few chuckles escaped some of them, though many continued crying with heartfelt sorrow.

/At the same time\

Inside the mansion, from a second-floor window, a woman dressed in luxurious clothing observed the scene quietly. Her delicate hand rested on the window frame, her features obscured by shadows. After a moment, she stepped back from the window, disappearing into the interior.

At the same time, Maria's mother stood inside, holding the two younger children. Haruka was asleep in her arms, exhausted from crying so much, while Yuna puffed her cheeks in an adorable display of anger. Nearby, the servants who had bid farewell to Maria earlier stood alongside her mother, smiling quietly.

The butler Mr. Hiroshi , who had always been strict with Maria, was silently wiping away his tears. The maids around him watched in disbelief, stunned to see the man who often scolded Maria now shedding tears for her departure.

Maria's loyal maid, Umi, stood next to three other maids. They tried hard to hold back their tears, remembering Maria's words to them earlier, and they smiled faintly despite the heavy atmosphere.

Finally, Maria finished hugging everyone. She paused, taking in the scene before her. Suddenly, her expression shifted into a mischievous grin, and she broke the solemn moment with her signature sarcasm.

Maria (with a playful, sarcastic tone, placing her hands on her hips):

"Alright, alright, what's with this ridiculous gathering? You all look like you're at a funeral. Didn't I tell you I hate overdramatic goodbyes? You're just trying to make me feel like I'm your favorite queen, aren't you?"

Her words brought a mix of laughter and tears.

Maria (turning her attention to the butler, smirking):

"And you, Mister Strict, crying? Isn't this against your principles? Or have I finally succeeded in making you admit that I'm the best?"

The Butler or mr. Hiroshi (throwing away the handkerchief he was using to wipe his tears 'in a comedic way', speaking with his usual cold demeanor):

"You'll never change, will you? Even at moments like this, you choose sarcasm over sincerity!"

Maria (dramatically placing her hand on her chest):

"Oh my, does this mean I've finally touched your heart? I can leave this world at peace now! Isn't that what you want Mr.hiro-chan "

Mr. Hiroshi (Froze, look of a disgust on his face):" Don't you ever dare to called me with that ugly name"

She smile with malice smile; Suddenly, she stopped in front of Mr. Hiroshima, the head servant, who was standing with the others, watching her with a stern expression. Maria flashed him a playful smile and said:

"So, Hiro-chan, are you going to stay serious this whole time? I think you forgot that I'm the princess of this place!"

Mr. Hiroshi's face shifted abruptly, showing clear signs of annoyance, but he tried to maintain his usual stoic demeanor.

"I'm not calling you that, Maria. Remember who I am and who you are, and don't mock me like that," he said firmly, glaring at her.

But Maria, ever the troublemaker, pushed it further, responding cheekily She approached him sideways and put her arm on his shoulder, hugging him and raising her finger up as if she was teaching a child and said:

"Oh, Hiro-chan, I'm just giving you a proper title! But looks like you can't handle creativity... can you? I'm sorry if your new title doesn't suit you... but I'm used to calling you 'Hiro-chan'! Can't imagine life without such a lovely name!"

Mr. Hiroshi (his teeth almost grinding, responded with a cold tone): "You never change, do you? Even in moments like this, you can't leave me alone."

But Maria, as always, couldn't help but laugh sarcastically. Placing her hand dramatically on her chest, with dramatically voice, she said:

"Oh my, it seems I've finally made your heart beat! I'll leave now, satisfied with myself!"

Once again, laughter rippled through the group, even Mr. Hiroshi unable to hide a small smile.

At that moment, amidst the laughter and tears, the scene captured the essence of Maria's bond with everyone around her. Her mischievous nature and hidden warmth shone brightly, leaving behind a lasting impression.

Maria (raising her hand in farewell with a bright smile):

"Alright, you lazy bunch! I'm leaving now, and I don't want to see any more tears. Take care of the mansion, and don't forget me—whether I was your source of happiness... or annoyance!"

With that, she turned and walked toward the carriage, leaving behind hearts filled with mixed emotions. But Maria succeeded in making her final farewell a memory brimming with warmth, sarcasm, and love.

As Maria walked steadily toward the carriage, a cold breeze drifted through the trees surrounding the mansion, as if the sky itself was mourning this farewell. She didn't turn back, nor did she even think to glance behind her. She knew that every step she took would deepen their pain, but her resolve remained firm.

Hartua, the little girl who had only known the radiant presence of her sister, clung to their mother's dress, her tiny fingers gripping the fabric, desperately trying to grab Maria's attention. Her face was still puffy with anger, as it had been all morning, but her eyes… they reflected something far deeper than anger—something closer to fear, to loss.

Hartua raised one of her small hands toward Maria's retreating back. That trembling hand opened and closed, as if pleading: "Don't leave."

Juliette, Maria's mother, noticed the movement. She turned her gaze toward her youngest daughter's face and saw tears beginning to pool in those tiny eyes. She smiled tenderly, though it was a bittersweet smile, one that seemed to say, "Even if you call for her, you cannot stop her."

Maria, unaware of the scene unfolding behind her, reached the carriage. She raised her hand to grasp the cold metal handle, but then she heard it—a faint sound, barely audible.

"Ma... ma... maa…"

The voice, filled with hesitation and fragility, was like a soft whisper from a child learning to speak for the first time. Juliette turned swiftly to her daughter. Hartua, the child who had never spoken before, was trying to talk.

The servants, noticing the scene, froze in place as if struck by lightning. The head butler, who was usually stern and composed, leaned closer, his eyebrows knitting together in disbelief.

Hartua, now raising both hands toward Maria, her tears sparkling like crystals, tried to form her words more clearly. Her small lips trembled as she repeated, louder this time:

"Ma… ria…"

Maria's hand touched the carriage door handle just as the cry became unmistakable.

"Ma... Mariaaaaa!"

She froze instantly. Her fingers, which had just gripped the handle, trembled and loosened. Her eyes widened with shock as the child's voice pierced through her resolve.

Slowly, she turned. Her hair, which cascaded over her shoulders, swayed gently as she moved. And when her gaze met the sight behind her, the first thing she saw was Hartua. The little girl, who had spent the morning pouting in anger, was now crying uncontrollably, her hands outstretched, calling for her sister with all the desperation of a child who couldn't bear to let go.

Hartua's cries echoed in the stillness:

"M… Maria… Maria…"

For Maria, time seemed to stop. That cry, filled with innocence and despair, felt like an arrow piercing straight into her heart.

Maria (whispering to herself, her eyes wide):

"Hartua… She called my name… for the first time?"

Her feet moved instinctively toward her little sister. She couldn't ignore that plea, that voice overflowing with need. As she approached, she knelt at the bottom of the stairs, reaching out her arms toward Hartua.

Maria (with a trembling smile, trying to hold back her tears):

"Hartua… you… said my name?"

Hartua couldn't stop crying. She flailed her tiny fists in the air, as if to say, "Why are you leaving?"

Juliette (softly, her voice filled with sorrow):

"Maria, it seems Hartua doesn't want you to go… Maybe you should—"

Maria interrupted her mother, gently taking Hartua into her arms. She cradled the little girl close, holding her as though she were the most precious thing in the world.

Maria (in a gentle voice):

"Hartua, I'm sorry… but I promise, I won't be far. I'll always come back to you, no matter what."

Tears streamed down Maria's face silently. She felt a small hand tugging at her hair, and when she looked, she saw Hartua had stopped crying. Her eyes were still wet, but she gazed at Maria with an expression that begged, "Don't leave me."

Hartua (in a broken, childlike voice):

"Don't… go… Maria."

Maria smiled, her face a mixture of pain and warmth.

Maria (kissing Hartua's forehead):

"I'm not leaving to abandon you… I'm going to make the world a safer place for you. I promise, Hartua, I'll always come back."

Standing again, Maria handed Hartua carefully back to her mother. Before she stepped away, she looked at her mother and the servants.

Maria (with a radiant smile):

"Take good care of her. Hartua is small, but she's strong, isn't she?"

Everyone nodded silently, their eyes following her as she turned back toward the carriage.

And with every step she took, Maria carried with her a new promise—a promise of hope and return

Maria climbed into the carriage, settling into the comfortable seat as she gazed out of the small window at her family and the workers waving to her with a bittersweet mix of joy and sadness. She wore her signature smile that lit up like the sun, showing off her white teeth, nearly exposing her gums, while her crescent-shaped eyes added to her vibrant expression. A ray of sunlight filtered in from behind her, amplifying her radiant aura.

But the moment was cut short when the elderly carriage driver, a man in his fifties, broke the mood with a sarcastic comment:

"Why don't you tone down that smile, little miss lantern? I'd rather not go blind before we reach our destination."

Maria glanced through the small front window at the driver, her face instantly showing annoyance. Her eyes narrowed as if silently questioning, "Really?" and her lips formed a tight line as she restrained the sarcastic retort building up inside her, remembering her mother's warning not to cause trouble.

Still, she couldn't help but mumble to herself while glaring at his back:

"Senile old man... You probably belong in a dinosaur museum, not driving a carriage!"

The old man, sensing her irritation, tilted his head slightly and shot her a smug glance, his expression teasing. With a sly grin, he said:

"If you plan to sit like that for the entire ride, I just hope you don't decide to deliver an epic monologue about yourself."

Maria arched an eyebrow and shot back with playful sarcasm:

"Don't worry, old-timer. I save my speeches for those who matter, not for someone past their expiration date."

The man chuckled softly, turning his focus back to the reins.

"I'll keep that in mind when I write my will... Just don't expect to see your name on it."

Maria leaned back dramatically, placing a hand over her chest as if his words had struck her deeply.

"Oh no, what a tragedy! I thought I was the heir to your grand empire!"

The man smirked and gave the reins a light flick to spur the horses forward.

"Heir? Sure. Maybe I'll leave you the backseat of this carriage."

Maria burst into laughter, her voice carrying out of the carriage as the workers and her family watched it roll away, their heavy hearts lightened by her infectious joy.

Inside the carriage, Maria continued staring out the window, her amused smirk lingering as she muttered to herself:

"Well, this trip won't be boring at least… This old man does add a bit of flavor!"

Be continue…

In this chapter, we explored Maria's journey filled with a mix of drama and comedy. From the heartfelt goodbyes with her family and the workers, to the witty banter with the elderly driver, who turned out to be just as humorous as Maria herself. The chapter showed how heavy emotions can be lightened by moments of laughter and sharp sarcasm.

But don't worry, dear readers! The final scene of the first episode is coming soon, where the events will build up with more suspense, emotions, and perhaps even more of Maria's trademark sarcasm. Get ready for a moment full of excitement and emotions that will leave you on the edge of your seat!

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