He got on the horse carriage. He was a middle-aged man. His eyes were pale and his hair uncombed. He looked unkempt. Looking at the woman beside him, he said:
"Why did you call me? My dear son is getting married today. Do you understand that?"
The well-groomed and beautiful woman glared at the man with anger.
"I don't have to explain anything to a peasant freak like you. Pay your debt and get lost!"
The man was also angry, but kept his composure:
"I have no money. Our home was destroyed during the Great War. We survive by begging. I don't owe you anything. I don't understand."
The woman dropped her angry demeanor and began to laugh. She burst into laughter.
"Then, you'll have to die."
The man froze because the woman had drawn a gun from her chest. Just then, a loud scream came from outside the carriage. Both the woman and the man were startled. The woman pointed her gun at the man while trying to look outside the carriage window. What she saw was the worst thing she had ever seen in her life—Hell.
---
Once upon a time, there was a kingdom called Norvalen. It was the largest kingdom on the continent of Elyndor. Ruled by a hereditary monarchy, it possessed the greatest territory on the continent. Many races lived within this vast kingdom. The smaller kingdoms of Elyndor either became its vassals or were conquered.
The noble king of this great kingdom was King Aldevran the Ironheart. He was strong and noble. One day, this king fell in love with a woman of lower class. They began meeting in secret and had a hidden relationship. In time, the woman became pregnant. On the king's orders, the birth was conducted in secrecy. The woman gave birth to twins, but died during childbirth for unknown reasons. Devastated, the king decided to leave the children in a royal orphanage and forget the events. He kept the existence of the children a complete secret from the public.
---
Master Rowen was telling stories to the children in the orphanage. He was the head of the orphanage. All the children there were under his responsibility. Stroking his beard, he was both thinking and storytelling.
All the children here were either unwanted by noble families or orphans of noble parents. He had only started the job yesterday, and the burden already weighed heavily on him.
But what truly troubled him was the fact that every year, the orphanage head would be murdered. He had been appointed after the last one was killed. Every head of the orphanage ended up murdered—poisoned or stabbed. The place was considered cursed, and though royal guards were assigned, they were ineffective. That's why Rowen carried a pistol. He took the job for the money and was determined to protect himself—even if the killer was a child.
Any child who turned 18 was transferred to proper universities, as this was a special orphanage for noble children. However, due to the murders, it was also feared. Royal soldiers had increased security and precautionary measures toward everyone.
When Rowen saw the salary, he had no choice but to accept it.
Every day, two children in particular caught his attention. According to rumors, their parents had been killed in a robbery 16 years ago. One was a girl, the other a boy. The girl, Serelis, seemed calm and peaceful. The boy, Thamir, was protective and liked to fight. Since Rowen had started the job, he had taken a special interest in these two.
---
Serelis stared at her brother admiringly. It was mealtime, around noon. Thamir hated it when his sister looked at him like that. Every time he saw that look, he boiled with anger.
"Let's go, Serelis. It's mealtime. Everyone is probably waiting for us."
"Okay, big brother. After you."
They sat at the dining table. All the children lined up, staring at the food. Thamir and his sister sat side by side. Thamir looked across the table and was stunned. There sat a red-haired girl. He immediately spoke up:
"E-enjoy your meal!"
"Thank you, Thamir!"
The girl responded cheerfully, and Thamir's heart fluttered. She had arrived just two days ago. He didn't even know her name, but he was in love. His heart raced every time he saw her. Until a growl came from his right side.
"Brother, are you hitting on the new girl? If you keep this up, I'll have to stop you."
"Sorry… you know I have feelings too."
"You said the same thing to the last girl. Then you fought her brother and got beaten up. You even cried next to me. You should be more careful."
"I'm sorry."
"Anyway, let's eat. Enjoy your meal, brother."
"Thanks, Serelis."
This dinner was the orphanage's final supper.
To Be Continued...