After finishing her tasks, Darkness sat quietly on a bed in the orphanage, her thoughts consumed by Lord Elfred.
'Elfred… a merchant-turned-noble,' she mused. 'He raises orphans to build a talented and efficient workforce for his enterprises. They're not kind-hearted philanthropists, but neither are they as cruel as others. Money-minded, practical—but not evil. I like people like him. Honest in their greed.'
She had met workers from various villages under Elfred's control—hardworking people who owed their livelihoods to his structured yet exploitative system. This village, Kirrage, was no exception.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the orphanage courtyard. Heavy, deliberate—enough to announce that he had arrived.
'Don't worry… I'll make you take me,' Darkness thought, her expression calm as she stood up and walked toward the door.
Outside, a grand carriage drawn by two magnificent black horses came into view. Darkness had never seen such beautiful creatures before. But what captivated her more was the carriage itself—dark with intricate gold and silver patterns, draped in crimson cloth. To others, it was a symbol of luxury. But to her, it was more.
The golden patterns shimmered with energy, and a veil of protective aura enveloped the entire carriage. It was not just a vehicle—it was a fortified sanctuary on wheels.
Yet, Darkness allowed no emotion to surface.
As Lord Elfred's retinue arrived, the adults bowed in greeting. Darkness watched keenly as the first to step down was a warrior—dressed in worn leather armor, a gleaming sword at his side, and a scar across his face that spoke of many battles.
The next was a man in his thirties, his calm yet alert eyes radiating wisdom. He was clearly a mage.
Darkness could see the Mana within them. The mage's mana was like a burning fire—intense, volatile, radiating outward from his heart, engulfing his entire being. The warrior's mana, however, was like flowing water—strong, quiet, and adaptable, wrapping his body in a controlled stream of power.
Finally, the man of the hour appeared—Lord Adrian Delter Elfred. In his mid-twenties, he carried himself with graceful pride. Every movement exuded control, a mix of confidence, nobility, and carefully measured kindness. Though his build was not imposing, the flow of energy around him hinted at hidden strength.
As the mage's eyes locked onto Darkness, a brief flicker of shock crossed his face. But he quickly composed himself, returning to his duty of protecting his lord.
"Hmm, let's go inside. I don't have much time," Elfred said curtly.
"Yes, Lord Elfred," Aunt Liana responded, leading everyone into the orphanage hall. James gathered the children, while Darkness stood quietly at Juily's side, her attention fixed on the mage and warrior.
She noticed the mage whisper something to Elfred, who briefly glanced at her.
Elfred inspected the gathered children and instructed the caretakers to assign them various apprenticeships. Meanwhile, outside the main room, he conversed privately with Aunt Liana.
Inside, the mage and the warrior approached Darkness and Juily.
"Child, do you know how to use magic?" the mage asked.
"No," Darkness replied simply, knowing exactly where this conversation was headed.
The warrior then asked, "Do you know how to use Aura?"
"My lord, she's just a five-year-old girl! How can she possibly use magic or Aura?" Juily interjected, shielding her daughter protectively.
"I've never learned such things," Darkness said, "but if you mean the energy that surrounds everything—I like to feel it and flow it through me."
Her words left everyone momentarily stunned.
"You can see it?" the mage asked, wide-eyed.
"You enjoy it?" the warrior added, intrigued.
"Yes. My name is Darkness. The others call me 'Darkness the Wise.' I prefer solitude in nature, letting its energy flow through me. It is peaceful… but you," she said, staring directly at them, "are not peaceful."
The room fell into silence, the weight of her words sinking in.
"So you can sense and channel energy naturally… yet you've never been trained," the mage murmured, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Be my student! I will give you everything you desire!" he practically shouted, stepping toward her.
Darkness instinctively stepped back into Juily's protective embrace.
"Stay away from my daughter!" Juily shouted, clutching her tightly.
Without warning, the warrior casually struck the mage on the back of his neck, knocking him out cold.
At that moment, Lord Elfred re-entered the room. Assessing the situation, he bowed his head slightly.
"I apologize for this scene," he said, his voice composed. "My name is Adrian Delter Elfred. I am a noble, and I only wish to talk."
As the mage and warrior excused themselves, Elfred turned his attention to Darkness, Juily, Aunt Liana, and James.
"Girl, I wish to ask you something important," he began, pausing to take a breath. "Will you become my daughter?"
The room froze.
Juily immediately stepped in front of Darkness. "She is my daughter!" she declared firmly.
Elfred smiled, understanding her fierce protection, yet he pressed on. "Do you know why a noble like me visits remote villages and orphanages, seeking out children?"
Darkness, now standing before him, shook her head.
"I once had a daughter, Rubina. My wife gave birth to her, but on her way to her mother's home, they were ambushed. I managed to save my wife, but… my daughter vanished. The loss broke my wife's spirit."
His words were simple, a story echoed in countless books, yet Darkness could sense the truth in them. It wasn't his words that moved her—but the weight of sincerity behind them. Her innate ability to distinguish truth from lies activated without her even focusing.
"No, my daughter will not go with you," Juily insisted, her maternal instincts overriding all else.
Elfred tried to respond, but Darkness raised her hand gently, silencing him.
"Mother, I know you fear for me, but let me speak to Lord Elfred," she said, stepping forward with the grace of a seasoned noble. Her composure and poise stunned everyone present.
"Lord Elfred, you seek me as a daughter… but why?" she asked directly.
"Because I don't merely need a child—I need an heir," he confessed. "I don't know if Rubina is alive. But I see in you a potential successor. I can give you everything you desire."
Darkness thought for a moment, then spoke, her tone even and precise. "I believe Aunt Liana has spoken to you about me." She paused, stepping forward with calm resolve.
"Lord, we both seek power. Power is intangible—it's everywhere yet nowhere. It exists only where people choose to believe in it. I desire knowledge, training, and wisdom—to understand the world and grow. You desire an heir—a symbol of your legacy. If you grant me training as a warrior, as a mage, and educate me as a noble, I will give you results. I will become the beacon of a brighter future that will bring you the power you seek."
Elfred, deeply impressed, looked at her with admiration. If you were my true daughter, I would give you the world, he thought.
"Very well, little one," he said, extending his hand. "I accept. You shall be my daughter, under contract. I will provide you with everything you wish for."
---
Years Later
Knock, Knock!
"Lady Darkness."
The voice and the knock at her door pulled Darkness out of her deep thoughts. She stood up, a faint smile crossing her lips.
'Mother was so reluctant back then, yet I convinced her. I've come this far… and I will go further. I will claim power and find peace,' she reminded herself.
"I'm coming," she replied, adjusting her uniform.
She now wore the attire of a butler—her current role. With swift, graceful movements, she was fully prepared in moments. None would suspect she had been lost in her memories just a few moments ago.
As always, she was ready to serve.