《Simádi》 Prologue The heavens are angry. Black clouds shrouded the Kingdom of Proule. Lightning crackled and thunder roared, as large rain drops poured down the land. On the distance, east from the Kingdom, could be found the Oakwoods. As the loud downpour of the rain echoed, one can faintly hear a cry. Specifically, a baby¡¯s cry. Tracing where the cry came from, a man stood in front of a grave. A grave built from stones being stacked together. The man is wearing a black hood, which protects him from the rains downpour. The noise came from the man¡¯s arm. Inside the hood, a white cloth could be seen, which is where the baby¡¯s cry is coming from. The man pulled down is hood, but because of the weather and the shade cause by the oak woods, one cannot clearly see the man¡¯s face. ¡°¡­ I have failed you **** (Roar)¡± The man said. ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t deserve the name ***** (Crackle).¡± Lightning crackled and thunder roared overshadowing the man¡¯s voice. The night went on, as a few moments later the man left the area, the child still on his hands. ¡°¡­ Don¡¯t worry ... I will raise this child, in your place.¡± Earlier that day. The sun is shining brightly throughout the Land of Clyre. Birds singing their lungs out in the open, as the crowd on the streets bustled up to do their duties and works. A peaceful atmosphere resonated throughout the Kingdom of Proule. But inside the Castle of the Kingdom, all of the personnel are anxious. Guards are sweating uncontrollably. Castle maids are nowhere to be found as they were being summoned on the Queen¡¯s bedroom. They were lined up outside the bedroom, as only a handful of the maids are required inside. With them are two men. Not just any man, but the King of Proule himself and the General of the Army of Proule. King Clark, auburn hair and beard trimmed cleanly; in his royal garments and crown on his head; is pacing back and forth outside. Usually he is walking head held high, dignified and gallant, to become an example towards the people of his kingdom. But it seems that none of that matters as he had this situation at hand. The other man, General Ponce, with his bald shining head, and a beard that stretches out from his chin. Wearing his full set of shining armor, which had scars and dents all over it. Sword at the hip and helm at his hands. Unlike King Clark, his expression is calm and smiling seemingly amused at his childhood friend¡¯s actions. ¡°My friend, you should not be anxious.¡±- General PonceYou might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be, Ponce? In fact, I am confused why you are so calm. She is YOUR SISTER?!¡± ¨CKing Clark General Ponce pointed a finger up, ¡°Precisely! That¡¯s why I am calm. She IS my sister!¡± Then he laugh out loud. King Clark sighed as he massage his temples, ¡°It really runs in their blood.¡± Today is the Queen¡¯s labor. The child of the King is going out to see the beauty of the world today. That is why the King is so anxious. King Clark is now back to pacing back and forth on the hallway. Today, everything will be revealed. A cold glint could be seen on the King¡¯s eyes. Moments later, a cry could be heard, as the door opened. ¡°It¡¯s a boy!¡± The Maid said. General Ponce laughed out loud again, ¡°Another mighty warrior has born! Clark, even though he has your name, but our blood runs through him. He would become a great man someday.¡± He then entered the room. Nobody notice the cold glint in King Clark¡¯s eyes. 12 years later The Kingdom of Proule is having a festival. It is because today is the birthday of the King¡¯s child. Flowers were thrown on the streets. The Bards are singing about the coming occasion. Soldiers and Guards are on the street patrolling over the kingdom to prevent any conflict from occurring. As the sun is about to reach its apex, the festival is reaching its boiling point. Trumpets started playing, as the crowd started gathering at the Kingdom¡¯s Square, in front of the Castle. More flowers where thrown flying through the air. Crowds are cheering. Kingdom Proule¡¯s Flag were hoisted, a silhouette of a horse¡¯s head with a sword on the background as its symbol. A hooded man came from an alleyway in two a same hooded person that is much shorter than him. ¡°Listen, this is going to be the place we will stay from now on. Today is your birthday, the same goes to the king¡¯s child.¡± The man gazed upon the balcony of the castle. He shifted his sight to ¡®child¡¯ he was talking of. ¡°Remember my words child. Everything you see or hear, are not always the truth. Everything has its own flaws and dirt. Like how you can see the beauty of a tree or a plant, they are still being fed with living being¡¯s wastes to be able to grow faster and beautiful.¡± The tall hooded man said. ¡°Yes sir.¡± The other replied in a younger tone. At this time King Clark came out and is now standing on the balcony. Still wearing the crown on his head, still full of auburn hair and beard which is neatly trimmed. What differed from the past is the occasional white on it. Wearing his royal robe, he waved his right hand to signal the crowd to be silent. ¡°Thank you all for coming on this day¡¯s wonderful occasion.¡± He gazed upon the humungous crowd in front of him. The streets are full of people. Some are on the roofs, just to be able to see him and his child. ¡°Sadly, it is also the day the Queen¡­ my Wife¡­ died.¡± Silence permeated the area, as the King reminisced the past. ¡°But as the sun sets on the horizon, a new celestial being, the moon, eclipses our night.¡± He gestured behind him. ¡°And let me represent to you, the celestial being, and the moon that had eclipsed us all.¡± The curtain veil split open, as a beautiful girl came out. A 12 year old girl came out, wearing a white dress. With her auburn hair well-groomed flowing over her shoulders. She walked gracefully as she, step by step went to stand side by side with her father. ¡°Good Morning! Kingdom of Proule! Daughter of King Clark Baruch! ...¡± ¡°And Queen Eris Jaeger!¡± ¡°I am Hannes!" The crowd burst out into cheering. The tall hooded man crouched down to his companion. ¡°Remember our Goal! The things I have taught you! It is all for this moment.¡± He took a necklace from his pocket. Pushing it towards the left chest of the similarly hooded man. ¡°Uncle.¡± Looking from afar, the necklace shaped like a cross. But upon closer inspection, it is actually a sword. ¡°This is goodbye. Hank.¡± The tall hooded man left. Volume 1 : The Slum, The Grass Field, and The Castle - Chapter 1 - Michael, Hank, and Hannes Baruch City, the Capital of Proule Kingdom. On its outskirts could be found the market. In here merchants come and go, to trade with the community. Crowds bustled up here and there trying to purchase and bargain. ¡°Hey you bastard!¡± -??? A boy is running through the street dodging left and right, passing through the limited space between people. ¡°Stop that thief!¡± -??? The boy wave through multiple people as he went to different alleyways to escape. He is wearing rag clothes. Torn out shirt and pants. No footwear. On his arms are two loaves of bread. He glance at his back, his pursuers nowhere to be found. Stopping at an intersection, to catch up his breathe, leaning on a barrel. Huff, Huff He closed his eyes. Sense of hearing started to heightened, he heard multiple bubble of conversations. A horse carriage is coming from a clip clop of the horse¡¯s shoe, and rumble of the wheels. He could also hear different kinds of animals. Chicken, Bull, Duck, etc. And the swinging motion of a knife as it *thump on a chopping board. This is the Market of course. He dismissed it all as he focused on other pressing sounds. Footsteps. Stomp, Stomp. Not just any footstep. Unlike others, this one had its rhythm on it. One Two. One Two. The boy¡¯s eyes opened as a shocked expression covered his face. Soldiers! He thought. The boy hastily hid the two loaves of bread inside the barrel. Then ran as fast as he could across the street. ¡°That¡¯s him! Catch that thief!¡± -??? As the boy suspected the soldiers are here to catch him. He glance towards the one who are shouting, it is the Baker. Beside him are three to four of the Patrol Soldiers. Crap! He cursed inwardly as he turned to the right of the intersection. But unbeknownst to him, that was where the horse carriage is passing through. As he turned, he saw two white horse that are clearly much bigger than him. The driver pulled the horses back to avoid much accident. Neigh! The horses stood on their hind legs. The boy in front of them had his eyes opened wide, as he slumped on his butt. ¡°What in the name of my Mother¡¯s whip! Happened?!¡± -??? A fat man walked out of the carriage as he inspect the situation, with his angry looks. The man is wearing extravagant clothes on his person with lots of jewelries to compliment it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry sire.¡± The driver said in a very relaxed manner. Wearing fit clothes that represent him as being a butler of sorts. ¡°We were about to crash into a person.¡± He leaned on the fat man, as he whispered, ¡°We don¡¯t want our ¡®guest¡¯ to see that happen¡­¡­ And your cursed... it¡¯s a little bit¡­ you know.¡± ¡°Ahem,¡± The fat man coughed. The baker and the soldiers were able to catch up and are now also inspecting the situation. ¡°My Lord! I apologize for the inconvenience. It is because of this child!¡± ¨CBaker Grabbing the boy in the collar, the baker lift him up to stand. The fat man snorted, as he only took a glance. ¡°Silence! All of you must be pun¡­¡± but a whisper from the butler/driver and he abruptly stopped his sentence. He suddenly laughed out loud. The crowd was confused, especially the baker and the soldiers. All except for one, the boy. The boy had his eyes still staring at the white horses. Seemingly mesmerize by what he saw in them. The laughter ended. ¡°I am going to be generous today. Because it is I, Lord Fredrick.¡± The fat man gestured while posing his incredible body, ¡°The most generous of them all aristocrats. If someone wants to cause strife, just call me Lord Fredrick.¡± After saying that speech, he grabbed a bag inside the carriage and throw some gold coins on the area. The silence crowd bustled up as they were crouching down and grabbing the coins, including the baker. The only one unaffected of the gold are the soldiers and the boy. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± ¨CFat man The fat man entered the carriage, the driver whip the sleigh. The driver had clearly noticed the boy¡¯s absence in mind, as he grab a gold coin in his pocket and flip it towards his face. The coin tossed went towards the boy¡¯s forehead as he snap out of his stupor and grabbed it. While the baker is busy grabbing coins on the ground, the soldiers attending to the rest of the bustled up crowd for any more conflicts to happen, the boy slipped away silently. Unbeknownst to him, a person inside the carriage wearing a sun hat is observing him. Presumably, this is the ¡®guest¡¯ the butler is speaking of. The boy went back towards the barrel to get his two loaves of bread. ¡°Hm? Why is it not here?!¡± The boy exclaimed as he turned over the barrel upside down. ¡°No! No! After all that hard work?!!¡± ¡°What hard work? Does stealing can also be called hard work?¡± -??? The boy turned where the voice came. A young man stood in the middle of the alleyway. Wearing soldier clothes, he had the demeanor of someone who upholds fairness and justice. On his hands are two loaves of bread, one of it had a bite on it. Thinking about it thoroughly, the young soldier is clearly the ¡®culprit¡¯ about that bite. ¡°That¡¯s mine!¡± ¡°Hah! Criminals can¡¯t really admit their own wrongdoings.¡± After saying that, the young soldier throw the two breads on the street, towards the direction of the boy.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°HEY!¡± the boy picked the loaves up. ¡°You! .....¡± ¡°You what? Just shut up and come with me. Thief.¡± Dashing towards the boy, he thought ¡®I must grabbed him at once.¡¯ By grabbing the boy, he can pin him down. Looking at how the boy looks skinny, and with him being well trained as a soldier. He knew that he can easily do the task. However, he is gravely mistaken. He was able to grab the boy¡¯s right arm. The only thing left to do is to turn the arm to the boy¡¯s back and push him to the ground. But sadly, that¡¯s not what happened. The boy with his right arm being grabbed, and the young soldier is placed on his 60 degrees. He jumped and flip backwards. 60 degrees towards the back of the young soldier. Grabbing the young soldier¡¯s hair with his left hand, he pulled hard to put the soldier down. ¡°Aghh!¡± The boy went and picked up the two loaves of bread. He is now preparing to go for another run, when suddenly the horse carriage from a while ago stopped on the other side of the alleyway. The boy turned to the other exit. But moments later, a female in a white dress and a sun hat that covered her face, impeded the way. The boy hesitated, but for only a moment, he dashed planning to push the female away if ever needed. It was in this moment where the female raise her sun hat. Then the boy stopped in his tracks. The same also happened to the young soldier, now kneeling, hands on the back of his hand, on the process of standing up. As the young soldier saw the female he also stopped. The boy on the other hand, was mesmerized. The same thing happened to him a while ago, when he saw the majestic white horses. But clearly what is happening at hand is different. On the boy¡¯s perspective, silence permeated the surroundings. From the entrance of the alleyway towards him are shaded because of the tall building on both of its sides. The only light source coming from the entrance where in the female is now standing. It is like he is watching a deity coming from the heavens strolling on the mundane world. Last time he saw her, it was the wonderful occasion of the Proule Kingdom. It is because of this female. The daughter of King Clark Baruch, and Queen Eris Jaeger from the Jaeger Bloodline, the Bloodline of Warriors. He was on the far corner of the street at the time, on the verge of death. He had never known his father, and his mother died from childbirth. He live with his aunt but after he became 7 years old, she suddenly disappeared. He never knew where she is. Whether she left him to live ¡­ or die by himself. Or something happened to her. He doesn¡¯t care. He knew since from the start the surviving in this world starts from his own hands. And today he is giving up. He can¡¯t get any strength from his body, as he just focus on his surroundings with his hearing. ¡°Let¡¯s go! Let¡¯s go! The King is going to announce something on the square!¡± ¡°Do you know what His Highness is going to announce?¡± ¡°I have heard on one of the castle maids that he is going to introduce His Highness¡¯s Heir.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes! Come on, Hurry!¡± The King? Heir? Heh! Who cares? I don¡¯t care. I only want to be able to survive. Is what the boy is thinking. But unbeknownst to him, his body rejects that idea as it trembled from its prone position, and then tried to stand up. He heard the bustle of crowds coming from the square. It started loudly, then abruptly silence, there was gasping of the crowd, then a loud cheering of ¡®Long Live the King, Long Live the Princess, Long Live Proule Kingdom¡¯. Princess? He asked inwardly. He clearly remembered that he heard someone saying the King¡¯s Heir is a ¡­ ¡°Boy?¡± -??? Yes a boy! ¡°Do you want to see the festival?¡± -??? Hm? Is he talking to me? He felt a hand snaked through his back. The cold ground leaving his sense of touch as the man lifted him. Some type of round object was thrown on his mouth which melted a few seconds later. This brought strength to him as he started to open his eyes. A hooded man carried him in a princess style. His eyes stared at the person below that hood. He was unable to distinguish the person¡¯s features. The only thing that caught his eyes is the necklace on the person¡¯s neck. A sword necklace. ¡°Long Live the King! Long Live the Princess Hannes! Long Live Proule Kingdom!¡± But his eyes diverted from the person, as he glance at the direction of the square. He is not near and also not far, a distance long enough for him to be able to see the gorgeous beauty of the girl that he place in his heart. ¡°¡­. I ..¡± A hoarse voice came out of his mouth. A dried feeling came from his throat as he uttered a couple of coughs. ¡°¡­.¡± The hooded man just silently stood. I want to be up there! Looking at the boy¡¯s fiery gaze. The hooded man came upon on a conclusion. ¡°Do you have a dream?¡± The boy nodded weakly. ¡°Then do everything to pursue it. Michael.¡± The boy¡¯s eyes opened wide in shocked. He looked at the man abruptly, which took away the little bit of strength he had and slowly his consciousness slip away. Back on the alleyway, the two idiots are staring at the female. She stepped forward, and neared the two of them. ¡°Someone coming from the filth of the world. And someone from the grass fields, waiting for a storm to come in.¡± ¨CPrincess Hannes She stopped from in front of them, crossing her arms, she declared. ¡°From now on, you two are my¡­¡° ¨CPrincess Hannes ¡°No! I am the only one!¡± ¨CMichael But before she could continue, Michael interrupted her. ¡°What?¡± ¨CPrincess Hannes ¡°I ¡­ said ¡­ I am the only one!¡± ¨CMichael ¡°Only one what?¡± ¨CPrincess Hannes ¡°¡­ Only one of ¡­ What you are about to say.¡± ¨CMichael The female tilted her head as she looked confused. ¡°What I am offering is you two to become my personal guards.¡± ¨CPrincess Hannes ¡°It would be my honor Your Highness! I am Hank!¡± The young soldier out of his stupor corrected his posture to kneel in front of the female ¡°Good!¡± ¨CPrincess Hannes She smiled at Hank as she stared at Michael. ¡°Wha¡­ What?¡± ¨CMichael ¡°Do you accept my offer?¡± ¨CPrincess Hannes ¡°Wh¡­ why woud-wouldn¡¯t I!!¡± ¨CMichael ¡°Excellent!!¡± The princess exclaimed as she clapped her hands. ¡°But!!¡± ¨CMichael ¡°Hm?¡± ¨CPrincess Hannes ¡°Can I ask a question? Princess?¡± ¨CMichael ¡°Oh! After all this time I thought you had no manners.¡± This made Michael blushed out of shame as clearly he had been talking to the Princess casually for a while now. ¡°What is it?¡± ¨CPrincess Hannes ¡°Why me?¡± ¨CMichael ¡°Huh?¡± ¨CPrincess Hannes ¡°Why pick me?¡± ¨CMichael ¡°Hahaha!¡± The Princess burst out into laughter. ¡°Oh right! You don¡¯t know. I am finding personal guards who is going to be with me all the time. And there is going to become a screening and I want the two of you to be included in it. Good Luck!¡± After saying that she left them as they were. She turned around and asked, ¡°Names?¡± ¡°Michael!¡± ¡°Hank!¡± They voiced out together. The two were the only ones left in the alleyway as the Princess entered the carriage and speeded away. ¡°Hey! HANK! You rascal!¡± -??? BANG BANG BANG Behind bars, someone is making a ruckus. ¡°Hahaha! We were offered. Yes. But that doesn¡¯t mean that you¡¯re able to slip away. A crime is a crime. Idiot!¡± Hank came and stood in front of a cell. Inside could be seen a boy, it is Michael! ¡°Why me?¡± ¨CHank ¡°Huh?¡± ¨CMichael ¡°Why pick me?¡± ¨CHank ¡°Hey! Shut up! Hey!¡± ¨CMichael ¡°The only thing that is missing is you saying,¡± Hank gave an exaggerated gesture as he said in a flirty way, ¡°I love you, Princess.¡± -Hank ¡°HAHAHAHA! You looked like a moron out there for a while!¡± ¨CHank Hank burst into laughter, ¡°You just wait over there. People of your age tend to be sent to volunteer camps.¡± ¡°Bye!¡± Hank waved at him as he went out of the prison cells. ¡°Hey! You rascal!!! I¡¯ll get back at you! You Moron!! Do you hear me?! Hey!¡± ¨CMichael Laughter came from the door, as it was slammed shut. ¡°Tsk! Crap!¡± ¨CMichael Michael looked around his cell. One side full of black bars, and three sidewalls without windows. The only light source comes from a hole from the ceiling. Michael sat on the side, his face full of dirt. The same goes with his ragged clothing. ¡°That bastard! I¡¯ll come back at him.¡± ¨CMichael An evil laugh come from him. ¡°Kekeke! Yes! Yes! I¡¯ll do that. Oh! What a wonderful idea. hahahAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I¡¯M A GENIUS!¡± ¡°SHUT UP KID!¡± -??? GRRRrrrrr¡­¡­ ¡­. ¡­.. .....GRRRrrrrr ... ¡°I SAID SHUT UP!!¡± -??? ¡°I apologize Mister. I have not eaten since¡­ since¡­. God knows when, and thank you.¡± ¨CMichael ¡°That explained your behavior.¡± ¨CMister ¡°Hm? Why?¡± Talking while his mouth is stuffed, his words couldn¡¯t be distinguished. ¡°Aish! Shut up! Just eat your meal right away. Thank the Guards not me.¡± ¨CMister ¡°Yes! Yes! Sir Guard! Thank you!¡± ¨CMichael ¡°ARGH! Can¡¯t you just close your mouth for a sec?!¡± ¨CMister ¡­ ¡­. ¡­ . ¡°Thank God!¡± ¨CMister . .. ¡­ .. . ¡°..argh.¡± -??? Hm? ¨CMister ¡°Argh!¡± ¨CMichael ¡°Wha-What is happening to you? Hey! Speak boy!¡± ¨CMister ¡°ARRGHHH!!! That bastard! I¡¯ll clabber him! Smash him! And lots, lots of things.¡± ¨CMichael ¡°BLAH!¡± Mister said on the other cell as he covered his ears with both of his hands. Volume 1 : The Slum, The Grass field, and The Castle – Chapter 2 - Sly, Beauty and …. Karl ¡°¡­ ¡­ ¡­ Ahhh!¡± -??? ¡°1, 2, 3, Yahhh!¡± -??? BANG! Goes the bucket full of water, drop on the ground. ¡°Ahhhhh!!¡± Michael crouched down, caressing his hair with both his hands. He has been tasked to get water to full the barrel beside him. ¡°Wha-what am I going to do¡­ Huhuhu!¡± Tears are now flowing down his face. ¡°Drey! Karl! I am sorry! Huhuhu!¡± ¡°What the hell happened to you again?¡± -??? Michael glance at his side, and saw a middle age man. A well-built man, black tank top, and big ragged pants. He was the Mister, Michael was talking moments ago in the cell. Michael learned that his name is Ed, because the guy hated to be called as Mister. Their feet are in shackles. Located in the outskirts of city, they were sent to a farmland. Soldiers could be seen patrolling the land, and other prisoners being sent by the government to do manual labor. But what differed are this prisoners are all young guys and gals. Michael, walk while kneeling. Ed notice a flash on the corner of his eye as he notice someone grabbing his leg. Grabbing his leg, Michael¡¯s face covered by snot and tears. ¡°Mister Ed!¡± ¨CMichael ¡°I told you to sop calling me Mister!¡± Ed tried to push Michael away, ¡°And for just one moment, stop pestering me!¡± ¡°No! After what happened a while ago. I knew. I knew. You¡­ ¡°Mid-sentence Michael was now staring at Ed, with a terrifying gaze. Then he slowly stood up until he is able to grab Ed¡¯s collar. Because of what happened in the cell a while ago, he will never let this man go. A while ago. ¡°ARRGHHH!!! That bastard! I¡¯ll clabber him! Smash him! And lots, lots of things.¡± ¨CMichael ¡°BLAH!¡± Ed exclaimed as he covered his ears with both of his hands. *Creak They heard the door opened. Both of their attentions were grabbed. Michael stood up, trying his best to take an angle from inside the cell to have a vision of who it is. While Ed just seated where he is. ¡°Smith. What happened this time again?¡± -??? Hm? That voice? ¨CMichael ¡°My Lord. This time he got into a fight after being drunk.¡± -??? ¡°Oh really?!! Hah! That bastard is really a good for nothing. Since we were still kids until toda¡­¡± -??? The man stopped talking as he neared the cell. On his peripheral vision he could see a boy clinging from the bars. The kid seemed familiar to him but upon inspecting the other cell, he displayed his biggest smile ever, with arms opened wide. ¡°Oh!! My beloved brother! Edward! Thank God your fine, I came to ge¡­¡± -??? ¡°Shut the fuck up you fat-so!!¡± ¨CEd This startled Michael and the fat man. Michael recognize the fat man. He was the owner of the horse carriage and the white horse he admired a while ago. Lord Fredrick. ¡°Wh-what did you say?!¡± ¨CFredrick ¡°I said shut up! FAT-SO!¡± ¨CEd ¡°Hah! I came here to get you out and this is what I receive from you?¡± ¨CFredrick ¡°Who told you to get me out?! Moron!¡± ¨CEd The butler, who happened to be Smith whom Fredrick called, step in with the guard. The guard opened the cell where Ed was in. *Clank The cell¡¯s door burst open, Ed dashing towards Fredrick and pinned him down to the ground. ¡°Fat-so! What did you just say a while ago?! Huh!¡± Ed leaned in to whisper at him, ¡°Can you repeat it?¡± Fredrick on the ground, got frustrated and out of anger, ¡°Ooww! You..! You good for nothing!¡± ¡°Oh! Really?¡± ¨CEd Ed beat him up. The guard planned to separate the two but Smith grabbed him and shook his head. This lead to the guard¡¯s confusion. ¡°Hey! Mister Ed! Please let me out! Please! Please! Pretty please.¡± Michael said in the other cell, still clinging on the bars, with his pleading looks. Looking at his face, instead of being concerned and pity him, but because of the grime and dirt on his face, he looked comedic. Ed looked him. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me with that kind of expression boy! You look so ugly!¡± ¡°Really? Yes!¡± ¨CMichael ¡°Huh? Why does it seem that you are being complimented?¡± ¨CEd ¡°Oh. It is nothing. Hehe.¡± Michael replied, lowering his head, seemingly thinking about something. Ed looking at him, felt a tugged in his heart. Who is this boy? He reminded me of ¡®him¡¯. Tsk. ¡°Hey, Fat-so. Let him out as well.¡± ¨CEd ¡°Wha-what? After doing this to me?!! NO!¡± Lord Fredrick had a mirror on his hand, which was given to him by the butler, Smith. Looking at him now, a black eye and a few bruises could be seen on his face. If somehow one suspects him to be a panda, no one would deny. Fredrick is trembling out of anger. Bringing the mirror up slowly, with some slight shiver, to his face, he uttered, ¡°M-my face! My most beautiful face! Huhuhuhu!¡± ¡°Do you want another round?!¡± Ed exclaimed as he pinned his brother again. Back in time, in the farmland. ¡°¡­ I know. I know. You had the capability to let us out of here!¡± Michael said, his face so near Ed. ¡°Heh!¡± Ed flick and push Michael away from him. ¡°Look boy. I know it¡¯s my fault, but listen. We only need to be here for only a day. How come you can¡¯t spare enough of that time. We even had free food here just try¡­. ¡°If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Exactly! I have food here.. but my friends.. they are still starving.¡± Michael interrupted. Looking at the boy, Ed saw a silhouetted of a person. A person who really greatly admired. ¡°You know what? I have only known you for only a limited amount of time, but I can say I know you inside out.¡± Ed muttered. ¡°Hm? Did you say something?¡± Michael asked. ¡°.. It¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¨CEd Hearing that, Michael¡¯s face brightened up as he followed Ed. ¡°Really? Are we really leaving right now? Yes!¡± ¡°But on one condition.¡± Ed suddenly turned around, Michael bump on him and fell on his bottom. ¡°No talking!¡± ¡°Yes sir!¡± ¡°Waahh! Look at this place! It is so huge!¡± -??? ¡°Right! Right! Are we living here permanently?¡± -??? ¡°Yes! Mister Ed said that we would be. Right Mister Ed?¡± Michael said to his two friends, Drey and Karl. Gazing at the mansion he and his friend is in, he can¡¯t help but to be excited and happy. After Ed decided to leave the farmland. He went to a certain soldier, Michael in tow that clearly knew who he is, which explains the soldier¡¯s odd behavior. One thing lead to another until the two of them went to the slums to get Michael¡¯s friends, Drey and Karl. They then went pass the inner wall of Baruch City. The inner wall distinguish the hierarchy around the City. Someone who lives inside it, are all nobles or persons who had greatly honored the Kingdom. Ones who are behind the glorious success of the Kingdom. They could be the Ministers, the Generals, Warriors who had earned his merit, Arena Champion, and many more. The three kids were both excited and nervous. They had never once believe that in this lifetime that they would be able to get inside this place. Well... except for Michael who had great aspirations in life. Which is also one of the reasons why his two friends follow him. They entered a courtyard, a two story mansion behold the eyes of the kids. In front of the mansion is a garden, bushes covered the outskirts of the pathway and is only high enough for people to see each other on the other side. Flowers and trees are neatly arranged behind the bushes. When Michael entered he uttered the word ¡®Paradise in Earth¡¯ which led Ed to smirk. At the meantime, as the three 12 year old kids are inspecting the mansion for more incredible and beautiful things. Ed and his not-so-fat brother, Fredrick, with Smith of course, are upstairs in the office. Fredrick looking at the window, seeing the three kids play at the garden. He did not care about how dirty the three are, what he only cared is why his brother let them in. And why would he agree to his brothers antics. He is wearing hat that almost covered his face. From Ed and Smith¡¯s vision, they could only see the right cheek of Fredrick. ¡°¡­. you¡­¡° Fredrick muttered. ¡°.. Excuse me?¡± ¨CEd Turning around taking the hat covering his face, his face became much more ¡­ fattier? Last time, he had a black eye and only few bruises on his face. But now, bumps covered all over his face, with the exception of his right cheek. And instead of one, he had two black eyes. Clearly this is the result of Ed¡¯s second fist fest. ¡°¡­ Pfftt¡­¡± ¨CEd & Smith ¡°SEE! That¡¯s the reason! Why would I agree when you just made my face into a punching bag you idiot!¡± Fredrick exclaimed as tears started to fall off, ¡°I even encourage myself to accept your antics because we are brothers, but then you laughing right now made my heart ache.¡± Looking at Fredrick¡¯s face full of bruise and two black eyes, with four streams of tears (clearly the other two are snots), Ed pitied him. Ed sighed, ¡°Okay, Alright! I would do anything you want me to do. Just do this things for me.¡± Fredrick¡¯s eyes went wide and stared at Edward. ¡°Are you speaking the truth?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¨CEd ¡°Quick, Smith you bastard. I have heard you laughing at me a while ago.¡± Fredrick wiped away his snot and tears, then put on the hat that almost covered his face. ¡°But because it is I,¡± He made an exaggerated gesture and made a poise displaying his full body, ¡°Lord Fredrick. The most handsome and generous of them all aristocrats. If someone wants to cause strife, call me Lord Fredrick. Be quick with the kid¡¯s accommodation Smith.¡± Fredrick then gazed at his brother with a greedy look, ¡°Me and my brother¡­ had some business to talk to.¡± Shivers run down Ed¡¯s spine, I think I made a wrong move just now. Smith led the three kids to their room. An extravagant room decorated with different kinds of expensive furniture¡¯s. There are four beds inside the room. The three were about to play with their beds, seeing how comfy it is, but Smith step in front of them. ¡°First things first before I begin young lads. Is a bath.¡± ¨CSmith ¡°Yeah!¡± The three said. After taking care of that, Smith left them in their room. Michael and Karl is in front of a mirror, making poses, that greatly emphasizes their appearance. Michael after the bath, had his straight black hair brush up. Wearing the luxurious clothes given by Smith, he looked dashing. Comparing the previous him, and the one in the mirror, one would not believe that he is the same person. ¡°Wahh! I looked so handsome in this clothes. Am I right Karl?¡± Michael said as he fixed his bowtie. White long sleeve shirt, bow tie, black vest, grey pants, and black leather shoes. Tears streamed down Michael¡¯s face, ¡°Am I right Karl?!¡± He glance to his right, Karl is facing the other way, and has been silent for a while. ¡°Karl? Are you okay?¡± ¨CMichael Michael step to his side. Karl had his eyes opened wide and is staring in front. Wearing an all-white attire that compliment his dark skin. He had his grey hair spike up, moving towards the middle. Glancing at the direction where Karl is staring, Michael found out the reason why. Entering the room is a girl. Black dress that expands outward from waist down. Her short hair is clipped by a black pin. One word can describe her, stunning. Looking at the two boy¡¯s expression, the word ¡®stunning¡¯ is not an exaggeration. Their faces looked quite shocked with their mouths opened wide. She is cute and charming, without the frown which plastered the girl¡¯s face, she would be even more pretty and beautiful. ¡°Wh-who are you?!¡± ¨CMichael ¡°Ehem!¡± Karl stood up straight and said, ¡°My Lady, may I know thy beautiful name?¡± Extending his hand towards the young maiden. A vein burst on the girl¡¯s forehead as she pummeled Karl to the ground. ¡°You rascal! Who do you call My Lady! Huh!¡± ¨CThe Maiden ¡°He-Hey wait a minute! Stop! Stop!¡± ¨CKarl Smith came in afterwards which put the two to a halt. Standing up they lined up on both sides of Michael. Smith had a smirk on his face, seemingly amuse. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Nothing¡­.¡± The Maiden said in a low voice. ¡°Who is this¡­ this fox?! She came in and started beating me!¡± Karl exclaimed, hiding from Michael, and pointing at the Maiden. ¡°Hm? You don¡¯t know? She is your friend. Drey. Or should I say, Andreya?¡± Smith smiled at the last part and with a questioning look he gaze to the Maiden. ¡°WHAT?!¡± ¨CMichael and Karl Turning their heads, mechanically at Drey¡­ Andreya. Andreya pouted at their action. ¡°After all these years we have been together! You really don¡¯t know?!¡± Michael put his hand on his chin, pondering. ¡°Ahhh.. That¡¯s why you act that way.¡± He tilted his head, ¡°I have thought all those years that you swing the other way. But upon this big revelation right now, I have misunderstood everything.¡± ¡°Wahh! Drey! Hahaha! You were a girl after all?! Hahaha! I can¡¯t believe it. Emma had her chest already maturing. But you?! Hahaha! That¡¯s why we didn¡¯t suspect you¡¯re a girl. You have a flat chest.. Ugo!¡± ¨CKarl Andreya pinned Karl to the ground, and pummeled him again. This situation seems familiar? Michael asked inwardly, then he notice the grin on the face of the butler, Smith. ¡°Oh! Sir thank you for this gold coin from way back.¡± Michael handed the gold coin. He knew that it was the butler. ¡°That¡¯s already yours young lad. Keep it.¡± ¨CSmith ¡°Thank you sir.¡± Michael bowed, as Smith left the room. The other two are still at it, Karl pleading for his life, Andreya pummeling Karl¡¯s face now full of bruise. Karl screamed help to Michael. Michael just ignored it, as he focused his hearing. Closing his eyes, then leaning on the door. The other two notice it and stop their own ruckus. They knew the plan has already started. Michael focus on footsteps. Based from what he heard, only a pair of foot is on the area, in fact it is Smith¡¯s footsteps. As the footsteps faded away from the scope of area he could hear, Michael turned to the pair. ¡°Time for our plan.¡± Michael said, a sly grin splattered on his face. Meanwhile, Smith was on his way to Lord Fredrick¡¯s office. Those two kids reminded me of Fredrick and Edward when they are still kids. Heh. How nostalgic. He stopped on the window, staring at the clouds. Checking is pocket watch, it is now quarter to 3 in the afternoon. Whistling and humming while walking towards his destination. As he got near the office, he heard shouting and cursing. Sigh. They don¡¯t really grow up. Do they? BANG! The door slammed open as the big figure of Lord Fredrick went out of the room. Frantically looking left and right of the hallway, noticing Smith coming his way, he called Smith and dashed towards him. ¡°Huff.. Huff.. Where.. are th-the kids?! Huff¡± ¨CFredrick Smith gestured at his back and was about to speak, when Fredrick interrupted him. ¡°Lead me¡­ Huff¡­ to them.¡± ¨CFredrick. Smith led the way, Fredrick with his ragged breathing in tow. Not so far behind them is Edward with a wide smile. A few moments later, the master and butler pair stood in front of the room where the kids are settled. Fredrick hesitated to open the door. Closing his eyes, he started to mutter silently. ¡°Please don¡¯t let this happen. Please don¡¯t let this happen. Oh mercy Lord! Don¡¯t let this happen.¡± Opening his eyes, he carefully opened the door. Fredrick¡¯s eyes gradually and slowly open wide, and with a voice so loud that everyone who can hear it, would think that an animal is being butchered. ¡°NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!¡± ¨CFredrick.