《Black Noblesse》


 Prologue - Rise of the Empire

    Ether was once a prosperous kingdom, its wealth and influence extending far beyond its borders. Its success, however, was built upon fragile foundations. The kingdom thrived on trade with its powerful neighbors, relying too heavily on foreign goods and resources. When those neighboring kingdoms turned their backs, Ether fell into ruin.


    Poverty spread like wildfire. Famine gripped the land, turning once-thriving towns into graveyards of the starved. Disease followed close behind, sweeping through the streets, sparing neither the old nor the young.


    The royal family, paralyzed by mismanagement and unprepared for such a crisis, crumbled. When the king perished, his heirs proved unfit to rule¡ªsome too young, others not wise enough. In their place rose Junius, the king¡¯s younger brother. The burden of a dying kingdom fell upon his shoulders, and he sought a radical solution to Ether¡¯s plight.


    Before the gathered masses, King Junius proclaimed his decree:


    ¡°This is the greatest crisis our kingdom has ever faced, but I know the solution lies within Ether itself! Therefore, I declare: all who contribute to our kingdom¡¯s revival shall be rewarded with nobility!¡±


    The decree sparked a revolution of ambition. Ether¡¯s greatest minds, entrepreneurs, and visionaries came together, forming a syndicate known as the Elysium Council. Their purpose was clear¡ªto restore Ether¡¯s greatness and ensure its continued stability. Those who proved themselves invaluable to the kingdom¡¯s resurgence became its new aristocracy.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    At the head of the Elysium Council stood its first Elysian, the wealthiest and most influential of them all¡ªMerlin Wilt. A genius whose scientific breakthroughs reshaped the kingdom¡¯s destiny.


    Under the reign of King Junius, aided by Merlin¡¯s innovations and the military might of the Emerald Knight Beowulf, Ether waged war on the very nations that had abandoned it. One by one, they fell before Ether¡¯s armies. What was once a struggling kingdom transformed into the most formidable empire the world had ever seen.


    Yet power alone was not enough. Ether¡¯s transformation was solidified by an unprecedented feat of engineering. By Merlin¡¯s design, the kingdom itself was lifted into the sky, becoming the floating island known as Skyland¡ªthe empire¡¯s new capital, reserved solely for aristocrats and their servants. The lands below became the Lowlands, a sprawling expanse populated by the working class.


    But not all were willing to submit to this new order.


    In the Lowlands, those who refused to pay their taxes, dabbled in the arcane arts, or engaged in organized crime were branded as deviants¡ªcriminals who threatened the empire¡¯s prosperity.


    Among them, few were as feared as the Dark Lords. These notorious figures rose to infamy, their influence stretching through the underworld. And none was more feared than the Robbing Hood, who emerged centuries after the Empire''s founding. With his crew known as the Mad Men, he waged a relentless campaign against the empire, pushing it to the brink of chaos.


    But even the greatest outlaws meet their end. The Emerald Knight of that era, Sir Arthur Pendragon and his most formidable warriors finally put an end to the Robbing Hood¡¯s reign, solidifying the empire¡¯s control once more.

 The Successor

    In a dark alley of a slum, dark buildings in terrible condition, patched together and mainly holding because of clumsy handiwork, Nailah, a woman with messy black curly hair, brown skin, and blue eyes filled with despair, her cheeks sunken because of hunger, and her face bruised, wearing a simple and dirty white shirt and skirt, greyed out by the dirt, was hugging her knees.


    How did I get here?


    Her dull eyes, as if plunged so deep into despair that they couldn¡¯t reflect light anymore.


    Why do I even keep going?


    Her eyes turned to the apple that she had just eaten. She had found it in the garbage, half-eaten.


    Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have eaten that and let hunger take me¡­


    She was giving up on everything, but she couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡ª


    What did I do wrong? How could I do things differently?


    <hr>


    Her mind drifted back to a time when her life was different¡ªbetter in Skyland, the floating jewel of the Ether Empire, hung high above the land like a throne in the sky. The grand mansions sparkled in the morning light, and among them stood the Pristine estate, one the many emblems of wealth and influence, towering in both beauty and power.


    Inside its grand halls, Nailah walked with practiced grace, her every step met with subtle bows from the passing maids. She had brown skin, bright blue eyes, and curly black hair, with a few strands naturally falling over her forehead. She wore a simple yet elegant white dress, one she saved for home.


    "Greetings, Amber. Danielle," she said, acknowledging them with a polite nod.


    "Greetings, Mistress Nailah!" they responded in unison before hurrying on with their tasks.


    Just as Nailah turned a corner, a loud crash echoed from down the hallway. Her heart sank.


    Not again¡­! she thought, quickening her pace.


    She pushed open the kitchen door and stopped short. Chaos. Nailah burst into the kitchen to find chaos. Broken plates, spilled milk, and her clumsy butler, Edward, sprawled on the floor with one shoe missing. Edward was an old man in his fifties. His white hair was slicked back, and his neatly trimmed beard and mustache connected perfectly, complementing his sharp features.


    "Edward! What happened? You made a mess again!" Nailah exclaimed, exasperated.


    Edward scrambled to his feet, looking guilty. "I know, Mistress¡­ I''m a sorry excuse for a butler. I was just trying to pour milk into a cup, and somehow this happened."


    Nailah stared at the wreckage, incredulous. "All this¡­ from just pouring milk? I have so many questions!"


    Edward bowed his head in shame. "I''ll clean it up immediately! But, Mistress, before I forget, your father wishes to see you and your brothers."


    Her brows furrowed. "Do you know what it''s about?"


    Edward shook his head. "I¡¯m not sure, but he seemed quite serious."


    <hr>


    In the Pristine family¡¯s grand office, Jason Pristine sat at his massive desk, a cigar resting lazily between his fingers. He was in his late forties, with the sturdy build of a father, well-groomed white hair, and a thick mustache. Standing before him were his three children: Nailah, Tom, and Duran.


    Tom was the oldest son, 21 years old. He looked like their mother, but his style¡ªcarefully groomed blonde hair and expensive clothes¡ªshowed he was trying hard to look like their father, whom he deeply admired. Duran, the youngest at 16, had brown hair and a laid-back, natural haircut. He didn¡¯t care much about family matters and was more focused on enjoying his youth.


    Nailah, however, looked nothing like her siblings or her parents. While everyone else in the family had fair skin, hers was brown. She had been adopted. Most aristocratic families only adopted if they couldn¡¯t have children of their own, but Nailah¡¯s adopted family clearly could. This always made her wonder why she was chosen, but every time she asked, she received vague answers. The only conclusion she could draw was that her father had made the decision to adopt her, a choice she could tell from the way her mother treated her differently than her biological sons, while her father treated them all the same.


    "Father, you wanted to see us?" Tom inquired.


    "Are we getting gifts?" Duran asked excitedly.


    Jason chuckled, the smoke from his cigar curling around his amused smirk. "No, Duran, this isn¡¯t about gifts. I have something far more important to discuss."


    The air in the room grew heavy as Jason¡¯s expression turned serious. "I want to talk about the future of this family."


    A chill ran through his children as they exchanged wary glances.


    "As you know, our company is prestigious, but I have yet to reach my ultimate goal¡­ to make it a part of Elysium. Unfortunately, time is not on my side. It is time for me to consider my successor. I will announce my choice at the Gala, one week from now."


    His words sent a ripple of tension through the room.


    Tom was the first to speak. "Father, have you already decided, or will this week determine your choice?"


    Jason exhaled a cloud of smoke, his smirk returning. "I haven¡¯t made my final decision, but I already have a clear idea."


    Nailah crossed her arms, confidence shining in her eyes. "Which means there''s still time to change your mind."


    Jason smiled as he answered ¡°Yes, indeed.¡± He liked his daughter¡¯s confidence.


    Tom shot her a glare, his anger flashing. He noticed his father¡¯s smirk and hated the idea of competing against someone he considered an outsider for something he believed was his birthright.


    Jason dismissed his children with a wave. ¡°If that¡¯s all, you may return to your occupations.¡±


    Duran bolted out of the room, eager to hang with his friends at school. As soon as they left, Tom grabbed Nailah by the arm, his anger boiling over. "Wait! You madwoman! Don¡¯t tell me you still think you can take over the company! It won¡¯t happen! First, you¡¯re a woman. Second, you¡¯re adopted!"


    Nailah¡¯s expression remained calm and steady though a hint of irritation could be noticed. "That doesn¡¯t matter, brother. I will take over."


    Tom clenched his fists. "We¡¯ll see about that."


    With a scowl, he stormed off, while Nailah glanced at the time. I¡¯ll be late for school.


    <hr>


    The prestigious academy of Skyland was full of aristocratic students, all dressed in spotless uniforms as they walked through the grand hallways. Nailah rushed down the corridor, only to be stopped by a familiar voice.


    "Oh, you¡¯re late too!"


    She turned to see Kenny, a confident grin on his face despite the two noticeable lumps on his head. Nailah sighed, already knowing the answer. "Kenny¡­ do I want to know what happened?"


    He scratched his head, embarrassed. "Well¡­ I was so absorbed in this new animated show that I forgot to go to school. My mother found me on the couch, and¡­ well, you can guess the rest."


    As they walked, whispers and gossip swirled around them.


    "Look, it¡¯s Kenny Bakare!"


    "Didn¡¯t his family lose their noble status?"


    "To think that it happened to one of the Big Three families!"


    "How pathetic must one be to let that happen?"


    Nailah clenched her fists, anger rising. "Hey!"


    Before she could say more, Kenny placed a hand on her shoulder. "Leave them. It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t care what they say."


    She frowned. "They only dare to talk because Gawain does not come to our school anymore."


    Kenny simply smiled. "Like I said, don¡¯t mind them. Let¡¯s go to class."


    <hr>


    The teacher stood before the class, addressing the students who would soon graduate. "As I was saying before our latecomers joined us, Skyland¡¯s nobility system is meritocratic. Nobles must continuously prove their worth by contributing to the Empire¡¯s prosperity. Once you graduate, you must earn your place here¡­"


    The teacher then pointed his finger toward Kenny, who was sleeping during class, and added: ¡°Otherwise, you may share the same fate as this gentleman.¡±


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    The teacher then proceed to ask his class about their plans for the future. Many students wanted to take over their family¡¯s businesses. Others wanted to get into arts to contribute to the cultural side of the empire. The more daring students wanted to build their own companies from their families wealth. These were all answers that brought a satisfied smile to his face.


    The teacher¡¯s gaze swept the room before settling on Nailah. "What about you, Nailah? What are your plans?"


    She stood tall, her voice unwavering. "I will take over the Pristine family and become the Elysian!"


    The class fell silent, then erupted into laughter.


    The teacher sighed. "There we go again¡­ I regret asking."


    "Nailah!" a student scoffed. "Do you realize what you¡¯re saying? The Elysium Council represents only one percent of the nobility but controls thirty-eight percent of the Empire¡¯s economy!"


    Nailah¡¯s resolve remained firm. "I couldn¡¯t care less. I will become the Elysian and live on my own terms. Only an Elysian can do that."


    The class burst into laughter once more, even the teacher struggling to contain his amusement.


    As Nailah was on the brink of losing control of her anger, Kenny spoke with a serious expression, clearly annoyed by the class''s behavior. "Ignore them. Ambition only sounds foolish to clowns."


    At that, Nailah took a deep breath, letting her anger subside. "You¡¯re right."


    <hr>


    As the bell rang, students left their classrooms. Kenny turned to Nailah. "How about we go see Gawain?"


    She nodded. "Yeah, let¡¯s go."


    The Knight Academy loomed ahead, a symbol of discipline and strength. Inside, young initiates sat in focused silence as an instructor introduced two rising stars of the academy, Bors and Gawain.


    "Listen up, initiates! These two are among the academy¡¯s best. They will graduate soon and become full-fledged knights. Pay attention as they explain what it means to bear this title."


    The initiates whispered excitedly. "We get to meet two of the Brilliant Six! So cool!"


    One of the knights stepped forward, confidence radiating from his stance. His voice rang through the hall.


    "Nice to meet you, initiates! I¡¯m Gawain Maysun! Let¡¯s get this started, shall we?"


    Bors stood before the gathered initiates, his voice carrying authority. "There are six Knight Ranks!"


    He continued, "Bronze is the lowest rank. They are usually knights fresh out of the academy, as we will be, and newcomers in Knight Orders. Their duties often involve patrolling and guarding the Skylands."


    The initiates listened attentively as he explained further. "After Bronze comes Silver. Silver Knights are the most promising young knights in an order. They often handle minor crimes."


    Bors¡¯ voice grew prouder as he spoke about the next rank. "Then comes Gold! They are mid-ranked knights but also the pinnacle of most knights¡¯ careers. They handle more serious cases and hold leadership roles within a Knight Order."


    His explanation continued. "Then we have Platinum Knights! They are the second-highest rank within a Knight Order. They serve as captains, the second-in-command!"


    He gestured to an imaginary figure. "Diamond Knights are the highest-ranking knights within an order. They are the commanders. There are only seven of them."


    Finally, he spoke with reverence. "And at the very top, there is the Emerald Knight! The ultimate knight, overseeing all knights and Imperial Security. Our current Emerald Knight is Sir Beowulf!"


    Bors looked around. "Any questions?"


    An initiate raised their hand. "Could you tell us more about Knight Orders?"


    Gawain stepped forward, his voice filled with passion. "Of course! There are as many Knight Orders as there are Diamond Knights. Each specializes in a different crime department."


    Before the conversation could continue, the instructor checked his clock. "Looks like we¡¯re out of time! Let¡¯s end the session here!"


    As the session ended, Gawain stepped off the stand, spotting two familiar figures: Kenny and Nailah.


    "Hey, Mister Brilliant Six!" Nailah teased.


    Kenny smirked. "You¡¯re quite popular now!"


    Gawain groaned. "Knock it off, you two!"


    Kenny turned to him. "So, which Knight Order are you going to join?"


    Gawain straightened. "The Order of the White Raven!"


    Nailah raised an eyebrow. "That¡¯s the one that specializes in organized crimes."


    "Yes! I hear crime in the Lowlands is on the rise. I want to be ready when the next Robbing Hood appears!"


    Then Gawain turned to Kenny. "Speaking of Lowlands, when are you leaving?"


    Kenny stretched. "I¡¯m headed to the station now, actually."


    Both Nailah and Gawain were taken aback. "So soon?!"


    Nailah¡¯s expression darkened. "I was trying to forget about that, but it¡¯s happening, isn¡¯t it?"


    Kenny pulled them both into a hug. "Why the long faces? No matter where I am, we¡¯re still friends, okay? I will never forget you!"


    His tone became more serious. "Gawain, I¡¯m counting on you to become the next Emerald Knight. And you, Nailah¡­ become the first woman to become an Elysian!"


    Gawain smirked slightly. "Let us accompany you to the station."


    But Kenny shook his head. "No, I¡¯d rather not be seen being stripped of my status and deported¡­ It¡¯s not my most glorious moment."


    He turned away, waving. "Goodbye, my dear friends."


    Nailah and Gawain watched in silence as Kenny walked off. Sadness flickered in Nailah¡¯s eyes. "Should we still follow him?"


    Gawain exhaled. "No¡­ Let¡¯s respect his wishes."


    Nailah clenched her fists, her voice firm. "We¡¯re waiting for you, Kenny! Work your way back here!" She meant it with all her heart, though she knew it was more of a wish than a demand. What she asked seemed almost impossible.


    They watch Kenny disappear into the distance.


    <hr>


    Later that evening, Nailah wandered the hallways of her home, her heart heavy. She barely noticed when Jason, her adoptive father, approached.


    "What¡¯s wrong, my dear?" he asked, his gaze filled with concern.


    Nailah sat down beside him. "Kenny has just been deported to the Lowlands."


    Jason nodded grimly. "Yes, I heard about the Blues family..."


    Nailah¡¯s expression twisted in anger. "Why? It¡¯s so unfair!!"


    Jason sighed. "That¡¯s just the way the Empire works. Nobility is earned by those who contribute the most to the Empire¡¯s prosperity. If you can¡¯t contribute enough, you¡¯ll be sent to the Lowlands with the workforce, and someone else worthier will take your place."


    Nailah¡¯s frustration grew. "How did they stop contributing to the Empire¡¯s prosperity?"


    Jason leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "You know, it¡¯s said that the Blues Family is cursed with kindness. I believe that is what led to their demise. They sometimes let their morality get in the way of efficiency, and Taben Blues let it happen too often."


    Jason placed a reassuring hand on her forearm. "I know you were friends with one of Taben¡¯s sons. I¡¯m sorry. Even though lots of people saw him as a lazy fellow, I could see the smarts in him."


    A soft smile appeared on Nailah¡¯s lips. "I know that better than anyone."


    <hr>


    That night, Nailah lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling. Kenny is probably already in the Lowlands... The thought weighed heavily on her mind. Eventually, exhaustion overtook her, and she drifted into sleep.


    <hr>


    Flashback


    A younger Nailah stood nervously at the front of a classroom. The teacher placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Today, we have a new student. Introduce yourself!"


    Nailah took a deep breath. "Hello, my name is Nailah. I¡¯m 8 years old. Nice to meet you all."


    A kid in the back scoffed. "It¡¯s not nice to meet you. Who wants to meet a Lowlander?"


    Laughter erupted around the room. Nailah shrank under the attention, her face burning with embarrassment.


    The next few days were no kinder. One student poured water over her head. Another bumped into her so hard she lost her balance and fell onto someone else.


    "Are you okay?" a voice asked.


    She looked up to see a boy, Kenny, offering her a hand.


    "Sorry..." she muttered, quickly getting up and walking away. But Kenny¡¯s eyes followed her, a frown settling on his face as he watched the other students sneering.


    <hr>


    Days later, during lunch, a student knocked Nailah¡¯s food to the floor and smirked. "Eat it, Lowlander pig!"


    The chant began. "Eat it! Eat it!"


    Nailah froze, her heart pounding. Then, from across the room, Kenny discreetly tied the bully¡¯s shoelaces together and flashed her a thumbs-up. You know what to do!


    Nailah straightened up, a smirk forming. "Why don¡¯t you eat it? With that big belly of yours, I doubt you¡¯re full."


    The bully turned red. "What did you say?!"


    He lunged at her, but the moment he stepped forward, he tripped, landing face-first in the food.


    Kenny grinned. "Oh, I was trying to help you with your laces. Looks like I messed up. Sorry!"


    Laughter rippled through the room. Furious, the bully swung at Kenny. Only for his arm to be caught mid-air.


    "G...Gawain?!" The bully paled as Gawain, one of the top students, held his wrist with an iron grip.


    "Leave," Gawain ordered.


    The bully yanked his arm free and stormed off. "It¡¯s not over! I¡¯ll get you all!"


    Kenny laughed and high-fived Nailah and Gawain. "Nice teamwork!"


    <hr>


    After class, Kenny extended his hand to Nailah. "I¡¯m Kenny!"


    Gawain grinned, pointing to himself. "I¡¯m Gawain. Nice to meet you!"


    Nailah hesitated, then smiled. "I¡¯m Nailah. Nice to meet you too."


    Gawain¡¯s eyes widened in realization. "You¡¯re the girl the Pristine family adopted from the Lowlands?!"


    Kenny blinked. "Oh, that¡¯s you?"


    Without hesitation, he reached out his hand again. "Let¡¯s be friends, Nailah!"


    Gawain smirked, pointing at himself. "And if anyone bothers you again, just call me."


    <hr>


    Years later, the three walked side by side through the academy, laughing together. But in the distance, Kenny¡¯s image began to fade.


    "No... No!" Nailah¡¯s voice cracked as she reached out.


    Before Kenny could disappear completely, a loud ringing snapped her awake.


    <hr>


    One Week Later ¨C The Gala


    A grand hall buzzed with chatter. Jason stood on the stage, microphone in hand.


    "Hello, everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful evening! Before the night ends, as you all know, I will be announcing my successor."


    The room fell silent in anticipation. Jason took a deep breath.


    "The next head of the Pristine Company shall be..."


    Tom sat confidently, smirking. Nailah remained composed. Duran barely paid attention.


    Jason pointed directly at someone. "Nailah Pristine!!!"


    Gasps echoed throughout the room.


    Tom¡¯s eyes widened in shock, then burned with fury. Guinevere¡¯s jaw dropped. The murmurs that spread through the room showed the strong disapproval of the crowd.


    Nailah had taken the first step toward her goal.

 A Very Bad Day at the Office

    The Pristine Company headquarters stood tall over the bustling city, its grand design reflecting the ambition within. While not as towering as some other company buildings, it still commanded attention. Inside, the air was alive with the energy of employees working hard to take the company to new heights.


    ¡°As you know,¡± Jason Pristine began, his voice carrying the weight of authority, ¡°the Pristine Company is the number one challenger in the market for Polywatches and Clockwork creations. We are still fighting to become the leader and earn our place in Elysium.¡± The Polywatch is a finely crafted pocket watch embedded with advanced technology, functioning as both a communication device and a multi-purpose tool.


    He strode confidently through the corridors, his daughter Nailah following closely behind. Today was a momentous occasion for her¡ªher first day stepping into her role as his chosen successor. Jason pushed open a grand set of doors, revealing a long table where several men in aristocratic attire sat waiting.


    ¡°As my successor, you¡¯ll begin your formation as soon as tomorrow,¡± Jason continued. ¡°But for today, let me introduce you to the Pristine Company¡¯s executive staff.¡±


    The men at the table eyed Nailah with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. One of them, a middle-aged man with a sharp gaze, raised his hand.


    ¡°Sir, may I ask¡­ what is your secret agenda?¡±


    Jason blinked, taken aback. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I understand your question, Louis.¡±


    Louis leaned forward, his expression unreadable. ¡°If you chose that woman as your successor, you must have a true successor in mind. Someone who will eventually marry her, correct?¡±


    A moment of silence stretched across the room before Jason suddenly burst into laughter. He wiped at his eyes, shaking his head. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re a funny one!¡± Then, his laughter ceased, and his tone turned ice-cold. ¡°But you should be mindful of what you say, or you might find yourself out of a job.¡±


    Louis stiffened. ¡°What?!¡±


    Jason¡¯s voice carried an air of finality. ¡°I chose her because I deemed her worthy of the task.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡± Jason was about to continue when Nailah interrupted, stepping forward with unwavering confidence.


    ¡°I understand that you are reluctant about the idea of having a female boss,¡± she said. ¡°It has never happened before.¡± She turned to Louis, leveling him with a sharp gaze. ¡°Louis, correct? You are an executive, are you not?¡±


    Louis nodded. ¡°I am! Just as everyone at this table.¡±


    Nailah crossed her arms. ¡°I¡¯m not sure of your specific role, but generally speaking, an executive¡¯s duty is to supervise and coordinate the company¡¯s activities to meet our goals. Is that right?¡±


    Louis hesitated. ¡°Generally speaking¡­ yes.¡±


    Jason gave his daughter a puzzled look. ¡°Nailah, why all these questions? You already know all that.¡±


    Nailah smiled, though her words carried an unmistakable sharpness with a tiny bit of mockery. ¡°Pardon me, Father. Seeing him judge me while knowing nothing about me made me doubt his qualifications as an executive in our company.¡±


    A few of the other executives stifled chuckles while Louis turned red with embarrassment. Jason smirked, placing a hand on Nailah¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad the introductions are out of the way. I hope we can all work together to take this company to new heights.¡±


    With that, Jason gave a final nod to his staff before guiding Nailah out of the room. As they walked through the grand halls of the company, the weight of her new position pressed on her shoulders.


    They stepped outside, where a horsomobile, a sleek, horse-shaped carriage fused with mechanical ingenuity, awaited them. The chauffeur held the door open, and they settled into the plush interior. As the vehicle started moving, Nailah shifted uncomfortably.


    ¡°Father¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± she murmured, guilt creeping into her voice. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to be so rude back there.¡±


    Jason let out a hearty laugh and patted her head. ¡°What are you on about? That¡¯s precisely why I named you my successor!¡±


    Nailah hesitated, then asked, ¡°May I ask¡­ why did you choose me exactly?¡±


    Jason¡¯s expression turned thoughtful. ¡°The members of Elysium have been the same for decades. The ruling families: the Wilts, the Bakare, and the Silverlings have always dominated the market. If we want to surpass them, we can¡¯t go about things the traditional way.¡± He turned to her, pride shining in his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s why I needed a fearless go-getter like you to take charge when I retire.¡±


    A slow smile spread across Nailah¡¯s lips. Determination settled deep in her chest. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them head-on.


    The grand Pristine Mansion loomed in the evening light, its regal structure a testament to the wealth and influence of its occupants. Outside, the horsomobile stood still, having just delivered its passengers.


    Inside the mansion¡¯s lavish dining hall, the Pristine family sat gathered for dinner. Jason recounted the earlier events with amusement, his laughter filling the space.


    ¡°Then she said: ¡®Pardon me, father. Seeing him judge me while barely having any information on me made me doubt his qualifications as an executive member of our company.¡¯¡±


    Duran, Nailah¡¯s younger brother, nearly jumped out of his seat in excitement. ¡°Sister, you¡¯re amazing!¡±


    Nailah smirked. ¡°I am, right?¡±


    Across the table, her older brother Tom¡¯s expression darkened. With a sharp movement, he slammed his fist onto the table and stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor.


    ¡°Enough! Not only did you humiliate me, but now you rub it in my face!¡± His glare burned into Jason. ¡°What have I done to deserve this, father?!¡±


    Jason remained composed, his tone calm but firm. ¡°The decision wasn¡¯t against you, son. I simply remained objective and chose the most qualified successor, not just the most legitimate.¡±


    Tom¡¯s face twisted with anger. ¡°Nonsense!¡± Without another word, he stormed out of the dining hall.


    Jason¡¯s wife, Guinevere, watched their son leave with a concerned expression before turning her sharp eyes toward Jason and Nailah. Her gaze lingered, unreadable yet heavy with emotion.


    Nailah suddenly felt her appetite disappear. She pushed her plate away and stood up. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry anymore¡­¡± she muttered before excusing herself.


    The cool night air greeted Nailah as she walked through the mansion¡¯s vast yard, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. The frustration within her boiled over into silent thoughts.


    Why is everyone against me? What is wrong with me being a boss? Am I not allowed to have ambitions?


    As her mind raced, she failed to notice the small step ahead. Her foot caught on it, sending her tumbling forward. A sharp pain jolted through her body as she hit the ground.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    She groaned, reaching instinctively for her neck. A strange stinging sensation prickled at her skin. When she pulled her hand away, her breath caught in her throat.


    Blood.


    A shadow loomed behind her. A chilling voice cut through the night air.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you a lucky brat?¡±


    Nailah spun around, her heart pounding. Standing before her was a hooded figure, a sword glinting in the moonlight. A single drop of blood dripped from its tip, the only sign that she had narrowly escaped a fatal strike.


    ¡°If you hadn¡¯t tripped,¡± the hitman continued, his voice calm and amused, ¡°your head would¡¯ve been rolling on the floor.¡±


    Panic surged through Nailah¡¯s body. Her survival instincts kicked in. Without thinking, she turned and ran.


    ¡°Somebody help!!¡± she screamed, her voice echoing through the estate.


    The assassin was fast, too fast for Nailah. Within moments, she felt a sharp kick to her leg, sending her crashing to the ground. Pain shot through her as she clutched her leg, scrambling to crawl backward.


    The hitman loomed over her, his sword pointed at her chest.


    ¡°Please, leave me alone!¡± Nailah pleaded, her voice shaking. ¡°Is this also because you don¡¯t want me to make something of myself?!¡±


    The hitman chuckled. ¡°No, actually, I¡¯m rooting for you.¡± He tilted his head slightly. ¡°But I¡¯ve been paid to do this¡­ and a job is a job.¡±


    Desperation took hold of her. ¡°Wait! I¡¯ll pay you twice whatever they offered you!¡±


    The hitman hummed in consideration before shaking his head. ¡°A tempting offer¡­ but I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to refuse.¡±


    He raised his sword high above his head. ¡°Nothing personal. I promise I¡¯ll make it quick and painless.¡±


    Nailah shut her eyes tight, bracing herself for the final strike.


    A sudden clash of steel shattered the silence.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather you not touch my little girl.¡±


    Nailah¡¯s eyes flew open. Her father stood before her, his sword blocking the assassin¡¯s strike.


    ¡°Father!!!¡± she gasped, relief washing over her.


    The hitman smirked. ¡°Well, my other target is here. This makes things easier.¡±


    Nailah¡¯s relief quickly turned to dread. ¡°We should run away! He¡¯s an assassin!¡±


    Jason remained unfazed, a confident smile on his lips. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Nailah¡­ I¡¯m quite strong, you know.¡±


    The hitman scoffed. ¡°You? Strong? Please. Everybody knows that aristocrats don¡¯t fight. Only knights do.¡±


    Jason shrugged. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve trained with the finest knights¡­ though that was a long time ago.¡±


    The assassin¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll have to kill you both.¡±


    And with that, he charged.


    Jason barely moved as the assassin lunged at him, twin blades flashing in the moonlight. With a smooth sidestep, he evaded the strike, his movements precise despite his years away from combat. Before the assassin could react, Jason delivered a sharp kick to his stomach, sending him staggering backward. The moment of hesitation was all Jason needed. His sword flashed, cutting through the air toward his opponent.


    The assassin barely managed to block, but the force of the strike sent him flying. Landing hard on one knee, he winced, glaring up at Jason.


    Who is he? the assassin thought. To be able to push me back like this¡­ he must be as strong as a Platinum Knight at least!


    Jason rolled his shoulders, wincing as a dull ache spread across his back.


    ¡°Doing someone¡¯s dirty work, huh?¡± he said, stepping forward. ¡°You must be a Lowlander. Who hired you?¡±


    The assassin gritted his teeth. ¡°Don¡¯t act like you¡¯ve already won!¡±


    With a sharp movement, he drew a second sword. This one with a deep, reddish glow.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fighting seriously now.¡±


    The two clashed once more, steel ringing against steel. Jason remained composed, but the assassin¡¯s movements were quicker now, more lethal. A sudden sting on his cheek made Jason step back. Blood trickled down. A shallow cut from the red blade. But Jason didn¡¯t let it slow him down as he parried both assassin''s swords upward and with a precise thrust, he drove his sword into the assassin¡¯s stomach as he could not guard himself.


    The assassin gasped, falling to the ground. Jason loomed over him, his expression hard. ¡°Who sent you?¡±


    The dying man managed a weak chuckle. ¡°Who¡­ are you? You¡¯re no regular aristocrat¡­¡±


    Jason sighed. ¡°It¡¯s rude to answer a question with a question, you know?¡±


    The assassin tried to respond, but his breath hitched. A moment later, he lay still. Dead.


    Jason turned to Nailah, relief washing over him until the air grew heavy. A cloaked figure emerged from the darkness, their presence unnerving. Jason¡¯s eyes widened as the stranger placed a hand on the corpse. A faint glow flickered from beneath their hood, and in an instant, the assassin¡¯s body crumbled into dust.


    Jason felt his stomach drop. He¡¯s using the Arcane Arts¡­? Wait...! that power¡­?! What is HE doing here?!


    Before Jason could react, the figure vanished.


    ¡°Nailah¡­ are you alright?¡± Jason asked, kneeling beside his daughter. She winced, gripping her injured leg.


    ¡°He hurt my leg pretty bad¡­ I don¡¯t think I can walk.¡±


    Without hesitation, Jason lifted her onto his back. As he carried her toward the mansion, he felt her fingers tighten around his shoulder.


    ¡°Why¡­?¡± she whispered, her voice breaking. ¡°Why won¡¯t anyone accept me? Is rejection all that awaits me?¡±


    Jason¡¯s expression softened. ¡°I know this is hard on you, my daughter¡­ and I¡¯m sorry for forcing this burden on you. But I promise, someday, people will see you for who you truly are. You¡¯ll have people by your side, loyal employees who are like family. That¡¯s when you¡¯ll surpass everything I¡¯ve ever built.¡± He paused. ¡°I believe in you.¡±


    Nailah¡¯s grip tightened as silent tears streamed down her face.


    Jason carried her inside, where Edward rushed forward in alarm. ¡°What happened?!¡±


    Jason barely had time to respond before his knees buckled. He collapsed.


    ¡°Father!!¡± Nailah cried.


    ¡°Jason!!¡± Edward¡¯s voice was filled with panic.


    Jason lay pale on his bed, his children gathered around him. His wife, Guinevere, turned to the nurse with desperation. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?!¡±


    The nurse hesitated. ¡°He has been poisoned.¡±


    Guinevere¡¯s breath caught. ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but the poison is too powerful. It has already spread too far¡­ there is nothing we can do.¡±


    Guinevere¡¯s expression twisted with grief and rage. ¡°Leave!! Incompetent wrench!!¡±


    The nurse scurried away, leaving the room in heavy silence. Jason exhaled slowly, his vision blurring.


    Poison¡­ that assassin¡¯s red sword must have been coated in it. His mind drifted back to the fight, recalling the moment the blade grazed his cheek. It must¡¯ve been then¡­


    His gaze swept over his family, lingering on each of their faces. I came from nothing, and I made it all the way here¡­ I leave happy.


    But regret clawed at his heart. My only regrets¡­ are not being able to support my dear children further¡­ and not fulfilling my promise to you, my friend¡­


    His breath slowed. Then stopped.


    Cries filled the room.


    Two weeks later, a knock echoed through the Pristine family estate. Two knights stood at the entrance.


    Henry Fleece, Age: 30. Thedric Minos, Age: 35.


    They stepped forward, facing the grieving family.


    ¡°Hello, dear Pristine Family,¡± Henry greeted. ¡°We are Knights of the Order of the Laborious Bear. We specialize in violent crimes.¡±


    Guinevere eyed them sharply. ¡°Did you find the swordsman?¡±


    Henry¡¯s lips thinned. ¡°Well¡­ there is no physical evidence of his presence.¡±


    Thedric nodded. ¡°No injuries on the victim except a shallow cut on the cheek.¡±


    Henry continued, ¡°But Nailah has a very similar wound on the back of her neck, and yet, she wasn¡¯t poisoned.¡±


    Thedric crossed his arms. ¡°And there¡¯s no way a noble who isn¡¯t knighted could defeat a trained swordsman.¡±


    Guinevere¡¯s patience snapped. ¡°If you haven¡¯t found anything, what are you doing here?!¡±


    Henry lifted a finger with a confident smirk. ¡°Milady, don¡¯t be mistaken... we are here to tell you that we have solved the case.¡±


    The room fell silent. Everyone held their breath.


    Then Thedric stepped forward, producing a pair of handcuffs. ¡°Nailah Pristine, you are under arrest for the murder of Jason Pristine.¡±


    Shock paralyzed Nailah.


    Gasps filled the room as her family recoiled in disbelief.


    Before she could react, cold steel locked around her wrists. The knights led her away, her fate now resting in their hands.

 Guilty!

    The grand trial room towered over Nailah like a place of judgment. Rows of nobles sat in their seats, whispering to each other, while the judge stood at the front, his gavel ready in hand. Nailah sat at the defendant¡¯s bench, her fists clenched tightly in her lap. Her lawyer sat next to her, his face unreadable.


    The sharp crack of the judge¡¯s gavel striking the surface echoed through the hall. Silence followed.


    ¡°For the charges of murder, deviancy, and treason against the aristocracy,¡± the judge announced, his voice firm and unwavering, ¡°I find the defendant, Nailah Pristine¡­¡±


    A pause. The air grew thick with tension. Nailah caught her breath.


    ¡°Guilty!¡± the judge roared.


    Gasps and whispers filled the courtroom. Some nobles muttered in shock, while others were clearly intrigued.


    ¡°She really murdered him,¡± one aristocrat muttered.


    ¡°Nobody has committed such crimes since the Robbing Hood, twenty years ago,¡± another chimed in.


    A third scoffed, voice laced with disgust. ¡°That¡¯s why you shouldn¡¯t get involved with people from the Lowlands. They¡¯re all criminals.¡±


    Nailah barely heard them. Her vision blurred as her eyes filled with tears. Her body felt cold, frozen in place. This couldn¡¯t be happening.


    The judge¡¯s next words sealed her fate. ¡°She is to be stripped of her noble status and sentenced to death.¡±


    Nailah¡¯s world shattered. The knights stepped forward, gripping her arms and dragging her away. She hardly resisted, her body moving on its own. Her family sat in the audience, their faces twisted with anger, but none spoke up for her.


    Her mind went blank.


    It¡¯s over for me.


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    The Skyland Prison loomed like a giant against the sky, its high walls trapping the condemned inside. A cold hallway with rows of cells stretched before Nailah as the Bronze Knights dragged her along. They opened a rusted cell door and threw her inside without a second thought.


    ¡°Get in there, murderer,¡± one of the knights spat, locking the door behind her. ¡°You¡¯ll be here until your execution.¡±


    She barely registered their words as she curled into herself, her knees drawn to her chest. The silence of the cell surrounded her, pressing in like an invisible force. Then, a voice shattered the stillness.


    ¡°What did you do?¡±


    Startled, she looked up. In the next cell, a woman with sharp eyes and an amused expression leaned against the bars.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything,¡± Nailah whispered, voice hoarse.


    The woman scoffed. ¡°Don¡¯t bullshit me. Every inmate here is on death row. You must¡¯ve done something awful.¡±


    ¡°I swear, I¡¯m innocent!¡± Nailah insisted.


    The woman pouted, feigning disappointment. ¡°If you don¡¯t wanna tell me, just say so.¡±


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    Days blended together in a constant cycle of hopelessness. Then, one day, a Bronze Knight appeared at her cell.


    ¡°Nailah Pristine, you have a visitor.¡±


    Hope flickered in her chest. Could it be good news?


    She was led to a visitation booth, where Gawain sat waiting. The sight of him brought a rare smile to her face as she picked up the phone on her side of the glass.


    ¡°Gawain! I¡¯m happy to see you!¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± he replied, though concern shadowed his features. ¡°Is everything okay in there?¡±


    She nodded quickly. ¡°Yes, for now. Do you know how things are going with my case?¡±


    Gawain¡¯s expression darkened. He hesitated before answering, ¡°It¡¯s bad, Nailah. Your lawyer tried to appeal, but¡­ no luck.¡±


    The smile faded from her lips. ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up yet,¡± Gawain urged, determination burning in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll do everything I can to clear your name. Believe me.¡±


    She wanted to believe him. She really did, but she couldn¡¯t see any way that justice would favor someone like her, a Lowlander.


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    Three months passed. Nailah sat in her cell, staring at the cold stone walls when movement caught her eye. Across the hall, Ursula, her cellmate from before, was being escorted away by knights. The woman smirked at her.


    ¡°See you in hell, kid.¡±


    Nailah clenched her fists. ¡°You¡­¡±


    Before she could say more, another knight appeared.


    ¡°You! Come with me.¡±


    Panic surged in her chest. ¡°Wait! My execution isn¡¯t for another month!¡±


    ¡°Calm down. You¡¯ve got a visitor.¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Relief and dread mixed as she was led away again. But when she saw who was waiting, her stomach dropped.


    Mrs. Pristine.


    Her adoptive mother sat across the glass, her cold eyes locked on Nailah. Swallowing her emotions, Nailah picked up the phone, forcing a shaky smile.


    ¡°Mother! I was hoping you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that,¡± Mrs. Pristine snapped.


    Nailah¡¯s breath caught in her throat. ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t believe them, do you?¡±


    "I saw the police report," her mother said, fury in every word. "There¡¯s no doubt. Just tell me why."


    Anger surged inside Nailah. "All my life, I knew you hated me. You always favored your real sons! But Father, he was the only one who didn¡¯t. Why would I ever hurt him?!"


    Mrs. Pristine¡¯s lips twisted in disgust. "Because you''re a filthy, disgusting Lowlander! Violence runs in your blood! I told him not to adopt you, but he wouldn¡¯t listen. And now he¡¯s dead."


    The words cut deeper than any blade. Tears slipped down Nailah¡¯s cheeks, but she quickly wiped them away. Without saying another word, she stood up and hung up the phone.


    "I¡¯m done here."


    She turned away, walking back to her cell, her mother¡¯s voice shouting behind her.


    "Get back here, you lowlife! We¡¯re not done!"


    The cell door slammed shut behind her, locking her away again. She collapsed onto the floor, her shoulders shaking. Unable to hold back any longer, she buried her face in her hands, sobbing softly into the darkness.


    ¡°Please, Lord¡­ Give me another chance. I promise I¡¯ll be the obedient woman everyone wants me to be¡­ Please¡­¡±


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    One month later, the prison halls stood eerily empty. One by one, the other inmates had been executed, leaving Nailah the sole occupant.


    "It¡¯s time," a Bronze Knight announced.


    She didn¡¯t react. What was there to react to? Her fate had been sealed long ago.


    The pyre stood at the heart of the execution grounds. The crowd was massive¡ªnobles, knights, and commoners alike had come to witness her demise. The executioner stepped forward, torch in hand.


    Gawain''s fists clenched at his sides as he watched Nailah, bound and disheartened, standing before the pyre. The fire hadn''t been lit yet, but the weight of its inevitability pressed down on him.


    "I can''t let this happen!" he muttered under his breath, his hand moving toward the hilt of his sword.


    Before he could draw, a firm grip settled over his own.


    Startled, Gawain turned. Only to lock eyes with his older brother. Agravaine looked like an older, sterner version of him, with shorter hair and a heavier beard. A Diamond Knight and the commander of the Order of the Golden Retriever, he was one of the most powerful and influential knights in the Empire, tasked with upholding law and order in matters of property crimes.


    "Agravaine...!" His voice wavered.


    Agravaine¡¯s expression remained unreadable, but his piercing gaze spoke volumes. "What are you doing, Gawain?"


    The younger knight swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. "I have to save her," he said, voice thick with desperation. "She¡¯s being wrongfully sentenced to death!"


    Agravaine exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "That¡¯s not what the evidence and the judge ruled," he said. "You see, every criminal has someone who has an unwavering belief in their innocence. It could be family, a lover, or a friend such as you, unfortunately, it is purely out of emotion and completely unfounded. Now, imagine if every knight decided to act of their own accord every time they believed that their close ones were falsely accused, where would the justice be?¡±


    Agravaine noticed his brother¡¯s determination wavering and added a final push to make him see the hard truth. ¡°Even if you were right, what exactly do you plan to do? You¡¯re a mere Bronze Knight. Do you think you stand a chance against the Silver and Gold Knights standing guard?"


    Gawain opened his mouth but hesitated. His grip on his sword tightened, then loosened again. "I¡­ I¡­" His words trailed off, the weight of reality settling onto his shoulders.


    Agravaine took a step closer, his voice dropping into something colder, something sharper. "And more importantly," he said, his gaze locking onto Gawain¡¯s, "what will you do against me?"


    Gawain stiffened.


    "I will not allow you to interfere with justice," Agravaine continued. "And I will not allow you to disgrace our family name. If you go through with this, I shall be your executionner."


    A heavy silence fell between them.


    Agravaine¡¯s voice lowered to a near whisper, but the authority in it was absolute.


    "Stop acting like a hero. Sheathe your sword and watch the execution in silence."


    Gawain stood frozen, his hands trembling at his sides. Nailah stood on the brink of death. And yet, he, her friend, the one who swore to do what was right remained powerless.


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    "Skyland has sheltered a Lowlander deviant for too long! She has murdered one of our land¡¯s pillars, disrupting its prosperity. And for that, she will pay with her life!" His voice boomed across the square. "If you have any last words, speak now."


    Nailah barely registered his words. But as she scanned the crowd, she caught sight of her family. Their eyes held only scorn.


    I thought I was family¡­ Why don¡¯t you believe me?


    Her gaze found Gawain. He looked at her, then turned away.


    I thought we were friends¡­ Why won¡¯t you help me?


    Something inside her snapped. Rage exploded within her like an unstoppable wildfire.


    "All of you..." she whispered, then her voice rose, cutting through the room. "ALL OF YOU ARE TRASH!!"


    The crowd shifted uneasily, the tension thickening in the air.


    "THIS IS WHAT YOU''VE WANTED EVER SINCE I WAS ADOPTED! BUT I WON''T LET YOU WIN! I¡¯LL SURVIVE THIS, AND I¡¯LL COME FOR EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!" Her face twisted in fury, her words like a burning vow.


    The executioner smirked. "No, you won¡¯t."


    He raised the torch.


    And then¡­


    A scream. Blood splattered across the wooden platform. The executioner staggered back, eyes wide in shock. His arm was gone.


    A voice rang out. "Oh, you must be looking for this?"


    Hope flared in Nailah¡¯s chest as she turned her head. There stood Edward, her clumsy butler, a bloodstained sword in one hand and the severed limb in the other.


    "Hands off, mate."


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    Edward swiftly dispatched the executioner, ending the threat with a clean strike before freeing Nailah from the pyre. With her limp form draped over his shoulder, he moved like a shadow, effortlessly slicing through the Bronze Knights blocking his path. He held back just enough to avoid fatal blows¡ªhe wasn''t interested in killing these misguided youths.


    Without hesitation, he seized a Horsomobile, tossing Nailah into the passenger seat as he gunned the engine and sped off, the scene of the pyre fading behind them.


    As they were speeding off, they soon realized that the chase had only begun. Four knights on horcycles pursued them. Gold and Silver ranks. Important knights of the Order of the Laborious Bear.


    Edward eyed their emblems. "Specialists in violent crimes, huh?"


    He handed the reins to Nailah before leaving the vehicle to access its roof, ready to greet their unwanted guests. "I¡¯ll let you drive. We¡¯re heading to Skylands Station."


    "I¡ªI don¡¯t know how¡­"


    "Then learn fast, Mistress!"


    Ahead, the four knights stood atop their horcycles, now on autopilot, weapons drawn and focused on their objective.


    Thedric Minos. Henry Fleece. Pelegon. Botheus.


    Thedric and Minos wore gleaming gold armor, while Pelegon and Botheus wore polished silver.


    They were ready to kill.


    Edward unsheathed his sword as he was standing on the roof of the horsomobile. The battle had just begun.

 Im Just a Butler

    Pelegon charged at Edwards without hesitation, swinging his sword wildly.


    Edwards moved with fluid precision, sidestepping the attack and deflecting the strike with such force that Pelegon''s sword flew from his hand. In one smooth move, Edwards caught the sword and took it for himself.


    From a short distance away, Botheus'' eyes narrowed in shock.


    "This is no ordinary servant¡­ This man has seen battle." He tightened his grip on his sword before calling out, "Pelegon, let¡¯s take him together!"


    "Yeah!!" Pelegon shouted, as he was pulling a knife from his boots.


    The two charged in unison, their attacks coming from different angles. However, Edward moved like a specter, dodging, blocking, and countering. Each of their attacks was blocked perfectly, and Botheus growled in frustration.


    "He''s strong¡­!"


    A shadow fell over Edwards. His instincts kicked in, and he turned just in time to see Henry¡¯s blade swing past his face.


    Henry didn¡¯t slow. His momentum carried him past Edwards as his sword hurtled toward the horsomobile¡¯s roof toward Nailah.


    Edwards'' eyes widened in realization. Don¡¯t tell me¡ªhe¡¯s aiming for Mistress!


    Before he could act, Pelegon struck from the side. Edwards dodged, but tension showed across his usually impassive face.


    Henry¡¯s sword pierced through the roof. The tip halted just shy of Nailah¡¯s neck.


    And then, it stopped moving.


    Henry¡¯s eyes widened as he felt a crushing grip on his forearm. He turned, stunned, to see Edwards holding him in place.


    Veins bulged along the butler¡¯s hand as he tightened his hold.


    "What?!" Henry gasped.


    Without a word, Edwards yanked Henry forward, forcing his own weapon to intercept Pelegon¡¯s incoming strike. Using Henry as a human shield, he deflected the attack before pivoting sharply, then, with a powerful kick, sent Pelegon flying off the horsomobile.


    With the same effortless grace, Edwards threw Henry after him. Both warriors tumbled onto the ground, left behind as the vehicle sped forward.


    Edwards stood tall, his strong presence standing out in this chaotic battle.


    Thedric''s voice rang out. "Who¡­ who are you?"


    Edwards turned slightly, his expression as composed as ever.


    "I¡¯m just a butler."


    Thedric scowled and turned to Botheus. "Botheus! I¡¯ll keep him busy. The moment you see an opening, finish the girl!"


    Botheus nodded. "Yes, sir!"


    Edwards'' usual calmness faltered, his voice filled with contempt. "Attacking a defenseless little girl¡­ That¡¯s not very knightly of you."


    Thedric¡¯s horcycle sped closer, his glare intense. "She is a witch and a murderer!"


    Still standing on his horcycle in auto-pilot, Thedric closed the distance. Their eyes locked. The moment stretched into eternity.


    Then, the battle resumed.


    Blades clashed, sparks flying as Edwards and Thedric exchanged blows. Meanwhile, Botheus maneuvered his horcycle closer to Nailah.


    Thedric thrust forward, but Edwards dodged with ease, twisting his body to land a precise strike with the back of his sword handle.


    Thedric¡¯s helmet flew off, exposing his face.


    Before he could recover, Edwards kicked the airborne helmet straight at Botheus.


    The impact sent Botheus crashing off his horcycle.


    Thedric¡¯s eyes widened. "What?! What power¡­!"


    Blood trickled from his nose. Fury twisted his features. "You bastard¡­ No more playing around!"


    A low chant left his lips, his voice thick with power.


    "I, Thedric Minos, demand to borrow the strength from the Laborious Bear!"


    A deep glow pulsed from his knightly crest, illuminating his golden armor.


    "Insigne Conversus!"


    Edwards watched, unimpressed. "So, you¡¯re borrowing your Order¡¯s crest power, huh?"


    Thedric smirked. "Yes! It¡¯s over for you now!"


    His entire armor radiated with power, a golden aura pulsing through it.


    He took a stance.


    Then, with terrifying speed, Thedric leapt from his horcycle, blade raised high.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    "Monster Slayer¡­ Strike!!!"


    Edwards braced himself, crossing both swords just in time. The sheer force of Thedric¡¯s attack sent him reeling, pushing him downward.


    The horsomobile shook violently, losing balance.


    Then, disaster struck.


    The entire vehicle tilted, and they tumbled.


    The Skyland Station loomed in the distance.


    The battle was far from over¡­


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    A glowing golden figure was moving faster than anyone could see in the street of Skyland. Only a glowing blur and a rush of wind followed. It was headed straight for the horsomobile, aiming for Nailah.


    Unaware, Nailah looked ahead at the Skyland Station, oblivious to the blade that was dangerously close to her. The attacker was almost on her, moving quickly and skillfully.


    The attacker was Henry, also borrowing power from his emblem. The power boost made him move incredibly fast, and his sword was about to strike Nailah¡¯s throat.


    Edwards sensed him and acted immediately. He shoved Nailah out of the way, taking Henry¡¯s sword across his chest instead. Blood sprayed as the blade cut deep.


    Nailah gasped, eyes wide in horror. "EDWARDS!!!" she screamed.


    Despite the pain, Edwards merely patted her head with a gentle smile. "I¡¯m fine, Mistress." His voice was calm, as if the gash in his chest was of no concern. The wound in his chest was nothing new, it would take much more to make a seasoned warrior such as him feel truly threatened.


    Nailah clenched her fists, trembling. Her mind reeled back to the past¡ªto her father, shielding her with his life. She wouldn¡¯t let history repeat itself. Not again.


    I¡¯m not going to let you die protecting me as my father did!


    Her resolve hardened. She turned to Edwards with fierce determination. "Edwards, I¡¯ll go steal an empty airship. With me not around, you should be able to handle them easily, right?"


    He regarded her with a glimmer of pride. She was taking initiative. "Yes, I can, Mistress."


    She nodded and took off. "I¡¯m counting on you!"


    Henry lunged at Edwards once more. Edwards sidestepped effortlessly. Thedric followed up immediately, aiming a vicious strike, but Edwards evaded that too.


    With a swift movement, he shoved Thedric aside. The knight stumbled back but landed gracefully on his feet, eyes burning with fury.


    They faced each other in tense silence.


    Edwards exhaled and tightened his grip on the sword. His gaze bore into them with quiet finality. "You better give your all because I¡¯m ending this with the next attack."


    Thedric snarled. "Like hell you are!"


    Edwards stomped the ground with such force that the earth beneath him cracked.


    Henry¡¯s aura ignited as he bolted forward. "Speedster Thrust!"


    Thedric swung his blade, pouring all his might into the attack. "Monster Slayer Slash!"


    Edwards met them head-on. "Destruction Slash!"


    His blade cut through their attacks as if they were nothing. A shockwave erupted from the clash, sending both knights flying. They hit the ground, their bodies battered and broken.


    As Edwards turned, he sheathed his sword. "Worry not, knights¡­ I have held back. This average sword could never handle my full strength."


    Then he heard her voice. "Edwards!! Over here!!"


    Looking up, he spotted Nailah waving from the deck of an airship. Without hesitation, he leaped onto it.


    Nailah rushed toward him, eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay?"


    Edwards gave her a reassuring smile. "I¡¯m fine, Mistress."


    But as the airship soared into the sky, Nailah sat in a corner of the cockpit, a storm of emotions swirling within her.


    Edwards took the helm, his thoughts focused. We need to find a place to lay low¡­


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    Meanwhile, Pelegon finally arrived with reinforcements. But instead of triumphant warriors, he found his comrades defeated, battered, and unconscious. His eyes widened in disbelief.


    "Impossible!!! How can a simple butler defeat two Gold Knights and a Silver Knight all by himself?!"


    A handsome young man with messy blond hair wearing a golden armor stepped forward, his expression impassive. His name is Killeus Styx, he is a prodigal knight of 18 years old who has reached the Gold Rank at such a young age.


    He scoffed as he looked down on his unconscious comrades. "I can¡¯t believe they let him escape."


    Pelegon clenched his fists. "Can¡¯t you see that they fought bravely?"


    "Doesn¡¯t change the fact that they let two criminals slip through their fingers. They were weak."


    A voice interrupted them from above. "You younglings keep saying they escaped¡­ but that¡¯s not true."


    An older man in gleaming diamond armor stood atop a roof, exuding an aura of absolute authority.


    Hercules, Age 42, Diamond Knight of the Order of the Laborious Bear


    Killeus gasped. "Captain Hercules!!!"


    Hercules¡¯ gaze locked onto the sky. "They are still within my reach."


    He drew his bow, nocking an arrow. His fingers tightened. His aim was absolute.


    The arrow flew. It tore through the sky with terrifying speed, slicing through the clouds like a divine judgment.


    On the airship, Edwards sensed the approaching danger. A bright light flashed behind them, speeding toward them impossibly fast.


    His eyes widened.


    Gripping his sword as he turned.


    "Edwards? What¡¯s wrong?" Nailah asked, her curiosity piqued.


    Still staring at the incoming light, he replied grimly, "Trouble is on the way. Hold on tight, Mistress."


    Nailah complained ¡°Come on! Not again!¡±


    Then he jumped.


    Sword met arrow in midair. A deafening shockwave erupted upon impact.


    Edwards gritted his teeth. "How powerful¡­! This sword won¡¯t hold!"


    Cracks ran along the blade. Then, with a final shatter, it snapped.


    The full force of the arrow struck him.


    "EDWARDS!!!" Nailah screamed.


    He was sent flying through the airship, crashing into the deck. The vessel lurched violently, spiraling out of control.


    "NOOOO!!!" Nailah¡¯s scream echoed as the ship plummeted.


    The airship crashed onto a distant shore, the impact shaking the earth.


    Smoke rose from the wreckage.


    Silence fell.

 Welcome to Scrapville

    A sharp gasp broke the silence as Nailah jolted awake, her whole body aching. Rough bandages covered her wounds, done by someone with little medical skill. She blinked, trying to focus in the dim light.


    "Edwards!" she called, her voice shaky.


    No answer.


    The smell of smoke and decay filled the air. As her vision cleared, she saw she was in a narrow alley. The buildings around her were made of scrap metal and wood, barely holding together. Debris covered the ground, and a small fire flickered nearby, casting light on three ragged children huddled around it.


    ¡°She¡¯s awake!¡± a boy exclaimed.


    Nailah¡¯s head throbbed as she struggled to sit up, her muscles stiff and uncooperative. She looked at the children warily.


    ¡°Who are you? Where am I?¡±


    A boy, who seemed the most energetic of the trio, grinned and jabbed a thumb toward his chest. ¡°I¡¯m Tommy! That grumpy guy is Eric,¡± he said, gesturing to a boy with crossed arms and a scowl. ¡°And this here is Olivia.¡± A timid little girl peeked from behind Tommy, her wide eyes full of curiosity.


    ¡°You¡¯re in Scrapville.¡±


    Scrapville?


    Nailah tried to steady her breathing. This alley she found herself in was nothing like the grand halls of Skyland.


    Tommy cocked his head and pointed at her. ¡°Now, who are YOU?¡±


    Nailah opened her mouth, then hesitated. She was about to reveal her real name. Her name, her real name, could be dangerous here.


    ¡°Nai¡ªne¡­ Yup! My name is Naine. Like the number!¡± she blurted out, forcing a smile as she almost made grave mistake.


    Tommy let out a short laugh. ¡°That¡¯s a weird way to introduce yourself! You¡¯re funny!¡±


    Eric snorted. ¡°We thought you¡¯d be rich since you were on a flying ship, but hell, you might be poorer than us!¡±


    Nailah clenched her jaw. ¡°This kid has a sharp mouth,¡± she thought, glaring at him.


    Eric turned to Tommy. ¡°Anyway, if she¡¯s stayin¡¯, we gotta report to the boss.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sorry, Naine,¡± Tommy said, rubbing the back of his head.


    Nailah frowned. ¡°What boss?¡±


    ¡°The Crimson Bandits,¡± Tommy explained. ¡°Scrapville¡¯s a dump. No guards, no hospitals, no schools, no lords¡­ just them. They run everything.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re the law here,¡± Eric added. ¡°They sell medicine, books, all kinds of stuff.¡±


    Nailah narrowed her eyes. ¡°And you have to report to them?¡±


    Tommy shrugged. ¡°Everyone who stays has to pay ¡®taxes.¡¯¡±


    Nailah swallowed hard. She had lost Edwards. She was alone in an unfamiliar place. But she couldn¡¯t afford to wallow in despair.


    ¡°I have to survive,¡± she reminded herself. ¡°It¡¯s the reason why he gave up his life! I won¡¯t let his sacrifice be in vain!¡±


    Her mind searched for options. ¡°Kenny! Of course! He¡¯ll help me without a doubt!¡±


    She turned to the kids. ¡°Have you heard of the Bakare family? They were deported from Skyland.¡±


    Eric frowned. ¡°You mean the aristos who died in that horsomobile accident a few months ago? No survivors.¡±


    Nailah¡¯s heart stopped. Her blood ran cold.


    ¡°Huh? What did you say?¡±


    ¡°The Bakare family,¡± Eric repeated, as if it were common knowledge. ¡°They all died.¡±


    Nailah¡¯s hands trembled. Kenny¡­ Not you, too¡­!


    She turned around to hide her sad expression and bit her lip, willing the tears away.


    A voice interrupted. ¡°So, is she plannin¡¯ on stayin¡¯ or not?¡±


    A young man stepped forward, his presence commanding. He had a laid-back but watchful air about him, as if he was always sizing up the people around him.


    ¡°She hasn¡¯t answered yet,¡± Eric replied.


    Nailah clenched her fists.


    ¡°If there are no guards, knights, or laws¡­ this might be the safest place to lay low.¡±


    She forced a small nod. ¡°I¡¯ll be staying¡­ for now.¡±


    The man sighed. ¡°That¡¯s what everybody says. Well, follow me. I¡¯ll take you to our boss.¡±


    As she walked behind him, her mind felt heavier than her body. ¡°I¡¯ve lost everyone. I¡¯m alone¡­ All alone.¡±


    Scrapville was unlike anything she had ever seen. Groups of men crouched around makeshift tables, throwing dice and laughing raucously. The houses barely resembled homes, more like piles of debris held together by sheer will. In the alleyways, figures huddled in the shadows, their eyes hollow and lost, intoxicated by whatever substance they had found to escape reality.


    Sick people lay on the ground, their bodies frail, their ribs showing through thin skin. Starving children wandered aimlessly, their bellies sunken with hunger.


    Nailah¡¯s chest tightened. I don¡¯t remember the Lowlands well¡­ but was it ever this bad?


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    Finally, they stopped in front of a rundown warehouse. The man knocked on the door.


    A voice from the other side asked, "Who is it?"


    "It¡¯s me," the man answered.


    The door creaked open, revealing a room packed with Crimson Bandits. At the center, sitting atop a wooden box like a throne, was Damon. A dark-skinned man with a menacing face, he wore a worn-out jacket over an unbuttoned shirt, showing off his muscular chest. A machete rested on his back. The sides of his head were shaved close, leaving a flat-top mohawk in the middle, giving him a rebellious and untamed look.


    Damon¡¯s eyes flicked to Nailah. "Zeke? Who the fuck is this?"


    Zeke gestured towards her. "Got a new girl who wants to live here."


    Nailah stepped forward. "Hello, I¡¯m Naine¡ª"


    Damon cut her off with a sneer. "Hey! Listen, bitch! If I don¡¯t ask you to speak, you shut the fuck up! Got it?"


    Nailah swallowed hard and nodded.


    He leaned in, studying her. "Were you on that crashed ship?"


    "Yes."


    "Where are you from?"


    "Lochland, the neighboring country."


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    His eyes narrowed. "Why did you leave? And why did your ship crash?"


    Nailah hesitated for a moment before replying, "Pirates attacked. They made my ship crash.


    Damon leaned back, unconvinced. "Hmm¡­ She¡¯s lying."


    Nailah¡¯s heart pounded.


    Damon turned to Zeke. "Oi! Your brother Eric found her, right? What do you think?"


    Zeke shrugged. "Honestly? Everyone in the slums is either hidin¡¯ something or runnin¡¯ from someone. Who cares? Let her stay."


    Damon let out a loud breath. "I guess you¡¯re right."


    He spread his arms. "Welcome to Scrapville. Hope you can get 50 Radiexes by the end of the month."


    Nailah¡¯s stomach dropped. "By the end of the month?! But I don¡¯t have a job! How am I supposed to¡ª"


    A blade pressed against her neck. Damon¡¯s smirk was cruel. "Excuses already? If you want to be alive by next month, make sure you have the money. Now, I suggest you start job hunting."


    Nailah forced a smile. "Yes! I will!"


    Later, as she was led to her new residence, her thoughts swirled. These bandits are frightening! I must make sure I pay them!


    Then she scoffed. Why am I stressing? 50 Radiexes is nothing! That¡¯s not even a pourboire in Skyland.


    Her smugness faded at the sight of her new home, a crumbling shack. Inside, she found Tommy, Olivia, and two others, Cindy and Rose.


    "Wait¡­ all five of us? In this tiny room?!" she blurted.


    Tommy chuckled. "Yeah! And we¡¯re lucky! Some people got seven or eight in a room."


    Olivia added, "You act like you¡¯ve never lived in the Lowlands before."


    Nailah fumbled. "No, it¡¯s just¡­ in my last room, we were four."


    "Lucky you," Olivia muttered.


    Nailah hesitated before asking, "Where can I find a job?"


    Cindy scoffed. "There are no jobs in Scrapville. You have to go to Sihampton. I think there¡¯s a potter looking for workers."


    Nailah clenched her fists. This is my new reality¡­ but I will survive!


    Sihampton, a gloomy town in the Lowlands, was miserable but still better than Scrapville. The streets were lined with crumbling buildings, and the air smelled of clay and soot from the factories.


    Nailah stood among the crowd of new workers, blending in with their tired faces.


    A stout man with a harsh expression stepped forward. "Starting today, I¡¯m your boss!" he barked. "I expect efficiency! Your pay depends on how much pottery you make! And if someone falls behind, we all suffer! If I lose money, you lose money!"


    His sharp gaze scanned the workers before he turned. "Now, follow me. I¡¯ll show you your jobs!"


    As they walked, he suddenly stopped and pointed his finger at Nailah. "You! What¡¯s your name?"


    She straightened up and answered, "I¡¯m Naine, sir!"


    He nodded and gestured to a table where several women were hard at work. "Naine, you¡¯ll be on clay prep duty. Your colleagues will show you the ropes."


    An old woman nearby motioned her over. "After weighing the clay, you must wedge it and turn it into a ball," she explained. "It¡¯s important that they¡¯re all the same weight and size, or else the final product will be useless."


    "Okay!" Nailah said, nodding earnestly.


    The woman¡¯s expression turned serious. "Let¡¯s get to work now! We must make a clay ball every forty-five seconds to earn a decent wage!"


    "Yes, ma¡¯am!" Nailah replied, but as she began, her movements were hesitant. Her hands pressed into the clay, kneading it awkwardly, struggling to keep pace.


    "You¡¯re not nearly fast enough!" the old woman barked.


    "I¡¯m trying!" Nailah gritted her teeth, frustration creeping in.


    Before she could improve, the Master Potter loomed over her, holding up one of her poorly formed clay balls. His face twisted in irritation. "What is this?! That¡¯s another piece of clay wasted!"


    Nailah¡¯s heart sank. "I¡¯m sorry, sir¡­ I¡¯m trying my best!"


    "Well, your best is shit!" he snapped. "At this rate, we¡¯ll make far less pottery than usual¡­ Naine, come with me. I¡¯ll reassign you."


    He led her to a different section of the factory, where trays of finished pottery waited. "I want you to take these to the storage room in the back!"


    "Yes, sir!" she said, lifting a tray stacked with delicate ceramics. The weight surprised her, making her arms wobble.


    As she moved, her foot caught on a loose stone. "Ah¡ª!" She stumbled. The tray tilted. Then, in a sickening instant, the pottery crashed to the floor, shattering into countless pieces.


    A heavy silence followed.


    Nailah winced, slowly looking up to see the Master Potter¡¯s face contort in fury.


    "Oops¡­" she muttered weakly with an awkward smile.


    "GET OUT! YOU¡¯RE FIRED!" he shouted.


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    A few days later, Nailah wandered the streets of Sihampton, her stomach aching with hunger. She had desperately searched for another job, but word of her clumsiness had spread like wildfire. No one would hire her. Each rejection chipped away at what little hope she had left.


    She had hit rock bottom. Not long ago, she was the chosen successor of the prestigious Pristine Company, determined to take it to new heights. Now, she was nothing more than a starving girl, searching for scraps just to survive.


    Her legs trembled as she stumbled into a narrow alley. "I must find a job¡­" she murmured. "I haven¡¯t eaten since that day¡­"


    Her foot caught on a garbage can, sending her tumbling to the ground. As she groaned, something tumbled out a half-eaten apple. However the hunger tricked her into seeing a brand-new apple instead. Her eyes widened. "Lucky!" Without hesitation, she snatched it up and took a bite out of the half-eaten apple.


    "Look at that!" A sneering voice cut through the air.


    Nailah froze. A group of men approached, led by a towering brute with a cruel smirk.


    "She¡¯s eating from the trash! Pathetic!" Carson jeered, his gang laughing behind him. Carson was tall, bald, and built like a tank. His muscles strained against his shirt, as if the fabric might tear at any moment. A beret sat atop his head, and a scarf rested loosely around his neck.


    Nailah tensed. She recognized their red scarves, they were Crimson Bandits. Damon¡¯s men.


    Carson shook his head mockingly. "You know¡­ You should be looking for a job. We expect your money tomorrow!"


    Desperation tightened in Nailah¡¯s chest. "I¡¯m sorry, but can I ask for an extension? I¡¯ll pay interest if you want!"


    Carson sighed theatrically. "Damon was sure you¡¯d ask that¡­ He told me if you did¡ª"


    Before she could react, his fist crashed into her face, sending her sprawling onto the cobblestones. Pain exploded in her jaw.


    "I was to punch the living hell out of you!" Carson spat.


    A slap followed. Then a kick to her ribs. Nailah curled up, gasping as her vision blurred.


    Carson crouched beside her, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper as he pulled her hair to bring her face closer. "This is just a taste of what awaits you tomorrow if you can¡¯t pay. And believe me¡­ Damon will make money off you one way or another."


    She could only watch as they strode away, leaving her battered and trembling in the filth.


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    Back at her cramped apartment, Nailah found her roommates in no better shape. Rose and Cindy nursed their own bruises while Tommy and Olivia did their best to help.


    Tommy¡¯s face darkened when he saw her. "You too?!"


    "Yeah¡­ A huge guy attacked me," she muttered.


    Rose grimaced. "That was Muscular Carson. He¡¯s one of Damon¡¯s most trusted men."


    Cindy groaned. "He came after us too when we asked for more time. We don¡¯t have enough money."


    Nailah slumped against the wall, feeling the weight of despair press down on her. "Now, nobody will hire me. Even if I found a job tomorrow, I wouldn¡¯t make enough to pay Damon or the rent. At this rate¡­ they¡¯ll kill us!"


    Rose sighed. "It¡¯s a complicated situation we¡¯re in."


    "I know, right?" Nailah ran a hand through her tangled hair. "What should we do?"


    Cindy¡¯s voice was barely a whisper. "The only way to keep a roof over your head and avoid the Crimson Bandits¡­ is the workhouse."


    The room fell silent. Tommy stiffened. "I¡¯ve been there before¡­ when my parents started using Grey Ash. That place is horrible."


    "I¡¯d rather not go there!" Rose declared. "I¡¯ll figure something out."


    Cindy hesitated before nodding. "That¡¯s the only place protected by guards. The Crimson Bandits wouldn¡¯t attack us there¡­ but that place is too horrible. I think I¡¯ll pass too."


    Nailah exhaled slowly, her mind made up. "Looks like I don¡¯t have a choice."


    She turned to her roommates, eyes filled with determination. "I know we don¡¯t know each other well, but I want to thank you all for your help. I¡¯ll repay you someday. I promise."


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    The morning sun cast a dull light over Sihampton as Nailah stood before the looming gates of the workhouse, her stomach twisting in anxiety.


    She took a deep breath and stepped forward.


    <hr style="font-weight: 400">


    Meanwhile, far away on the shore, where the wreckage of Nailah''s past lay scattered, a shadowy figure strolled along the sand. Harlow¡¯s sharp eyes scanned the debris, her lips curving into a smirk.


    "There¡¯s something off about that new girl¡­" she murmured. "I¡¯m sure whatever it is¡­ it could be lucrative."

 The Workhouse

    Nailah stood with several other women, their faces tired and resigned. In front of them, the Matron watched with sharp eyes and a stern look that left no room for defiance.


    ¡°If you¡¯re here¡­¡± the Matron began, her voice cold and unforgiving, ¡°it means you¡¯ve reached the lowest of the low. You are beyond pathetic. But worry not, we will shape you into hardworking citizens.¡±


    Nailah swallowed hard, already dreading what was to come.


    ¡°In here, you do not speak unless spoken to,¡± the Matron continued. ¡°All personal belongings will be confiscated. Laziness, impoliteness, and any disruption to the workhouse will be severely punished.¡±


    Nailah glanced at the other women. Most looked down at the ground, too beaten down by life to react.


    ¡°Now, follow Mrs. Colington,¡± the Matron commanded, motioning to her colleague. ¡°She will assign you to your work posts.¡±


    <hr>


    From dawn to noon, Nailah struggled with the sewing work. Her fingers, unused to the meticulous task, fumbled with the fabric, earning her the disapproving glares of her overseers.


    <hr>


    From noon to evening, Nailah would handle the laundry. The laundry station was no better. The weight of the soaked garments made her arms ache. Every movement felt like a battle against fatigue and hunger.


    By the time six o¡¯clock arrived, she barely had the strength to stand.


    ¡°It¡¯s supper time!¡± the Matron announced. ¡°Everyone to the kitchen!¡±


    Just as Nailah was about to follow the others, the Matron pointed a bony finger at her.


    ¡°You! Come here.¡±


    Nailah¡¯s heart sank as she stepped forward. ¡°Yes, Matron?¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t met a single one of your quotas today.¡± The Matron¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. ¡°That means your food portions will be docked. Do you understand?¡±


    Nailah lowered her head. ¡°Yes, Matron.¡±


    <hr>


    She walked to the cafeteria, her stomach twisting in knots. The silence in the hall was suffocating, broken only by the occasional shuffle of feet.


    Nailah sat with the other women, eyeing their plates with bread, potatoes, cheese, and tea. When her own plate was placed in front of her, she frowned. Just a hard, stale piece of bread and a cup of water.


    She took a bite, and her face twisted in disgust.


    This is horrible¡­


    <hr>


    That night, as she lay in her cramped bed, her stomach let out a pitiful growl. She curled into herself, trying to block out the hunger.


    I can¡¯t do this¡­


    Tears slipped down her face as despair settled in.


    Across the room, an older woman with greying hair, Keisha, watched her with quiet concern.


    <hr>


    The next morning, Nailah forced herself to eat the wretched breakfast, but it was no better than the night before. It was like swallowing liquid dirt.


    With a sigh, she pushed the bowl toward the girl sitting beside her. ¡°Do you want it? I¡¯m full.¡±


    The girl¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Really? Thank you!¡±


    From then on, Nailah resolved to keep her head down and work. She threw herself into every task, refusing to show weakness. She scrubbed, cooked, mopped¡ªanything that needed to be done, she did it with everything she had.


    When suppertime came, the Matron called for her again. Nailah braced herself for the worst.


    ¡°You did well today,¡± the Matron admitted. ¡°You met all your quotas.¡±


    Nailah bowed her head. ¡°Thank you, Matron.¡±


    <hr>


    Even with a full portion of food that seemed quite appealing to her the previous day was as tasteless as ever. Nailah sat at the long table, pushing the bland food around her plate. The monotony, the endless cycle of labor and suffering. It was breaking her.


    She clenched her fork, tears welling in her eyes.


    I can¡¯t take this anymore¡­ I just can¡¯t¡­


    Something inside her snapped.


    With a sudden burst of fury, she threw her plate to the ground. The loud crash echoed through the hall, drawing every eye toward her.


    ¡°Enough of this!!¡± Nailah shouted, her voice trembling with rage.


    The Matron¡¯s head snapped up, her eyes widening in shock.


    ¡°What is this?!¡± Nailah¡¯s voice rose with each word. ¡°We¡¯re treated like cattle! We toil endlessly, we starve, we¡¯re given tasteless food, and we¡¯re not even allowed to speak freely!¡±


    Gasps filled the room. The other women stared at her, their expressions a mixture of awe and fear.


    ¡°This is not normal!¡± Nailah¡¯s voice cracked as tears streamed down her face. ¡°I¡¯m not taking this shit!¡±


    The Matron¡¯s face twisted with fury. ¡°You insolent brat! You¡¯ve broken at least five rules with that attitude alone! For this, you will receive a week of solitary confinement, docked rations, and a whipping!¡±


    Nailah¡¯s chest heaved, but she did not look away. Even as the guards stepped forward to seize her, she held her ground.


    It felt good to lash out. For the first time since arriving at the workhouse, she felt like a human being. But she knew she was about to pay for it.


    <hr>


    The sharp crack of a whip echoed through the cell, followed by Nailah¡¯s anguished scream. Pain flared across her back as she collapsed onto the cold stone floor.


    The Matron loomed over her, her expression one of grim satisfaction. ¡°I hope you will use this as a lesson on your poor behavior.¡± With that, she turned on her heel and strode out of the cell, slamming the door shut behind her.


    Nailah lay motionless, her body wracked with pain. Sobs trembled from her lips as her vision blurred with tears.


    ¡°I give up¡­¡± she thought. ¡°I can¡¯t take this anymore¡­¡±


    A dull emptiness settled over her. She lay there, unmoving, staring at nothing.


    Then¡­


    ¡°Psst!¡±


    Her ears barely registered the whisper. It was soft yet insistent.


    Slowly, she turned her head toward the cell door. Through the small opening, a hand slipped inside, holding a piece of bread on a piece of cloth.


    ¡°Come,¡± the voice urged. ¡°I¡¯ve brought you some food. I promise it tastes better.¡±


    Nailah blinked. Her body moved before her mind could catch up. She crawled toward the door, hesitant but desperate. Reaching up with trembling hands, she took the bread.


    The moment it touched her lips, her eyes widened. A burst of sweetness spread across her tongue. Tears welled up again, but this time, they carried something different¡­ relief.


    ¡°It¡¯s delicious!¡± she whispered, her voice cracking.


    A quiet chuckle came from the other side of the door. ¡°I see you have a sweet tooth just like me. I dipped into some honey that I found.¡±


    The voice belonged to a woman. Through the small window, Nailah caught a glimpse of greying hair, smooth brown skin, and a kind yet mischievous smile.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Nailah choked out. ¡°Thank you so much.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± the woman replied. ¡°When I find more honey, I¡¯ll give you some. But you can¡¯t go losin¡¯ your mind like that anymore.¡±


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Nailah wiped her face, trying to steady her breath. ¡°How could I ever repay you?¡±


    A chuckle. ¡°How about you tell me your name?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Nailah asked, surprised. ¡°Well¡­ my name is Naine. What about you?¡±


    ¡°Keisha.¡±


    A moment of silence stretched between them before Nailah finally asked, ¡°Why did you help me?¡±


    Keisha exhaled softly. ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­ probably because I could feel that you were givin¡¯ up.¡±


    Nailah didn¡¯t respond. She pressed her back against the door, listening.


    ¡°You see,¡± Keisha continued, ¡°many here have never known a life outside of this place, yet they continue to fight. You know why?¡±


    Nailah¡¯s eyes widened slightly.


    ¡°They have dreams,¡± Keisha said. ¡°Purposes to hold onto.¡±


    Nailah swallowed, unsure how to respond.


    ¡°For someone, it could be to reach the moon,¡± Keisha mused. ¡°For someone else, it could be to find a soulmate.¡±


    ¡°I had a dream once,¡± Nailah admitted quietly, looking down. ¡°But it was nearly impossible to reach when I was doing okay. Now, it¡¯s way beyond impossible.¡±


    Keisha chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s why they¡¯re called dreams. If you give up as soon as you face a setback, then maybe you didn¡¯t really believe in it.


    Nailah stiffened. ¡°I did believe in my dream! But I¡¯m stuck here forever, and if I leave, some crimson bandits will want my head.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s why you¡¯re struggling so much,¡± Keisha said knowingly. ¡°Having a dream is the difference between living and surviving. And you can only survive for so long before life seems pointless.¡±


    Nailah hesitated before asking, ¡°Do you have a dream?¡±


    Keisha opened her mouth to answer but suddenly coughed.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Nailah asked, concern creeping into her voice.


    Before Keisha could respond, a voice rang out.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?!¡±


    Keisha tensed. ¡°I¡¯ve got to go! See you later!¡±


    She disappeared before the Matron reached the cell door. Nailah stared at the empty space where Keisha had just been, a strange feeling settling in her chest.


    ¡°Never know what will happen tomorrow, huh?¡± she murmured.


    A small smile tugged at her lips. ¡°How true.¡±


    <hr>


    A week later, the sound of the cell door unlocking jolted Nailah awake. Her time in solitary was over and she was free to return to work at the workhouse, but just felt like another sentence to her.


    Light flooded in, momentarily blinding her.


    ¡°I hope you¡¯ve had time to reflect on your actions,¡± the Matron sneered.


    Nailah stepped forward. Her body was thinner, her movements slower, but something else had changed.


    The Matron¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Oh, your hair!¡±


    Nailah frowned. ¡°My hair?¡±


    She reached up and gasped.


    ¡°It¡¯s white?! How?!¡±


    Poor Nailah had endured so much in so little time that even her body bore the evidence of her suffering.


    <hr>


    Months passed. Nailah worked alongside Keisha and the other inmates. Life in the workhouse was still cruel, but Keisha¡¯s presence made surviving easier. Not just for her but for everyone.


    Keisha played pranks on other inmates during working hours and comforted those on the verge of breaking, reminding them of what they were fighting for. Her presence was a source of warmth and resilience, so much so that even the Matron, despite her strictness, chose to overlook Keisha¡¯s mischief, recognizing the positive impact she had on the workhouse.


    <hr>


    Some evenings, Keisha would take Nailah with her to steal honey. At first, Nailah had assumed Keisha had simply found it, not realizing she was actually stealing from the Matron. Soon, she was whispering urgently as they ran through the corridors, clutching stolen honey to share with the other inmates. It was yet another way Keisha lifted spirits in the workhouse.


    Their mischief didn¡¯t stop there. They took every opportunity to pull pranks on the Matron as a small act of rebellion against her strictness. More than once, they ducked behind a door just in time to see her slip on a slick patch of honey, barely containing their laughter as they exchanged a triumphant high five.


    Nailah never thought she¡¯d experience joy in this place. Yet, with Keisha, she had found something unexpected.


    In this hellhole, I¡¯ve found the mother figure I never had, she realized.


    But every good thing eventually ended.


    Nailah stared at her work with a heavy heart. Today was her last day at the workhouse. Soon, she would be separated from Keisha.


    For the first time, she understood something far worse than hell.


    Being in hell¡­ alone.


    She hadn¡¯t seen Keisha in a week. The Matron had likely changed their shifts. An uneasy feeling gnawed at her.


    She gritted her teeth, continuing her work, but her thoughts remained on Keisha.


    Something wasn¡¯t right.


    Nailah blinked, her mind still caught in a haze when a sharp voice cut through her thoughts.


    "Why are you spacing out?" the Matron snapped


    Before Nailah could respond, the woman seized her by the arm.


    "Come with me, girl."


    Nailah¡¯s stomach twisted. "Matron, I¡¯m sorry..."


    The words left her without thinking. What was she apologizing for? She didn¡¯t even know what was happening.


    They walked in silence, the Matron¡¯s grip firm but not painful.


    "Am I in trouble?" Nailah hesitated. "You¡¯re not going to cut my rations, are you?"


    "Quiet, girl! Just follow me!"


    That didn¡¯t sound promising.


    The walk felt longer than it was, tension settling deep in Nailah¡¯s gut. Finally, they stopped in front of a door. The Matron didn¡¯t look at her, but there was something in her posture¡ªstiff, restrained.


    "Someone wants to see you in there," she said, voice gruff.


    Nailah hesitated before reaching for the door handle. The moment she stepped inside, a wave of sickness hit her, stale air, the scent of medicine, the low murmurs of the infirmary¡¯s patients. Her eyes darted around the room, confusion clouding her thoughts.


    Then, a familiar voice broke through the noise.


    "Naine!"


    Her heart jumped.


    Keisha.


    <hr>


    ¡°What are you doing in the infirmary?¡± she asked, lowering herself onto the chair beside Keisha¡¯s cot. ¡°Did you get hurt?¡±


    Keisha shook her head, her expression calm but weary. ¡°No¡­ but in truth¡­¡± Her voice wavered. ¡°I¡¯m dying.¡±


    Nailah froze, her breath hitching. The words hit her like a hammer, leaving her unable to process them. ¡°That can¡¯t be¡­¡± she whispered, her vision blurring with unshed tears.


    Keisha gave her a small smile, as if trying to comfort her. ¡°I have tuberculosis¡­ Until now, the medicine helped ease the pain, but it¡¯s stopped working.¡± She sighed, gazing up at the ceiling. ¡°The nurse said I probably won¡¯t see tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± Nailah shook her head in disbelief. This was too cruel. ¡°Nurse!¡± she turned, pleading desperately. ¡°She needs medicine! There has to be something we can do!¡±


    The nurse shook her head, her expression pitiful. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but there is no cure.¡±


    Nailah recoiled, her mind spinning. How could this be happening?


    A weak cough snapped her back. Keisha reached for her hand. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Naine¡­ Please sit.¡± She smiled despite her frail state. ¡°There are things I want to tell you.¡±


    Nailah nodded, swallowing back her grief, and listened.


    ¡°Did you know that I have a daughter?¡± Keisha asked, her voice softer now. ¡°She¡¯s about your age.¡±


    Nailah blinked in surprise.


    Keisha¡¯s eyes glistened as she continued. ¡°I raised her as best as I could, but the Lowlands is no place to raise a child¡­ Then, an opportunity came.¡± She took a shaky breath. ¡°A friend of a friend, an aristocrat, wanted to adopt a child.¡±


    Nailah¡¯s stomach twisted. ¡°What¡­?¡±


    ¡°I gave her up without a second thought,¡± Keisha admitted, tears slipping down her face. ¡°It was the easiest decision I ever made, but it was also the hardest thing I¡¯ve ever had to do.¡± She turned to Nailah, eyes searching. ¡°Did I make the right choice, Nailah?¡±


    A tear fell from Nailah¡¯s cheek. She clutched Keisha¡¯s trembling hands. ¡°I had my doubts¡­¡± she whispered. ¡°You¡¯re my mother, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Keisha pulled her into a weak embrace. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I deserve to be called that¡­ but yes.¡±


    For the first time, Nailah felt a warmth she had never known before.


    ¡°I heard the rumors about you,¡± Keisha said, eager to learn about her daughter despite her fading strength. ¡°But I know they aren¡¯t true! Let¡¯s talk about good things instead! Tell me everything! Did you have friends? A boyfriend? Who¡¯s your favorite artist? What is your dream?¡±


    Nailah chuckled softly despite herself. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of questions¡­ Mom.¡±


    Keisha beamed.


    ¡°Well,¡± Nailah began, ¡°my best friend¡¯s name is Kenny. I never had a boyfriend¡­ Aristocrats are jerks, you know. Except for Kenny.¡±


    Keisha raised an eyebrow teasingly. ¡°Kenny, huh? Are you sure that¡¯s all he is? You smiled when you said his name.¡±


    Nailah¡¯s face burned. ¡°What?! Don¡¯t be ridiculous!¡±


    Keisha laughed, but her laughter quickly turned into a violent coughing fit.


    ¡°Are you okay?!¡± Nailah rushed to steady her.


    Keisha waved her off weakly. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± She caught her breath. ¡°Tell me about your dream.¡±


    Nailah¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°I want to become the Elysian.¡±


    Keisha¡¯s eyes gleamed with pride.


    ¡°But honestly, my reason for doing so has changed, thanks to you,¡± Nailah admitted. ¡°At first, I just wanted to prove a point to those who looked down on me¡­ but when we met, you showed me something different. You talked about how everyone here works hard, fueled by their dreams. I couldn¡¯t see that same passion in the people outside. Now, I get it¡­ You¡¯re the one who inspires them. I want to do that too.¡± She smiled softly. ¡°Even though I grew up among aristocrats, you¡¯re the noblest person I¡¯ve ever met. I want to be like you.¡±


    Keisha blushed, tears of joy in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m so happy to hear that!¡±


    Then her expression turned serious. ¡°Nailah, I want you to promise me one thing. When you leave here tomorrow, don¡¯t ever give up on your dreams again.¡±


    ¡°I promise,¡± Nailah vowed without hesitation.


    Keisha smiled, but then she started coughing again. This time, it was worse. Blood spilled from her lips.


    Nailah¡¯s heart pounded in panic. ¡°Mom!¡±


    Keisha gasped for breath, clutching her daughter¡¯s hands tightly. Her voice was barely a whisper now. ¡°I wish I had been there¡­ on your first day of school¡­ I wish I could have given you advice¡­ when you entered womanhood¡­¡±


    Tears poured down Nailah¡¯s face. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°I wish I could have been there when you graduated¡­ when you argued over meaningless things¡­ when you fell in love¡­ when you married a fine gentleman¡­¡± Keisha¡¯s grip weakened. ¡°I wasn¡¯t there for you your whole life¡­ and now, I¡¯m leaving when you need me the most¡­¡±


    Nailah sobbed. ¡°I, too, wanted to experience all those things with you¡­¡±


    Keisha mustered the last of her strength, her fading eyes filled with love. ¡°You are strong¡­ smart¡­ beautiful¡­¡± She exhaled shakily. ¡°I¡¯m so proud¡­ of the fine woman¡­ you¡¯ve grown to become¡­¡±


    Her hand went limp.


    Nailah¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°Mom?¡±


    Silence.


    Grief overtook her, her cries echoing through the infirmary. She wept, her face contorted in sorrow. But amidst the pain, one thought burned within her heart.


    <hr>


    The next morning, the front gate of the workhouse creaked open. Nailah stepped out, grief and determination etched into her face.


    ¡°Instead of keeping the poor down, I will remind them of their dreams,¡± she vowed, staring ahead with unshaken resolve. ¡°I will become the next Elysian.¡±


    She looked up at the sky, her mother¡¯s warmth still lingering in her heart.


    ¡°Mother, watch me¡­ I¡¯ll make you proud.¡±


    But something inside her had fractured. Pain had reshaped her, it flowed into her resolve and forged something fiercer, something darker¡­