Kanell’s eyes flutter open to a constant tapping sound.

  Rubbing his eyes, he finds himself on his horse, the animal striding peacefully.

  Its hooves click on stone bricks worn long ago. A soft light peeks through as the sun begins to rise.

  The man lifts his head, scanning the few houses and small fields around.

  [Your horse is well trained.]

  The man snaps his gaze behind. Alice smiles softly, tying a handful of her raven hair into a bow.

  [Where’s Hinochu?]

  [Hinozu? He was patting his legs the whole night, so I took him off the horse. He needed a walk, I think.]

  Kanell chuckles, leaning to the side to look further behind.

  Alfie carries the sleeping boy on his arms, walking carefully.

  [I’m surprised you didn’t throw him off somewhere.]

  He turns, staring forward again.

  [That would raise suspicions about us.]

  Trees line the sides as they continue down the road, high walls visible ahead. Towers stand tall throughout it, as well as inside the distant city.

  A single, glimmering tower rests above everything else, cutting through the sky as it wraps itself in static wings made of white.

  Once close, the number of houses starts to increase, with some attached to make space. People in simple clothes pace around with sunken faces, all gathering around a small well.

  The single road branches out to others, leading to different parts of the outer city. In the distance, a gate guarded by several knights.

  A long line starts to form, consisting of many carriages, animals, and people, all the way to the gate.

  Every day chatter overlaps begging, then muffled by the rolling of wheels and the whines of weary animals.

  The group joins the line, with Alfie trying to wake Hinozu up. Kanell pats his clothes, searching for something.

  [Have you seen my water skin?]

  [It probably fell off while you were sleeping.]

  Alice replies. With the loud ping of a bell, an iron grille slowly slides upwards.

  Ahead, the knights close in, stepping in front of the gate with their hands gripping their falchions. One of them taps his foot, and after a while, the line goes silent.

  A carriage rolls close, and the guards start inspecting it thoroughly, asking questions here and there.

  With the inspection done, the merchant continues his course into the city.

  The same procedure goes on for two long hours, spent in complete silence, before the group stands just close to their turn. Kanell studies the guards, intrigued.

  Their golden armor shines bright even under the faint light of dawn. Pure white feathers decorate their shoulders, and intricate helms, in the shape of a beak, cover their faces.

  A surcoat of the same color drapes over, depicting a six-winged creature holding a scepter in its claws.

  [Since when did gate guards in Leisa wear armor?]

  [Since they were replaced with actual knights. Due to us, maybe.]

  Alice replies.

  [Stay calm and try to act naturally. I received a city pass from the Order. It was included in the letter.]

  [Even if we can pass, don’t you think they’ll keep an eye?]

  [Not at all. Because of the sack of flesh you decided to adopt, they'll suppose we're urgently looking for a physician.]

  Kanell sighs deeply, spurring his horse forward. Alfie follows closely behind, still carrying Hinozu on his arms.

  One of the knights approaches the group, raising a hand.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  [State your names and reasons. You may then address the unconscious young man in your hands.]

  Alice shakes her head, silently retrieving a letter before handing it to the guard.

  He takes a moment to read through, ripping it into pieces afterwards.

  Knight: [You may pass. No other entries will be permitted sooner than an hour.]

  Alice: [Thank you.]

  The group advances past the gate, and Kanell sighs in relief. His gaze sets on the packed housing, with small rustic houses, often made of stone with brown tiled roofs, joined together to waste as little space as possible.

  A single wide road stretches towards the distance, meeting its end at the tower. Countless other roads spread out neatly, possibly slithering through the whole city.

  Not a trace of activity can be seen, except for the casual baker carrying dough from one place to another hurriedly. Alice jumps off the horse, stretching her arms.

  [Let’s rest for a while. Then, Alfie and I will meet with the Order. Kanell, take Hinozu to the person you mentioned. I want him gone by midday.]

  Alfie shakes Hinozu, growing frustrated as he sees no reaction from the boy. Then, he proceeds to drop him to the ground, startling him.

  [Watch it, Alfred! We don’t want to injure him!]

  Kanell says, shocked. Sliding down the saddle, he runs to Hinozu. The young man snaps his eyes open, searching around. His face shows confusion, freezing as he sees the group.

  [You alright?]

  Kanell offers a hand. His expression triggers Hinozu, who slaps his hand away.

  The man’s brows shoot up in surprise.

  [W-why did you do that for? Something wrong…?]

  Sharp eyes stare at him, a hysterical expression baring its teeth.

  Hinozu immediately calms down, reaching for Kanell’s hand for support as he stands up.

  Letting go, his gaze falls on the ground.

  [Are you sure anyone would want him?]

  Kanell stares daggers at Alice, clenching his jaw tightly. Gripping Hinozu by the shoulder, he guides him away.

  Kanell: [Leave my horse in a stable. I’m going to do what’s needed.]

  Alice: [Sure. If you haven’t found a solution for him until midday, consider leaving him.]

  The man exhales slowly, walking through dimly lit roads and narrow passages, looking at signs depicting different shops.

  Soon enough, people leave their homes, dressed in simple clothes fitted for their work.

  Their gazes set on the strange boy walking past, though they mind their own business, rushing off to their daily duties.

  [Don’t pay them too much mind, Hinochu. Nobody really cares here.]

  After roughly half an hour of walking, the streets fill more and more with people, with stalls and shops bustling with activity.

  Reaching further towards the center of the city, buildings stand further apart, spacious and striking. Light courses freely through the wider roads and openings, painting clean roads with a golden hue.

  Shops turn from shapely signs to letters, Kanell’s gaze set on every single one of them.

  The lush scenery doesn't last long as a simple turn shifts it to crammed streets and mossy shops.

  A shop catches his attention as he stops abruptly.

  [Here it is.]

  He pushes the door open, hearing the soft ringing of a bell in the process. He steps inside with Hinozu, looking around the empty shop.

  Several pastries and confectionery items are lined in presentation, placed over neatly crafted plates on polished wooden shelves. The aroma of dough and sweetness lingers, mixing with a strong wooden smell.

  Pots and pans hang on the wall, along with several barrels throughout the ground.

  [Coming!]

  A soft voice comes from another room.

  A girl comes out from the door behind the counter, dressed in a simple black gown worn over a white linen chemise. Her sleeves are rolled back, and her apron is stained with something.

  Her black hair is tied into a bun, with some strands reflecting into soft, dark green hues under the light.

  Dark raspberry eyes widen.

  Turning lightless.

  [Listen, Helma. This may—]

  [D-Dad?]

  Kanell chuckles nervously, raising his hands halfway before lowering them.

  [Uh… H-hi, It—]

  [I’m sorry, Helma. Uh...]

  The girl stares expectantly, eyes reddening. The man freezes before taking a single step back.

  [Maybe it’s best you don’t come here, Dad.]

  [You’ve… grown so much. Wha-what’s of your mother? Is she healthy?]

  The words escape his lips without much thought.

  Helma stiffens, shutting her eyes as her face twists into agony.

  Soft sobs turn into cries, with tears flowing freely down her cheeks.

  Kanell stays silent, grabbing his head as he paces around.

  His words turn silent.

  His thoughts run rampant.

  [Uh, so… Wait, I mean, t-this… Helma…]

  The girl grabs a plate, gripping it as hard as she can.

  [Leave!]

  Flinching, she throws the item.

  It shatters loudly, followed by a groan. Slowly, she opens her eyes, almost deep red in color.

  Blood flows down, dripping on the wooden floor.

  Hinozu stares down at his cuts, removing the pieces of porcelain.

  Kanell freezes again, blinking rapidly.

  Hinozu tries to mimic Helma’s expression as he paces clumsily around the room, hands traveling to his head.

  All the while, he mutters nonsense.

  The girl sobers up, guilt replacing her triggered face.

  Kanell stays still, staring at something.

  Anything.

  Hinozu starts to calm down, tired of the constant action. Crouching down, he picks up the shattered pieces, accidentally dropping each into the ground again.

  [W-wha—]

  [I came here for a reason, Helma. It’s not because of me, I promise!]

  Kanell snaps back to reality, meeting his daughter’s gaze.

  [I promise. He, uh… He’s Hinochu. I need someone to take care of him, please. I-it’s okay if you’re not… I mean, I need someone. Please, if you know of anybody who could—]

  [Why?]

  She whispers with a worn voice.

  [I don’t need you in my life. Or anything related to you.]

  [I’ve had enough with trying to manage my life…]

  [I don’t want to manage some other person’s.]

  [Especially not… someone like him.]

  Kanell steps forward, stopping as Helma flinches.

  [Okay. Okay, I understand… I shouldn’t have come here. But… c-could you maybe… let him in as an apprentice? I know he’s not in the best condition… but he can learn. Something to keep him busy, as he figures out how to—]

  [I would’ve liked such care, too, from you.]

  Her hands set on the counter, trembling.

  [Since when do you care about people?]

  [Or do you only care about those you don’t know?]

  [I guess… That’d be an improvement from the last time I saw you.]

  [I missed you, Dad. Please come back.]

  [I’m alone…]

  Her throat constricts again, making no way for words.

  Kanell screams in frustration, shaking. Then, he rushes to the door.

  [Please… take care of him. If you don’t want to, leave him somewhere. I’ll find him. I’m in town for a week or so.]

  A loud bang echoes…

  And the man leaves.