The light slowly entered my vision as I opened my eyes.

Looking around, I understood that I was in a room and was lying down on a draped bed. The windows were shut tight so my surroundings were dim. The lamps on the walls were unlit, so the only light that came into the room was the rays that came from the gaps of the window curtains. Coincidentally, this was also the one that was shining down on my face.

I propped myself up and reclined on the velvet-lined headboard, recalling the things that have happened before all of this. I stayed in that position with eyes closed as I tried to recollect. Slowly, one by one, the events that unfolded were remembered and with it, a question.

The sleepiness that I felt just moments ago was replaced by curiosity. What am I doing here, I thought. I moved out of bed and walked slowly towards the closed windows, feeling the velvet touch of the carpet. I moved the divided curtains apart was greeted by the warm sunlight coming outside. My eyes twitched for a moment as they adjusted to the brightness. Then I blinked.

After that, I saw it.

Numerous buildings entered my sight as the windows unfolded. Countless roofs that were either made up of wood or stone ran along the horizon, with chimneys atop that occasionally spewed forth a thin line of smoke. Large, voluminous trees lay scattered across, interrupting the structures that lined with it. Birds flew off into the clear skies, using the still rising sun as the perfect backdrop. The small yellow flower that was planted on my windowsill, with dew still gleaming from it, only served to accentuate the peaceful feeling I got from the sight before me. It was beautiful, to put simply.

I did not know how long I stood there in a daze, but I thought that things like these weren’t so bad, so I wanted to continue. However, my stupor was suddenly interrupted by the door slowly opening behind me,

*creeeak*

I tensed up.

I turned my vision towards the direction of the sound and then, I saw a young woman.

She had violet eyes which gazed at me with emotion. Soft green hair flowed gracefully in curls up to her shoulders. On the middle of her face rested her small pert nose. A happy, genteel smile could be seen on her plump red lips. Her distinctive features, all fit perfectly on her small face.

Her frilly white dress flowed from the top, accompanied by a frilly white skirt that reached up to her knees. A pair of polished sandals adorned her feet, complementing the pure, unblemished look she had.

A soothing voice filled the room as her lips parted.

[Good morning, master.]

Seeing her, I felt vigilant. Ever since I came to, ever since I woke up in that burning city, all that’s happened is that I’ve been in contact with women which weren’t normal. Thinking like this, I ignored and continued to stare at her in wariness. My eyes full of intent to capture and adapt against her every move. My silence doesn’t seem to faze her as she continued,

[I’m really glad you’re up, master. We were so worried when we saw in that awful state as you returned. I’ll have to thank the Priestess of Zaaris later for your fast recovery.]

I listened to her monologue as I walked a couple of steps away from the window. My feet slowly moved towards the direction of the luxurious dresser by my bed. I wanted to get the solid-looking vase that was propped on its surface as some sort of means for self-defense.

I gave her half of my attention while the other half mulled over whatever she was talking about as I made my way across. However, in doing so, I did not notice that I have stepped directly onto where the sun’s rays shone. Normally, this wouldn’t affect me but this time was different.

I haven’t even gone halfway towards my intended destination when she exclaimed in a surprised voice,

[Oh! Uhm. M-master! W-would you like me h-help dress you up!?]

I wondered what she was getting on, but as soon as I looked down I understood.

I was one with nature, in my purest, defenseless, raw form.

I wanted to refrain from speaking with her earlier but now I didn’t think twice.

“Get out!”

[C-certainly!]

After that, she hurriedly closed the door. I moved towards the large wooden furniture which I thought was the dresser. After opening up, a wide array of uncomfortable looking clothes entered my vision. Vests, shirts, jackets, pants, shorts, belts, shoes and other articles of clothing and accessories were all placed neatly inside. I pondered for a bit before deciding what to do next.

In the corner of my eyes, I saw a large mirror beside the dresser. Curious, I took my clothes off and decided to familiarize myself with my body.

White wavy hair until the shoulders. Round violet eyes, pert nose. Pale skin. Plump red lips. I opened my mouth and saw a complete set of white teeth inside. I pinched parts of my body and was surprised by the lack of fat and the presence of slightly developed muscles. I felt somewhat proud of this lithe frame.

‘I wonder if this could be considered attractive?’

I briefly entertained the question of me being attractive, laughed at my narcissism for a bit, and then moved on.

I searched through the dresser and looked for something simple. A long-sleeved, white shirt with subtle, intricate designs caught my attention. After buttoning it up, I found a pair of black pants with simple designs that matched my shirt, then put it on. A striking crimson vest with graceful white highlights looked good with the shirt, so I took it and wore it on top. I put on a comfortable looking pair of socks then donned a nice pair of white leather shoes. I finished my ensemble with a classic looking belt. I initially thought that it would feel uncomfortable but surprisingly, everything was a perfect fit.

After I finished dressing up, I asked her to come back inside while I looked for a place to sit down on.

I found and table by the walls and was sitting on one of the chairs against it when I heard her come in.

[Excuse me, master. I’ll be entering.]

She didn’t have the flustered appearance she had before and was now acting composed. Looking at her eyes, I asked,

“Who are you? Why am I here?”

She only answered after reaching my side. She stood there in a straight pose, eyes full of attention as she spoke,

[I’m Alette, master. A humble servant of your noble house Celebrye. You were brought here by Miss Lillian after she found you at Trinsa.]

I ignored the somewhat exaggerated words that came out of her mouth.

Things like the humble servant or noble house or her submissive tone or her repetitive addressing of me as master didn’t matter for now. Instead, I focused on what was bothering me that moment.

That is, the girl who was with me that night.

“Lillian? Is that Enli?”

[Enli, master?]

She looked confused for a moment and continued to gaze at me with curious eyes as if begging me for answers. Seeing her silent and confused like this, I decided to throw her a bone.

“Girl with long brown hair. Green eyes. Slightly taller than me. Lean build. Decent sized chest. Would you like me to go on?”

Her eyes flashed with understanding as she heard my words. She appeared to be thinking for a moment before finally speaking again,

[You must be referring to Miss Karaenli, master. I’m afraid.. she was not with you when you returned with Miss Lillian.]

I decided to brush off the worried and apprehensive tone she had in her voice while I processed her reply in silence.

‘So she wasn’t with us. Hrmm.’

‘I have no obligations towards her, but I did act on impulse so we could both survive that night.’

‘Tsk. Ridiculous.’

‘I just hope she wasn’t stupid enough as she appeared and listened to what I said.’

She must be safe. She was the one who told me about that hidden passage after all. With that presumption in mind, I centered my thoughts on the name I wasn’t familiar with, then I asked her,

“Then who is this Lillian you’re talking about?”

[She’s the one who found and rescued you from Trinsa, master. Your loyal knight and humble servant.]

I had a bad feeling when I heard the word knight.

‘Could it be..?’

I’m not entirely sure but given the situation and the lack of time back then, it’s most probably that person. It’d be better to be sure and ask her if that’s really the case.

“Was that person the one who beat me up?”

Her face cramped up slightly when she heard the blunt question. She fiddled for a moment, not suiting her appearance, before answering,

[Y-yes, master. But she only did so because she thought you were a different person! She told me that she thought you were a thief who stole the House’s heirloom! If she knew who you were, I’m certain she would have wept tears of joy! In fact-...]

Hearing the reason, I felt disgusted.

Recalling her words, I almost scoffed at how this girl phrased it. 'Rescued', huh? How quaint.

I ignored whatever excuse which came from her mouth and just sat there, nurturing the thoughts swirling in my head.

This so called loyal knight and humble servant couldn’t even recognize me, her master. Even I was able to see them properly across that fucking avenue while she on the other-

'!!'

wait..

.

.

.

‘..her master?’

I was caught up in all these nonsensical developments that I unconsciously disregarded the things currently around me. Noticing something, I took a deep breath before I organized my thoughts and analyzed the entirety of the situation around me.

I woke up in a luxurious draped bed.

Was still alive and hadn’t the trace of being beaten up.

Slept in a spacious room adorned by extravagant articles of furniture.

Greeted by someone who looks like a maid.

Said maid mentioned something about a noble house.

Was even told that I had a loyal knight serving me.

And then it clicked.

I didn't notice that she has stopped blabbing her mouth for some time, and was now looking at me worriedly. My silence when I was contemplating things must have affected her, so I spoke,

“Alette, was it?”

[Yes, master?]

I asked her her as I stood from where I sat, my voice thick with desolation,

“Tell me. Who am I?”