“This one time, allow me to go on the battlefield as a mage. I’ll prove that I can be a good aid. Please, trust me. I promise you that you won’t regret making this decision.”

I solemnly looked at Abel, hoping to convey my pleading sincerity. This was my only chance.

“….”

Abel directed a startling glance towards Jeron. The man had been standing next to the chair for a while. For a split second, the air was so silent, even a pin could be heard dropping in the spacious room.

I sneaked a glance at his expression. This was truly nerve wracking. I hoped that what I said did not come off the wrong way. The idea fleeted across my mind, that I had someway or another, offended him. I hadn’t meant to sound proud, and I hoped he wouldn’t kick me out. If he were to say, “What kind of nonsense idea are you telling me! An arrogant little kid like you?!” I don’t think I’d be able to fathom it.

However, Abel threw a short chuckle. Unexpectedly, he then laughed hard. A low grumble turned into a belch. The sound of his joy resonating in the spacious room, as he bent over and held his head between his hands.

“Alright, that’s the funniest thing I have heard lately. This cute kid. Hmm, not a bad idea.”

Cute? What did he mean by ‘cute’? Besides, I hadn’t meant to be funny… Regarding my suggestion, I had truly meant it.

Abel continued to talk. “I’ll give you a chance with that reward. Let’s see how you prove your worth.”

I looked at him. His face filled with a suspicious smile. It was like a predator’s. A slight smirk, omniscient to the following events that would occur. Still, it was fortunate that the response I received was more favorable than I expected.

“However, if you die, I will not be responsible, kid.”

Ugh! I knew something was off! That smirk, I wanted to wipe it clean. Could I retract my words? That fake kindness – all bullsh*t.

As much as I wanted to retort with indignation, I forced myself to appear indifferent and unaffected by his attitude. With a calm front, I replied, “…. Thank you for your generosity.”

Abel turned back around without hesitation. “Jeron, give this kid a room”

Jeron, who gave a sigh of relief, hurriedly replied. “Yes, I understand.”

I could see from that reaction, Jeron’s personality was much more amicable and relenting than Abel’s. He smiled gently as he met my eyes. It was the first friendly expression I had received, after arriving in this world.

“Follow me, Lady Fiona.” He gestured towards me.

I was amazed. He remembered my name – a first. Surprised at the pleasantness, I couldn’t help but recall Abel, who had only used impolite, rude words when addressing me. “This kid,” and “That cute kid.”

Whilst following him, my eyes plastered onto Jeron’s back. This was my goal, my new beginning. A life where I could change my fate and avoid my death flags. The long corridors seemed endless. Heilon castle, in comparison to the Duke’s, was a monstrosity. The large arches in the spires and the sky high ceilings, after a while, we finally arrived at the room they had assigned to me.

“Please use it for the time being.” Jeron nodded at me, indicating for me to enter.

I was floored. The room was incredibly spacious and cozy compared to the attic I used to live in, in the Green Manor. I wasn’t expecting a decent room, let alone such a luxurious bedroom. Especially considering that I had been treated coldly.

“Can I really use this room?” I was so incredibly happy. My eyes twinkled and I momentarily forgot to control my expression – I mean, how could I remain calm? It was far beyond my expectations and Jeron noticed.

“Of course” He smiled briefly. The look he gave me was as if he were talking to a young child.

I steadied my expression. It was so childish to act so spontaneously like that. For the time being, stay calm Fiona. I coughed briefly. “…. Big thank you for your help.”

It was understandable that what I did, hardly left a faint impression on them. Of course, I was being ridiculous – how could a meager thirteen year old affect them – adults? My appearance was all but adult like, despite my thirteen year old self pretending to be one.

Anyone would hardly take me seriously. However, even though I tried to act mature despite my age, at heart, I truly feared the outcome: What if I had acted like a child, and they had just sent me out? If I acted like one, appropriate for my age, in the near future, would they refuse to let me stay?

Jeron glanced at me for a brief moment and then offered me a warm smile.

“You must be tired. Please have a good rest today”

“Yes.” I nodded curtly.

Bam! After hearing my answer, Jeron quietly closed the door and left.

As he went out, the tenseness that I held in earlier left me. I was so relieved. To be honest, Abel’s pressure was really no joke. I couldn’t believe I was so scared of the guy I created. It was really depressing. Why had I made such a character like him?

Initially, I had planned on what to do for the future, upon arriving at my room. I would go to war…and then…However, the amount of activities that had taken place in such a short amount of time, rendered me completely exhausted, to my surprise. No more, for today at least…I wouldn’t be able to do any more activities. Since a while ago, my brain had protested against me, and stopped working. Alright then.

“Let’s get some sleep first.”

The comfy doona, and puffed up mattress and pillows, looked too inviting. I crawled into the bed and relished myself in this soft, warm haven. I would just think about those decisions later. As soon as my eyes fluttered shut, sleep came on to me.

***

When Jeron returned, Abel was leaning against the chair, still in the hall. He stroked his chin and contemplated. The window distantly above, allowed the light to hit his face, defining his sharp features. “How was the kid?”

“I have led her to the room.”

Abel let out a low chuckle. “I couldn’t tell whether she was arrogant or daring.”

He thought of the little girl who had moments ago, stood before him. Anyone with a keen eye could tell that she was frightened by him. Nevertheless, it was hard to forget the sight of her courage. Her eyes had stared straight at him, as she firmly stood her ground.

“I’ll prove my value…ha… Indeed, what a very interesting phrase. But well, I’m afraid I don’t need an incompetent person in my castle. Jeron, what do you think about that little girl?”

Abel felt slightly intrigued to hear his companion’s opinion.

Jeron’s relaxed face shifted to a stoic, uneasy expression. It was all due to the look Fiona had on, when he thought of her. Her absolute awe and admiration, at the small room that had been assigned to her, appeared like the largest luxury she had ever seen. The glow in her eyes revealed her youthful spark. He sighed. A feeling of pity could not help but rise within him. Such a young child…had been forced to go to war.

“Well, compared to her peers of the same age, I admire her courage. She stood before you, and despite being intimidated, maintained her ground. I think she must be quite bright. But…after all, isn’t she just a mere child? Your decision to send her to the battlefield, are you certain about this?”

Jeron glanced at Abel, a conflict expression as he silently asked Abel to reconsider.

“Absolutely, she herself asked to go. If that attitude was just a bluff, and she ended up running away, I would personally grab her tail, and I’d send her back.”

Even though Abel had just said something like that, in all honesty, he didn’t have much of an expectation. He had accepted her request, because to him, it was amusing. But, after all, she was only a child, who looked no more than ten. Therefore, how could he bring himself to have any hope for her? She was far too young; far too weak.

After hearing such harsh words come out of his mouth, Jeron couldn’t help but silently curse his boss in his mind. A string of criticism almost escaped from the tip of his tongue.

‘You cruel, blood-less bastard. Never shed a tear of empathy.’ Jeron shot Abel a look of resentment whilst containing those thoughts.

“I can tell you’re cursing me.” Abel smirked.

“….”

As expected…Jeron coughed lightly.

“In any case, for her age, she’s indeed quite calm. It’s rather unusual for a child of her age. I find it somewhat intriguing – where did she come from? Being able to act so calmly and bravely, despite her opponent having the upper hand, she must have come from a rough place…I’m sure that there is a reason behind all of this. Let’s do some research on the Green family.”

Abel drawled out a drowsy tone, as he leaned back against his chair in a relaxed posture. His long leg was crossed over the other.

“Additionally, I’ve been thinking about it for quite some time. That house, the Green nobles, they were unheard of. Uncover everything. To the dot. Don’t even miss a single piece of jewellery they might be hiding in their warehouse.” Abel instructed.

“Yes sir.” At his command, Jeron complicitly agreed immediately.

Then, he cautiously asked, exercising the best way to phrase his question for his eloquent boss to understand. “Then when will…this child, Fiona…No, are you really thinking of sending her to the dangerous forefront?”

“Two days later, the second wall.”

“…”

Jeron’s face turned pale. He sighed in defeat upon hearing that abrupt declaration. The second wall was a place where many monsters had originated from. It was the most dangerous place. How could Abel even think of sending her there? His boss’ actions – it was beyond his wildest imagination.

Abel glanced at Jeron’s face. Sarcasm laced his tone. “Your eyes, they’re telling me I’m a piece of trash.”

Was I that obvious? Jeron quietly lowered his eyes as if to cover it from Abel’s sight

Not caring about his subordinate’s thought, Abel continued. “Don’t worry, I will be with that kid too.”

Jeron glanced back up, a fleeting sense of shock passed through him, before he regained his posture.

“…you will go, Sir? ”

Abel replied curtly. “Yes”

At this rate, even if Abel did this or that, Jeron still felt uneasy. ‘I hope it works out.’ He had no choice but to give in.

Abel Heilon was the tough beast that defended the northern territory. He had no mercy for the useless. His tolerance was only for those who could prove their worth.

Abel raised his chin, a dull voice came out of his lips. “If, perchance, she made herself of not good use, I would personally throw her to the monsters. A gift from my own hand, as their food.”

“….”

When he heard those vulgar, cruel words come out of Abel’s mouth so casually, Jeron felt his expectation shatter into pieces. His feelings stirred, and he swallowed his saliva, pushing down his anger.

This. This piece of shit!