You sat in the carriage, leaning against the window. The scenery kept changing as you went farther away from your tiny village.

Just an hour ago Iseka had kicked you out of your own home. She had placed awkward pats on your head as you bide farewell to everyone.

Ether slept in the bag not coming out despite your calling. Was he too mourning over Nora's death. You didn't know so you left him alone. Carrying it carefully as not to disturb the slumbering cat.

Iseka. You knew she was worried for you and your future. Going with a noble will give you more possibilities and bigger horizon to explore. But that didn't stop you from being upset.

"We'll be there in half an hour." Lionel said as he leaned back in his seat looking at you intrigued. It made you squirmed in unease.

The way Iseka had worded about this man's identify almost gave you heartattack. But it was all a big misunderstanding on your side and their. Kids at your age would normally forget certain things so maybe they thought it'd help you moving on. But though you're a child your mentally 18. There is no way that would happen.

You knew your father was dead because you had snooped around Nora's things and found letters. Letters that were written by your father. He was a knight presumably died on battlefield. That's why Iseka and Nora had a special bond. Both losing their loved ones in the bloody war.

Their assumption that you won't be able to differentiate between your father and stranger. But you did. There no way this man was your father. No characteristics or features were shared between you two.

So you knew he's your adopted father.

Though it was kind of him to adopt you. You knew how the nobles looked down on the lower rank people. Having a distaste for poverty.

You looked curiously at the man. He was dressed in expensive blue coat with black pants. Brown hair slicked back with calm green eyes. He looked poised and graceful. A perfect image of a noble.

You paused for a moment thinking. You had lots of questions but a particular one was burning on your tongue.

"How did Momma die?"

Lionel looked at you surprised. He must've thought you would avoid asking about your death mother's gruesome details.

Regaining his composure he calmly looked at you offering a gentle smile.

"It was an assassin attempt on me. And my youngest daughter. We had gone to market to look for gowns for my daughter's birthday. But we were ambushed. My guards had taken down everyone except one who took the opportunity and attacked us. Your mother had bravely took it upon her. It was magic attack so she died on spot uttering her last words."

"My mother's last words..?" A pang hit you painfully reminding you the loss. But you were curious to what Nora had said.

"Your mother's last word were: 'Dont leave my child alone. And live' I had to obliged with her last wish as she saved my precious daughter."

"And I presume the last message was for you."

You remained quiet. Nora even in her last breath thought of your wellbeing. She really was a good mother and kind person.

"I know I can't bring her back nor can I replace her. But I promise I'll provide you a family. You won't be alone." Lionel continued watching your sad face. He was surprised you didn't cry. Kids would normally throw hissy fits for no reason -her daughter being an example- but here you were losing the most important person and yet remained intact. She must have raised you to be a strong person.

You gave him a small smile. You looked out the window. You weren't ready to replace Nora with anyone. The wound was still too fresh.

The house structure were changing becoming more extravagant with beautiful gardens. Instead of dirt road their was cobblestone streets. And you knew you had left behind your village. Far enough that you couldn't reach it. You eyes flickered up to take a breathtaking view of a giant castle. Or more like a beautiful palace. Before you could take in the details the carriage moved eastwards leaving behind the outlined version.

As you looked at the distancing palace for some reason you couldn't look away. It called you like a voice from a forgotten dream. You had to forcefully tore your gaze away when you heard Lionel speak.

"I'm sure the king will bring justice to your Mother. And the culprits will be punished severely."

It wasn't going to bring back your mother. But you at least wanted her murderer to be brought to justice. Maybe Nora will find some peace in it.

You looked at the man. He was trying hard to make you comfortable. You felt kinda like a jerk for ignoring him. Maybe if you tried your best you might be able to expect your new family. That thought did not sat well with you.

You cleared you throat, "Was anyone else hurt, mister?"

"No. My daughter Penelope, she was a bit shaken but otherwise alright. I sent her home while I brought your mother to her rightful resting place." Lionel replied.

Curiosity gnawed at you. Finally your mind was diverted from sadness and focused on present. You wanted to know more about your soon to be family but you didn't know how to word it. As if sensing your curiosity Lionel replied. "I have two lovely daughters. Penelope and Rosalia. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to have a little sister"

You smiled a bit awkwardly. Ha. You could only hope.

"My wife will treat you like her own daughter if you're ready to give her a chance." He continued on looking at you with a soft smile.

This man was really giving it all. You would feel terrible if you didn't. So you let out a cute laugh.

"I'm excited to meet my new family too, mister!"

Ah, the pain of being a child. Always have to try and act cute. My jaw is hurting from all the smile.

"I'm sure they are too."

You doubted it. A village girl who is low rank peasant suddenly a sister of high noble. Completely nonsense.

They will probably hate you. But you didn't want to pass judgement before you met them. You signed looking out the window.

Guess it's time to break old bonds and make new ones.

****

The carriage stopped infront of a beautiful manor. You were at awe at the structure of the building. Lionel stepped out, giving you his hand like a gentleman. You took his hand and hopped out of the carriage carrying the bag with Ether inside still slumbering.

You walked gawking with Lionel hand in hand. You felt nervous. The guards standing at the bowed as you ascended the stairs and the door opened. You continued walking from one hall to another with maids bowing and making way until you stopped infront a giant door.

Lionel pushed it open ushering you in. You stepped in and saw three other person present in the room. They sat on blue sofa drinking tea had stopped when they heard you coming in.

Gracefully three of them stood making their way towards you.

"Is the girl one you had written about?" Questioned a woman with chestnut hair and grey eyes.

"Yes." Lionel simply smiled back. He looked at his wife Claire peering close at the girl beside her and decided to introduce you.

"Why don't you introduce yourself, child?" Lionel looked at you.

You looked at them giving them your killer cute smile. "I'm (Y/n) (L/n). It's nice to meet you."

The two girls behind Claire exchanged a look. They came forward.

"I'm Rosalia Judith. Hope we get along well." The girl with a bit darker shade than her little sister with jaded green eyes, sharing his father's features did a graceful bow and straighten up with a polite smile.

Warning: You received a critical hit. Heart failure at 76%.

"I'm Penelope Judith. It's pleasure having you here." The chestnut haired girl with green eyes, having her mother's features did an elegant bow and smiled at you cutely. She was definitely the younger daughter.

Warning: You received another critical hit. Heart failure at 88%.

You were utterly destroyed. This tiny cute otherworldly creatures surpassed you a whole lot more you were ready for. And you thought you were cute but you paled infront of this beautiful graceful swans feeling like ugly duckling.

Why?! What's this world and having cute children? It's not fair!

Before you could wallow in despair at the unfairness of the world, Claire looked at you intensely making you smiled back in nervously.

"Welcome to the Judith Manor. From now on you're part of Judith family." Claire finally gave you a warm welcoming smile.

Ah, you didn't feel welcomed at all. More like you had walked into lion's den....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~