Marla's face softened even more as she shook her head. Her tone became more thoughtful.

"Oh, you know how it is. I don't see them much these days—boys grow up and get busy with their own lives. But I hear bits and pieces through the grapevine. They're doing well in the guild, from what I understand. Tomas, of course, always had a bit of a leadership streak in him, and I'm sure he's putting that to good use."

She paused with her eyes taking on a distant look as if recalling fond memories.

"Luca and Derek, too. They might not have been as outgoing as Tomas, but they were always dependable in their own way. I just hope they're all staying out of trouble, though I suppose that's a lot to ask for from young men in a guild."

She painted a picture of boys turned men under the guild's banner.

To her, they were still the same boys who had once played in the streets, and their rough edges were merely a part of their charm.

She had no idea what they had become—or what they had done.

I forced a polite nod, suppressing the anger that simmered beneath the surface.

"I'm sure they're doing just fine," I replied, my voice carefully controlled. "It sounds like the guild has been good for them."

Marla beamed, clearly pleased with the thought. "Yes, I think so too. It's good to know that they've found a place where they can belong, where they can make something of themselves."

I couldn't help but notice the irony in her words.

They had found a place, all right, and it had given them the power to do as they pleased—starting with the old Ethan.

As the conversation drew to a close, Marla's face brightened even more, if that were possible. "So, where are the boys now? Did they come back with you, or did they head off on some new adventure?"

Her question hung in the air, and I saw her innocent curiosity was tinged with genuine concern.

Cold calculation settled over me as I planned my response.

The names Tomas, Luca, and Derek echoed in my mind, each one a reminder of the role they had played in the old Ethan's fate.

Darius was, thankfully, out of the picture.

I allowed a small, innocent smile to creep onto my face, carefully masking the thoughts swirling beneath.

"They returned separately," I said smoothly, keeping my voice light and unassuming.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"But don't worry, I'll make sure to visit them and 'thank' them in person for the trip."

Marla's face lit up with a smile that was both relieved and pleased. "That's wonderful, Ethan. I'm sure they'll be glad to see you."

I nodded. The innocent smile was still fixed in place as I made my farewells, turning away from Marla and continuing on my path back to the inn.

Her words echoed in my mind as I walked.

The smile faded as I let the mask drop.

I would visit them, all right, but not for the reasons Marla thought.

The stage was set, and the next move was mine.

----------------------------------------

[POV Shift: ???]

A little girl hummed a tune as she moved around the common area of The Restful Boar with her small hands clutching a broom that was almost as tall as she was.

The inn was quiet now with the last of the guests having retired to their rooms, leaving her with the peaceful task of tidying up before bed.

She paused for a moment, looking around the room with a satisfied smile.

The warm glow of the dying hearth cast flickering shadows across the wooden tables and chairs, and the scent of the evening's meal still lingered in the air.

It was moments like these that made her feel proud of her work, even if it was just sweeping and dusting.

As she swept, she began to talk softly to herself, a habit she'd picked up from spending so much time alone in the evenings.

"Papa says, 'Lila, you're the best little helper,'" she murmured, repeating the words with a hint of pride in her voice. "Maybe tomorrow I'll help with the cooking... or meet another interesting guest!"

Lila's thoughts drifted to the mysterious man who had arrived earlier that day—the one her father had been so kind around. She hadn't gotten a good look at him, but there was something about him that piqued her curiosity.

"I wonder what he's like... maybe he's a hero in disguise, or a knight on a secret mission!" Lila giggled at the thought. Her imagination ran wild as she continued to sweep the floor with her mind full of fanciful ideas.

Lila was just finishing up her sweeping when she heard a soft creak from the direction of the staircase.

She paused, tilting her head curiously. Her big blue eyes narrowed as she tried to see through the dim light.

Slowly, she turned towards the sound and saw a shadow moving toward the base of the stairs.

It was the mysterious guest, earlier today, trying to make his way back to his room.

Lila watched him for a moment with her curiosity piqued. He seemed to be moving so quietly, as if he didn't want to be noticed.

As he drew closer, Lila's eyes caught a glint of something metal at his side. It was a blade, and her imagination immediately began to spin wild stories.

Could he be a thief?

Or maybe he was sneaking off on some secret mission!

Her heart began to race with a mix of excitement and nervousness, and she couldn't help but let her mind wander to all sorts of possibilities.

What if he was a hero in disguise? Or maybe... maybe he was up to something mischievous.

Lila's heart pounded as she watched the guest approach. The sight of the blade only added to her wild imagination.

She felt a surge of bravery—or perhaps it was just her natural curiosity—rise within her.

She tightened her grip on the broom and stepped forward, blocking his path.

"What are you doing with that blade?" Lila asked with a mix of innocence and determination.

She raised the broom slightly, holding it like a makeshift weapon.

"Are you a thief? Or... or are you planning something naughty?"

Ethan stopped in his tracks, clearly surprised by the sudden confrontation.

For a moment, he simply stared at the little girl standing before him whose wide blue eyes were filled with a blend of fear and excitement.