[Luke POV]
As the first snow fell. The news reached us. The Duke of Kaisel has died, it will begin in spring…
“Rowan!”
Rowan returned with an entire caravan; many were slaves but apparently some villagers heard that there is a new city in the frontier and decided to join Rowan’s caravan.
The war has decimated most of their working population, and they are also trying to protect themselves from bandits. They had no choice.
Great thing I expanded it to the point that it can hold 20,000 residents but since he brought close to 30,000 this time I have to build more. Especially in this weather.
My heart suddenly dropped when I saw them laying down something on the damp floor.
“These ones didn’t make it, I atleast want to give them proper burials here, your highness.”
I couldn’t say anything… I felt disgusted by this world. I just nodded in return.
They can either die from the cold in the villages or starve to death in the cities. The ongoing war had forced them to die either way.
At this state I don’t even care if they get mad at me for taking their citizen, they deserve none of them.
I ordered everyone to take care of them.
“Everyone get inside. It’s getting cold. Take a bath and I will call everyone when dinner is ready. The sick ones will be taken to the ball area. We will treat them all. Call the mage division in the university, drop whatever they are doing right now.”
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My orders are absolute within these walls. The words I spoke of were no longer a request just like I always use, but a command. My words made everyone flinch, and immediately ran to fulfill my orders.
“Mr. Rowan please rest for now, I will hear the details later. You have to get warm.”
“Thank you, your highness.”
“Just go already.”
I wasn’t in the best mood.
.
.
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[A Kid from the Slum POV]
There was a buzz in the capital, apparently dragons were being paraded along the King’s road.
A festival was held to welcome it.
Many people waited for hours just to steal a glance of the dragons.
And when it passed it did not disappoint. Men wearing gray wooden armor with a sword of the same color fastened on their waist can be seen walking alongside the dragons. It looked like a fairytale.
The dragons were around as long as 10 people laid down in a straight line. It was amazing. I wish my sister could see this.
After the parade finished I immediately went to my sister.
We live under the bridge. There are about 20 of us in this space though. There I saw my sister.
“Sammy, your brother is back. Here I got this bread for you.”
“Th… k… ies…”
“Yeah… just eat Sammy.”
I made her consume the bread little by little, but after having just two bites. She was unable to eat anymore.
To make her sleep I told her the stories about the wooden knights I saw earlier.
“I will make you get better…”
I watched her sleep peacefully.
This is our life here… the slums of the capital…
All I’ve ever known is starvation. The taste of grass… I find the idea of living difficult. But I have to keep going. For my sister.
I closed my eyes to join my sister.
.
.
.
As the sun rose. My sister’s pained voice awoke me.
“Brother— help…”
I immediately got up to check on her.
“It hurts…”
Her face was pale and her breath was warm.
“Sammy, your brother is here for you.”
“I hugged her to calm her down.”
“Brother…”
“I will get you medicine Sammy, stay here!”
I left her there to call for help.
I went to adults in the slums for their help but none offered any. I begged the apothecary yet they chased me out. I decided to steal… but I got caught.
The potion I held was shattered, as the guards and the apothecary owner kept kicking and punching me, scattering valuable medicine that my sister could have taken to make her feel better. I wouldn't mind the beating but at least give me the medicine.
I gritted my teeth as I accepted my fate. It was cold, yet my face was warm… blood…
I was about to pass out…
“Stop that.”
I saw a wooden knight.