Spoiler :

Good-natured lies... Are such things truly for the best? After all, it is still a lie, a deceit. Making others believe, giving them false hope...

Rather than giving them an empty promise and have them trust for nothing, wouldn't telling the truth straight away be better?

Everyone have their own reasons for lying... For their own benefit, for other's... Sometimes, even for no reason at all. But remember, some words might be sharper than swords.

Each word you say, each action you do, can lead to bigger and much worse consequences. But even so...

Deceit isn't always evil... Let us now begin our first tale, the story of "White Lies".

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Genre: Tragedy, Romance, Fantasy

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"Don't worry! I would definitely save you!", Accompanied by the rough voice was a quick slash of the blade. Torn flesh and crimson blood flew out from my captors, splattering on the cold hard ground. With the victorious howl of the man who 'saved' me, the other criminals dropped their weapons at once and fled.

Two of the people that came to retrieve me pursued the escaping fugitives. The remaining one knelt in front of me and destroyed the chains that bound my limbs. I looked at the man's face only to see a rough visage with various scars as proof of his experience in the art of bloodshed.

"Missy, just stay still. We'll escort you to a safe location and protect you." He spoke coaxingly. I suspiciously looked at his eyes with my own pair of red eyes.

'Liar.' I thought to myself and sighed inwardly. Once again, I would be caged, unable to taste freedom, isolated from the world. After all, this is my life. After all, this is my fate...

--- The destiny of being born as a daughter of my cursed bloodline.

After the three warriors reunited and finished their preparations, they brought me inside a carriage, to send me to my new home... My new prison.

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<>

It was a bright, sunny afternoon and I sat upright on a wooden chair as I filter out my uncle's voice from the surrounding clamors of the tavern. After repeating his words a few times in my head to see if I've heard him correctly, I trembled in excitement.

"Really, Uncle Howard? I can work at the Duke's residence?!" Unable to contain my enthusiasm, I leant closer to Uncle Howard's face. A reaction which my respected uncle heartily laughed at.

"Haha, yes, yes, Little Hortus, I've told you this a hundred times already, but yes. You are employed to be one of the gardeners at Duke Hilton's mansion." He told me with a toothy grin. He knows how much I'd love to take the job, so when the Duke was looking for gardeners, he immediately recommended me to the Duke. Thankfully, my Uncle Howard was the mansion's guard captain, his long standing relationship with the Duke helped me nab the position.

"Thank you! Thank you so much, Uncle! Ever since I've heard how much variety of plants could be found in the Duke's garden, I've been dying to work there!" I gave uncle my heartfelt thanks.

Ever since I was young, I always had a fascination towards plants, so on my birthdays, I'd always ask my mother for saplings for my small garden instead of toys, unlike children of my age back then.

"No problem, child. Just leave it to your Uncle. Don't make me lose face, alright?" He teasingly told me as he took another swig from his ale-filled mug.

After bringing me the good news and having his fill of the food, he left me alone at the tavern after paying for our meal. I was filled with joy and excitement. Finally... My goal, my dream... They're all now within my grasp.

I spent the next hour in silence, thinking about the near future. Thinking about my future filled with colors. Both literally, and metaphorically.

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"Sir, I'll be fine here onwards..." I told the coachman as I gave him three coppers as payment for the ride. He gave his thanks and stopped the stallions. I left the carriage and faced the gate in front of me. With a whip of the driver, the sound of hooves reached my ears as the coach soon disappeared into the distance.

"Haaa..." I let out a soft sigh to stop my nervousness. When I took a few steps forward, a deep and loud voice reached my ears.

"Halt! State your purpose for arriving here at Duke Hilton's residence." A strong, commanding voice resounded, rooting me on my spot. I looked at the source and saw an armored man behind the sturdy steel bars of the gate.

"U-uhmm, I am Hortus Fleur. I, I was told that I was employed by the Duke to be one of this mansion's gardeners..." I spoke in a stutter due to the forceful tone of the guardsman.

Accompanied by a metallic noise, the huge gate had opened. When I took a step in, a cheerful face had welcomed me inside.

"Hrmm... Welcome young lad, the name's Fred, the watcher of the eastern gate. I've heard that you are apparently the Captain's nephew, eh?" The bearded uncle told me with a friendly smile. I was taken back by the sudden change of tone, but I still gave a respectful nod of affirmation.

"Y-Yes, Sir. I am Uncle Howard's Nephew." I responded to confirm his query.

"Hahaha. Lad, no need to be so formal. Just call me Fred. After all, the two of us would soon become colleagues." He replied accompanied by hearty laughter. He began walking, gesturing me to follow. I complied as I looked around with unrestrained excitement. Just a single glance and you can see the wide variety of plants they have.

Before I noticed it, we already reached our destination. It was an outbuilding, a few meters away from the mansion itself. I looked back at Fred, as he urged me to get inside. Filled with nervousness, I anxiously took a step in. Inside, I was greeted by a stern looking woman.

She was reading a stack of papers with a contemplating expression. Noticing our presence, she placed the papers back on the table and looked at us, removing her reading glasses.

"What brings you here, Fred? And this is...?" She greeted Fred who was in front of me before her gaze moved towards me. She looked at me sharply and my heart felt squeezed by an unknown pressure. It felt like every fiber of my being was being observed, and a single misdeed would cost me my existence.

"Haha, Sasha... Don't scare the new guy again. This child is Hortus, our soon-to-be gardener." Fred laughed and introduced me. By his words, it seems like this wasn't the first time this happened. Seriously, it's bad for my heart.

"Hou? The new gardener, eh? Sir Howard's nephew?" Hearing Fred, Sasha's expression became gentler, she wore her glasses again and moved the stack of papers to the side, while gesturing for me to take a seat in front of her.

"Well then, Hortus. I am Sasha Green, the head maid, and your direct superior. Why don't you take a seat, so we can discuss the terms of your employment. Fred, you can leave now." She spoke with a bit of a commanding tone. I obliged immediately, fearing the consequences of disobedience.

Fred left and closed the door. It was just a fraction of a second, truly just an instant, but I am quite sure that he had shown a pitying look as he left... Hopefully, he hadn't placed me in the maw of the lion, in the form of this woman in front of me.

"Now that's done," She paused for moment and took a breath before continuing "I will be sure to clearly imprint the rules around here in your head." Her eyes glistened behind her eyeglasses like those of a huntress. I could only sweat profusely as fear took ahold of my heart.

'Surely, my decision wasn't too hasty, was it?' I thought to myself as I looked at Sasha with eyes filled with horror.

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"F-Finally! I'm free..." I sighed in relief as I quickened my pace away from the head maid's office. That was a terrifying experience. She made sure I understood everything she said, word for word. And when I lost focus, even just for a moment, I would face that glaring expression which could perhaps even freeze a burning hot magma. It was a hair-raising experience.

While walking around, I met a few maids who gave me short curtseys as a greeting. I nodded in response before continuing on my way.

As my gaze wandered for a bit, noticing a conspicuous building, I was left in awe by what I saw. A huge tower standing tall as if reaching the skies. It was admittedly the tallest structure I encountered in my meager lifetime. It was made out of stone and only had a single window visible from below.

"It's amazin', in'nit?" A brusque voice came out of the blue, waking me up from my stupor. I turned around and saw a man of my age wearing a straw hat, a flannel shirt and dark-blue overalls.

"Howdy! Yer the new guy, right? Me name's be Jones Carley. I work 'round the orchard with me pops. Guess I'm yer senior then. Nice ta me'cha." He introduced himself in one breath. I could barely understand the words he spoke through his thick accent.

"Umm, I'm Hortus Fleur, the new recruit. It's nice making your acquaintance." I responded to Jones' introduction.

"Aight, then I'm gonn' skedaddle now. Pops' surely mad with me previous shenanigans. Smell ya later!" He said as he fled quickly. Before he disappeared, it seemed like I've heard an angry bellow shouting Jones' name. Then, a huge guy began running after Jones like a cat and a mouse. I could only laugh dryly to myself at this father and son.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"Well, I guess this is it. The beginning of my new life, here in my new job." I muttered to no one in particular as I started walking once again, this time towards the garden, my workplace. But not before glancing one last time at the stone tower, the huge tower reaching the sky.

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After some time of getting used with my work environment, I got within friendly relations with my colleagues, it wasn't too difficult with their friendly dispositions. Especially Jones, who visits me in the garden once in a while to give me some tips when gardening (Much to his father's displeasure at him for skipping work). Well, I still feel awkward around Miss Sasha.

Just like that, days flew by, weeks passed and seasons changed. It's almost a year ever since I've begun working here.

"Hahaha, Little Hortus. It's been a while since I've last seen you, but you've really become quite a man! All the squires in my regiment tells me about how hardworking you are." A husky voice reached my ears, stopping me from what I was doing.

"Uncle Howard!" I shouted with glee. I dropped my tools and went straight towards uncle. "It really has been a while, uncle." I greeted him with a bear hug.

"So, is the garden too harsh for you young lad? Just tell me if you need my help, alright? Don't push yourself too much, my sister would be seething at me if I were to let you get hurt." He told me, accompanied by a laugh.

"No, uncle, I'm having a great time here... After all, I'm doing what I love." I said, looking back at the crops which I was working on with a fatherly feeling. He noticed my expression and gave me a gentle look.

"Well, if that's the way you like it, then so be it. Just always remember, if things becomes too tough, you can always ask your uncle for help." He told me as he affectionately ruffled my hair.

"Yes uncle, I'm truly grateful." I told him seriously, in which he responded with a smile.

"Alright then, I have to go now. We gotta tighten the security around the mansion due to last night's trespassing. Take care, understand?" He told me as he departed. I watched him leave until he was no longer visible before returning to my work.

I spent the rest of the afternoon sowing seeds and watering my plants.

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"List'n, list'n! Listen Hortus!" Jones called me as we were eating. I placed the sandwich back to the wooden table to hear what Jones wanted to say. Currently, it was only the two of us assigned in an area near the huge tower from before.

"What is it?" I asked Jones inquisitively, a little irritated as I was bothered while eating.

"D'ja know 'bout last night's trespassin'?" He asked excitedly. With the previous year I've been working with this guy, I understood one thing. Jones is a huge gossipmonger. A troublemaker in all sense of the word.

Thinking about his words, I responded with a nod. Who wouldn't know about yesterday's events? Three masked individuals were caught snooping around the mansion. Though they were noticed early, they were quick with their feet and was able to flee before they were apprehended. This stirred unrest with the workers of the mansion.

"Well, guess what I've heard? Apparently, those dang bandits were after the crystal's source!" He told me with excitement. It took me a moment for his words to sink in.

"Crystal?" I asked with a puzzled expression.

"Wha? Ya din't know 'bout the crystals?" He gave me an incredulous look before explaining "Y'know... In the Duke's fief, people like us be raisin' plants and breedin' animals, right?" He asked me.

"Yeah..." I muttered softly and Jones slightly nodded at my answer.

"Well, somehow, the Duke is able ta produce high quality crystals in th' shape of flowers or small critters, which appears oddly lifelike." He began explaining to me, which I responded with a doubtful gaze.

"Dun' lookit me like that, it be real! Somehow, the plants we grow or animals raised, after be strange unknown process, them be turning to crystals! That gotta be magic! Magic, I say!" He said strongly, which caused me to be even more doubtful about his words.

"Keep dis 'tween us, but... There was a time when I followed where the sawyer be bringin' the timbers. I snuck around and finally, I discovered where. It be inside the huge tower! After he brought the goods in, I waited for a while and guess what? When he left, he was carryin' a ginormous crystalized tree! That ain't be nothin' else but magic!" He continued his story with unrestrained excitement. Though his words are suspicious, his gossips are mostly right on the spot. But still, magic?

"... I can't believe something like that unless I see it for myself." After thinking deeply, a soft mutter escaped my lips. Jones, who saw my countenance, suddenly wore an enlightened expression before hastily departing, only leaving behind "Just wait and see, dis gun be great!" before disappearing into the distance.

I could only wear a baffled expression at his sudden impulsiveness.

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The sun had already set and the stars illuminated the depthless dark sky. I began finishing up for the day and preparing the necessary tools and materials for tomorrow's work. Ever since our conversation this afternoon, Jones was nowhere to be found so I also had to do his part.

"Urghmm..." I let out a tired voice as I stretched my limbs to keep me alert. The moon began peering through the thick clouds and bestowed the land its brightness during the ungodly hours. Seeing the full moon, I couldn't help but feel awed by its majesty.

The blueish ambience of the night sky reminded me of the shimmer of precious stones. Speaking of which, Jones had told me earlier that here in the Duke's residence, crystals could be created. Well, such a story reeks of unbelievable lies.

If I remember correctly, he noted how it's likely that the crystal was created in the stone tower... Well, Miss Sasha ingrained to me not to enter the tower under any circumstances when I was first employed here, so Duke Hilton having a secret inside that tower isn't too farfetched, but for it to be magic? Impossible.

As I was deep in my thoughts, my eyes wandered through the dim clouds and the numerous twinkling stars before reaching the stone tower. With my gaze following the silvery moonlight reaching the inner sanctum of the tower through the single window up above, I was left speechless... breathless by what my eyes reflected.

An angel... A goddess.

Beneath the azure rays of the moon, glistening in the darkness, looking forlornly in a distance... A silvery-white haired woman stood solitarily inside the tall tower. An appearance similar to an incarnation of a goddess, a miraculous existence.

She was a woman more beautiful than any other. If I were to liken her to something, perhaps, 'a crystal hidden underneath the darkness of earth, shining by its own lonesome' would be a representation close to her greatness, but it was still a lacking description compared to her majestic visage.

I gulped audibly as my eyes were sucked into her beauty. I was captivated, to say the least. Unable to avert my gaze away from this nearly perfect beauty.

Who was she? How come I never knew, never heard about such a woman? Various questions popped up in my head, my thoughts spinning around, causing my head to ache.

If I were to point out a single flaw... Mayhap it would be her eyes. Those crimson eyes looking into the far distance felt blank. Those pair of glowing red orbs that bathed in the moonlight seemed empty, seemed dull... seemed lifeless.

As I stood unmoving, admiring the fairy-like woman, her gaze moved towards my direction. It was just an instance, but definitely, our eyes met. Those piercing balls of crimson stared right at me, or rather, through me. It felt as if she couldn't see me, couldn't notice my existence, as if I was nothing, something not worth her time.

My chest tightened, it was suffocating, nauseating. A sensation I've never experienced before. A drowning feeling of darkness enveloping my existence.

This dark emotion... noticing my own darkness fills me with nothing but disgust. Revulsion at myself. Perhaps, it was just right for her to ignore my existence. A miserable creature like me...

In order to suppress the welling darkness that was beginning to devour my ego, I fled. It made me feel worse with myself, but I knew I had to run away. After all, the stronger her light, the darker my shadow.

I let out a silent wail to release my culminating emotions. Unable to voice out my fear. I dropped to my knees as I wore a self-mocking expression.

"Really, how revolting..." I muttered a sigh, muffled by the breezing night gale. I guess nighttime isn't as quiet as I first thought... Maybe, the inaudible wishes of a person for someone to save them was just always drowned by the eerie silence of this tangible darkness. Forever lost along the winds, reaching not a single soul...

Sighing once more, I slowly stood up and lethargically returned to my sleeping quarters... It has been a very long day.

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Spoiler :

This marks the end of part 1 of "White Lies"... I'll try to finish the rest as soon as possible. No promises though.