1 month later
Lucy's eyes snapped open as a soft creak resounded in her ears. Ambush. She thought as her right hand reaches in for the nearest object. Her body springs into action as it tries to discern the location of the assassin. She was still half asleep as her young body was still trying to wake up.
Creak There...?" Lucy blinked as she her mind spring to motion, comb in hand. Before her, was the window with its hinges slightly worn out than the others, resulting in the creak she was awaken from. Lucy glared at the wretched piece as she slowly lowers her guard.
"Fifth time this week." She let out an audible sigh as she threw the comb back to its place. "...I'm really not used to this..." She muttered as her mind was still racing in anticipation. War had never been kind to anyone as it was the case for everyone who participated in it.
It sharpens every veteran to an razors edge while also dragging them to the brink of paranoia. A small creak there, a little movement here was enough to flare warnings all across their mind as they prepare for an enemy attack.
Lucy had the misfortune to be one of them. Decades of experience came with a price as her mind was tougher than anyone else but was also scarred than anyone else of her age. ...Might as well do it while it's still early.
Day was still far from rising but Lucy did not go back to sleep as she slowly made her way towards the front door. A cold breeze washed over her as she quickly closes the door behind her. She stared silently in daze the town before her.
Lucy had seen the view more times than she cared to count, but still savored the peaceful silence whenever she can. It had a few rivers running up and down its canal, perfect for local trade and transportation but nothing substantial like those in the capital. Though the walls were small, it was made of solid stone and granite. Resilient and reliable.
Beside those two however, the town was more or less the same as any other town, plain and simple. The only real uniqueness of this town was the orphanage. It was located on the hill northeast of the town. The place where she is currently residing now.
Lucy did not know where exactly this place is but she found it to be the perfect place to hide. She did not have to worry about food and shelter as the sisters provided it for her and only had to focus on healing from the wound and building back the strength she had lost.
It wasn't easy but at least it was something. Lucy let out a cold breath as she slowly stretches her body. A satisfying pop occasionally resounded here, a loud crack could be heard there as her body was slowly getting warmed up.
When her preparations were complete, Lucy slowly made her way around the orphanage before breaking off with a jog. She circled around the orphanage once before going downhill in a long circular pattern. It took her 15 minutes to reach the bottom. 5 minutes shorter than a month before, but it was still a far cry in her prime.
Lucy could barely hold down the urge to scream as her lungs begging for air held far more importance. This body is useless! She thought in between deep breaths, paling ever so slightly as the urge to vomit threatens at the edge of her mind. Thankfully, she manages to hold it in.
Have I really been this weak? A simple jog is all that it takes? Lucy frowned as her gaze went back to the orphanage. The uphill climb was far more taxing than the downhill descent, yet it barely fazes the former soldier. "No... this won't do." Alight with determination, Lucy returned back to jogging, climbing up this time.
Her body temperature rises at an alarming rate as Lucy pushed her body relentlessly. As she was doing this, she was also beginning to replenish her reserves of power. Without Lacrum, Lucy had to be content with the agonizing slow process what her body could produce.
Although there were ways in hastening the process, such as increasing her body heat, it pales in comparison to the power infused Lacrum. A single vial could replenish her reservoir what a month could do. Lucy was tempted to buy one before leaving, but the trouble it brings far outweigh any potential benefits it could do.
Leaving as little traces as possible is vital in any attempts of evading the eyes of a nobility, much less a dukedom. Buying one of the most expensive and important vial in existence is anything but subtle. By the time she reaches the top, Lucy collapsed on her knees,
She heaved deeply and heavily as her body had had enough. Her ears ringed with the heart beat that threatens to deafen her permanently. Her sides screamed as if someone had managed to grab hold of it before squeezing tightly. "...At least... I didn't... passed out... this time." Lucy mumbled to herself as a pinprick of light brought her attention.
"Ah... morning already?" She whispered as the light banished the darkness once more. Lucy stared at the peaceful sunrise as its radiant light washed over the town, prompting its inhabitants to wake up. For a moment, there was a peace Lucy could rarely savor. There was no screaming, nor fighting, nor the smell of blood and viscera. There was nothing but tranquil silence. "...I should get moving." She mutters to herself before moving towards the shed where the brooms were kept.
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"You sure love working don't you sister Lucy?" Lucy turned to see Emma with a smile as she hangs wet bed sheets towards the warm sun. The young lady tilts her head to the side, wondering if she did something particularly praiseworthy to be complimented so.
"I'm simply doing my job..." Lucy replied as she went back sweeping the fallen leaves.
"And we are grateful for that." Emma smiled as Lucy shrugs off in reply. One month ago, Lucy arrived like a starve beggar as some of her bones were perching out by her deathly thin skin.
Now she recovered most of her weight and begins to work harder than anyone else in the orphanage. Lucy did not complained nor throw a fit like the other teenagers of her age whenever they were asked to do something and simply just follow orders.
This greatly changed the opinions of other sisters when they first met Lucy. The ones who reluctantly accepted her began to change and warm up towards the cold but seemingly awkward and caring Lucy.
She had done such a good job of following anything they asked that sister Emma, and the others were worried that she one day she might do anything they ask without thought. They were used to the constant complain of children in doing their chores, yet they were not ready for her who simply follows silently.
If there was anything that could be said she was not perfect of were her silent obedience and her interactions with the children. The children were afraid to approach her as her scars simply frightened the young and innocent little ones.
What made it worse was her aura. Whenever Lucy interacts with one of the children, she froze like a statue. This terrified the children further as she simply stares them down silently without saying so much as a word.
It had become such a problem that Lucy avoids eating with the children as they simply cry in her presence. Emma and the other sisters worried about her well being as she was alienated by the children, but they couldn't do anything as Lucy simply accepts it and move on.
Still, that does not mean they had given up on her. Emma and the other sisters saw the warmth and longing in her eyes. Knowingly or not, Emma and the sisters would catch Lucy from time to time eyeing the children whenever they played.
Despite her cold and indifferent aura, Lucy watch over them like a mother hen, always fretting if one of them was hurt while they were playing. For it, Emma could not help but smile. She desperately wanted to show this warm side of Lucy to the children. Alas, their fear was not unfounded.
At the middle of the night, Lucy would suddenly scream that caught not just the children, but the sisters as well in fright. Her painful and terrified voice would permeate the air whenever she had a nightmare. It happens from time to time, and Emma could still vividly remember how painful that first night was as she found Lucy sobbing in the dark at the back of the corner.
The young woman covers her ears as if to block out the noise. Tears flowed from her sapphire eyes as she keeps mumbling for mercy and forgiveness. Emma could feel her heart being twisted into knots whenever she caught Lucy in such a state.
Even the coldest of hearts would hesitate if they ever saw what Emma saw. The sight of a young lady huddled up in the deepest recesses of the corner as she continued to cry was enough to spare any empathy for the young lass.
Emma tries her best to comfort the young lady from her nightmares. She tried her hardest, but it did nothing. Even if Emma would ask and tries her utmost best to help her, Lucy refuse to speak about the matter and instead retreated further away from her.
After so many failed attempts, Emma settled to just sit beside her and rubs her back whenever it happens. Emma did not know how effective it was, but she would always sits by her side whenever she has nightmares and gently pats her trembling body as the night goes on.
Despite her matured aura, Emma could tell she was still a child. Emma did not know what terrible past she had to go through to have such a horrible scar at such a young age, but she was determined to help her heal the wound, both inside and outside of her no matter how long it would take.
Emma shook off the hazy daydream as she noticed the children were coming out to play in the drying area. "Children. Please play somewhere else, we are still doing the laundry." Emma said softly as usual, but the children didn't hear her as they were too excited.
"Oh, dear me." Emma chuckled as they begin playing more compared to the past. The children were mostly reserved whenever they first arrived at the orphanage as they still misses their parents or just escaped from their trauma.
Watching them being children once more brought joy to Emma. The joy was not meant to last forever though as two of them inevitably slipped and crashed down towards one of clean sheets. "Ah!" The children exclaimed as they realized what they had done.
Emma quickly tries to help one of the fallen children, afraid that they may have been injured. She stopped halfway when she noticed Lucy was holding the two children who was about to fall. "Are you alright?" Lucy whispered but the two could not reply.
They simply stared Lucy in silence as they were too afraid by her scars and aura. Then suddenly, the two begin to sob as they were too afraid by her gaze. Emma swore that a trace of pain flashes across Lucy's face for a moment before going back to her usual stiff expression.
"There there." Emma gently whispers as the children hugged tightly at Emma for comfort. The older nun looked for Lucy to apologize but did not have the chance as Lucy was already back to her work of drying the sheets as if nothing had ever happened.
"Go play somewhere else, ok? Sister still has work to do." Emma said as the other nun's come to see what was going on. The children eagerly followed as they wanted to get away as far away as possible from Lucy.
"...I'm sorry about that. They... still don't know how to react. We've been trying to teach them but... as you can see..." Emma softly whispers. Lucy simply nodded in reply as she finishes with the laundry.
"It's alright, I'm used to it by now." Lucy whispers in a stiff tone.
It was a lie. Lucy is greatly saddened whenever she see their little faces crumble to fear whenever they see her. She knows it couldn't be help as she needed the scars to disguised her identity, but she couldn't help but feel regret the lost her beauty more so than now.
"Ah, sister Lucy! Would you mind going to the market for me? My hands are currently tied! The money is on the table!" One of the sisters shouted from a distance. Lucy nodded as she went into the orphanage for a basket before leaving.
"Ah wait just a second Lucy. I'll be done in a minute and-"
"Oh no it's fine sister Emma." Lucy cuts off as Emma was about to join in.
"Are you sure?" Emma asked, a look of concern evident on her eyes. Lucy nodded before continuing.
"I'm already aware of the marketplace. Besides, it will be a good experience exploring the town and all." Lucy said as Emma stifled. Her way of talking did not fit to her young age as if she was forced to grow up too early, unable to enjoy the fruits of childhood.
"Then I will be going now." Lucy said with a nod before walking at a brisk pace. "Be careful on the way!" Emma couldn't help but shout as she watch Lucy slowly disappears into the distance. "Urum, please guide her." Emma let out a small prayer before turning back to the laundry.
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"Here you go, that will be 20 copper sister." The merchant give a stiff smile as Lucy handed the coins. "Thank you for your patronage, please come again!" The merchant shouted as she disappears amongst the sea of crowd.
"...Whew... just where did they find her?" The merchant let out a sigh as he was still uncomfortable with the new nun. And it was not just him. Other merchants and storekeeper were surprised by her sudden appearance.
"Her eyes always unsettled me." One of the merchants whispered as the others nodded in agreement. "Aye, not to mention those scars. Kalva be damn, just looking at it makes my skin crawl." The other nodded in agreement as they continued their quite talk.
Her deathly silent unnerves even that of the adults whenever she was near them. It did not befit her. She was at an age where she should be picky and seeking attention to others of her age, yet she shown none of that. She was simple there, silently watching others move on with their life.
Lucy was aware of their gazes but did not confront them otherwise. So long as they did not disturb her new life, Lucy was content to spend her days in peace at the orphanage. Though it was not what she thought of when she first arrived, it was far better than she had imagined.
Food on the table as well as roof over head in exchange for some chores was enough. There was also the soft and warm welcome of the sisters, though that was entirely a different matter altogether. The first week was full of misunderstanding and an unhealthy dose of paranoia. For the first week, she was certain she would be turned in at any second, but it never happened.
As alien as it was to her, they simply wanted her to feel safe and happy. They would talk to her whenever she was alone and even teaches her how to cook. Lucy always wondered why they were willing to go so far for her but could never understand.
And then there was Emma. It was a strange experience meeting someone with the same name as well as a very different personality. Emma rarely leaves by her side and always seemed eager to help her whenever she needed one.
The matured nun would always ask how she was doing, what meal she had eaten and so on. She would even go as far as to comfort her whenever she has nightmares. At first, Lucy vehemently ignores her presence whenever she had one. But as time went on, Lucy find the presence somewhat comforting.
After her adamant refusal to answer any question she had asked, Emma simply sits beside Lucy and comforts her. Not with words but actions. Her soft and gentle pats on her back were like announcement, telling her she was there whenever she needed her.
And then the children. Although she was heartbroken whenever they cried because of her, Lucy found the little ones to be the most soothing of all. Watching them play from afar as their laughter rang into the air had pushed the sounds of war farther and farther away.
Although she still had nightmares, it was not as bad as it used to be all thanks to the children. The shouts and screams of battle were pushed back away from her mind all thanks to their giggles. The smell of blood and ash was slowly being replaced with fresh laundry.
All of these things made Lucy hesitate going back to her cold reality she was so used to. She did not know how to describe what she was feeling whenever she was with them, but whatever it was, Lucy could tell it was so much better than the reality she once lived.
It was such a strange yet surreal and awfully familiar feeling that Lucy did not wanted to let go. Whatever it was, she wanted to stay for as long as she can. She let out a sigh and pulls the small, crumpled paper on the basket as she continues to walk across the market.
Hmm? We're running low on grain? Lucy blinked as she saw the word grain capitalized and encircled many times over. She begins to look around the market, trying to find a grain merchant with a reasonable price.
She could not help but frown when she saw the prices. A month worth of grain was originally 10 copper, now it was selling for 25. Lucy begins to look around more for cheaper prices, but she was further dishearten when she saw one stall selling for an exorbitant price of 1 silver coin.
Lucy pondered the prices for a moment before opening the wallet she was entrusted with. She slowly begins to count as her heart beats with ever growing intensity. A heavy sigh escaped from her mouth as she could only count 15 copper coins.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"What now?" Lucy grumbles as she racks her head for answers. Sadly however, her mind was simply drilled with tactics and strategies, not economics and trading. I could try intimidating them... yeah good luck with that. She thought as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
Guards would probably swarm before I can even talk. Lucy silently reprimand herself as she even considers the option. "You seem to have a problem miss?" Lucy blink as she turned towards the source of the voice.
She turned to see a young man with a hair as red as the setting sun. His emerald eyes pairs nicely with his milky white like skin. He look just as like the same age as Lucy did. The young man wears a small smile in his face as she tries to discreetly examines him.
Lucy begins looking all around her, thinking the man was talking to someone else but saw no one. She finally raised a finger towards herself as the man nodded in reply. "Yes, you miss. Or should I perhaps call you sister?" The man said as Lucy warily shifted.
"You came to buy grain, yes?" Lucy eyes widen but did not say a word and instead nodded in reply. "Hmm, pardon my language sister, but are you muted by any chance?" The man bluntly ask as Lucy profusely shook her head.
"? Then why don't you speak then?" The man asked as he tilts his head.
"...People are afraid if I do talk..." Lucy meekly replied as she recalls the pale faces of the merchants whenever she does speak.
The man shrugs as if he was unfazed by Lucy's voice. "...How do you know?" Lucy muttered.
"Hmm?"The merchant hummed.
"How did you know I needed grain?" Lucy asked as she waited for an answer. The man smiles before replying.
"You come to the food district without knowing what it is?" Lucy slowly reddens as the realization slowly dawns on her. "So? Are you buying or not?" Lucy stared the young man a moment before slowly shaking her head.
"I only have 15 coppers with me." Lucy finally said in a defeated voice.
"Ah, that won't be a problem. I'm only selling for 12 and just for you, I'll give you enough to last this entire winter." The young man said.
"Eh?" Lucy couldn't help but exclaimed in confusion as the man begins to scan his supply.
"Hey, I need to earn some coins too ya know?" The young man said as he notices Lucy's confusion.
Lucy brows furrow as she found the entire situation too good. "Why would you sell it cheaper to me... and three month's worth at that?" Lucy said.
"Why else? I want your coin and I have what you need." The young man said.
"...But why me though?" Lucy said after a pause.
"What do you mean by that?" The young man ask as his eyebrow raised slightly. Lucy blanked out for a moment before deciding to stop beating around the bush.
"... Are you not disgusted at me?" The young man stiffen before letting out a small smile.
"Ah so it's about that huh?" The young man said as he pointed Lucy's scars.
The hideous and twisted scars unnerves anyone when they first saw her. Even Emma who was the first to found her found her scars unnerving. As far as Lucy was concerned, the only reason the merchants were willing talk to her was because of her coin. Nothing more nothing less.
The fact the young man was the first to openly lend his hand to her, sent immediate caution to her skeptical mind. What ulterior thoughts are you hiding? Lucy thought to herself, not buying the undisturbed front the man was trying to sell.
"... You're eyes." The young man finally said in a low tone.
"My...eyes?" Lucy slowly repeated in confusion.
"Aye, those eyes of yours... it does not belong for someone at your age." The young man said as Lucy senses flared up, eyeing the man ever more cautiously.
"See? It's hard to believe all of this are coming from you sister." The young man said as he stared back at Lucy, unflinching.
"I could say the same to you." Lucy said as she slowly steps back.
"Me? I had seen my fair share of troubles to know what I am dealing with sister, but you? Yours are completely different." The young man said without moving his gaze.
"It is as if you are being hunted. Of course, there are certainly many others who are hunted by slavers and loan sharks alike, but yours? Your hunted look feels so... guilt ridden... as if you are trying to run away from something... what is it I wonder?" Lucy stiffens as his words hit too close to home. Lucy shot out a glare as she stayed stuck in place.
"What would you know?" Lucy snarl as her eyes beamed with hostility.
"Like I said sister, I had seen my fair share of trouble, yet it is my first time to see someone look so hunted by guilt that it should not even belong to someone as young as you do. If you are asking why I am specifically helping you, then perhaps I feel pity for you." Lucy hands curled into a fist as she let out a growl.
"I do not need you pity. You can keep those grain for yourself." Lucy said as she turned to leave.
"Then what would the children eat?" The young man said.
Lucy stopped dead in her tracks as the young man caught her attention once more. "Are you really going back empty handed? The market of grain is getting worse you know? The drought this summer had taken its toll really bad this year and winter is fast approaching, are you sure you're ok not buying now while you still can?" The young man tauntingly said as Lucy gritted her teeth.
"My what would the children eat if there was nothing left on the granary? I guess they would be back on the street, begging passerby's for morsels of scraps again." With a great effort, Lucy slowly turned back towards the man as she glared him with hostility.
"...I'll buy..." Lucy said as the young man let out a merchant's smile.
"Why of course customer! How much grain would you like to purchase?" The young man's smile infuriates Lucy further but kept her cool. She endured harsher insults than this, she would be damned if she will fall now.
"Three month's worth..." Lucy spit out each word as if they were lead as she kept herself from lashing out at the young man. The young man was unfazed by her cold and hostile demeanor as he perform his work magnificently.
"I will prepare the grain two weeks from now, here's the receipt." The man said as he offers a slim paper while his other hand remains open. Lucy reluctantly forks out most of her coins as she exchanged the coins for the paper.
"T-thank you..." Lucy whispers in a soft voice. She hated it, but he was being generous. A small thanks wouldn't hurt.
She tucks in the paper inside her pockets. Lucy let out a small sigh as she secured everything she needs to buy. "Please do comeback again!" The young man smile as Lucy begins to walk away.
Never in a hundred years. She swore as she left the district. Red hair... emerald eyes... red hair... emerald eyes... Lucy kept repeating the words in her head over and over again as she swore to carve the young man's face into her memory, vowing to get even with him the next time she saw him.
... Have I seen him before? Lucy thought as she felt the answer were at the tip of her tongue. Lucy tried to jog her memory but found no answers as she let out a sigh. No matter I will know in time...
When I find that bastard, I'll make sure he-! Lucy's bitter thoughts were cut off as she noticed a few men among the crowd stood out amongst the others. Their large and domineering figure stood amongst the crowd as their armor looked particularly well made.
Men in cobalt blue that Lucy was so familiar with as she saw them every day within the estate. The men in blue randomly halts any peasant as they seem to ask them a few question. They were holding posters as they did so.
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"Are you sure you have seen this lady?" One of the men ask as the peasant shook his head.
"Trust me sir knight, if there was anyone of that beauty showed up in this town, it would have spread through like wildfire here." The knights nodded before letting the man go.
"...Man, don't you think this too much for us?" One of the knights complained as the other remained stoic.
"These are orders by the duke himself Osmond." Osmond let out a sigh.
"I know, I know but I can't help it! We should be patrolling the borders captain! Not go on some wild goose chase.
Reports from the eastern border showed an alarming rate of monsters this year, not to mention those damn bandits. We should be out there, helping our fellow brothers in arms!" Osmond said.
"Osmond..." The captain whispered in a low voice.
"Alright alright I'll stop now... but seriously though, why would the young lady run away?" Osmond added in as he look for the captain for answers.
"I don't know Osmond." The captain replied.
"I'm just saying captain, that lady has it all! Wealth, power and even betrothed to the high prince! She has all of this but why would she so suddenly ran away from it all?" Osmond curious nature remained undeterred.
"Do you think... do you think there is infighting within them?" Osmond said.
"We are rewarded by our deeds Osmond, not by the question. Now stop asking rubbish and actually do your job." The captain replied as Osmond reluctantly shook his head.
Looks like his on his limit Osmond thought as he begins scanning the crowd once more. Oh? A nun? Haven't seen one of them in a while. Osmond thought as the girl approaches. ...Lets just ask her. Would hate to get another earful.
"Excuse me sister, can I-!" Osmond was cut off as the nun subsequently turned to face him. The words were stuck on his throat as the nun's face lay bare before him. Oh Gods Osmond thought in revulsion as he reflexively draw back.
The nun would have looked beautiful that would make everyone turn for a second glance were if not for the scars. Long and twisted parodies robbed to what could have been a beautiful face. It's traces ran all over her face as it shows a clear sign of physical trauma.
What's more were her eyes. Her dull and lifeless sapphire eyes looked ever more haunting the longer he stares at it. "Ah!" Osmond snapped out of from his daze as the nun turned to walk once more. "Please wait for a moment sister!" Osmond called out as the nun stopped once more.
"Could you spare a few moment of your time? We are currently looking for someone, have you seen her?" Osmond asked as he shows the image of the young lady, Emma. Osmond eagerly waited for her reply to leave as soon as possible but was surprised to see the nun simply shook her head in reply.
"Do you perhaps heard from someone about her?" Osmond asked but the nun still did not replied but only shook her head. "...Um sister? Is there a reason why you are not speaking?" Osmond asked as he was beginning to grow ever more concern.
The nun blinked to his questions before raising her right hand and tapping her throat gently. Osmond's eyes widen as he gulped down his throat. "A-are you perhaps a mute sister?" Osmond ask as the nun nodded in reply.
"Ah! I am so sorry for not noticing earlier!" Osmond frantically said, guilt and shame washing over him as the nun simply shook her head once more. The nun turned back to walk once more as if she was done talking with Osmond. "Ah wait! Please wait a moment, do you need to go somewhere? I can help you go through there." Osmond offered, seeking to atone for his rude assumptions when the nun firmly shook her head.
"Eh? Are you sure you will be fine sister? There is a crowd here after all." Osmond asked as the nun once more nodded in reply. "O-oh, o-ok then. Safe travels I suppose?" Osmond awkwardly replied as he watched the nun begins to walk away again. His gaze lingered on for a while as the nun's back was finally consumed by the crowd.
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"...Haaa..." Lucy finally let out a sigh of relief as she turned to a corner. Adrenaline still rushed through her veins as the fear of being recognized lingered for a moment longer. Lucy straightened her back as she slowly returned to her normal pace.
I should avoid going outside for a while Lucy thought as she purposefully dodge another pair of knights on her way. Luckily this time, the men did not noticed her presence but were still asking random passerby with a poster in hand.
One of the poster hang lazily on the walls of a building. Lucy stopped for a while before looking around her. When she noticed no one was looking at her, Lucy snatched the poster before hurriedly hiding it as fast as she can on the basket.
She walked for a short while once more before turning into one of the alleyways of the town. The density of the crowd are significantly smaller this time as only vagrants and the miserables could be found here.
There were some who eyed her in curiosity for a while before looking away as fast they saw her in fear. Lucy ignored these people as she carefully pulled the poster she had brought with her. Well would you look at that... Lucy thought bitterly as she intently studies the poster.
The image was mostly dark as ink were the only ones used to make these mass-produced portraits. There was no color, but Lucy was still impressed by the accuracy of them all. Her small smile paired with her mother's eyes, it was a perfect copy of her.
It WAS a perfect copy of her except for one crucial detail. There were no scars to be found. It was the face of a lady nurtured and taken care of with only the finest quality of living there is. It was an exact opposite to what she was now.
Lucy reflexively touched the scars on her face before flinching slightly. There were rough and deep traces ran all over her once smooth skin. One of the traces even ran so deep from the jaw all the way to her right eyebrow.
"I guess it worked out pretty well huh?" Lucy mumbled as she stared at her reflection upon a dirty puddle of water. The once regal and sublime beauty cannot be found as the scars twisted it into an appalling amalgamation.
It looked so terrible that Lucy was forced to tore her gaze away from it. A tinge of bitter regret pangs within her heart for a second as she mourn the loss of her beauty. "...What's done is done." Lucy whispers as she throws the poster away.
The fragile parchment was soon destroyed as it soaks up the water from the puddle. Lucy forcibly buried her regrets deep as she reminds herself again and again of her true goal was. Feeling slightly better, Lucy turned to walk back into the crowd when a sudden shout stopped her.
"You little shit!" A furious drunkard yelled out in fury as he dragged a little girl by the arm. Lucy eyes widen in surprised as she watched the rough treatment of the little girl.
"I-I'm sorry. Hiek!" the little girl cried silently as she was thrown against the wall.
"You're sorry?? I have lost 60 coppers because of you!" The man scream as he kicks the girl hard.
"Hiek!" The girl cried out in pain as she tremble in fear. "I-I will a-ask for s-spare change. T-that could- ugh!" The girl was cut off as she received another kick from the man.
"Are you stupid or what!" The man yelled as he continues beating the girl. "You think begging will earn me back what I have lost?? You stupid imbecile!" The man shouted with an ever-increasing intensity as the girl whimpered silently as she was continuously being beaten up.
"Ha...Ha...Ha..." The man finally calms down when the girl was shrieking back with every movement he made. "Maybe they were right. Perhaps I should have sold you back then." The girl's eyes widen in fear as the man pondered for a while.
"Yeah they were right. Tsk, I was stupid to think I could get more out of you." The man sneered as he gaze back to the girl.
"N-no, n-n-no d-dad please. P-please don't sell me. I-I will never speak out again! I-I will earn back those coppers somehow! S-so please..." The girl begins to beg desperately but the man was not move.
"They told me you are at least 10 silvers worth." The man mumbled as he reached out for the girl's hand.
"F-father please! I will-"
"Shut up! I have enough of feeding you constantly! You don't even earn anything! The least you could do after all those years of taking care of you is to be useful and sell that body of yours." The man shouted as he begins to drag the girl away.
"N-no! No please! I-I will do a-anything! I-I will even steal s-something from the m-market to e-earn those c-coppers back! P-please father! D-don't sell me t-to those men... P-please?" The girl desperately pleaded one last time for her father as she begins to sob uncontrollably.
Her faint whimpers echoed across the aging stones around them. Tears falls down on her face as her cold-hearted father ignores her pleas. "Will you shut up already? I have given you more chances than I care to count. If you want to stay with me, then be useful to me!
What have you done for these past years? Nothing! You only beg on the street for what?? Two? Maybe four coppers?? That's it! You have done nothing else at all! Now quit your yapping and be useful for once-" The man was cut off as he crumbles down beneath the stone's weight.
Lucy was holding a jagged stone on her hands. Blood dripped down from the cut as she gripped its edges tightly, but she could not even feel it. Her rage burned stronger than any pain could ever be as she brought down the stone again and again and again.
The man tried to fend himself from the attack, but Lucy simply overwhelmed him with the element of surprise and brute strength. The man could not even plea for his life as the stone finally cuts in from his thick and bloated skin. He let out a bloody gurgle before he finally passes away.
Lucy did this all the while without saying a word. When all is finally said and done, the man before her was nothing more but a bloody mess of flesh and blood. Lucy trembled slightly as she stared at the body a moment longer, relishing the delight of power coursing through her veins.
Only when did the smell of blood wafted into her nose did Lucy snapped out from her trance and realized what she had done. She slowly turned back to the girl with her eyes wide in fear at her. No no no...What have I done?... Lucy thought as she saw the girl trying to back away in terror but failed.
...I shouldn't have done it... Lucy thought as she slowly raised her hands high. ...Why did I do that? Kalva be damn! Why??... "Don't be afraid." No, not now. Focus. Don't think just move. "...Hey hey..." Lucy said as the girl visibly trembles in fear.
"P-please s-s-spa-spare me..." The girl manages to say after stuttering in sheer terror. The girl begins to cry again as Lucy approaches. "I-I'll n-n-never t-t-tell a-any-anyone! S-so p-p-please d-don't k-ki-kill..." The girl could not finish her words as she whimpers in fear.
"Don't be afraid." The girl flinches as Lucy repeated those words again. She slowly begins to kneel down as her hands were still raised. The girl watch in fear, but also in curiosity as Lucy levels herself to the child's eye level. "I am not going to hurt you."
"Y-y-you wo-won't k-kil-kill me?" The girl stuttered as Lucy gently shook her head. Hope seemed to glimmer from the girl's eyes as she mustered the courage to speak once more. "T-then c-can I-I go?" The girl muttered as Lucy simply stare before replying.
"And where would you go?" The girl blinked for a moment before her head slowly droop. "I-I...I... I don't know..." The girl whispered as she suddenly realized that she was all alone. When the fear slowly subside, only then did the girl realized that her last family relative had died.
"Then... would you like to come with me?" Lucy whispered as the girl look at her once more in fear.
"I-I can just l-live off here." The girl quickly added as she slowly backs away. "I-I'll b-be fine r-really! S-so y-you don't h-have to worry a-about me an-and j-just leave..."
Lucy silently stared at the girl as she slowly inches away from her with every passing second. The fear in her eyes, the small tremors in her body... Lucy could not help but feel a well of guilt building inside of her. "...I'm sorry." The girl blinked dumbfoundedly for a moment before her eyes suddenly stings.
"...W-what for?" The girl asked, feigning innocence as her small hands curled into a fist. Lucy could not meet her mournful and hateful gaze as she looked away.
"...I... I didn't know what else I should do." Lucy whispered, trying to make sense of the cold blooded murder she had just committed.
"...What?" The little girl whispered, voice full of disbelief. Lucy felt her throat tightened before continuing.
"I...I saw him d-did that to you a-and my body... it just moves." The young maiden's eyes widen as she realizes too late what she had just said. "W-wait I didn't mean to-" Lucy was cut off when the little girl screamed hatefully and sorrowfully at her as she throws her small body at Lucy.
Flailing and screaming wildly, Lucy easily pinned the grieving and vengeful girl with her vast experienced and larger body. "W-wait! I didn't-"
"I hate you!" Lucy's eyes widened as she finally met the little girl's eyes. So full of lost, so much filled with anger that Lucy did not know what to say.
I did it again... Lucy thought in horror as the girl cried vengefully at her with eyes full of grief. The same eyes the family of her men had when they learned of their deaths. K-kalva be damn... I did it again... "Why? Why did you have to kill him." The girl wept as Lucy stood frozen with the girl pinned in her arms.
"Y-you could have knocked him out. Y-you could have taken me away. Why did you have to kill dad?? He was the only one I had left! I hate you!" The girl cried as Lucy trembled from the crushing guilt.
"I'm so-sorry-"
"Kalva be damned, damn you!" The girl simply did not listened, consumed by grief.
What have I done? I-I was just trying to save her. I didn't mean to kill him. I-I didn't mean it! I was just trying to help! I... I-I- K-kalva be damn, what have I done?? It was not me! It was not- The thought died when their eyes met again. The anger within those small bead had subsided, only an unimaginable sorrow and loss remained. ...Kalva be damn... She whimpered as the girl cried.
Lucy was completely at a lost what to do when she heard at the far end of the alleyway the sound of heavy footsteps behind. In that moment, the drive to escape far outweighed her guilt. As shameful as it is, Lucy was afraid to be caught once more. "I hate-" Lucy swiftly knocked the girl out cold before grabbing the basket and girl in tow before fleeing the scene.
Lucy ran as fast as her legs could carry her as she tried her hardest in keeping her tears from escaping. "...I'm sorry." Lucy whimpered at the unconscious child as she escaped long before any knights could find the body. "...I am so sorry."