“Meat skewers!”

“ Fresh fruit!”

“ Real jewelry!”

“ Genuine lizard meat and skin!”

My stomach sang hungry songs in the presence of food.

But I shouldn't dally on what I came here for.

Although I've only been in this world fourteen years but I still recognize the hidden gems stowed away in the corners of this town.

For instance, there’s an old woman in a nearby alley who loves to bake the most scrumptious pastries you’ve ever devoured. And will give them out in exchange for a nice chat.

Or the middle-aged man who talks tough but always makes shoes for the ones without them. Or to those who ask.

He’ll always say something along the lines of.

“ Ya’ idiot! You trying to catch your death! You know they make big folk like me haul your body to the heap! Here!”

Then he’d game them a pair of leather shoes that can rival any boutiques.

And I happened across both of them today.

The lovely woman and I talked about recent news. The latest scandals.

She always showed great interest when I told her about my life.

Or... fake life I suppose.

I didn't make any elaborate stories if trophies and victories.

Yet ever word of hers was never honeyed.

She genuinely cared.

As if I was her own child.

I wish I could stay.

I just enjoy her soft humming. Her cookies, cakes, and pies. The soft touches and taps she gave my...

And I quote.

“ Cheeks so plumpy a mellow would melt on its texture.”

She had a strange way with words.

My heart aches when I bid her goodbye.

But I just slowly nibble the oversized cookie she had baked for me.

There was nothing better then biting into the soft little miracle to have it turn into a melted velvety sweet goodness covering my tongue.

I could write a novel and poem twelve times over about this detectable treat.

I finished only half before ariving at the old shoemakers.

Once I gently rapped at the dark Underwood door, the burly beast lifted me up by the back collar like a dog with her puppies.

I let yet out a corresponding yelp and–

My cookie.

It dropped.

“ What’re you here again for you stink sock youth.”

Still in mourning. I inadvertently choked on my frustration.

“ S-shoes~”

My voice shook and my eyes felt a bit warm.

“ Hold on. What do you cry-”

“I’m not crying!”

To be crying over a cookie like a child.

How shameful.

I refused with an ever-so-violent head shake.

He looked down at the now filthy treat.

“ Did I smash your sweet?”

His strange accent was laced with caring.

But still, I’m almost of age. And here I am.

I shook my head again.

He tried to look at my face and watery eyes but I didn't give him the opportunity.

Eventually, he gave up.

With a large sigh.

He hauled me into his home and sat me down.

His home is cozy. It smelled like tree sap. While it had a rustic feel to it with a comforting fireplace, warmly colored wood, and cute plants.

Although I think all plants are cute so I might be biased.

He sat me down on a half-circle-shaped desk.

Behind it were a multitude of shoes in different little cubbies.

What a today workstation he always seems to keep.

Without any notice.

A large of cup of tea was thrust towards me.

Lord man, give a little bit of warning next time! I could've dropped it.

As the golden liquid sloshed in my cup.

He talked in a warming timbre that was honestly homey.

“ If it makes you cry. It's something large according to you.

It's a natural thing to experience. If it makes you upset. You weep.

If you hide it. It's understandable. But you need to let it out at some point.”

The strong hand came gently onto my head.

“ And if you ever need to. You can always let your guard down around me small one.”

How embarrassing.

Kind.

But embarrassing overall.

I tugged at the hood of my cloak. Making sure my distinctive hair and eyes were hidden.

“ That's all.

Now, let's see if ya finally grew some inches.”

He makes fun of my size frequently.

I’m not even that small.

I’m average at five feet and six inches.

It's just my frame is all.

I don’t gain weight often and the stress among other things don't help at all.

I’m just, petite.

Ah!

He grasped my ankle and lifted my foot.

I let out a high noise of shock. Like a field mouse caught by the local cat.

But with such a serious expression on his face, I dare not say more.

He’s diligent in his work, I could say that in the least.

Hmm. 

I stared at my cup. Tapping its surface.

I decided to finally take a sip of my drink.

Ah~

How...how...how...

How delightful!

I took one sip after another and the fluffy feeling in my chest grew to the size of a war cow.

Delicious!

“Pfft!”

I looked up.

The older man still examined my feet with scrutinizing detail.

Did I imagine it?

Hmm.

I just returned to calmly drinking the wonderful concoction.

After a while, he finished measuring (and laughing) at the size of my feet.

He's seen dolls with more substance to their bloody toes apparently.

I silently pouted but he made me another of his splendid drinks and began work on my new footwear.

This brightened my mood and made me completely disregard his rude comments.

It was when the sky turned a light orange did he finish.

The masterpieces fit me to such astonishing extents. Not to mention, they were so comfy I could use them as my new slippers.

I thanked him endlessly and he became so so red and flustered; he kicked me out almost immediately after telling me in his own way to be careful.

He didn't even ask for payment.

I giggled a bit at his shyness.

And left some coins perched on a stone protruding out of the door frame.

Now all that’s left is to find some clothes.

Unfortunately, I have to search for them in the town square.

It's not exactly filled to the brim with nobles.

But with the newly built luxury stores, it wasn’t uncommon to see them.

I sighed. You would’ve thought I hated air based on the way I pushed it out.

Hopefully, no one notices me.

I walked around a bit until my eyes laid on who I was looking for.

I arrived at a new gentlemen's boutique. Grabbing clothes blindly just hoping they would match in the end.

Now all I need to is-

“ Isn’t it a bit strange?”

I choked on nothing and quickly hid behind a clothing rack.

I knew those women.

They're friends of my fiance.

How joyous.

I suppose I’ll wait for an opportunity to avoid them.

“ What do you mean?”

“ She's already considered an adult and yet he’s still a child. What is he? Fourteen?”

“ It's only two years till his coming of age. Not that big of a debate.”

“ Even when he does come of age it still seems quite strange.”

“ I’ve seen marriages with an even larger age gap. This is actually more tame as I've seen it.”

“ I suppose so.”

“ In all honesty, I feel awful for her. Marrying such, such, garbage.”

“ That's why I choose to look past her dalliances.”

“I feel awful for the woman.”

“ And I hate having to give a gift to such whiny little bastard.”

“ I hope he doesn't expect anything expensive.”

The chuckling made my eyes roll.

I grew tired of their gossip.

I looked down at the clothes in my band and just huffed.

“Forget it.”

I rapidly stood up, leaving a mess of expensive cloth on the floor for someone to pick up.

Without another breath out of my mouth, I exited the pen of despair and insults in a flash.

I’ll just wear something in my wardrobe. No one will care anyway.

It would be sensible to go back with what I have.

Pick out an outfit for tomorrow, go back while there’s still light, act my age and be responsible despite the fact I’m not welcome here.

Yes, sensible.

But sensibility is not my concern as of right now.

I just tucked away my new shoes into a large pocket I had sewn into my cloak.

And all I did afterward was find a place to sit on the grass and watch the sun that rose over the trees.

I don't even know how I ended up here.

I just kept walking, eventually, I ended up here. In an empty field, far from town, far from the forest. Yet I could still see far enough to make out the silhouettes.

“Haah.”

Emptiness.

The grass moved in waves as the wind blew.

I could've gone straight home if not for them.

I need this.

Lay on my back.

I need this.

Close my eyes.

I need this.

Just for a second.

I need this.

.

.

......    .......     .....  ———

“Huuk! Ack!”

I breathed in a large quantity of bitterly cold air that creased and chapped my insides.

Thrown into a coughing fit that brought tears to my eyes.

I looked around.

Black, it's pitch black.

I only, went to sleep, for a second.

Oh! My back!

Where is the- um

What?

The prickles of the grass reminded me of my decision.

The disorientation of my mind fell to the depths of hell.

Then panic set in.

Then...

Run.

Before it gets too late.

Run!

I picked up my belongings.

And sprinted, no, pushed every single fiber of my being forward.

Intense instincts almost made run on all fours to go faster.

I don't...

I can't be found out.

What’ll happen?

I just-

I JUST WANTED TO GO OUTSIDE!

I don't think I’ve ever moved this fast.

Or even wanted to move this fast until now.

I got to the mansion in less than five ticks of the clock.

I jumped down into the secret compartment.

I heard a strange noise.

But no matter.

Up the corridor and through the clock.

I raced through the halls, up the stairs, please don't let anyone be there.

Damn it all!

I saw a maid getting ready to approach my room.

I promptly hid.

Bloody hell!

“ Master? Young master?”

She knocked on the door and waited. She tried once more. With a gentle increase in volume.

She sighed.

Yes, please just leave!

Wait-

I heard a quiet jingle. And I saw, in the faint glow of her lantern, dangling from her fingers.

Keys.

Is it too much to ask that I have some sort of respected privacy?!

Well that's the least of my concern now!

Mm! There's only one way!

Ugh. Please forgive me milady!

Just as she unlocked it.

I dashed forward, head lowered.

When I shoved her back, her lantern flew and a a ways away feet before breaking. The magic inside dissipating. She didn't seem to hurt, but I still muttered a sorry.

I swiftly opened the door did a dramatic spin that took me inside and closed it behind me.

I locked it back.

I got undressed.

I used the cold water from this morning to hide my fatigue.

My sweat, my red face, my awful smell.

Please don't notice!

In fact, no one come in at all!

I created red spots on my back by trying to hurry and make myself clean.

“ Young Master Quinn pardon the sudden intrusion.”

I gasped.

Now, look here.

I was shirtless and my legs were bare.

And I can't even imagine the scene from the eyes of everyone else.

The deep shade of my face only grew darker as the heights of my embarrassment grew to unfathomable lengths.

At least it's better than them discovering that I went outside the proper rules of going outside.

Or that I went anywhere besides hell, which is where they wish I’d go.

In total it was one head butler, one head maid, two other servants, a guard, and the maid I knocked down.

Six in all.

I gulped.

“ I-”

“Young master–”

I tried to sound as convincing as possible but my voice shook again.

“ I- was just changing my clothes~”

“ Ah~, please finish that then. But we cannot leave until your safety can be confirmed.

So don't mind us.”

Safety? Since when did they care? And just what are they talking about? And-

Oh for the love of-

At least avert your eyes! What kind of person makes eye contact in this situation?

The head Butler didn't look away from me not even once during this prelude.

Are they really just going to stand there?

I gulped.

I (reluctantly) continued to wipe my body down.

Slower this time.

Partly, because i was simply out of energy to move that fast.

And partly because I had injured myself too much to go faster. And I simply didn't want to exacerbate anything.

I accidentally touched the red marks on my back which stung without mercy.

It also seems when I ran straight through town, I pulled things that shouldn't be pulled. And sprained places I didn't even know could be sprained.

And when I jumped into the secret exit, I bent something that should be straight.

It's not pleasant.

And so, I slowly put on my clothes, as to not draw attention.

After all, it was dark with only another two lanterns in the room.

So if I didn't make too much of a fuss they would do what they need and leave.

And I could cry and writhe in my stupidity before letting my body tire out.

Just act normal.

Just say nothing.

“ Um, what is this about?”

That wasn't nothing! Hopefully, it was normal.

“ Sorry young master. But we suspect an intruder in our midst.”

Intruder?

“ Intruder? What could make you draw that conclusion?”

The head butler gestured to the young lady I had shoved.

“ She reported seeing someone shove her to the floor and enter your quarters.”

I didn't know whether to laugh or slam my forehead onto my palm.

“ Ah, well, I believe I would notice such a thing.

Are you certain?”

“ Yes, young master Quinn.”

Still petty, even in dire situations.

Though, I did cause this dire situation.

“ Alright then.”

I agreed to let them to search my room.

And search is a way of putting it nicely.

They tore it to shreds.

It wasn't exactly the neatest.

But damn all mighty!

Excuse my mouth.

It definitely looked as if someone had broken in now.

“ Scuse me, young lord.”

One of the servants dived under my feet, grazing my ankle (which I injured from jumping down into the secret entrance).

I clenched my teeth. Don't scream. Whatever you do. Don't scream!

I held on to the urge to cry out in pain.

I clenched every muscle, tendon, I think I even managed to clench my bones.

I breathed out slowly through my mouth.

Then I could feel my body react to something.

My neck felt up with tingles and a shudder overcame me.

I slowly turned and the person so enthralled by my appearance that I could physically feel it.

Was none other than the unfortunate young miss who I had pushed in my daring entrance.

I simply stared back in silence and her shoulders rose in surprise and she turned away.

Haah.

I hope that teaches you that it's rude to stare.

I turned back, only to feel her stares puncture my mind once again.

For the love of all that defys logic.

“ Wah!”

I felt something caress my foot.

A brown ponytail squeezed from underneath the bed and the same servant popped up and dusted herself off.

I grasped by chest.

Be still my beating heart.

She scared the wits out of me and only gave a half hearted apology.

Just please leave already.

The servant glanced at me as I regained my composure. Then quickly looked away.

I don’t like being stared at. But I’ll ignore it if it gets them out faster.

I’ll ignore them threatening to murder me if that's what it takes.

Or if it comes to that.

“ Young Master Quinn.”

Ugh!

“ What is it?”

“ Are you sure you didn't witness anything? “

“ No.”

The butler gripped the lantern in his hand.

His face, as always, remained unfazed.

But it seems the light sensed his fury and cast the most ominous of shadows across his face.

All I did was say no.

What is he so tense for?

My heart felt tight and stingy resting inside my chest.

And my body unfortunately displayed my emotions.

When I’m under so much pressure I can't control my body language.

I grasped my arm with my right hand and tucked away my forearm.

“ Young Master Quinn.

If you hide anything then I will report to the grand duke and if anything violence occurs in this household full blame will be placed onto you.

You understand this, correct?”

I raised an eyebrow. Of course, it would. Blame would be placed onto me no matter what. It's been like that since I was seven.

Why is he saying this now?

“ Yes? Why wouldn't I?”

He looked stern yet something behind those soulless button eyes did something feel out of place.

Most likely something to give my skill the headache of the century if my luck is something to go on.

He kept his false serenity on his face. 

“ Very well then. 

Gentlemen, ladies.

Shall we let young Quinn get his sleep?”

Oh my.

I saw everyone’s faces express the gasps they wish they could utter.

And without further ado, the butler slowly turned on his heels.

And as he slowly took his strides the others looked between him and me.

Sorry, but I just don't care.

And he's just petty.

No drama shall ensue.

Sorry to disappoint.

When they all felt they no longer had breath that needed to be held.

They all hurried along to exit my now even more disastrous room.

Finally.

I slowly fell to my comforting sheets and relaxed.

Which gave my body the cue to slap me.

My ankle sobbed, my back howled, and my thighs wept.

Thankfully the pain was the type that made you fall unconscious with its intensity.

So splendid for me.

Ow!