In a rented bungalow in Val Royeaux.

4 days passed since the 34 years old woman were saved from the torture by the rebellion troops. This woman, Mirellia and her daughter, Malty had recovered from bruises. 

Gretel, the heiress of Montfort family had been hanging around in the building more and more lately. 

"Aunt." Gretel called Mirellia.

The older woman struggled to hide her irritation but it was reflected on her face. 

"At least call me Countess or Lady Mirellia!"

Gretel sighed and sat on the sofa.

"Lady Mirellia. Malty. We need to discuss."

They sat before her.

Gretel opened discussion.

"Lady Mirellia.Your territory was taken over by rebels and the fake Queen of Orlais had conquered more territories. She had installed new rulers in your former land. You husband, and male heirs were killed. First, you need to accept that Melromarc could no longer be restored. Even my family, and Doucy family were at risk being defeated in the civil war."

Another girl of the same age as Malty and Gretel sat on the sofa beside them. She was Clarice, the second child of Doucy family who also had been hanging around this mansion lately.

Clarice said, "The self proclaimed queen, Selena Saxon had led the rebellion troops to defeat more and aristocrats. My family and Gretel's family, we are under threat."

Mirellia looked at Gretel and Clarice with a hint of skepticism. "What do you propose we do then? Surrender to this so-called queen and give up everything we've ever had?"

Gretel shook her head. "No, Lady Mirellia. We must gather our forces and fight back. We need to rally the remaining loyalists and defend what's rightfully ours."

Clarice nodded in agreement. "We have some allies left who are willing to fight with us. We can make a stand and defend our homes and families."

Mirellia smiled in pain, "Easier said than done. Both of your families still had territories and vassals who will fight for you. My daughter and I have nothing left."

"The man of this building you are living in...you don't know anything about him, do you?" Clarice's face turned serious.

"That's why we keep seeing him." Gretel added.

Malty and her mother, Mirellia looked at each other before turning to the two girls. 

"Please make us understand."

Clarice explained in enthusiasm, "This man of this house, Hiro had achieved unthinkable feats with a handful of manpower. Did he save your daughter from certain death? Then, he saved you, Lady Mirellia by getting such severe wounds."

Gretel added, "4 days ago, he risked terrible injuries to save you, Madam. Now, we are waiting for his recovery."

Mirellia was taken aback by the information. She hadn't realized the extent of Hiro's actions or the fact that he had saved both her and her daughter. "I had no idea," she said quietly.

Gretel leaned forward, "There's something about him, Malty, Lady Mirellia. He could be the key to our success in this fight."

Mirellia looked down at her hands, deep in thought. She knew the risks of relying on a stranger, but she also knew that they needed all the help they could get. "What do you suggest we do?"

Clarice blushingly said, "We need to earnestly beg for his help. I had done what was necessary. But.."

The blushing Clarice turned to Malty, Mirellia and then Gretel,

"You too, Gretel. Stop being too prideful. You never had a one-on-one conversation with him."

Gretel's face turned red,

"Why must I do that." and turned her face away.

Mirellia listened to the conversation with interest, realizing that Hiro may hold the key to their survival. She decided to speak up, "I think it's worth a try. We should at least meet with him and see if he's willing to help us. Especially that we had sold ourselves to him."

"That again?" Gretel and Clarice simultaneously stood up. Clarice slapped her own forehead. "How did I fall in love with such a man?" She mumbled.

Gretel looked at her blushing classmate and mumbled, "Could it be she already..."

Malty spoke up, "I agree. Unlike Montfort, our family has nothing to lose by begging for his help."

Gretel huffed in annoyance, but ultimately agreed. "Fine, I'll talk to him. But we need to be cautious. We don't know his true intentions or if he can even be trusted."

***

An hour later on a veranda on the upper floor of the same building.

Gretel and Clarice were gazing at the blue sky.

Gretel glanced at the girl beside her, "About what you said just now..ehem.." She was hesitant to continue her question.

"I had already slept with Hiro."

"What?"

While slightly blushing, Clarice explained, "Well, at first, I was just selling my body to him as I was desperate. My father's vassals had defected to the fake Queen and we lost a lot..."

Gretel was open-mouthed.

Clarice found the prideful girl to be funny and giggled. 

"Then, gradually I fell in love."

"But..he...he is a womanizer. Look at how many girls in this building.."

Clarice shook her head,

"I don't care. Let's talk about yourself. You asked his help but hw has no obligation to help you. You should understand that."

Gretel stepped back and looked timidly onto the floor. Clarice's face closed on to hers and whispered,

"It's hard to talk to a virgin. Kikiki."

Clarice left the agitated Gretel.