The scent of roses and candle wax still clung to her gown as she ran through the forest, her feet stained by mud. The once-pristine silk dress, now tattered and streaked with mud, clung to her legs like chains. The golden embroidery—a symbol of royal lineage—flashed in the moonlight as she pushed forward, her breath ragged, her heart a drumbeat of terror.
Behind her, the forest whispered of death. Shadows moved between the trees, the sound of boots crunching twigs and leaves echoing through the midnight gloom. Every step she heard made her tremble. The masked figures that had slaughtered the nobles at the ball just an hour ago were relentless, their pursuit suffocating her like a ferocious beast.
Just earlier on this dreadful day, she was in a carriage that was heading to the Republic of Zrek's capital, coming from her villa in the far countryside, to attend the ball that her father—the former king and now president—threw. It was supposed to be a day where she could be with her family again and stop burying her face in the books of ancient, forgotten magic.
The capital was under attack, hundreds slaughtered in minutes since the attack.
The princess dared not look back even once when she escaped her captors. That was perhaps the first time she was in the center of danger, watching a slaughter right in front of her. She was guilty of thinking that so long as the dragon lords watch over them, life would be peaceful. But that was a mere fantasy made under a wishing star.
She recalled it all—
The grand chandeliers of the palace crashing into pools of blood.
The symphony of talented musicians turning into screams.
Her father's last order—Run.
A sharp pain flared in her side as an arrow grazed her, but she forced herself onward after using water bending to remove the poison from her blood, her feet slipping on damp earth. The silver glow of the moon guided her through the endless maze of twisted branches, but it would not save her. No one would.
The figures were close. Too close.
It was only due to her use of ancient magic—something her mother and grandmother forbade her from using publicly and only in case of danger—that allowed her to last this hours' long chase across the country.
She didn't even know where she was since this forest has been going on endlessly. She caught a glimpse of a palace in the distance through the trees but the image couldn't register long enough for her to recall which palace it was.
Just as she felt herself being drained of mana from using ancient wind magic for so long, she exited the forest and a new horizon greeted her—an open plain and a fair distance away, several farms and beyond that a kingdom(?).
In a last effort to escape, she dove into the tall grass and cast a spell to camouflage herself. But before running, she cast another final wind spell that disturbed the grass. Then finally, she ran with all her might towards the city.
Her intuition told her there were powerful people in this city. Following that intuition, she pushed on.
◊◊
It's been a few months since Bethany and the others moved to Whitage City to reestablish their orphanage. The number of children taken in skyrocketed, but this hadn't caused much concern financially since their arrival.
Empress Roseria—who recently came to the city to assist the city lord—had launched a charitable program that supported shelters and orphanages with a steady stream of essentials. Blankets, shelter, groceries, clothing—everything they could need was covered. More importantly, qualified teachers had volunteered to help, giving the children a proper education they never had access to before.
The headmaster was even considering relocating the orphanage inside the city walls once the economy stabilized. Unlike what the charity program offers to those outside—monthly deliveries and occasional health check-ups—living in the city itself would mean consistent support, running water, protection from threats, and instant access to medical care. With bandits and wild animals still occasionally reported along the outskirts, it would simply be safer.
In the meantime, thanks to city donations, the orphanage had managed to buy livestock. Cows provided milk—enough to feed the children and sell the rest—and the crops they grew in their modest farmland were exchanged with neighboring villagers in the outer settlement. It wasn't luxurious, but it was sustainable.
Twilight painted the sky in dusky purples and warm ambers. The last rays of sunlight flickered through the tree canopy as lanterns were lit around the wooden buildings of the settlement near the farm, casting long shadows across the worn paths. The orphanage's windows glowed gently from within, and inside, the kitchen buzzed with warmth and activity.
Bethany entered through the backdoor, her boots caked with dried mud, her white sleeves slightly damp with evening dew. Her braid had loosened from the wind, and exhaustion clung to her every step. She hadn't been seen all day—gone since morning to help with chores, go on errands, meet with acquaintances that the headmaster introduced to them and gathered some wild fruit so that they can use the seeds to grow a garden in the backyard (this particular fruit is quite popular with the children so she thought it was a good idea to just grow a few trees themselves).
The trek back had taken longer than expected. She hardly notices the time when she's busy.
As she stepped inside, a wave of heat and the savory scent of stew greeted her.
"Senior Bethany!"
Several voices called out, almost in unison. Relief and surprise colored their faces as they turned from the stoves and cutting boards to look at her.
"Where we you all morning, senior!?" said one of the older girls, wiping her hands on an apron as she rushed over.
"Sorry, sorry, hehehe. Headmaster couldn't go on some errands so I had to fill in for her." Bethany replied. The headmaster has been buried in paperwork for days now so it was understandable why she couldn't do her regular duties.
"We were just about to begin dishing up, Senior."
"Oh, then I'll help."
"Nonsense! Go take a rest! We can't expect our senior to help us with everything."
"Yeah!" the children exclaimed strongly. She could only laugh wryly at their energy.
Just like they called her, she was technically their "senior". Well, most of them. She was one of few who survived the fall of Nuaria city so there weren't that many nuns left from the original volunteers.
While Bethany was saddened by the deaths of the original staff and former friends, she was just glad she managed to reunite with her mother.
"I'm glad to see all of you got used to the kitchen." Bethany said with a giggle. Her juniors used to ask her for guidance every day.
They were once simple orphans as well but were already at working age so they could be fed by the orphanage and look after the children at the same time. Of course, that doesn't mean they don't get paid. In fact, all of them get one big copper weekly, which is taken from the monthly donations. That amount doesn't seem a lot on paper but to commoner girls and boys, it was enough for them to buy what they want like snacks and candy.
"The headmaster complained earlier that we always make the same food every day," one of the taller girls remarked with a huff, "She's so lazy but complains all the time. It's not easy to follow recipes on the first try, you know!"
"Hey, keep your voice down!" a boy who was cleaning a pot on the floor said, "You know her punishments are harsh and she lectures all of us even when only one of us does something wrong!"
"Yeah, I don't want to hear another speech about how undisciplined young people are the problems in this country. Please spare us from that."
"Tch, fine. But she better do her own chores!"
"We can't expect her to do administration on top of chores," Bethany 's words made them go silent. It seems they respect her enough to go quiet when she speaks, which she is thankful for, "Remember, managing an orphanage and a farm isn't that easy even for educated people. She's asked me for help with her work one time—since I can read and write—but the work was anything but easy. Remember, she's the one who ensures we have the supplies to clean, the clothes on our backs after she's done taking all our sizes, and she ensures we have lights in this house and a burning fireplace to keep us all warm."
"Uhm, sorry for complaining so much…" the girl from before lowered her head, "I'll go to the shops tomorrow and buy cookbooks if senior can offer the money for it."
"And I'll go hunting later with the boys!" the boy cleaning the pot remarked confidently, "There's been a lack of wild game in this house!"
"I'm glad all of you understand now." Bethany said with a smile, "Has anyone seen Rahny?"
Rahny is the newest helper for the orphanage. She was once a bartender in Nuaria city and likes to run errands. She is the one who meets up with potential patrons for the orphanage if the headmaster is too swamped in work.
"She came back earlier while on a date with a knight from the city. That date was yesterday. Where did she even sleep?"
"I'll go look for her. All of you should finish up the food. I can already hear the children playing outside."
She received a "yes, ma'am" before walking down the hallway that led to the living room. She spotted a young woman with messy long black hair helping one of the younger girls put on a white dress.
"Morning, Rahny." Only after Bethany speak did everyone notice that she entered the living room.
All the children greeted her cheerfully with hugs. There were about 20 of them gathered in the living room, which is a lot more than they should've been able to handle on their own if the charity program wasn't helping them.
"Good morning~" Rahny greeted her back.
"What are you doing? Is she going to a beauty pageant or something?"
'Where did this dress come from…?'
"Oh, no. the children wanted to play House so I dressed her up. They have been complaining about how boring the countryside is for a while now."
"That's… true…"
"It must suck for kids when they can't even go to school to make new experiences with new people. Oh, I got it! How about we take them to the performance troupe that recently came to the city? I heard they're performing this weekend in the outer settlements."
"I don't know… I heard that group is quite sketchy."
"There are always a few weirdoes in a troupe," Rahny shrugged, "Well, I get your caution since this group… they say it's run by dark magicians. Supposedly, they can control dead animals to perform tricks—like, reanimated birds flapping to the beat of drums. Some say they have undead dogs jumping through flaming hoops nonstop without getting burned. One rumor even claims they make fire shoot out of... well, places it definitely shouldn't."
Bethany made a face. "That… sounds like something I don't want to see."
Rahny continued, voice dramatic now. "And apparently, necromancy isn't something just anyone can pick up. These aren't nobles or academy-trained sorcerers. They're just ruffians. How did an unknown troupe like that suddenly get famous? It's suspicious, right?"
"…So, why the need to recruit?"
"So that they can sacrifice someone to get a demon's power in return. Very creepy stuff but I don't really listen to gossip. The demons apparently control their bodies because there is no other way to receive its power. But there is another rumor that this causes one's soul and body to be completely consumed! Once your consciousness is gone and body completely under the demon's control, a white monster without a face and rows of teeth devours youuuuuu~!" Rahny wiggled her fingers while looking behind Bethany.
"""Ahhhh!"""
The children, who were eavesdropping, ran away with pale faces.
While it certainly did sound ridiculous, as someone who witnessed S-class monsters being killed by a certain adventurer's fists only, Bethany would believe anything.
"Hey, Bridge."
"Don't call me that, please."
"Whyyy? It saves me some time when talking to you~"
'What are you even doing with that time…'
"…What did you want to ask?"
"Don't you think it's about time you go out and explored other opportunities?"
"What's this question about?"
"You can't live and die in the orphanage, Bridge."
"That's not my intention!"
"Oh? Then what is? Do you want to turn grey then think about finding yourself a partner and experiencing different things in life?"
"D-Don't be ridiculous! Even I want a family and some adventure!"
"Then why not go now? Headmaster knows it's bad to keep a girl your age locked up in this orphanage."
"I'm not—"
"You know what I mean by that." Rahny cut her off, "Look, I'm 19 right now but at your age I was travelling with a mercenary band from town to town, seeking adventure for three years. To be honest, I only did it at first because there was a guy in the group that I liked. He's like a whole decade older and I've known him since childhood."
Her smile suddenly faded and she rubbed the top of her hand.
"W-What happened? Did he dump you?"
"Ahaha!" she played it off with a laugh, "No, it's, well, he was killed along with the rest of the group when a bunch of demihumans attacked our camp. We weren't even in their territory that night so it was very strange at the time for them to be near human villages."
Rahny shrugged, "I'm positive it's the war that drove them near humans. Isn't it quite funny how ironic the situation is? They flee from terror yet inflict it on humans. Man, being surrounded by these joyful kids made me forget about that day for a bit."
"Rahny…"
"Don't look so down on my behalf. I chose to work here and can leave anytime to go experience that life again but I want to see these kids grow a little bit." She looked at the children with warm eyes, "But you should do what I did. Just give it a year at best and see if you want to return back to this boring life."
Calling it boring is quite something… But it's a relatively safe and joyful life if one appreciates the little things one has like a roof over your head and a gathering of others you can call "family".
Of course, Bethany's biggest worry was—
"I'm sure even your mother wants you to experience a fulfilling life. Hehehe, she let it slip that you want to give her grandchildren, so you don't actually want to grow old here, do you, Bridge~?"
"…" Bethany blushed.
Yes, while she does prefer women, she wants children as well to complete that family she wants to create and nurture. Not adopted children, but children she nurtured in her body.
"Let me shut up for a bit. Bridge, what do you think is a fulfilling life for you, if even just temporary?"
"Fueh? M-Me? …Erm… I-I want… to… to be with Miss G-Galadriel… By her side… always…"
"Hmm, I don't really know a Galadriel. Is she famous?"
"She's… a part of Misteltein."
Rahny's eyes suddenly sparkled, "You know a member from that party personally!? Please introduce me to Nova!"
"H-Hold on, I don't know them well enough to do that…"
"Why are you so selfish!? You get to be with the person you admire but I can't get the same thing!? So cruel!"
"T-That's not it—"
A yellow flash suddenly came from outside—then a crash followed, alerting the two. But that wasn't all, several booms sounded from nearby, causing the children to scream and run away from the windows.
"D-Did that just come from the barn? It felt so close." Rahny panicked.
**
Rahny and Bethany left the house from the back door to sneak around the back. The windows and doors were barricaded because they were afraid whatever just attacked the barn might aim for the house. The barn was near the front of the house so the safest place to be now was at the very back. Thinking so, the two girls made their way there to investigate.
Bethany would usually worry about her mother at a time like this but her mother was safely in the city. She took the older boys with her to help her with getting bulk supplies. Winter is still far away but it didn't hurt to prepare in case the program ran out.
In any case, they'll be away for a few days to gather everything so Bethany could breathe a sigh of relief. She was still worried about the headmaster, though… the two just left right after barking orders at the children to barricade the house.
"A-A barrier?" Bethany and Rahny looked with wide eyes and gaping mouths at the transparent yellow barrier that covered the barn. It
Just then, another gigantic explosion shook the surroundings. It was coming from outside the barrier. Following the trajectory of the spell, the girls noticed a small group of hooded figures, all making handsigns and chanting something.
Immediately after noticing the group, a magic circle appeared above them and fired a massive ball of energy at the barrier. Looking at the cracks that were continuing to break apart, the barrier will shatter any minute now.
But who or what is in the barn for them to want to get inside? Bethany wasn't aware of anything magic item in the barn that can create a barrier like that. And there aren't any runes drawn inside the building itself so there was definitely someone inside it that they were unaware of until now.
"What should we do? Do you think we're in danger…?" Bethany asked Rahny in a whisper.
"No… Since they're attacking the barn with such powerful spells, they must be certain that their target is in there… But just to be safe, we should send someone to the city to get elp. I heard the red knights that serve the city lord are strong enough to fight with S-class monsters. If it's them—"
Another boom interrupted her, sending debris flying their way.
"R-Rahny!" one of the pieces of rock flying through the air hit Rahny in the head. The powerful wind then blew the two away.
In the midst of all that, the sound of glass shattering reverberated.
A shadow appeared in front of Bethany before she could go help her friend.
"—Eh?"
It was their harvester's shadow, a machine gifted to them by the city. The force of the blast was so powerful that it was being thrown right towards the house.
If that thing hit the house, many will die.
"Everyone!! Get out of the house!" she could do nothing but scream at the realization that the children she cared for and who looked up to her, will be crushed by that thing. The brittle wooden walls wouldn't be able to stop that thing.
At the same time as her shout, a towering wall of ice suddenly appeared in front of the house and in front of the two girls.
And standing before it—her silhouette framed by snowflakes that hadn't been there a moment ago—was a woman.
She had flowing white hair and wore a dress as pale as frost, its fabric swirling like mist around her feet. Her presence silenced the storm. Cold radiated from her, not cruel, but sharp—pure.
Bethany stared, breath caught in her throat.
The woman moved her hand, making her misty frost surround the harvester and she effortlessly threw it aside. Her wall of ice shattered into large pikes.
"Who's that!?" one of the hooded figures noticed before they could head into the barn.
"Doesn't matter! Get rid of her and capture the target as planned!" another hooded figure replied, dashing towards the barn. However, ice rose from the ground, turning into a golem-like creature. It swung its large arm and swiped two of the five hooded individuals.
Without warning, it crushed them with immense force, their bodies soup and bones.
"How can a mere summon defeat two level 80s!? Use fire runes! I'll use that chance to get the target!"
"S-Sir, I can't move my hands!" one of them panicked as they lifted their hands that wouldn't move no matter how much they tried.
"Dammit! Kill the ice witch—"
Before they could even act on that order, the ice pikes flying above the mysterious woman impaled them all. It flew so fast that Bethany couldn't even see it move. Naturally, not even they could dodge in time. But the woman was careful enough to not kill the remaining three, instead impaling their limbs.
"I apologize for how rough I am," an angelic voice sounded in Bethany's ears. It was coming from the white beauty, "I cannot control my powers completely yet but since you are putting innocent lives in harm's way, I will not stop until the danger is averted. But you are welcome to surrender and retreat.."
She walked forward, each step painting the green grass beneath her, white.
"Should you return, however, I will do everything in my power to kill you."
"Guh! Tactical retreat!" a black energy surrounded them before shooting in a random direction. Likewise, the corpses of the former two also disappeared along with them.
The ice pikes fell on the ground once they were gone.
The beauty glanced towards Bethany.
"!" caught dazed by her almost perfect face, Bridgete stared blankly.
She gave a gentle smile before walking towards the barn.
"You may come out, I will not hurt you."
With no hesitation, or perhaps just enthralled by the woman's loving voice, the person opened the barn door.
The one who came outside was a young maiden in a torn dress, her golden locks of hair unkempt and strands sticking to her sweaty and muddy face.
**
The sound of a door closing shut echoed down the hallway. Bethany just came out of the room where Rahny lay. Fortunately, she only had a concussion which was confirmed by the headmaster who checked up on her.
As she walked down the hallway, aiming for the living room, she could hear voices getting louder.
One of those voices belonged to the "Ice Witch".
When she arrived at the living room door, she saw several of the children curiously peeking inside while the rest were inside, listening to the conversation.
"—I… I'm very sorry for putting all of you in danger like that…" the "princess" bowed her head.
"It is fine. I am just relieved no one was injured, including you." The Ice Witch, Siana von Luthwroth, replied with a smile, "Now that we know where you are from, what reason do those people have to come after you?"
Her smile faded away, replaced by a serious expression.
"…I-If I were to tell the truth, I would be breaking an oath to… my ancestors…" the princess lowered her head, making herself smaller, and timidly glanced up.
"Princess, if you don't at least tell the city lord why people are causing trouble in his land, he will chase you out."
"How can someone be so heartless and selfish!?" one of the boys yelled, "If I ruled this city, I would do my best to help you, Miss!"
"That is just the kind of person he is. He does not want trouble in his lands, just like any other feudal lord. Of course, should he chase you out, I will take you to the empire myself where you can seek refuge. The emperor will surely help the princess of another nation since this will put your father in his debt."
"That… is true… But to reveal something like that to people outside my tribe…"
"Tribe?"
"My grandmother comes from a tribe that lay a bit west from the Republic's many villages. She settled down with a person outside her tribe years later when she bought land in a village."
'Don't the Mountains of Wails lay in that direction?'
From what Bethany heard, most of the villages close to that death zone were abandoned since many monsters used to spawn and attack the villagers. She also hasn't heard of any tribe that live in that area. Of course, it could be a tribe unknown to the civilized world, just like the tribe that worshipped the Land God, Phistia, who only recently started integrating into civilization in Whitage City.
The children from that tribe even played with the orphanage children regularly so it's a sign they aren't uncomfortable or feel left out.
"Is your father aware of this oath you have with your ancestors?"
"He knows but never pried, even after my mother died."
"How are you so certain they're after you because of your connection to your ancestors? You said only your father knows."
"I-I'm not sure but this isn't the first time I've been attacked. It started a few months ago when the dragon lords left the nation to attend a summit somewhere deep in the mountains, as if the attackers had been waiting for the moment."
"As guardians of the Republic, why would they risk the nation's safety just for a summit?"
"I don't know… They seemed in a hurry and didn't inform the council beforehand."
"Eh? You guys communicate with the dragons?" One of the children asked, "Isn't that impossible…"
"The dragon lords are capable of speaking our language due to how long they've lived among humans and given their intelligence." Wistorina replied.
"I find it very strange. Usually, they wouldn't leave humans to fend for ourselves due to the insurmountable threats that lurk outside our realm. Even during the war against the demons, they offered their strength to help us."
"So, something like this never happened before?"
The princess nodded at Siana's question.
"Hmm… I think it's best to look into it."
"That's what the council suggested the night before the banquet in the castle."
"Leave this to us. You just focus on recovering your strength and resting. We leave at the crack of dawn. Before that, you look like you need to say something."
Head bowed, Wistorina spoke:
"I only ask for a carriage that can take me to the empire, if the city lord is unable to provide me a roof for tonight…"
"We should go hear what he has to say first. Then we can make preparations to leave tomorrow." Siana said as she stood up, "Maybe he wants to use this opportunity to get your father in his debt."
Siana clapped her hands, "All of you will need to pack your things and come with me to the city. I'll have one of the inns take all of you in. There's no telling if that group will launch an attack on a similar scale to the Republic so the city walls will be much safer for all of you."
"But to leave everything behind…" The headmaster frowned.
"It will only be for a few days. Or until we're certain it's safe."
"I… understand. Children, pack only the essentials and clean clothes for the next two days then we meet back here in the living room."
"Okaaay~" all of them said in unison before bolting upstairs.
Siana looked at the dejected princess, "You need not fret about your city. If Arnold sees a benefit to helping you, he will do his utmost to stop any threats from coming your way. And with him fighting on your side, you have no one to fear in this world."
Every child in this room could sense the confidence in her voice.
"R-Really? He's that strong?"
"Mhm. The strongest man I've ever met."
The fear seemed to fade from the princess' face when even the powerful witch reassured her that there was an even more powerful person in this city that could provide adequate safety.