Side Story 1
Late at night, Ibelinea, curled up on the attic bed, carefully opened her eyes.
She gently pushed aside the thin blanket and quietly got out of bed.
Today was a special day.
It was the first time Ibelinea, who had always stayed inside the mansion, would go out.
Of course, her father hadn’t given permission, so she was sneaking out alone.
Although no one ever came to the attic, Ibelinea moved cautiously, tiptoeing to avoid making any noise.
She carefully opened the old wardrobe.
“I left it here…”
Rising onto her tiptoes, she rummaged through the wardrobe and pulled out an old robe.
It was a bit dirty, taken secretly from the discarded belongings of the maids, but after washing it, it was reasonably clean.
Wearing the robe, Ibelinea took a deep breath and clenched her fists.
“It’s okay. I’m definitely going out today.”
She tiptoed out of the room.
The mansion was dark, lit only by the bare minimum of lights.
For a moment, fear made her shiver, but she gritted her teeth and descended the stairs.
She even carried her shoes in her hand, worried that the sound might give her away.
She ran along the passageway used for bringing in ingredients, which she had scoped out earlier in the day.
Her breath came in ragged gasps, and her heart pounded fiercely.
She nearly tripped but managed to regain her balance and kept running.
If I get caught this time, it won’t just be about missing a meal.
She might never leave the attic in her life.
But Ibelinea was determined to risk all of that just to step outside.
After running with her short legs for what felt like forever, she finally reached the passage for food deliveries.
She struggled with the large door, pushed it open, put on her shoes, and ran.
In the distance, she saw the faint outline of the exit.
Ibelinea beamed and ran even faster.
“I’m out…!”
The air was fresh.
A gentle breeze ruffled her hair.
It was nothing like the wind she felt through the small attic window.
Taking a deep breath, she quickly focused.
She had to return to the attic before dawn.
If she was careless, she might run into an early-rising maid, so she had to move as fast as possible.
The fortunate thing was that the market district wasn’t far from the residence of Duke Rotsfeldt.
Ibelinea hurried along.
Thanks to her haste, she arrived at the marketplace much sooner than she expected.
Her eyes sparkled at the sight.
Since a night market was in full swing, colorful lanterns hung everywhere, and delicious smells wafted through the air.
“Wow…”
She gaped in awe, taking in the sights around her.
Being small, she was jostled by the crowd, but the thrill of exploring outside was worth it.
She pressed the hood of her robe firmly over herself.
If anyone saw her red eyes, she would immediately be chased away.
She had come this far; she couldn’t go back empty-handed.
Then something caught Ibelinea’s attention.
“Come on, everyone, try a skewer! Only 1 copper each!”
She stopped instinctively.
Swallowing hard, Ibelinea stared at the chicken skewers.
The man promoting them noticed her gaze and bowed toward her.
Startled, Ibelinea pressed the hood closer to her face.
The man grinned and asked,
“Little one, want one?”
“Ah, n-no. I’m fine.”
She wanted it terribly, but she had no money.
Ibelinea hesitated and shook her head.
Before the man could say anything more, she hurried away.
Though she heard a voice calling behind her, she didn’t stop.
After running for a while, she entered a dark alley.
“Ha… ha…”
Unless she had been as tall as the man earlier, her small stature meant she had to tilt her head up, making her afraid her eyes might be noticed.
So she fled without speaking, avoiding the place altogether.
“Still, those chicken skewers looked really tasty…”
Thinking of them made her stomach grumble.
Blushing from embarrassment, she quickly looked around.
Thankfully, there was no one else in the dark, smelly alley.
Ibelinea moved again to head outside.
But then, someone blocked her path.
“Brother, aren’t you planning to go out today?”
“No.”
“You can’t live life so boringly, brother.”
Arsen raised an eyebrow at Jonas’ remark.
Then he calmed himself and said,
“I still have class left.”
“Eh, it’s not even an important class. Not economics or history.”
As Jonas said, the last class was art.
Arsen paused, and Jonas’ eyes lit up.
“Brother, let’s just go out for one day. Huh?”
“……”
“There’s a night market today. I’ll buy something delicious for you.”
Food at the palace was far superior, Arsen thought, and smiled inwardly.
Peeking out the window, he finally spoke.
“Alright.”
“Ha… okay, just me… huh? What did you say?”
“Let’s go out.”
Jonas blinked in surprise.
Then, regaining his composure, he hurried next to Arsen and asked,
“Really? Are you serious?”
“Yes. Move aside; I can’t think properly.”
“Wow… What’s going on? You always made me go alone before.”
“…Just felt like it.”
Indeed, this behavior was unlike Arsen.
He was never impulsive.
But today, for some reason, he wanted to go out.
Jonas was thrilled not to go alone.
Exploring alone had been boring, so this was perfect.
“Then, brother, let’s meet in thirty minutes at the servants’ passage.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t worry about the robe. I’ve got it.”
Jonas had always used that passage to sneak outside.
Winking at Arsen, Jonas dashed off.
Watching him leave, Arsen returned to his room.
Wearing luxurious clothes like before would make him stand out even with a robe over them.
He chose simple, unadorned clothes instead.
Jonas was already waiting where he said he would be.
“Brother! You really came!”
Jonas waved his hands enthusiastically.
As Arsen approached, Jonas handed him the robe.
“Here’s the robe. Since we’re similar in size, it should fit.”
“Alright.”
Arsen put on the robe.
Pulling the hood over, his golden hair and blue eyes were hidden.
Jonas smiled, satisfied.
“Let’s go, brother.”
Arsen nodded and followed him.
Jonas navigated the passage with ease.
Soon, they emerged outside.
“Ah, after studying all day, this feels refreshing.”
Jonas stretched.
Arsen shot him a look of exasperation.
“Watch your words. I know exactly what you were thinking during class.”
“You… knew?”
Jonas grinned.
Arsen shook his head and strode forward.
“Hey! Brother! Come along!”
Jonas hurried to catch up.
Jonas chattered endlessly on the way to the marketplace.
Arsen silently walked, feeling his ears might burst from all the talking.
Even though no one responded, Jonas was used to talking to himself.
“Do you know what’s the tastiest thing at the night market tonight?”
“……”
“It’s the chicken skewers with special sauce. I tried them last time—they were amazing. The palace chef is excellent, but there’s something unique about street food, you know?”
Jonas licked his lips just thinking about it.
Arsen clicked his tongue.
“Such a cheap taste.”
“Cheap? That’s harsh, isn’t it?”
Jonas pouted, but Arsen didn’t flinch.
It was harsh, but Jonas was used to it and just shrugged.
“Ah, we’re here.”
Arsen looked up slightly.
The colorful lanterns sparkled brilliantly.
Though late at night, many people were around, and voices of vendors calling out filled the air.
“Brother, how’s this? Huh?”
“……It’s overwhelming.”
Arsen frowned slightly.
Yet, he didn’t feel like returning to the palace.
Perhaps it was his first real adventure, and he felt he’d regret going back now.
Despite his words, he entered the night market, with Jonas grinning and hurrying along.
“I’ve brought plenty of money. If you want something, say it. Or anything you want to buy.”
“Alright.”
Arsen answered vaguely, scanning his surroundings.
Though Jonas had likely been here many times, he seemed as excited as a first-timer.
The stalls stretched endlessly.
“Take a look here!”
“Delicious sweets! Candy too!”
“Look at these pretty dolls!”
The loud voices made Arsen’s ears ache.
Jonas poked him.
“Brother, that’s the place I was talking about.”
Arsen turned to see where Jonas pointed.
It was the stall selling chicken skewers.
The food sizzled, and sweet, savory smells filled the air.
As Jonas said, it was popular, with a long line of people waiting.
“I’ll buy it. Wait here. I’ll get one for you too.”
“I don’t need it.”
“Come on, try it at least once. Wait here; I’ll be back!”
Before Arsen could reply, Jonas dashed off.
Arsen exhaled lightly, looking around until his gaze landed on a spot.
