Ser had grown up in a poor family. As the youngest and weakest child, he was neglected by almost everyone around him.
Even his parents cared for nothing beyond their survival.
Eventually, they sold him to local slave traders for money.
His memories from before being a slave had long faded, buried beneath the years of cruelty. Growing up as a slave, distrust became his second nature. It was no longer a choice but an instinct.
Eventually, Ser forgot what it means to feel anything at all. His face became hollow, emotionless shaped only by faint tremor of fear that clung to him like shadow.
During the few days after his first encounter with Liana and before their journey to the town of Valka. Ser did not simply rest.
He practiced walking and, his posture to seem normal. Liana spent that time teaching Ser how to express himself, how to respond or how to smile.
How to be human.
***
The bustling chatter of crowd still echoed their ears as they walked deeper into the town.
Once again, Liana's gaze fell onto a certain building. Without a word, she began walking toward it, with Ser following behind.
This structure seemed rather fancy than the previous one. Its concrete walls polished smooth, its windows framed with silver trim that caught the afternoon light.
As they stepped inside, a woman greeted them with a graceful bow.
"Welcome, Lady Liana and Sir."
The woman seemed no older than Liana, her long grey black hair falling to her waist.
"Lord Leif has been expecting you." She said with a polite smile. "Please, follow me."
She led them down a short corridor, stopping before a door. With a courteous gesture, she motioned toward it.
Liana nodded and opened the door, motioning for Ser to enter with her.
Inside, the room radiated quiet luxury. Elegant paintings adorned the walls. The room was illuminated by a luxurious lamp hanged at the middle of the ceiling.
Just beneath the lamp stood a polished wooden table, flanked on both sides by red sofas.
On one of it, a man was sitting. His neat brown mustache covered his mouth, his brown hair falling up to his shoulders. A single spectacle rested on his left eye, glinting faintly under the light.
His attire, a deep purple suit and matching hat. He looked at them with a grin.
"Ah, you finally came. Please, have a seat."
Liana took his offer and Ser quietly followed.
"Allow me to introduce you."
Liana raised her palm pointing towards the man.
"This is Leif, the owner of this building."
Liana glanced at Ser.
"And this is Servus. I would like you to select some cloth for him, Leif."
"Servus? Odd name." Leif raised a brow. "And cloth? Not clothes?"
Liana nodded with a faint smile.
"I will sew the clothes myself."
"I see." Leif murmured thoughtfully rubbing his chin.
"Well, no matter." He turned his attention to Ser.
"So, Servus, what color do you prefer?"
"Something plain, I think." Ser replied.
Leif nodded. He rang the small call bell that was resting on the table.
The door creaked open a few moments later, as the previous woman walked inside, bowing slightly.
"How may I assist you, Lord Leif?"
"Bring me all the varieties of code Zero."
Leif ordered.
"At once, my Lord." The woman left, returning shortly with a neat stack of folded cloths in her arms-red, white, green, purple, yellow, and black.
Leif spread them out across the table, running his hands over each fabric before turning to Ser.
"Take your time. Which one do you like best?"
Ser studied them quietly. After a moment's thought, he pointed to the black cloth.
"I will go with this one."
Leif smiled faintly. "A fine choice."
He again rang the bell. Moments later, the woman stepped back inside and bowing slightly.
"Please prepare this one." He said, pointing to the black cloth Ser had chosen.
The woman nodded, gathered the cloths, and quietly left the room.
"In the meantime," Leif said with a grin. "Who might this young man be?"
"I-I'm Servus, Lord Leif." Ser replied in a confusing tone.
Leif chuckled and waved a hand. "No, no, I was not asking your name, Servus." Leif's gaze turned to Liana. "What I meant was, what is your relationship with the Empress of Death?"
"Leif!" Liana snapped, her voice sharp. "I have told you to not call me that."
Ser froze, his heart skipping a beat.
Leif immediately paled as he shouted courageously. "Bu- But I am curious!"
Liana's brow twitched in irritation. She exhaled slowly.
"What am I going to do with you..." She muttered under her breath.
Leif leaned forward, eyes gleaming with foolish curiosity. "I mean, really! You had never brought anyone before let alone a young boy. C-Could it be that your... interests lie in youngsters?!"
"No, you idiot!"
Despite her anger, Liana somehow managed to keep her composure.
"He is my son." She said, lifting her chin proudly.
Leif's jaw dropped. "Huh?! You?! A son?!" He gawked at her eyes, wide in disbelief.
"I do not believe it."
"Believe it or not, it is the truth." Liana replied calmly, still proud.
Leif slumped back into the sofa with a defeated sigh.
Meanwhile, Ser stood quietly, his thoughts reeling at Liana's words. "Son." The word echoed his mind, twisting into disbelief.
Before he could think further, the door creaked open once more. The same woman entered, this time holding a large pouch, which she presented to Liana with a bow.
"Here it is, Lady Liana."
Liana accepted the pouch and stood, motioning for Ser to follow.
"Thank you for your trouble." She said gracefully.
Ser gave a polite bow, then followed her out of the room.
The heavy door closed behind them, leaving Leif sighing into the quiet.
The bustling chatter of crowd filled their ears as they stepped outside.
"So, where now?" Ser asked.
"One more place, and then we will return." Liana replied with a smile.
Their footsteps grew softer as they disappeared deeper into the town.