The cold wind crashed against the fortress walls, and with it came the echo of heavy footsteps approaching the gates of the city Astreval.
There…
Stood a girl with a wig of golden hair, a heavy royal cloak, and perfectly crafted features shaped by a mask to resemble Princess Elena.
But beneath her calm appearance…
Lyrin was boiling with rage.
She raised her trembling hand, pressing her forehead from the tension, then hissed in a low, furious voice:
Lyrin (muttering to herself):
"That idiot…! How dare he send me to face Chimera itself…?! How dare he turn me into bait for an entire kingdom?!"
A guard ran toward her immediately. Because the mask made her look like the famous princess, he bowed at once:
Guard:
"Your Highness! Are you alright? We know the beast appeared suddenly, but the Black Knight told us—"
She cut him off, gritting her teeth:
Lyrin:
"I know… I know what he said."
But the guard did not notice the fury hidden behind her calm voice.
Her mind drifted back to that moment…
The moment she stood before Chimera, the mythical monster that tore apart the northern kingdom…
Lyrin (to herself):
After everything, I ended up in this city, disguised as a princess… forced to lie to everyone… trapped in a role I never chose.
She pressed her hand to her chest.
Lyrin (whispering):
"He said he was doing this to save me… but in the end?… He turned me into bait for an entire city."
She took a deep breath.
Closed her eyes…
And the memories came back.
✦ Flashback — The Small Tavern
After the meeting of the commanders ended, while they were thinking of a plan,
the Black Knight and Lyrin—disguised as Princess Elyana—slipped away, leaving behind two illusions:
one of Lyrin sleeping, and another illusion of the knight guarding outside.
The wooden table was old and slightly crooked, and the oil lamps hanging from the ceiling gave off a faint, uneven glow—barely enough to show their disguised faces.
The Black Knight sat calmly, wearing a cheap mask that hid his features completely, making him look like a worthless beggar.
As for Lyrin…
She felt suffocated—by her helplessness, her disguise, and the plan she had been dragged into without consent.
She leaned forward, whispering in a sharp, angry tone so no one else could hear:
Lyrin (hissing):
"Idiot… why did you bring me to a tavern? And why am I wearing this cheap disguise while you run around with some strange mask? And why… do you look like an ugly beggar? Even your voice is annoying!"
The knight didn't reply immediately.
He stayed silent… in a way that made her nerves burn even more.
Lyrin:
"Speak! You said you had something important to tell me."
He slowly lifted his head.
Even with the cheap mask, she could feel the cold steadiness of his gaze.
Black Knight (quiet, heavy):
"There is something… you need to know before we begin the plan."
Lyrin:
"What plan? Sitting here like a rat waiting for its fate?"
He ignored her words.
Then finally said:
Black Knight:
"I lied about the jewel."
Lyrin's face froze.
The world went silent for a moment.
She heard the sentence… but could not process it.
Lyrin (voice trembling with anger):
"What… did you say?"
The knight lowered his voice even more, as if afraid the walls themselves would hear:
Black Knight:
"The jewel… does NOT gain power from killing monsters."
Lyrin's eyes narrowed.
Lyrin:
"Continue."
He glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then said:
Black Knight:
"The true secret of the jewel…
is that it is a one-use relic that can purge blood weaker than its essence.
And the blood I poured on you… was fake."
Lyrin slammed her hand on the table.
Lyrin:
"Fake blood?! Are you serious?!"
He did not answer.
The knight lifted the jewel slightly, then returned it to his pocket—
as if the truth he revealed was only the beginning.
Black Knight:
"The plan from the start… was never about the jewel.
Your role in facing Chimera… was intentional.
Because it is coming to this city—
and only you and I know."
Lyrin stared at him, her world shaken.
Lyrin (eyes widening in fury):
"Intentional?
Are you saying you planned for me to face Chimera?!
Are you insane?! Do you think I—"
A small voice cut through her rising anger:
Young girl:
"Excuse me… Have you decided what you want to order?"
Lyrin turned sharply toward her, snapping:
How dare yo—
But her voice died instantly.
Lyrin (to herself, shocked):
Impossible… Freila…? No… it can't be…
The girl looked too familiar—
familiar enough to tear at Lyrin's nerves.
The small girl stepped closer shyly, holding a notepad.
Young girl:
"D-did you say something, miss?"
But before Lyrin could answer, a man wearing a work apron rushed over angrily.
Worker:
"What are you doing, you idiot?! I told you not to bother the customers!"
He raised his hand and slapped the girl harshly.
She fell to the ground.
Lyrin froze.
A moment of silence…
Then her eyes ignited with fury.
Her hand slid toward the hidden dagger under her dress, ready to draw it—
But before she moved,
the Black Knight grabbed her wrist firmly and gave her a silent signal:
Black Knight (sharp gaze):
"Not now."
Lyrin couldn't believe he dared hold her back.
Lyrin (furious whisper):
"Let go… That bastard hit a child!"
But the knight stood up with calm, measured steps—
steps that carried real threat.
He stood before the worker.
Black Knight:
"Do not raise your hand again."
The worker scoffed, unaware of whom he was provoking:
Worker:
"Oh great, another beggar sticking his nose in things? Get lost or—"
The rest of the sentence vanished.
The knight's arm moved like a shadow, grabbing the man's wrist with crushing strength.
Time stopped.
Black Knight (a death-like whisper):
"I said…
do not raise your hand again."
Pain twisted the worker's face as he felt the pressure.
The knight released him without leaving a visible injury…
But the message was clear.
The worker staggered back, trembling.
Then the knight approached the fallen girl, kneeling to help her stand.
Black Knight:
"You did nothing wrong."
The girl blinked fearfully.
"Th-thank you… sir."
Black Knight:
"Bring me lamb, salad, and rice."
Girl:
"O-of course, sir…"
The knight returned to his seat without another word.
Lyrin watched silently—angry, confused… but unable to deny what she just saw.
She looked at him:
Lyrin:
"Why did you stop me? I would have—"
Black Knight:
"Killing a simple worker… would turn the whole city against us.
We are in disguise.
We don't have time for chaos."
Lyrin stayed silent, though anger still churned inside her.
Then softly:
Lyrin:
"So what's your plan, you bastard?"
This time, the knight answered with a heavier, colder tone:
Black Knight:
"The plan is simple…
Chimera will reach the city walls in five days.
It can hide its aura.
And you… will face it.
Because now, you have a clear purpose."
Lyrin:
"You damned—"
Black Knight:
"I know it will be hard…
But I promise you:
If you kill it, I will let you take the little girl with you.
No conditions."
Lyrin:
"What?!"
Black Knight:
"…That is, if you can survive to your last breath."
Lyrin fell silent.
Then tensely:
Lyrin:
"How do I know you won't deceive me?"
He didn't respond with words this time.
He pulled out a sheet marked with a black metal seal.
Black Knight:
"This will prove I cannot deceive you."
Lyrin's eyes widened instantly.
Lyrin:
"Wait…!
Is that a Roma Contract?
You're joking… No one dares use that kind of magic!"
Black Knight:
"I know.
No one escapes a Roma Contract…
Even Caligran himself couldn't break one."
Lyrin:
"Wait— do you kn—"
Black Knight (cutting her off):
"It doesn't matter what I know.
I'm doing it now."
He placed his hand on the seal and whispered words like hissing steel:
Black Knight:
"By the magic of the Roma Contract…
this pact spares no one who breaks it.
If I betray this girl or deceive her…
let its curse do to me what it is written to do.
And if I fulfill it… let it take only the agreed price."
"And if you fail your part…
know that you have angered the Black Fox."
Lyrin hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand on the parchment:
Lyrin:
"Let this magical contract be witness to my agreement.
If he breaks its terms…
let the curse fall upon him in full."
"And if you don't…
remember—you will have angered the Black Fox."
The seal glowed briefly… then faded.
The pact was sealed.
Black Knight:
"Now… I cannot lie or deceive you.
The contract settles everything."
Lyrin:
"Fine… then how do you kn—"
Black Knight (sharply interrupting):
"Not now.
I'll explain everything…
after we leave the city and finish what I planned."
Before she could respond, the little girl returned carrying the tray with clear effort:
Girl:
"H-here… your food."
Black Knight:
"Thank you."
She placed the dishes down and hurried away.
Lyrin:
"…"
Black Knight (pushing the plate toward her):
"Why aren't you eating?
Isn't this your favorite dish?
Consider it your small reward…
before you face Chimera."
Lyrin:
"…."
✦ The Next Morning
Lyrin woke to the sound of hurried footsteps in the hall, and a cold breeze entering from the wide room's window—
the room prepared for "the princess."
She stared blankly… then remembered.
That bastard…
The Black Knight…
Left at dawn with two of the city's strongest captains.
Without telling her.
Without asking her.
And of course—
without apologizing.
She ripped the blanket off angrily:
Lyrin (furious):
"How dare he leave me alone after dragging me into this?!
He plans… disappears…
and leaves me pretending to be the princess while Chimera approaches?!"
She paced the room, her real hair tied messily under the golden wig, her face twisted in irritation.
Lyrin:
"Idiot… bastard… heartless fool…"
Then she stopped suddenly when she remembered:
"At least… he didn't stop me from speaking to the little girl."
She made her way down the narrow street toward the tavern, two disciplined guards following her—"for her protection."
She hated the idea of having guards, especially while disguised…
But no one dared argue with "the princess."
She pushed the tavern door open to the same scene as last night:
simple wooden tables, the smell of old bread, and the old worker polishing cups behind the counter.
At a corner…
the little girl was cleaning a table with her thin hands, silent, focused, as if the world weighed on her shoulders.
She looked up and her eyes widened:
Girl:
"Y-Your Highness! Welcome!"
She bowed deeply—too deeply—terrified of making a single mistake.
Lyrin approached and sat on an old wooden chair, despite the guards' disapproval behind her.
Guard 1:
"Your Highness, this place is not befitt—"
Guard 2:
"You should return to—"
Lyrin raised her hand slowly…
Then gave them a cold stare that froze their blood.
Lyrin:
"Where I sit is none of your concern."
Silence fell.
Then she added, her voice calm but sharp enough to cut air:
Lyrin:
"I want you both to leave.
I want to speak to the girl alone.
And remove that wretched worker from my sight,
or I will consider his presence a royal insult."
The guards exchanged a panicked glance, swallowed hard:
Both:
"Y-Yes, Your Highness!"
They rushed out immediately.
The old worker protested angrily:
Worker:
"What—?! Why are you dragging me out?! I didn't—"
A shove from the guard silenced him:
Guard 1:
"The princess does not wish to see you. Be quiet."
The tavern fell silent.
No guards.
No worker.
Only the girl and Lyrin.
Lyrin crossed her legs slowly, raising her chin as a real princess—though her heart still boiled with rage and tension.
The girl stood trembling before her, hands clasped, eyes darting fearfully.
Lyrin (steady tone):
"Sit. I won't hurt you."
The girl hesitated, then sat on the edge of the chair, ready to flee.
Silence.
Then Lyrin spoke softly—
with a hint of warmth unusual for her:
Lyrin:
"What is your name… little one?"
The girl's eyes dropped instantly to the floor.
Girl (barely audible):
"I… I can't tell you."
Lyrin raised a brow.
Lyrin (gentle):
"And why not?"
The answer hit like a small shock.
ice barely above a whisper:
"The… restaurant owner… he says my name doesn't suit me.
He always calls me… 'Temptation.'
He says… that's my new name."
The girl's fingers trembled as she continued…
as if a single word from that man could crush her spirit.
Lyrin froze.
Then her calmness shifted into something darker…
a silent fire igniting behind her eyes.
It was one of the most dangerous types of anger—
the kind where no voice is raised, yet the very air tightens around the person.
Lyrin whispered, her tone sharp like a blade:
"That man… called you Temptation?"
She didn't wait for a reply.
She leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing:
"What right does he have to strip away your name?
Who allowed him… to decide who you are?"
The little girl lowered her head even more…
her fingers trembling over the wooden table, as if afraid to touch even the air.
Then she spoke softly—
the voice of a child who had never been heard, never been held:
"I… I have never had a real name since I was born."
Lyrin went still.
It felt as though someone had pulled all the air out of the room.
"…What?"
The girl lifted her eyes slightly.
A small tear glimmered there, refusing to fall—as if she had trained herself not to cry.
She whispered:
"I was born on the far edge of the Eastern Plain…
in a place they call the Gray Village.
A village where those who lost everything lived…
and no one had a name there.
We were just… children without identity."
She paused, then continued with a voice deeper than a child her age should have:
"There… our existence didn't matter.
No one asked about us.
No one called for us.
We only… worked, lived, and disappeared if we got sick or collapsed."
Something tightened in Lyrin's chest.
The girl's words were simple…
but so cruel they could break a heart.
The girl spoke again:
"When the village burned… I escaped alone.
I didn't know where to go.
I walked for days… with no food.
No name.
No one."
Her lips trembled:
"When I reached this city… I thought I would finally be safe.
But the restaurant owner said…
said that someone like me didn't deserve a real name."
Her shoulders shrunk inward, as if trying to make herself smaller—
small enough to disappear from the world.
With a broken voice, she said:
"So… I remained nameless.
I worked in exchange for food.
And sometimes… in exchange for people not yelling at me."
A heavy silence fell.
A silence so thick Lyrin felt her heart tearing.
She had always pretended to be strong. Loud. Unbothered.
But now?
She couldn't.
Lyrin's breath trembled.
She lifted a hand to her mouth…
her eyes filling with tears she didn't expect.
With a cracking voice, she whispered:
"How… how could a child survive all of this?"
No one answered.
The little girl lowered her gaze again, as if she was used to telling her story without anyone caring.
But this time…
A tear fell from Lyrin's eye onto the table.
Then another.
Then another.
Her voice shook:
"No child… should ever be without a name.
Or be treated like this…"
Lyrin slowly reached out.
She hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand on the girl's trembling one.
A warm hand… shaking, but sincere.
"From today onward… you will no longer be nameless."
The girl looked up at her, shocked.
She asked in a fragile voice:
"Why… why are you crying?"
Lyrin laughed softly—a broken little laugh—and wiped her tears.
"Because your story… is cruel enough to bend even the strongest hearts."
The girl hesitantly touched the drops of tears on the table.
Then she looked at Lyrin as if seeing a human being for the first time.
Lyrin gently wiped the last tear clinging to the girl's cheek.
Her expression held no anger now—only a rare warmth that hadn't appeared on her face in a long time.
"From today on… I will call you Freyla.
And you will live with me… wherever I go."
The girl's eyes widened in disbelief—
a shock closer to fear than joy.
"B-but… Princess… that's too much… I can't…"
Before she could finish, Lyrin leaned toward her, lowering her voice—firm yet gentle:
"I don't care what anyone says.
Not the leaders… not the people of the city…
not even that damned Black Knight himself."
She paused, then spoke with a softer tone:
"And don't call me Princess.
Just call me Nini.
Call me that."
The girl hesitated… then a shy, tiny, but genuine smile appeared on her lips for the first time.
"Okay… Nini."
A small shiver ran down Lyrin's spine.
She wasn't used to hearing her favorite nickname from someone she cared about…
but hearing it from this little girl felt different.
As though something inside her—something she thought long dead—
could still feel.
Lyrin lifted her gaze toward the small restaurant window.
The gray sky hinted at the start of a new day.
A day holding something unknown…
but for the first time, Lyrin wasn't facing it alone.
A faint smile touched her lips.
She whispered:
"No one will ever hurt you again…
That's a promise."
And for the first time, Freyla sat without fear…
without trembling…
as if she had finally found a place she belonged.
TO BE CONTINUED…