Chapter 1

I WAS walking smoothly while observing creatures that walk through the path ahead me, here in the biggest market in Farianio where I see many of them scattered because this place is on demand. This kingdom is known by their trade business so it is nothing new to me.

Coming from the twelve kingdoms of Exo Losairos, Farianio is the second biggest among all of them. That is why life abundancy has always been observed, and that is also why I am here frequently. It only means that creatures with money will flock here so as their fortune.

I reached for the hood of my cloak and gently brush my hair for the gentleman that is eyeing me, looks like a golden-spooned folk for his elegant clothes, one that belongs to the noble blood line. I gave him a soft glance and smiled a little that makes his eyes twinkle.

He was leading the way across me so I weakly bumped with him intentionally.

"My apologies, Sir," I said while faking my shock and smile timidly to prove my sincerity.

"You need not to apologize, Miss." Shaking his head as he smiled to me dearly.

I know I am, indeed, beautiful so there is no need to tell the world. I said to myself while trying my best not to roll my eyes, continue to show the smile on my lips. "I have to go, Sir. Hoping for your shopping to go well."

I left even before he get to speak a word and continue my venture around, I did not plan to talk him further because I already have what I want from him. Smiling for my victory, I fish the purse from the cloak that covers my whole body. My smile widens as I open the purse seeing the huge amount of gold inside.

I was never wrong, that man is loaded. He is too engrossed with my beauty that he did not detect what I stole. What a fool. While at it, I noticed that my parrot has landed on my shoulder so I look at him.

"Beautiful miss! Beautiful miss!" he uttered using his little shrill voice.

"Indeed, Vivi, indeed. So undeniable," I said to him while flashing an arrogant smile. I really wanted to laugh hard but I do not want to cause a commotion alongside with these freaks thinking I am losing my mind.

I took one gold coin and put it in a much bigger purse which is hanging from my waist.

That gold coin can buy an approximately seven cavans of rice or a single yet very elegant clothing only the nobles and the royals can afford. I played it within my fingers while gradually observing my surrounding. I sneak a piece of apple and two of the cherries on one of the stalls that I passed, those merchants cannot catch my doings for they are busy enough with their fortunate customers.

I let Vivi eat the cherries while I wipe the apple on my cloth and immediately took a delicious bite. Sweet.

I looked on the side when I notice that a dirty girl is looking at me, seems like she saw what I did. She was with another child who looks much younger than her.

After I got to their spot, I gave her the gold coin while still eating the apple that I stole. She gave me a questioning look in return, hesitating to reach for the gold coin I am offering her but I assure her with a single nod. Signaling for her to get the coin from me, that it is safe.

"I appreciate your thought, beautiful miss," she timidly smiles while getting the coin from my hand. While looking at this child, her noticeable beauty caught my attention. Her skin is like a smooth chocolate that is delicious in taste while her hair is like the waves of the ocean who gives peace and calmness. I am sure that when she comes of age, boys of all class will get captured by her, like me. I just smile while shaking my head at that thought.

"It is my first time seeing you two here in the market."

"But we always get the chance to see you here, Miss," she said which makes me think. I sat in front of her for us to face eye-to-eye.

"It is prohibited to make alms anywhere in this kingdom, you are fortunate enough that the guards are still unaware and are not up for your heads for now," I said eyeing the other child in her embrace. As our eyes met, all I see is fear in her eyes while continue seeking shelter with his sisters frail body.

"It was our first time making alms here. It was just recently when our parents died and we have no other relatives to keep us."

It only makes my head knot, not only for what she says but also for the ways she conveys everything. It is proud for some reason with no speck of fear in it not unlike her sister who looks like peeing in her pants as of the moment. I thinks she is just seven or so but is already matured enough for the world. By the way she speak to the way she act. Very unlikely.

"Do you mind if I ask how they die?"

"They are servants of one of those nobles but they are killed for a reason I cannot understand," said the child flatly with no emotion at all. I wanted to be proud of her courage at a young age but my eyes wrinkle at the information. I do not know if feeling indignant is right or not by the way those monsters treat people whose below their status.

"You are fortunate they did not kill you apace with your parents. Why did you not inform the officers and the guards?"

"You already know that people on the lower houses of this kingdom have no right to speak against them. We are only servants in their eyes. Cheap and replaceable."

I just stared at her while realizing that these things did not even faze her in the least when it should.

"Are you not being chased by those nobles by knowing that they killed your parents?"

"We are being chased for our silence and we can only escape their claws because of my power. I intentionally let you see me because I want you to take both of us with you, Miss."

"Off-limits! Off-limits!" Vivi said but I am still like a stone because of shock on what I heard from the child.

"What? Do you know what you are talking about, Kid? And of all people and creatures here... me? Are you seriously kidding me?" I said while staring ridiculously at this ridiculous child.

"I know thieves like you are kind-hearted," she stated with full seriousness.

I laughed at what she said. It really feels like talking to a grown up and matured person.

"You really have no idea at what you are spouting, Kid."

"I am serious here, Miss," she said again which makes my brow arise.

I give it a thought for a while before speaking again. "Do you really want to come with me even though I am not from this kingdom? You will miss the kingdom you came from."

"Indeed, I want to come if you permit. And it is better to be away from this trash of a kingdom. Away from the monsters chasing us," she said while glancing her little sister with worried eyes.

I just cannot help but smirk while shaking my head. I still cannot believe that I am talking to someone way too young for me but with matured attitude and act, feels like much more older than me. I immediately nod my head as a sign of permission as it sinks to me that they are still being chased and they need to return their cover as soon as possible.

"Alright." I stand. "I will let you come but with a condition."

"What is it, Miss?" happiness evident in her voice but his face says the otherwise. It is still emotionless. That is when I noticed that her smile is capricious and very expensive because I only saw her smile when I gave her the coin. Strange kid.