The red silk curtains inside luxurious carriage swayed gracefully. Two strong horses pulled the carriage, moving steadily through the bustling streets of the city of Laatsefort. Sierra, the respected queen of the Bajalekat kingdom, sat with dignity inside. Her lovely and authoritative face shone under the brilliant sunlight, but her eyes were fixed on the scenery outside the window.
As the carriage moved, Sierra observed the crowd respectfully clearing a path for her. They paid homage to their queen, but Sierra's heart was drawn to some teenagers standing among them. Among them, a young man captured her attention with a presence that stirred her.
"Rozer," Sierra murmured softly, uttering a name she longed for. As a steadfast queen, Sierra felt unexpected emotional vibrations. The young man in the crowd, whose eyes were similar to the son he had not seen for a long time who was entrusted to Zerenia, evoked buried memories.
Zerenia, with confident strides from the academy, stopped at the gate. In front of him, a luxurious carriage pulled by two majestic horses became an unexpected obstacle. His face showed calmness, as if he had predicted this event. As expected, someone who had just occupied his thoughts appeared gracefully from the carriage, instantly capturing attention with her red dress. The woman was Sierra. She waved her hand, inviting Zerenia to enter.
The horses resumed their journey after Zerenia sat in the plush seat inside the carriage.
"Long time no see, brother," said Sierra.
"Indeed, Sierra," replied Zerenia.
"Where is Rozer? Isn't today his entrance exam to the academy?" Sierra inquired.
"He has returned home with Tania," Zerenia answered with a concerned expression.
"Was Rozer not accepted into the academy because he's too exceptional as a young wizard?"
"That's not true. He entered the academy at my request to the headmaster."
"Why did you ask the headmaster?"
"Forgive me, Sierra. I couldn't guide your son wisely."
"Why? Did Rozer become a troublesome child?"
"No, during his time with me, Rozer was obedient, honest, and loved challenges. But—"
"That sounds good, doesn't it?"
"But I forgot to educate him in etiquette and general knowledge. Only magic and martial arts are what he knows."
"For eleven years?"
"Forgive me."
Sierra chuckled, "Isn't he like you when you were a child? I bet he also follows your habit of skipping breakfast."
Zerenia fell silent, unable to deny her words.
"But as long as he's fine, it's okay. Have you told Rozer that he's not your biological child?"
"I told him the truth a year ago."
"How did he react? Surprised? Did he want to meet me immediately?"
"Unfortunately, that's not what he said."
Slightly shaken, Sierra, with a surprised expression, said, "Considering I think of him all the time, then what did he say?"
"He said he's grateful that I am his father, and Tania is his mother. He also said you are a good person."
"That's it?"
"Those words alone made me happy," Zerenia said with a smile.
Sierra smiled too, and said softly, "Your prayers are answered then."
"Did you say something?"
"Never mind."
The horse-drawn carriage slowed down until it stopped in front of Zerenia's residence, guiding the master's arrival. With graceful steps, Zerenia stepped down from the carriage, inviting Sierra, "Maybe Rozer is already inside. Let's go in."
Every step Sierra took towards the house made her heart beat faster, an inevitable tension present with each step. Her first meeting with the son separated for eleven years made her feel uneasy.
Zerenia knocked on the door slowly, and a Butler—Lakei opened it, greeting warmly, "Welcome, Master Zerenia, Queen Sierra." Another servant along with Tania joined, welcoming their arrival politely, "Welcome."
With a sharp gaze, Zerenia asked Tania, "Where is Rozer?"
Tania replied, "Earlier, he asked for money and went to the city alone."
Zerenia shook his head, astonishment visible on her face that Rozer had a new habit, "How about waiting inside, Sierra?" Zerenia's suggestion sounded gentle.
After finding composure, Sierra replied softly, "No need, I'll head palace soon."
"Don't you want to meet him right away?" Zerenia inquired.
"Considering he lives here now, I'll see him next time," Sierra replied firmly.
"If that's what you want," Zerenia said politely.
Sierra returned to the carriage, accompanied by thirteen house servants, Tania, and Zerenia.
"Send my regards to Rozer," Sierra requested.
"Of course," Zerenia promised, "And I will also leave Rozer for a while with Tania here, I will entrust them to you." he added.
"Why? Are you going back to the forest?" Sierra asked curiously.
"Tomorrow morning, I'll return. Please guide Rozer, Sierra," Zerenia requested with hope in his eyes.
"That's my duty as a mother, take care, brother."
"Certainly."
***
Everyone has different thoughts when seeing a teenager talking to himself in a bakery, whether the child is crazy or has an imaginary friend. Some feel pity, while others consider it a disturbance.
The relatively large bakery with eight tables and a glass wall facing the city streets had captured Rozer's heart since his first visit due to a coincidence. Not because of the place's luxury, but the sweet food called chocolate bread had stolen his heart. He had ordered four chocolate breads, and now only two remained on the plate.
He was currently talking to his khodam, whom he had summoned earlier and hadn't returned to his realm. The khodam's words couldn't be heard by anyone in the bakery except Rozer.
"Do you want to eat this?" Rozer asked.
Esh smiled, "No, just seeing you happy is enough for me."
Rozer looked at Esh with a puzzled expression.
"Forgive me, please continue with your meal."
Rozer's hand paused midway as he was about to put the bread in his mouth, then placed the bread back on the plate.
"Say it again."
"Please continue your meal—"
"Not that, why do you want to be with me?"
"Oh, forgive me. I have been sent by God to accompany you."
"Are you lying?"
"It's not my intention to lie; I'm only stating the truth."
"Why do you bring up the name of God?"
Esh just smiled silently, intending not to comment.
"What will you do to me? Are you a demon disguised as my khodam? Do you want to lead me astray?"
"That's not true; I am not a demon. I am only instructed to provide you with wisdom and the truth of the world."
"If that's true, I won't complain. I also want to know about it."
"With pleasure."
"Then why haven't you returned?"
"With all due respect, allow me to convey something."
"What?"
"Please grant me the authority to come to this world to impart knowledge to you anywhere, anytime."
"Okay, but with one condition, don't do anything without my knowledge."
"I accept your condition."
Then Rozer continued to devour the remaining bread until it was finished.
"Why haven't you returned?" Rozer asked.
"Allow me to accompany you until you return home."
"Alright."