The light of the First Morning shone through cloth blinds.
He laid comfortably on his soft cotton bed, motionless, staring at his wooden ceiling above.
The warm breeze of summer tenderly caressed his face, wafting the invigorating smell of herbs strewn across the floor. They were meant to counteract the coarse scent of wood that flooded his room, despite being even more pungent.
He woke to the feeling every single day. He was used to the herbs, the warm air, and the bed. It was all natural to him.
And yet, as he touched his eyes,
he felt tears on his face.
...
Karlos splashed his face with the bucket of cold water his maidservant, Sibylle, had brought from the village well. Washing his face, he could see her figure step out from the doorframe and into the room.
"Good morning, Karlos." She greeted him with a bow.
The elegant woman was in her late 30s and wearing the typical uniform for servants from his household - a deep navy blue dress made of fine quality threads that reached just above her ankles, accompanied by a blue bonnet embroidered with his family crest. Her hazelnut brown hair with a touch of blonde was supplement to her piercing jet-black eyes, reminiscent of her mother who had served Karlos's father years ago.
"Good morning, Sibylle." Karlos returned the greeting drowsily. For whatever reason, he felt exhausted. There was something like a memory nagging at him from the back of his mind, but he was too tired to care about it.
"I have prepared your meal, so feel free to eat whenever you'd like." She stated simply and bowed one more time, before walking out of the room almost mechanically. Before she left, Karlos could spot her carrying a large basket of wool towels.
I hope she doesn't work herself to exhaustion... Karlos sighed slightly. She was a hardworking lady, but at times she would focus more on her work than her own wellbeing. They were by no means short of manpower when it came to managing the manor, it was just that she had a habit of perfectionism.
Karlos fixed his blonde hair back into a ponytail, secured it with his favoured purple hairclip, and changed out of his sleeping gown into a comfortable brown coat.
After inspecting himself using the bronze mirror on his wall, he walked out of his chambers and entered the dining room.
Instantly, he was hit by the distinct smell of roasted ham, fresh fish, and various spices. Along the long table he saw several dishes, wines, as well as Alphonse, one of his servants and unofficial gardener, who had already began eating.
"Good morning." Karlos greeted as he took a seat.
The old servant appeared to be in his late 40s with gray hair. He wore a waistcoat, and his well-mannered demeanor spoke of his status. Seeing his master enter, he set down his utensils neatly and stood with a bow.
"Good morning, Sir."
Karlos returned the greeting and sat down beside him. Raising a fork, he began with the meats.
Freshly hunted rabbits were the appetizer, which were grilled to perfection and supplemented by the sweetness of honey, brought together by the tang of spices. Karlos savoured the plate of game neatly, before cleansing his palette with water.
Promptly moving on to the next dish, he welcomed a large chunk of jewel-like steak that oozed fragrant juices, alongside a hearty piece of buttered bread lightly soaked in sauces. It was likely deer meat, which were also a common animal found in Anafang.
As a fishing village located in the outskirts of the Holy Kingdom, Egris it's known primarily for their export of fish and fruit.
But, at least according to Karlos, the meat of their deer was second to none.
This looks incredible... But I hope they didn't go overboard purchasing these. Right, we're tight on funds this month as it is... Karlos silently reflected on yesterday's conversation with his steward as he readied the knife.
The knife.
The implement.
Karlos felt a tingling in his head. It began with the quickening of his heart, but soon it spread all over his body.
His eyes wouldn't leave the metal of the blade. He could only stare at his own, terrified expression as he breathed heavily.
Was it fear?
His eyes widened and darted around the plate of food in one moment, fixating on an object the next, before returning to the knife. He could barely feel his lungs, faced with indescribable pressure on his lower throat that only seemed to worsen the more he breathed.
It was only when his hands began trembling that Alphonse noticed what was happening. Seeing his expression, he expressed his concern.
"Sir, are you alright? You... You don't look well..."
'CLATTER'
Karlos dropped his utensil and began clutching his chest. Alphonse quickly left his seat and tried reassuring his master.
"Are you two quite alright?" Hearing the noise, Sibylle walked in from the kitchen. Her hands were still busy preparing another dish.
Karlos was unresponsive. He could only stare at his trembling hand as he breathed rapidly, not acknowledging either of their concerns. Seeing this, Sibylle put down the plate and rushed over to Karlos, grasping his hand tightly while Alphonse gently patted his back.
"Take deep breaths, Karlos." Sibylle comforted. "You're okay."
Breathe in...
Breathe out...
Keep it together.
Eventually, his senses come back to him, along with a wave of familiarity. Karlos took one last exhale and practically melted in his chair, exhausted. He looked up at the two, who had been anxious for his response.
He needed a reasonable explanation, but he was just as confused as either of them. He did have a fear of sharp objects since he was little, but Karlos had never been terrified by a knife to the extent he had trouble breathing, much less feel suffocated like so. He'd always just try not to focus on the blades, but this time...
"I... I'm sorry, I think the meat was slightly spoiled. I'm fine now. Thank you both."
Sibylle shook her head in concern and said, "If that's what happened, I will go retrieve my medical supplies..."
"She's right. Food spoilage isn't to be taken lightly." Alphonse agreed.
Karlos insisted with a forced smile, "No, there's no need to worry. It was only a small bite. I'll call for you if I start to feel worse, I'm alright now, really."
They were still worried, but if their master has said so, the two servants have take his word. Sibylle picked up the fallen utensils and bowed to the two as she took the dishes back into the kitchen. "Alright, please take care of yourselves. I'm deeply sorry for not noticing something this serious."
"It's fine." Karlos suppressed the stinging at the back of his throat. "I'll take a visit to the market and purchase some fresher meat."
Alphonse nodded and cleaned the table. After finishing this, he left the dining room and went over to Karlos, who was preparing to leave.
"Would you like me to accompany you, Sir?"
"There's no need, I'll be going with Miss Kassel." Karlos waved his hand and put on his silk cap, grabbed a basket, and opened the main door, letting in warmer air.
"Understood, I will tend to the garden." Alphonse gave a bow, but it was oddly stiff. His lips were parted, but he could not bring himself to speak.
Karlos noticed this, and closed the door. "Something the matter?"
"It's just, you see.." Alphonse straightened his posture and handed a letter to Karlos. "You have two messages from your father, Sir."
Karlos instantly became cold, in both expression and body language. He thought for only the briefest moment before straightening his cap.
"...What do they say?" He asked with disinterest.
Alphonse cleared his throat quietly and retrieved two yellow papers with silver seals, indicating they belonged to Karlos's family. "The first one… It's an arranged marriage proposal, for you to marry a noblewoman from-"
Karlos abruptly raised one hand. "Throw it away---and any similar letters in the future. Don't bother replying either, it's useless."
Alphonse didn't pursue the matter, responding with a nod and continued, "Yes, I understand. Then, the second one…"
He hesitated again, but Karlos could tell it was for a different reason. He carefully looked the contents of the letter over several times before handing it to his master. "I think it would be best if you read it yourself, Sir."
Confused and curious, Karlos took the small piece of paper and saw the first line.
"You cannot resist fate, Karlos. Embrace your destiny with pride and lay futilities behind.
The past, present, and future are immutable."
Karlos had nothing to say, and the letter had no other content. He could only mutter to himself as he looked up at Alphonse.
"What is…? Who sent this? It reads like a threat."
"I apologize, I can't be sure. I only know that it was sent with the previous letter. However, given the contents of the last one…"
Karlos didn't need Alphonse to continue his theory. He had a good idea as to what 'fate' the message was referring to. That being said, what did his father mean by 'The past, present, and future are immutable'?
Has he finally gone mad?
Karlos felt a wave of nausea build up at the back of his throat as he ripped the letter. "…Right. Throw away any and all letters from him in the future. Only take the important ones."
Alphonse silently sighed in relief. "Understood, I will head to the flower beds. Please enjoy your day with the young miss." With that, he gave one last bow and left.
Karlos had used to excuse of going to the market with Kassel, but in truth, Karlos simply wanted to be alone for the moment.
He crumpled the scraps of paper that remained and threw them into the waste basket. Opening the doors, he walked outside.
...
I've been feeling pressured ever since I woke up this morning... And now this. What's going on? Unable to reach a proper conclusion, Karlos pushed his worries to the back of his mind and made his way toward the village market, chalking it up to a stressful day.
Strolling through the open path, Karlos passed the large gate of his property. Trees gently swayed with the breeze, and sunlight pierced the leaves, gently warming his skin.
He looked to the sides of the path and saw large spaces of vegetables, fruits, and most notably, flowers.
Our flowers have grown well...
The Lippe family, a noble family residing within the Holy Kingdom of Egris, made their fortune with lime tree plantations and other forms of trading. In recent years, his father had to fight against economic issues, which spurred his decision to visit a tavern. It was there that he met Karlos's mother, a commoner that worked as a waitress, who he had an affair with. Eventually, she passed due to illness, but from their relationship Karlos was born.
Karlos was already ostracized for being an illegitimate child, but due to the support of some of his siblings, his late mother, and his physical appearance, his father hid his origins and welcomed Karlos into the family out of pity. It wasn't how he wanted to be acknowledged, but he accepted the life of a noble.
That is... until around five years ago, when he had a conflict with his father about several issues, including an arranged marriage. Ever since that incident, he was essentially disowned from the family and had to move to Anafang.
He left with six servants who willingly accompanied him, and despite having no blood relation, Karlos considers them family. Together, they worked to make a life for themselves in the manor, and instead of lime trees, they cultivated and sold flowers and produce.
Taking a deep breath, he savoured the air with pride. It was fragrant, slightly earthy, and he couldn't help but feel proud of it.
He continued on the grassy path, spotting groups of small wilanimals along the way. Summer had supplied the land with beaming sunlight, making the miniature forest radiate vitality.
"Squeak!"
Karlos turned his head towards the bushes. A small pair of eyes poked out from-
"Squeak!" "Squeak!"
In an instant, a furry, long tailed creature jumped high and stole Karlos's hat. It was so sudden that the only thing he could do was chase after the animal.
"W-Wait!"
The squirrel lead him into a wild dance around his property, between and through the greenery. Eventually, he reached a far corner of the garden.
"Squeak..." The squirrel suddenly slowed down, dropping the hat.
Karlos, catching his breath, bent down to pick up his hat while warily eyeing at the creature.
"Why would you try to steal my hat...?" He muttered to himself inbetween huffs.
The squirrel stared into his blue eyes with its beady black dots. After a moment, as if it was trying to confirm something, it ducked into a patch of grass and rummaged through the dirt.
What a strange creature... What was the point of all this? Karlos was just about to leave, when suddenly, he heard a distinct noise.
'CLINK'
The squirrel had a peculiar object in its teeth. It was a bone fragment, but it had been carved into some sort of figure.
Karlos bent down and recieved the object from the squirrel, who ran deep into the dense grass. It didn't seem to want him to follow it again, so he could only inspect it.
A toy...? But why is it made of bone? I don't think anyone in the village sells something like this...
It was oval in shape and had neat carvings of various faces all over its body, which had similar ambiguous shapes that resembled clothing. It was almost a doll, but it gave off the impression of some kind of ritualistic item.
...Right, maybe the craftsman would know something about it.
After a moment, he stuffed the object into his pockets and continued down the path.
Leaving his property, Karlos eventually reached Anafang. It was characterized by a wooden wall that surrounded the entire village, extending all the way to the rivers. Just past the hill, Karlos could see a vast lake that glistened under the sunlight, stretching beyond the horizon.
Anafang wasn't a small village by any sense of the word. The marketplace was alive with the rhythmic footfalls of villagers from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skills. Fishermen competed to sell fish of various sizes, farmers showcased their fresh harvest that only summer could bring, and vendors peddled wares from beyond the outskirts. Whether it was the aroma of freshly baked bread, the warm breeze brought about by the moving crowd, or the shouting of vendors, the entire scene painted the image of a vibrant community.
The village schoolteacher noticed his arrival and greeted him politely, "Good morning, Mr. Karlos."
She had a line of children following behind her, each of them offering Karlos greetings of their own.
"Karlos, my friend! Care to take a gander at these fresh fruits?" Arnold, a farmer, shouted from further away. His weathered hands proudly held the colorful produce.
Nobles, and especially children of nobles, were often resented by villagers due to the constant class discrimination enacted by both parties. Despite this, Karlos managed to form close bonds with the villagers during the past five years, making numerous friends and acquaintances. They respected his status yet treated him as one of their own—a fellow villager.
"Baldie!"
All of whom except for one individual, who had no respect for his status whatsoever.
"Fate has brought you to hither, Baldie! How's it going!?"
Karlos immediately tensed and hesitantly turned to the side, dreading to see the face behind that lively voice.
It was a young woman with short silver hair, her eyes reflecting a deep rouge and wearing a flamboyant expression. She wore normal linen clothes that were common in the village, but stood out by constantly wearing leather armour over her dress, claiming to 'always be ready for adventure.'
I wonder why the blacksmith gave her that equipment?
"Good morning, Kassel..." Karlos greeted her warily. His expression was tinged with annoyance as he reminded, "...Are you ever going to forget that nickname? It's 'Karlos,' not 'Kalos.'"
Kassel dramatically waved her arms like a flightless bird trying to resist fate and retorted, "Too much noise about nothing! You were the one who introduced yourself like that, don't tell me you're finally getting embarrassed?"
With that, she went to a nearby fruit stall, signaling him to follow.
Kassel Justiz was his 'best friend,' and also the person he wanted to see the least. From the first moment he arrived at Anafang, even before he stepped through the vilage gates, she was the first local to greet him and wholeheartedly befriend him. They grew up together, and she became his only friend during a time when no other villager would approach him.
Although he had been taught comprehensive Schilden at a young age, when he first arrived at Anafang at the age of 14, he struggled to understand the villagers' dialects and had difficulty introducing himself. During their first meeting, he accidentally introduced himself as 'Kalos', a grave mistake she had never forgotten.
Her antics were annoying, but Karlos was fine with it. She was his dear friend whom he cared about deeply, and he couldn't have imagined ever getting along with the other villagers without her being his ambassador of sorts. Despite the trouble she would cause, he felt at ease knowing it was her.
"Looks like all the pomegranate trees ripened. You should get one, they're really cheap!" She offered, presenting him with a plump, crimson fruit, freshly picked from the summer harvest.
Karlos had never been one to like pomegranates. They were a local specialty of Anafang, but they were simply too sour to him, which was a sentiment shared by most of his other servants. Regardless, he reached out to receive the fruit as a gift for Alphonse, who was the only person in the manor to like pomegranates. Only he could tolerate the blend of acidity and sweet, after all.
Goosebumps.
He felt his nerves being struck by lightning. The moment their hands made contact, Karlos felt his upper left back contort, like something was twisting the skin on his shoulder blades ever so gently. He became paralyzed, similar to that feeling of fear he felt during breakfast, but with one acute difference. He couldn't help but see brief glimpses of... Something. Something that was jade-green in colour. Hallucinations? A trick of the light? Probably the latter. But why?
His thoughts became disorganized, overwhelmed by questions and guesses that didn't belong to him.
The shock that had overtaken him was not overwhelming. It felt... Localized. He could feel electrical jolts radiating from his skin, sending a message that seemed attuned to his body. As for what that message was, he had no capacity to ponder such a thing.
He remembered this feeling, yet he did not. His mind was in chaos, yet he was perfectly calm. He wanted to speak, yet he was deathly quiet. It wasn't a painful sensation, but it wasn't pleasant either. He was simply in a state of utter confusion, unable to move even his eyes.
Kassel, noticing his bewildered expression, misinterpreted his feelings. "You're stingier than I thought. Who knew you'd care this much about fresh fruit?"
She returned the pomegranate to the stall and took his hand. "Come on, let's look at the other stalls!"
Kassel moved with joviality, as she had always done before. Today was nothing different. The villagers seemed happy, as was Karlos. He was ecstatic, frankly.
Of course.
Nothing was unusual.
It was... an ordinary day.
...
Sibylle disposed of the dish, but she couldn't help but notice something.
The meat was prepared perfectly.