Sophie sighed. Her emotions had subsided. She felt stupid. Why is she must be angry? She should try not to offend her aunt's family. It's just that Sophie is a bit weak when it comes to restraining herself. Usually people who are oppressed tend to be quiet and timid. But it's different with Sophie. She dared to oppose if her aunt had gone too far. That's why she regularly sleeps in the horse stable.
The almost seventeen year old girl pulled out a blanket that she had prepared earlier on a shelf. She knew that she would definitely go back to sleeping in the cage. Therefore, to ensure she had a warm night, she always prepared a clean blanket and pillow there.
The torturous smell of horse manure slowly disappeared, because her nose had adapted. Usually, Sophie would only sleep until tomorrow morning. But this time she couldn't. She thought of the letter Roran had sent. Should she check the hill behind her uncle's house now?
While Sophie was still considering it, she heard the sound of the door trying to be opened. She thought it was her aunt. But the person looked like she was about to force it open. If it was her aunt or cousin, they would use a key.
When the door opened, Sophie saw a strange man. She should be scared. But that feeling wasn't there at all. Maybe because she wasn't a complete stranger to that person.
"No wonder you know so much about horses, you often sleep here?" the man said as he looked down and took off his hood.
Sophie pondered for a moment. That man had a face that was hard to ignore. His face type is not boring and the longer you look at it somehow the more attractive it becomes. Sophie almost felt guilty because she was staring at him so openly.
She had met the man more than a week ago. Sophie couldn't possibly forget. Who else buys horse perfume at Rhea's shop? But this time he took off his hood. revealing strands of short, wavy black hair, clear gray eyes and a beautiful face.
"This is my family's private property, you have violated it," Sophie said flatly.
"I was a guest in this house, and I happened to see domestic violence, The laws of the kingdom of Anatoille allow civilians to act when they see domestic violence," said the man calmly. He sat half-kneeled in front of Sophie.
"I can take you out of this house,"
"Why?"
"For the sake of humanity,"
"I don't even know who you are,"
"When someone does charity work, it doesn't matter what their name or identity is. Do you want to stay here? Next time your aunt might really hurt your face," said the man again.
"You were eavesdropping?"
"By accident, I happened to hear it. Right now my subordinates are negotiating with your aunt about business matters so she won't know that you're gone. I can give you money, get out of this house and start a new life," he said again.
"I can't," Sophie shook her head.
"Are you stupid? opportunity like this may not exist again in the future."
Now Sophie looked at the man's face firmly.
"I'm staying here for my brother, what if he comes home and I'm not there? I can't leave this city. Only here Roran can find me,"
"I heard your brother won't be coming back here,"
"I'm not sure about that,"
"Why?"
"This is just my hunch, and sorry, it's all my personal business. I'm not going to leave this house, but thank you for opening the door. I really have to go somewhere," said Sophie. She didn't sleep tonight and folded the blanket back.
"I'll take you,"
"Thank you but no need sir," Sophie replied while wearing a bottle green hooded coat made of thick cotton.
Sophie closed the door again, hoping her family wouldn't notice she slipped out. The girl then bowed briefly to the mysterious man before walking away from her uncle's farm in a hurry.
***
Sophie caught her breath. She had just gone through a night that felt like it was freezing her skin in clothes that weren't thick enough. Her hands trembled slightly, white steam was created from her nose and mouth. The hill behind the house is quite wide, not many trees grow there.
usually, sheep farmers drive their livestock there to graze. Roran and Sophie have been doing it since childhood, it has also become their secret garden.
Roran built a simple hut there. It was very simple and couldn't even be compared to the grain silo that was about to collapse. The hut was just used wood from shipping containers that he put together and attached with makeshift rope.
Roran and Sophie use it to shelter from the heat and rain. Nearby there was a large, shady oak tree. Currently the tree has left almost all its leaves because it is almost winter.
Sophie hadn't been here for years and this was her first time seeing a wysteria tree. Close to the hut that Roran built.
it seemed like no one had ever entered their secret hut. Because no one wants to go there. It is said that there are rumors that the area is haunted by something. But Roran and Sophie didn't care. They are not very superstitious. Moreover, for them humans can hurt them more than ghosts.
Having a wysteria tree there means someone came along and planted it.
Roran did it. But why doesn't he visit Sophie?
Sophie stepped around the hut, and using her feet she trampled several parts of the ground.
Knock knock
The sound was different, a sign that there was empty space beneath his feet. Sophie herself almost forgot where it was and was grateful to be able to find it.
Sophie used her bare hands and started digging in the ground.
About five centimeters in, Sophie discovered their secret stash. The contents are worthless. Only sentimental items, precious childhood memories of the two of them.
Sophie shifted old dolls, ball gowns and award plaques from the school they both had. Sophie discovered something new. A letter.
Dear Sophie,
Sorry, I can't visit you. I myself don't know whether you will read this letter. I think auntie will finally give you my last letter. Even if not, I will think that I am doing a noble thing by protecting you.
I visited Summerville several times during the holidays. But it seems like I brought bad people with me. so I didn't dare go to my uncle's house. I'm afraid of endangering you.
I've been through dangerous battlefield. But no one is really aiming for my death. But since the last few years I have been followed by someone, or more than one person I think.
Every time I walked away from my battalion, I was always followed by someone. Several times I almost died due to unexplained accidents.
I fight, but I fight against monsters. creatures with low intelligence like them should not care about humans like me. It was clear that the ones targeting me were humans.
I don't know for what reason. I do not want to know. But I wish I could be with you. You have to leave uncle's house. I'm free from military service. I am your guardian and you have to come with me.
I have prepared provisions and money so that you can follow me.
Note: I will wait before the start of winter. If you are late reading this letter, go back to uncle's house, wait for me there. I will pick you up.
Warm regards,
Your brother Roran.
Sophie was shaking, not because it was cold, but because she was excited. She could be free from her uncle's house. Roran didn't forget her.
Sophie opened a leather pouch, she found several gold pieces and the key to the inn in the city of Wysterina. it took her half a day's journey to get there. Sophie took out a large bag, gathering all the valuable memorial items she and Roran had. She thought of saying goodbye to Rhea first.
Sophie will not return to her uncle's house.