Twilight Initiator(S), Zed, Son of the Shadows, Shadow
Imperial Calendar: Year 1596, Month 4, Day 3
City of Valenwood, north of the Imperial Territory
Who am I? This is a question I've heard often, always from a certain person, or some children, watching intently the daughter of the noble lord. I have to admit she is beautiful. I have seen beautiful women on earth, many of them, but this 15-year-old surpasses them all by far. Her beautiful silver-white hair falls over her back, her blue eyes look directly into mine. She is a bit smaller than me, but her body is in perfect harmony; she is extremely attractive. Those were my first impressions of her.
Who am I? That's a good second question. I am a transmigrant from a different world. I am a monster, as my mother used to call me, and right now... Who am I? You could say I am an usurper of the body of this world's Zed. You could also say I am a shadow. I have an idea that I am not human either, but I am not certain. You could also say I am an assassin. In general, I don't know who I am right now, a very difficult question to answer.
-A commoner.
That was the best answer I had at the moment. In this world, social status is important, so the best answer was the only one I was certain of. There were no other answers to that question.
She opened her eyes slightly surprised, thinking for a few moments before looking at her father again. He, on the other hand, was completely silent, scratching his head a bit, lost for words.
-Ahem... This boy was the one who ingested the plant to heal you...
That's what he said. She nodded, ignoring the foul smell of the black substance that came out of her body. She approached me, looked into my eyes, and slightly bowed.
-Thank you very much.
After saying those words, she wrinkled her nose. With slow steps, she entered what seemed to be the bathroom. It was a somewhat uncomfortable exchange of words. The noble lord and I looked at each other for a moment before leaving the room together.
-Clean the room. I want it as clean as possible, understood?
-Yes, sir.
The maid bowed her head and spoke respectfully. Beside her, there were three more dressed like her, all four entering the room.
The two of us began to descend to what seemed to be the living room. We didn't exchange words and remained seated in silence. Seconds passed and, with them, minutes. Hearing slow and delicate steps, a young girl arrived before us. Her hair was wet and her skin radiant, wearing a green one-piece dress. She sat next to one of the leather sofas. After her, other maids entered and placed a jug of what looked like water and some glasses on a small table.
And what do you have to tell me, dear father?
-Uh-um, yes, after your illness...
The noble lord told her everything that had happened since then. For some reason, he seemed extremely nervous in front of his daughter. That was new. Looking at the daughter, she had an indifferent expression as she listened silently. He told her about how he created a small squadron. Surprisingly, the daughter always made the decisions her father took, like for instance the sacrifice of all the soldiers, which, by the way, we need to give a bonus to the affected families. That's what she added.
Occasionally, she would ask the noble lord some questions and he answered honestly.
-Thank you for all your efforts, father.
After clarifying her doubts, she thanked her father with a bow. When she finished with her father, her attention turned in my direction.
-My name is Cristina Karzak. What is your name?
-My name is Zed, commoner.
-I am a swordswoman. What is your profession?
-Assassin.
-I see...
I couldn't anticipate where she was heading, but I still answered her questions. She put her hands to her chin and thought deeply.
-I suppose that's fine...
Cristina murmured to herself.
****
Cristina Karzak, Heir to the Noble House of Valenwood
Imperial Calendar: Year 1596, Month 4, Day 3
City of Valenwood, north of the Imperial Territory
Serene expression and calm voice, a face difficult to read, an aura hard to understand. This young man my age produces a very unusual feeling in me. His eyes are beautiful, two completely black sapphires with a mystical shine in them. He answered all my questions honestly; there were no lies. In the brief conversation with my father, I got a general idea of this young man's identity.
Orphan, commoner, appeared out of nowhere according to the soldiers' records at the main gates. One day, he appeared with ragged clothes with some dried blood on them. He came from the shadowy forest, completely alone. There are no records of anyone going into that forest in the past few months.
Orphan... it's hard to believe that someone like him could survive in that deadly forest alone. According to my father's words, this young man is unique, with great potential. To escape my father's senses, he must be skilled in his field. I need to investigate him a bit more...
But even so, this young man is very interesting, full of mysteries. I am very intrigued; I want to know who he really is.
Glancing at my father... he's nervous, acting unusually. I have an idea why this is happening. Looking again at the young man in front of me... he is of low birth, but even he acknowledged him and went so far as to want...
It's not that it bothers me, but I want to see with my own eyes and judge for myself. I have another chance to live, and I want to do it right this time. I'll go to the academy that will take place in a year. I want to choose for myself. My father respects that very well, plus it's a good opportunity to escape from the hands of that bastard noble from the northern empire.
Even so...
-Come with me.
We'll see what you're made of, mysterious young man.