Darkness surrounded my vision, without any glimmer of light. My body felt numb yet light, as if I were flying. All I heard was a continuous ring, driving me to the brink of insanity. Who would have thought the roar of the beast would keep me grounded during such conditions? If this was death—dreadful and miserable—then I hoped it was all just my imagination.
Maybe I should reflect on my life, but it wouldn't change anything. I was simply unlucky; that was all there was to it. Perhaps, if I had been born into a better family, in a more suitable environment, I would have ended up in a higher echelon of life, not lying in a ditch in some unknown forest. But such was life. I couldn't change the fact that I was Dusk the snatcher—such a death was fitting for someone like me.
But I refused to accept it, not now that I had been given a second chance and shown what I was truly capable of! I was tired of this world looking down on me; I wanted to become someone great through sheer will. My weak body had to move, even if just an inch an hour or a day. I didn't want to die like this. I yearned for vengeance against everyone who had crossed my path! I was sick of being weak and fragile; I wanted the power that had allowed me to slay the beast, here and now.
But alas, my whims were unheard by anyone—perhaps only Solitaire inside my stone, quietly giggling like a little rat. But that was fine; this fool was convenient to have around. He needed me more than I needed him. After all, why else would he have saved me twice? Yes, Solitaire had already done it, so he absolutely had to save me again. Any moment now, I would open my eyes to see the night sky above, with his wry smile hiding his desperation and anxiety.
And after a while, my prediction came to fruition. I managed to open my heavy eyelids, but instead of the forest scenery I expected, I saw a wooden ceiling illuminated by a nearby fire. Turning my head, I spotted a window decorated with various plants in ceramic pots. On the opposite side, there was a bedside table with a candle and a door in the corner of the room. The room appeared empty, not due to lack of money from the owners but from rare use, evidenced by the dust.
Had I died again and ended up in yet another world? Or had someone saved me while I lay in the middle of the road? Judging by the light footsteps approaching the room, I was about to find out.
The door swung open, revealing a woman with black hair like mine, dressed in a black and white dress with frills and an apron. I couldn't quite see her eyes in the poor lighting, but surprise flickered across her face as soon as she noticed my open eyelids. Without a word, she closed the door and hurried off, her footsteps fading into the distance.
After a while, two older men entered the room. One wore a lab coat and had glasses perched on his bald head—a doctor, no doubt. The other gentleman was more peculiar, dressed in attire reminiscent of nobles from Wülgenville, though not as extravagant as Solitaire's. Purple adorned his sleeves, shoulders, and pants. Still unable to move well, I pressed myself deeper into the bed, observing their every move.
"He's awake! Goodness gracious, we thought you were a goner!" exclaimed the nobleman. The doctor sighed and muttered, "Dehydration, starvation, sunstroke, multiple insect bites, and even blood drained by Transylvic moths. You have one hell of a suicidal tendency, young man! Why did you go into the forest in the first place?"
I blinked at them without uttering a word. As the doctor listed my ailments, I realized what had gone wrong in the forest. This was truly a dangerous world. How unlucky I was to experience every terrible thing a traveller could encounter. Despite being accustomed to hunger, my body responded to its mention with a slight growl. They all chuckled at this, making me narrow my eyes. The nobleman then turned to the woman and instructed, "Fetch him some food."
The woman bowed deeply and left the room, leaving the three of us alone. She seemed to be a maid in this household, treated somewhat better than a slave. Fortunately, she was treated well here, though I could detect the usual insincerity in the nobleman's smile.
The nobleman and the doctor approached cautiously, exchanging careful looks as they assessed my covered body.
"So, how are you feeling now, young man?" the doctor broke the silence, a valid question given my condition in the forest. My body still itched, but not as badly, though I doubted I would be able to stand anytime soon. I met his gaze and simply shook my head slowly. The doctor raised an eyebrow at this, but continued, "Well, it's good that you're feeling better. It would really help if we could ascertain whether you can talk. Can you please tell us your name and where you're from?"
I pondered silently. Could I trust them, the doctor and this nobleman? Probably not, considering my name was known throughout Wülgenville. My only option was to lie.
"My name is... Simon. I don't remember how I ended up in that forest."
Both men nodded at my weak response. Simon was the name of an arsonist from my former gang—a strange and dangerous man, but one with a funny name.
"Don't remember, you say? That could be problematic," mused the nobleman, leaning against the wall. "You must be quite surprised to find yourself here. We stumbled upon your body after our trip to Wülgenville. My daughter was very concerned to see you in such a state! Honestly, it's only thanks to her that we decided to check on you; I thought you were already dead."
I see. I would indeed have been a goner if not for the whim of the nobleman's daughter. Perhaps, I should thank her for that—at least, anyhow displeasing them would not be too beneficial. So, I forced a smile and looked into the nobleman's eyes, saying, "Thank you for saving me, sir."
"You're very welcome, Simon. I'm glad the Crawley family could be of assistance!" laughed the nobleman, while the doctor shook his head wearily.
I wasn't entirely sure what they were planning, but for now, it was best to maintain a timid facade. Whatever lay ahead, one thing was certain: I was still alive.