Hiro found himself inside the large mansion, unsure of what his future held. The atmosphere was different from the dark and cold slave market, but the weight of uncertainty still clung to him. Beside him stood Mr. John, the mansion's owner—a tall man with kind eyes, though his face was marked by years of hardship. He had been a slave once, just like Hiro, but now he owned this estate and offered safety to those like him.
As they walked through the hallway, Hiro spotted a girl around his age sweeping the floor. She had short black hair and looked nervous, her hands shaking slightly as she held the broom. She noticed Hiro and Mr. John approaching and gave a timid smile.
"H-Hello," the girl said, her voice barely above a whisper, her gaze flickering between them and the floor.
Hiro didn't reply. He didn't know what to say. His heart still felt heavy from everything he had been through, and the confusion of being here made it hard to speak. He simply looked at her, his expression blank.
"I-I'm not done with the house chores, so I'll excuse myself," she said quickly, bowing slightly before hurrying away, her small footsteps echoing down the hallway.
"That was Elysia," Mr. John explained. "She's shy but a good girl. Like you, she came here after going through something difficult. You and her are the only kids in this mansion."
Hiro's eyes followed Elysia as she disappeared around the corner. He felt a small pang of understanding—they were both here, both alone in their own ways.
Mr. John placed a hand on Hiro's shoulder and continued walking. "In this house, we don't treat kids like slaves. You'll help with chores like cleaning and gardening, but you won't be doing anything too hard. I want you to have a life where you can grow and learn. You'll even get the chance to study when time allows."
Hiro listened quietly, still absorbing everything. His mind kept drifting back to his lost family, and no matter how kind Mr. John seemed, the pain of being taken from everything he knew wouldn't go away so easily.
"But, Mr. John," Hiro finally asked, "you said I can earn my freedom in the right time. When is the right time?"
Mr. John looked down at him, a mixture of sympathy and wisdom in his eyes. "When you grow older and stronger—when you can face this world on your own. You'll earn your freedom when you become a teenager. Right now, though, you're still young, and the world is harsh. People like those merchants only see you as money."
Hiro frowned. The thought of being treated as nothing more than something to be bought and sold made his heart heavy with anger and sadness.
Mr. John sighed and knelt down to meet Hiro's gaze. "But here, you're not just a price tag. I want to give you a chance. After your chores are done each day, there's something important you'll be doing."
He raised his hand and called out, "Rose!"
A woman appeared from around the corner. She had short brown hair and wore simple but sturdy clothing, with a small dagger strapped to her side. Her eyes were sharp but not unkind, and she had the look of someone who had been through many battles.
"You called?" The woman asked.
"This is Rose," Mr. John said. "She's a B-rank adventurer, and she'll be teaching you and Elysia how to protect yourselves. Rose knows what it takes to survive out there, and if you're talented and work hard, you might even become strong enough to make your own way."
Hiro's eyes widened slightly. An adventurer? He had only heard stories about them, but to be taught by one was something he hadn't expected.
Rose crossed her arms and looked at Hiro with a serious expression. "You're small now, but if you're willing to learn, I'll make sure you can at least defend yourself. Whether you become stronger or not will be up to you.
Hiro felt a strange mix of fear and excitement. He had been thrown into a world he didn't understand, but now, for the first time since his family's death, there was something more than just surviving. There was a chance—a small one, maybe, but a chance—to change his fate.
"Do you understand?" Rose asked, her tone firm but not harsh.
Hiro nodded slowly, determination settling in his chest. He had lost everything, but he wouldn't let himself be weak forever. He would learn, he would grow stronger, and one day, he would reclaim his freedom—and his family's honor.
"Good," Rose said, her lips curling slightly. "Your training starts tomorrow."