[No I am and never attempt will promote criminal behavior, I have read the terms and conditions and I made sure to research the differences of the 2, I do not think its just to have criminal activity, I just wanted to say this and for further chapters in the story, and I do not glorify or promote gore, I do not condone those acts, I may include blood and that's it until further notice.]
The crusty baguette had filled Kaelin's belly, but the satisfaction was short-lived. His thoughts turned to the future, and the realization dawned that a single bag of silver coins would not last long in a city where opportunities for gain were plentiful, but so too were the costs of living. He rose from his simple wooden chair, the weight of the pouch at his belt a constant reminder of the task that had brought him this meager wealth. Kaelin paced the small, dimly lit room, his bare feet padding against the worn wooden floorboards as he pondered his next move. The prospect of another clandestine job loomed before him, a path fraught with danger and uncertainty, but also one that promised the means to secure a better life. He needed more money, and fast.
The city offered countless opportunities for a clever and resourceful young man like himself to turn a tidy profit, as long as he was willing to take calculated risks and keep his wits about him.With a resolute nod, Kaelin made his decision. He would continue to take on jobs, to seek out opportunities that would bring him the coin he so desperately needed. But even as Kaelin contemplated his next move, a small voice of conscience whispered that there must be a way to earn an honest living in the city. After all, his mother had always instilled in him a strong sense of morality, the importance of living with integrity. He pondered the various trades and skills that were in demand - a blacksmith, an apothecary, a carpenter.
But the meager savings he had would hardly be enough to cover the costs of tools and supplies for any of those endeavors. Kaelin's gaze fell upon a small, leather-bound book that sat upon a shelf, its pages yellowed with age. He had found it among the belongings of a deceased occupant of his house, the title "The Art of Herbalism" embossed upon the cover in faded gold lettering. Perhaps, he mused, he could learn to create remedies from the plants that grew wild in the surrounding countryside. It would require study and practice, but it might be a way to earn an honest living, and to find some measure of fulfillment in the process.
Kaelin's eyes lingered upon the leather-bound book, the prospect of studying herbalism a tempting one. But a nagging doubt crept into his mind - what use would there be in creating remedies when the very plants that grew the ingredients were withering in the drought-stricken fields and pastures? The countryside, once a lush tapestry of green, was turning to dust and despair. Even the hardy weeds that sprouted in the cracks of the city's cobblestone streets seemed to be struggling against the unrelenting heat and dryness.Kaelin sighed, the dreams of an honest living fading like the last wisps of morning mist in the face of the harsh reality. He would need to find another way to earn the coin he so desperately needed, one that did not rely upon the fragile bounty of nature.
As Kaelin pondered his options, the image of a dusty, sooty face came to mind. The cleaners who toiled in the city's homes, scrubbing away at the grime that accumulated on every surface, their hands worn raw from endless labor. They were invisible, their work done in the shadows, but their efforts kept the city's grand estates and merchant homes tidy and respectable. Kaelin's gaze drifted to the small, cluttered space he called his own, the very thought of someone else doing the chores that fell to him making him feel a spark of indignation. He had always taken pride in keeping his home tidy, a habit instilled in him by his mother.
But perhaps, he mused, there was value in his domestic skills. Maybe he could offer his services to the wealthy families who could afford the luxury of a cleaner. It would be hard work, but at least it would be honest, and the coin would be a welcome addition to his meager savings. With a newfound determination, Kaelin rose from his chair, the leather creaking in protest. He would need to don cleaner's attire - a coarse, brown tunic and sturdy leggings - and present himself to the wealthy patrons of the city.
It was a role he would have to play carefully, for he knew that his youth and unimpressive appearance might lead some to underestimate him. But he had a fierce intelligence and a quick wit that would serve him well in navigating the treacherous waters of the upper class.Kaelin strode to his small, cluttered wardrobe, his fingers brushing against the coarse fabric of his old tunic. He would need to purchase new attire, and perhaps even some basic cleaning tools, if he was to present himself as a respectable cleaner. It was a significant outlay, but one he deemed necessary for his new endeavor. With a deep breath, Kaelin set off into the bustling city, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead as he embarked upon his quest to earn an honest living and build a better life for himself.
Kaelin's search for employment led him to the grand estate of the wealthy merchant family, the Vanroys. The moment he stepped through the ornate iron gates, he was struck by the sheer opulence that surrounded him. The gardens were immaculate, the fountains gushing with crystal-clear water, and the mansion itself loomed before him, its whitewashed walls gleaming in the sunlight. He had never seen such grandeur before, and it filled him with a sense of awe and trepidation. Kaelin approached the imposing front door, his heart pounding in his chest as he rang the bell.
The door swung open to reveal a stern-faced butler, his dark suit immaculate, his gaze piercing as he scrutinized the young applicant before him."I'm here about the cleaning position," Kaelin said, his voice steady despite the nervousness that threatened to overtake him.The butler nodded curtly and led him inside, through a maze of corridors and rooms that seemed to stretch on endlessly. At last, they arrived at a study, the walls lined with shelves overflowing with books and scrolls, the air thick with the scent of old parchment and leather. Kaelin was hired on the spot, his salary higher than he had anticipated. The next morning, Kaelin arrived at the Vanroy estate, his new cleaner's uniform pressed and his tools at the ready.
The mansion loomed before him, its grandeur even more impressive in the early light. He followed the same route as the day before, the butler's stern countenance a constant reminder of the high standards expected of him within the estate's walls.Kaelin set to work with a will, his earlier nervousness giving way to a sense of purpose as he attacked the dust and dirt that seemed to accumulate with an almost malevolent intensity. The hours flew by in a blur of scrubbing and polishing, the satisfaction of a job well done filling him with a quiet pride. As the day drew to a close, he made his way to the kitchen, eager for a well-deserved break and a simple meal of bread and cheese. But as he entered the warm, bustling room, a sense of unease crept over him, born of a feeling he could not quite place.