It was, indeed, another bitterly cold morning, the chill air gently swaying a thin piece of cloth that hung from the wall, seemingly attempting to cover a hole that could only be described as a window. Situated on the outskirts of Lunaris City, Gallow's Reach was a street that no one would willingly approach—let alone reside in.
This particular street was commonly referred to as the Slums, renowned for being a gathering place for the city's impoverished and common folks.
Located at the far end of the city's main thoroughfare, Gallow's Reach was all but forgotten by most, with only the destitute tenants frequenting their so-called humble home.
The room itself was exceedingly small—so cramped, in fact, that from the outside, it resembled little more than a box. However, rather than cardboard, the only thing holding the structure together were the crumbling stone walls, which had gaps at every corner. Within this meager "box" resided only two children.
Elias, a 17-year-old boy, possessed little more than the rags on his back. The sole reason for his continued existence was his younger sister, Lily. At just 8 years old, Lily was entirely naive to the realities of the world beyond their squalid home.
Their parents were absent—indeed, their mother had passed away in childbirth while bringing Lily into the world, and their father had disappeared long before Elias could even recall speaking a word.
Raised without parental guidance, Elias had come to understand the harsh truths of their society. Social status was considered the ultimate measure of one's worth, and as commoners, they were seen as nothing more than an unpleasant nuisance—an inconvenient presence in the eyes of the aristocracy.
Elias rose from the mattress on the floor with the intent to venture outside, purchase food, and return before Lily awoke. Unbeknownst to her, Elias harbored a secret.
Before he opened the door, he cast a final glance at Lily, her face serene in sleep. Her bed was little more than a haphazard collection of mattresses, many of which Elias had gathered during his work at the factory, while others were borrowed from their neighbors, who were particularly close to the siblings.
The scene outside was as chaotic as one could imagine. A small, narrow road, cluttered with running water, seemed barely wide enough to accommodate the daily bustle. The atmosphere was vibrant yet noisy, with people shouting as though they were at a market. Along the sides of the road, several barrels, likely used to stave off the cold, were lit with flickering flames.
The air was thick with a pungent mixture of unpleasant odors—raw fish, decaying rats, and a heap of discarded refuse—creating an almost unbearable stench.
This is the reason why Elias completely blends in. He was wearing a basic, collarless shirt made of coarse cotton or linen, it was slightly oversized for comfort and practicality. The shirt was plain, faded beige, and had a few small, visible repairs along the seams and cuffs. Over this, he wears a rough woolen vest, which was buttoned up, though the fabric would show signs of wear—perhaps faded, threadbare, or patched in places where it had torn.
His trousers were made of sturdy wool, worn and frayed at the cuffs from constant use. They're a little too large for his size as this is just one of those things from the factory. Secured with a simple belt or a piece of twine. Some of the spots are visibly patched-up that doesn't deny its oldness.
On his feet, he wears cloth shoes, with visible cracks, practical for long hours of work or walking through the streets. Sometimes, if the weather was cold or wet, he might wear homemade woolen stockings beneath his trousers, though these would likely be worn thin and patched as well.
He also wears a flat cap, which would be typical for boys of the same status. This would serve to protect him from the sun or cold, but it wouldn't be a fashionable or well-maintained accessory.
Elias appears somewhat lost, frequently changing his course as if he's searching for something familiar. He's attempting to locate a bakery—a place he remembers visiting often... in his mind. No, really.
That is because Elias—no, Ethan just came to this world 3 days ago, his predecessor, Elias is the original owner of the body that he's residing in.
Though he has been in this new world for several days, today is Ethan's first time stepping outside. He was previously hesitant, concerned that his unfamiliarity with this entirely different society might lead to unforeseen complications.
Ethan, originally a modern-day individual, unexpectedly transmigrated into this unfamiliar world under mysterious circumstances he cannot quite recall. The only certainty he has is that this is no dream; the reality of his new existence is undeniable.
Additionally, Ethan retains all of his predecessor's memories. He can recall Elias's experiences with such clarity that it feels as though he himself lived them.
After a considerable amount of wandering, he finally arrived at the bakery.
This might be it, he thought.
Elias entered the bakery and saw a young woman in her early 20's. Her clothes were a plain wool dress in grey. Over her dress, she wears a long, protective apron that often showed signs of flour, dough, and wear.
Her hair pulled back tightly, pinned up with a cloth to keep it out of her way. Her skin had a warm, slightly ruddy complexion from the heat of the ovens, and her hands show the marks of her trade; calloused and slightly rough from kneading dough and handling baking tools.
She's just a commoner yet she's really beautiful, he uttered to himself.
"Good morning, Miss Evelyn."
"Hello, Elias. Indeed, it's a good morning," She smiled.
If only she knew that the reason why Elias keeps coming here was that smile, he whispered.
With an awkward smile etched upon his face, Elias approached the counter to select over a variety of different breads. As if Evelyn were unaware that he had come solely to purchase his usual wheat bread.
"Um... why do I have the sense that you already know what I'm here for?" Elias asked with a smile.
"Don't worry," Evelyn replied, "I chose the largest piece I baked today."
"And that's exactly why your father always gets upset with me," Elias chuckled.
After a while of friendly conversation, Elias purchased the bread with the only five pence he had. Along with it, Evelyn gave him a special tea to sample, explaining it was a popular custom in the capital.
Elias took the bread, thanked Evelyn, and waved her goodbye as he departed.