As we stepped into the orphanage, a gentle warmth immediately embraced us. The interior contrasted sharply with the austerity of Ravencroft's streets. The well-maintained walls were adorned with emerald stones embedded in certain spots, adding a touch of light and discreet elegance.
One might have thought it was the perfect setting for an orphanage—a place where abandoned children could at least find a semblance of comfort.
Curious to discover the place where Ester had grown up, I let my gaze wander through the hallways, momentarily forgetting that I had come here for serious business.
The modest yet carefully arranged décor reflected a genuine concern for the children's well-being. A painting hanging on a central wall caught my attention: it depicted the orphanage's founder, Daniel Harry. A man with an unremarkable face, his onyx-black eyes held a grave, pensive expression, as if he were silently watching over this place.
The staff member accompanying us seemed nervous.
Her movements were stiff, and fine beads of sweat shimmered on her forehead. More than once, I exchanged glances with Sery, subtly signaling her to offer the woman a handkerchief. She accepted it with sincere gratitude, and little by little, as the conversation progressed, her tension seemed to ease.
She spoke about the orphanage with evident respect, but when she mentioned the Harry family, her eyes lit up. A pure devotion resonated in her voice. Intrigued by this admiration, I began asking her questions about the family.
She answered with enthusiasm, sometimes adding unnecessary details, but I didn't interrupt her. I enjoyed hearing about people who inspired loyalty and respect. This woman, with her palpable sincerity, was a perfect example of that.
We arrived inside the special guest room, where we awaited the arrival of the owner and Ester. The others remained silent beside me, some with curious expressions, while others—like the Red Star, Zeyone, and Raphaël—appeared indifferent. Unlike Sery and me, who were deeply intrigued by our surroundings.
Through a window, we could hear the sounds of the orphans. We watched them play—some looked happy, others seemed lost. But overall, the atmosphere was harmonious.
So why did Ester seem like a child who was barely appreciated, according to the information we had received?
The sound of a door opening echoed through the room, drawing my attention. I caught sight of the current owner of the Emerald House—a man with an ordinary face, marked by a deep scar on his cheek. Luc Harry entered, accompanied by a young man with beige skin and shoulder-length brown hair, just as long as it had been four years ago. Hazel eyes and a sinister face exuding a certain charm. Ester.
At the sight of me, Ester was visibly surprised. He immediately knelt down, followed by the owner, Luc Harry.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," they said in unison. I gestured for them to rise.
"You already know the reason for our visit," I said.
"Of course, everything is already prepared. It is an honor for our orphanage that His Majesty has come in person," Luc replied calmly.
Ignoring the others, Luc addressed me directly, understanding that I was the one handling matters today. He was intelligent.
My gaze shifted to Ester, who looked at me as if I were his savior. It lasted only for an instant before his expression reverted to what it had been four years ago—shifty, with a half-smile and half-closed eyes.
Curious, I asked Luc a question while glancing through the window, watching the orphans play in the rain.
"What do you think of Ravencroft?"
Luc gave a sad, almost melancholic smile.
"Ravencroft is a dangerous city. I believe that, within the empire, it is the most perilous place to exist. Even in other counties, it would be a better place to live."
"Then why are you still here, despite such thoughts?"
I asked, genuinely curious. I couldn't understand his reasoning—by his own words, it was not a place fit to live in, yet he had outright refused the opportunity to travel across the New World.
Ester remained silent, watching Luc with clear dissatisfaction, though his face held the same unreadable expression. But his eyes betrayed his thoughts. For now, I couldn't afford to pay attention to the others.
Luc gazed at us deeply, then sighed, shaking his head before speaking. "It's true one might wonder why I don't leave Ravencroft. But compared to us, there are people in real need here. Many orphaned children fight to survive—some are exploited, others die simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time."
A brief hesitation flickered in his eyes, as if he were carefully organizing his next words. Then he said, "But despite it all, I want Ravencroft to become a prosperous city for the future generations. It's selfish, I know, but I must do it."
His voice carried an undeniable bitterness, but when he looked at me, there was only pure sincerity in his gaze.
His goal was admirable, and yet, despite everything, I couldn't help but smile at his sincerity.
"What are you planning to do to change Ravencroft? Do you have a plan?"
I knew the question might sound ridiculous to him—after all, it would mean confronting the corrupt elites of Ravencroft.
But I needed to know. Because I would help its people. They were still my people.
At my question, Ester shot me a glance, furrowing his brow as if he wanted to say something, but he remained silent.
Luc, on the other hand, lowered his head in defeat. He had no plan.
I understood his reaction immediately.
"I will help Ravencroft."
At my declaration, every gaze in the room turned toward me in shock. The Red Star looked at me with slight displeasure, yet in his eyes, I could sense a flicker of pride. At least, I thought so.
Zeyone cast me a curious glance, while beside me, Sery had a satisfied smile. Raphaël, as always, remained expressionless.
Luc stared at me, wide-eyed. "Young Master, you have far more important matters to attend to… but thank you for considering supporting us."
"This is not a decision you can make," the Red Star said sternly.
The warmth that had begun to settle in the room vanished instantly.
But that wouldn't stop me. I had learned the value of keeping my word. Mother always said that going back on one's word is the mark of a coward. And I would not be a coward.
Just as I was about to respond, Ester, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke.
"That's easy to say, Young Master," he said, irritation lacing his voice.
His words annoyed me slightly, but I held my gaze on him, waiting for him to continue. And I was not disappointed.
"All of you from the great families who come to Ravencroft… you always say the same thing. That you'll help us. But in the end, things only get worse."
His voice carried the raw pain of an abandoned wolf cub, left behind by its own.
Before he could say more, a killing intent filled the room.
The Red Star exuded a crimson aura. His gaze was calm but razor-sharp. One more word, and Ester would lose his life.
"Watch how you address the Young Master. I will only say this once. First and last warning."
Ester clenched his fists. His complexion had turned slightly pale, and his body trembled uncontrollably. A sign of powerlessness.
I knew he hadn't meant to disrespect me. He had simply been promised false hope too many times, and my words had been the final straw.
I gestured for the Red Star to withdraw his aura.
Zeyone looked at me as if to say, Well, little brother, what will you do now?
With an authoritative voice, filled with audacity, I declared, "I will take care of Ravencroft."
I gave a meaningful glance to the Red Star, Luc, and Ester. Lifting my chin slightly, I spoke my next words—ones that widened their eyes even further.
"I said I would do it, and I will. Who can stop me?"
I made it clear—even if Father were to stand in my way, it would not change my decision.