Above the empty, waveless sea that reflected the starry night sky, Rain lay motionless with his eyes closed. The sea was so still it felt as though he were lying on a flat wooden board. The surface of the water touched the back of his ears, yet the water did not feel "wet" at all. The night was utterly silent, his heavy breaths echoing across this boundless space.
Slowly, droplets of rain began to fall from the sky, forming small ripples on the surface and disturbing what once was a perfectly calm sea. More raindrops followed in a slow but growing rhythm. A cluster of vertical and horizontal lines of light appeared, forming countless small squares that overlapped everything around him. As the light dimmed, the silent sea transformed into a stone road, followed by the sudden appearance of old buildings surrounding Rain.
wit… huiittt… wit… huitt… wit…
The sound of rusty metal scraping on a wooden sign hanging above an old inn echoed as it swayed under the strong wind and heavy rain. Rain opened his eyes just before a raindrop landed directly on his eyeball.
The cold air pierced through to his bones, making the lying Rain shiver as he hugged his own body. He pushed himself up into a sitting position, leaning against the damp wooden wall of the inn. His linen pants were soaked from the puddles on the stone road.
stret… tak… tuk… tak… tuk…
He heard the steps of a horse walking on the wet stone path. Looking toward the sound, he saw the shadow of a horse-drawn carriage slowly approaching the narrow road where Rain sat against the inn wall. He quickly pulled in his previously outstretched legs, hugging them close to his chest in fear of being stepped on. The road was not wide, but wide enough for three carriages to pass side by side without touching even a thread of Rain's pants—and yet only one carriage was approaching now. His stomach churned and his head hung in dizziness. He assumed the carriage would simply pass by and buried his face into his knees, preparing for any splashes from the horse's hooves or the wheels.
But the sound of the horse's steps disappeared, replaced by the horse's neighing—right in front of him. Confused, Rain lifted his head toward the source. A blond man atop the horse stared down at him. Rain had never considered that the carriage might stop for him. Instinctively—out of fear of blocking the path—he tried to stand and stagger away, but his weak body failed him, causing him to stumble. Before he hit the ground, a cold hand caught him. At the same time, the rain that had soaked him moments ago suddenly stopped landing on him—as though the rain above him had ceased, even though he still heard the heavy downpour all around.
His body felt so weak he couldn't even turn his head to look at the person holding him. His eyes could only face forward. That was when he realized the rain ahead of him appeared cut—blocked, as if something above him acted like a roof. Yet on the ground, he could still see his own shadow reflected faintly by moonlight. His shivering had long stopped, and his breathing grew heavier. Warmth slowly seeped into his body from the place where the stranger's hand held him—spreading comfort throughout him—before his consciousness slipped away again.
…
"Are you alright, boy? You look pale."
He felt a gentle grip on his shoulders as his consciousness returned. Her face was as cold as a snowy night, yet her expression was as warm as a spring afternoon—a beauty that could make anyone freeze. Her thick black hair was tied neatly like a royal princess. The brown silk-embroidered dress she wore only enhanced her elegance.
Rain panicked. Thoughts raced through his mind—What did I do to offend a noblewoman? he wondered. Then he remembered her question: she was asking about his condition. The girl waited patiently while he was lost in his thoughts.
"Ah…"
Before he could reply, the black vertical and horizontal lines returned, forming tiny squares covering everything around him. Colors faded, and all objects vanished. Orange light flooded his vision—the evening sun shone from the west. Rain felt his body falling freely until he hit a surface of water beneath him. He struck the water horizontally, pain exploding across his back. Panic overtook him as he couldn't breathe—his body sinking deeper into a bottomless sea. The deeper he went, the darker the water became. He kicked and paddled, but it was useless. Air left his lungs in bubbles. He tried to inhale, but no water entered his lungs—he felt not drowning, but choking from loss of breath. From the darkness ahead, a massive mouth slowly opened, rising toward him.
…
"Rain! Rain, what's wrong? You look pale!" Bunda shouted in panic.
I woke up drenched in sweat. My right hand reached my throbbing temple, aching from the sudden awakening. Slowly, I moved my hand to my throat as the memory of the dream resurfaced—the choking sensation returned as well.
Bunda's cold hand touched my forehead, perhaps checking if I had a fever. Though even if I had, the coldness of her body would've driven it away. I never understood how a healthy human could be that cold in room temperature.
She stared at me silently. I tried to process what, why, and how to respond.
"Ah… hahaha… I'm fine, Bund. I don't know, it was weird. I usually don't dream." I forced a childish smile.
She didn't seem convinced. She stared at me as though I was hiding something. But my wide smile eased her a little, and she pulled her hand away. A pang of regret struck my heart—if only I stayed quiet a little longer… I chuckled inwardly at how pathetic I was.
Bunda stood up and offered her hands to help me up. I took them. They were soft and cold—strange for someone who worked so hard in the garden, with the animals, and around the orphanage. Then again, why was I even thinking about that? I was lifted from the bed to my feet by her pull.
"I panicked earlier. You were kicking and scratching like a fish out of water. I thought you were possessed… or hmm, no, more like you were trying to swim in the air hahaha…" she laughed gently.
She was always generous with smiles, but rarely did I see her laugh. I felt proud for making her laugh. Her laughter had a charm that warmed people. It was almost enough for me to forget I was still holding her hands. I pouted playfully.
"Haha, alright. Anyway, I came to wake you up. Remember what today is?" she asked, rubbing my head.
Right… today was my turn with the twins to help Auntie with cleaning. The orphanage had many workers, but Bunda arranged schedules so children would help—the idea was to teach us how to work.
"Yes, Bund, I remember… I'll move soon," I said lazily.
She smiled, rubbed my head again, then walked toward the door.
"Don't delay. The faster you finish, the sooner you can play," she said as she left.
Watching her walk away, I sighed. I walked to the window and stared at the clean green yard to calm myself. The dream had left my heart uneasy.
"KAK ABI GOT HIT HAHAHAHA—!"
Hearing the laughter of the younger kids brought a smile to my face. I was not very close to them, but watching them from afar always made me feel at peace—not alone, yet not needing to speak.
…
"Wanna join, big bro? We're gonna play!" one of the twins asked.
After helping clean, sweat trickled down my brown skin.
"You guys go. I have to meet Uncle Edward at the fields later," I said while scratching my head.
They looked disappointed. I rarely played with them—I preferred watching rather than joining. And at noon, I had to help Uncle Edward at the farm in exchange for sword lessons.
"Aww… hide-and-seek is more fun with you," said Geoffrey.
Guilt flickered, but what could I do? Uncle Edward was impossible to negotiate with. I smiled and ruffled their heads.
"Tomorrow, okay? I'll skip today," I said with an apologetic smile.
I walked away through the corridor—lined with rooms for the children and separate rooms for the caretakers. My fingers slid along the wooden wall, nails scratching lightly, leaving soft sounds echoing in the empty hallway.
I reached the wide dining room connected to the inner kitchen. Bunda and the aunties were busy preparing meals. I paused, observing the long wooden table filled with plates and utensils. This was where we all ate together, prayed, and thanked God before enjoying the meals.
I passed the corner of the table toward the door opposite the corridor entrance. No one noticed me coming or going—which was good. If Bunda had seen me, she would've forced me to eat first.
Stepping outside, the sight of the wide vegetable fields greeted me. The midday sun was bright, forcing me to shield my eyes with my hand. Far away, I saw faint silhouettes of the workers tending the plants.
Walking through the rows of vegetables, many aunties and uncles greeted me. I smiled back. The heat grew stronger. Walking between rows of potatoes, arms spread wide, I looked for Uncle Eobard. Giving up, I approached Auntie Ulfi who happened to be nearby.
"These crops look fresh, Auntie. Any failures in this group?" I asked, squatting next to her.
"Rain—you scared me! Ah well. Looks like everyone's gonna hit the jackpot this harvest. Hopefully Miss Celes gives us a bonus."
Auntie Ulfi was a former gambler before working here. Most workers were previous criminals or outcasts Bunda had rehabilitated. Even Uncle Eobard claimed he used to be a famous bandit in Birean.
"Hmm… if you get the bonus, what will you do with it?" I grinned.
Her face stiffened with panic. I could guess her thoughts: Damn kid. How did I fall for that? I laughed internally while keeping a straight smile.
"Well… I'll save it… for when I find a partner and have kids someday," she said awkwardly.
I burst into laughter, bending over. Honestly, it wasn't that funny—I just wanted to mess with her.
"Eww, who'd want that? Even Uncle Eobard has to think twice about being with you," I teased.
A flicker of emotion sparked in her eyes. Before I knew it, she jumped on me, knocking us both to the ground among the potato plants. My head hit the soil. Her blonde hair hung down like the mouth of a cave, blocking all view except the bright "exit" above. Her scent tickled my nose—pleasant yet extremely uncomfortable.
"What did you say?"
Her arms pinned mine down. The situation froze in awkward silence, our breaths brushing each other's faces. Her cheeks grew red—maybe from the sun. My heart thumped wildly.
"So?" she asked again, before finally letting go and standing up.
I pushed myself up, brushing dirt off my pants.
"Okay, okay, sorry, beautiful Auntie," I said lazily. "So, where's Uncle Eobard?"
She grabbed her fallen hat and sighed.
"He should be in the eastern grassland. Probably sleeping again."
I waved goodbye and walked toward the east. Again, leaving only footprints behind.
…
Sunlight pierced through my fingers as I walked into the open grassland. The sun was at its peak—midday. The heat bit into my skin as I approached a large lone tree in the middle of the field.
Tall grass brushed against my pants. On one of the branches, I saw a figure lying down. Closer… and there he was.
"Rain, right? You're early. Isn't it lunchtime?" Uncle Eobard said with eyes still closed.
I stopped beneath the branch he lay on, picked up a twig and tossed it at him. It hit him squarely while dust flew into my eyes.
"I'm trying to eat less, Uncle. I want my abs to show."
He rolled off the branch, landing perfectly on one foot. He grabbed the twig and poked me in the forehead.
"You cheeky brat!"
I rubbed my forehead, unfazed. Uncle Eobard stood before me—long unkempt blond hair, blue eyes, beard and mustache, looking like a handsome homeless nobleman. Despite his messy appearance, he was easily one of the most attractive men in Birean.
"So, what do you need help with?" I asked excitedly.
He stretched, groaning in pleasure, then began walking away.
"Follow me," he said.
I followed closely behind…