Chapter 4: New Life
Lucien now lived with Aren and Lira in an abandoned place.
The area was quiet and surrounded by a few trees. There was a small pond with clean water and a small square house. Inside the house were some old clothes, a small storage area for food, and a few basic items. It wasn't comfortable, but it was enough to survive.
Lucien was now six years old. The main story would begin five years later, when the protagonist turned eleven.
Five years…
Well, whatever, Lucien thought.
He had been living with Aren and Lira for about a week. During this time, Lucien dropped his acting. He worked with Aren every day, while Lira always stayed at home.
Lira was four years old. She often asked to work with them, but Aren always stopped her.
Lucien and Aren worked as Empire Salvagers. Every day, they collected scrap and broken items, then sold them at the Salvager Exchange. They earned sixteen copper coins a day.
With that money, they bought food from the slum stalls—three bowls of thin soup and two pieces of hard bread. After returning home, Lucien and Aren ate half a bread each and gave the full one to Lira. After drinking their soup, they went to sleep.
That was how Lucien lived his days.
One day, while collecting salvage, Lucien noticed something unusual.
A doll.
It was in perfect condition and not even dirty.
" Do nobles really throw away things like this?" Lucien thought.
Aren noticed the doll in Lucien's hand.
"That doll is good," Aren said. "Lucien, can you give it to Lira?"
Lucien looked surprised.
"Why should I give it to her?"
Aren smiled softly.
"She's always shy when she sees you. That's why."
Lucien thought about it. Lira really didn't talk to him much and always avoided eye contact.
"…Fine," Lucien said. "I'll give it to her."
Aren smiled warmly.
"Thank you."
Lucien said nothing.
Later, Lucien also found two wooden swords. They weren't perfect, but they were usable. He kept them instead of selling them.
That night, after dinner, Aren went to sleep. Lira stayed outside, praying as she always did—for the safety and health of her loved ones.
Lucien knew this scene. He had read it in the novel.
When Lira finished praying and was about to go inside, Lucien stopped her.
"I have a present for you."
Lira looked surprised but stayed silent.
Lucien handed her the doll.
"If you don't like it, you can throw it away."
It was the first time he had ever given a gift to someone and he don't know what to say.
Lira stared at the doll with shining eyes. She hugged it tightly.
"Thank you, miste—"
"You can call me Lucien," he interrupted.
She smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Lucien."
Later that night, Lucien noticed Lira still standing outside, looking at the stars with the doll in her arms.
"Lira," Lucien said, "don't stay outside too long. You'll get cold."
"I'm okay," she replied softly. "I can take care of myself." and she was smiling.
Lucien widened his eyes.
At her age…
"O-Okay," he said.
That night, Lucien decided something.
I need to train. And I must find a way to complete the loading.
The next morning, Lucien woke up early. Aren and Lira were still asleep.
Lucien started running around the area.
After a while, Aren noticed him.
"Why are you running so early?" Aren asked.
"I want to become strong," Lucien replied while running.
Lucien thought for a moment.
It's better if Aren starts sword training now… before the main story.
"Hey, Aren," Lucien said, stopping. "Why don't you join me?"
Aren stayed silent.
Then he remembered the day bandits took his sister—and how helpless he had been.
After taking a deep breath, Aren nodded.
"…Okay."
They warmed up together.
Lucien knew Aren didn't lack strength. He was chosen to be a hero. The problem was something else.
He doesn't know how to use his power.
Lucien handed one wooden sword to Aren and kept the other.
"Let's start sword training," Lucien said excitedly. "But first—"
He looked at Aren seriously.
"Aren, tell me your reason. Why do you want to learn swordsmanship?"
Aren answered immediately.
"I want to protect my sister. No matter what."
As expected, Lucien thought.
"Good," Lucien said with a small smile. "Let's begin."
Aren hesitated.
"Lucien… do you even know how to use a sword?"
"No," Lucien answered honestly.
"…Then how are we supposed to learn?"
Lucien smiled confidently.
"Just follow me."
Aren laughed lightly.
"Okay."
But when Lucien saw the sunrise, he realized the truth.
"We don't have time today," Lucien said. "We'll be late for work."
"…You're right," Aren replied.
After breakfast, Aren waved to Lira.
"We'll be back tonight."
"Take care, big brother. Lucien," Lira said.
That night, after work and dinner, Lucien spoke before sleeping.
"We start training tomorrow."
Aren replied.
"Okay."
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END OF CHAPTER 4
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