Chapter 1: The Shadow Atop The Windowsill (1/2)

[Author's Note: Read the Auxillary chapter(Chapter 0) first. It will provide insight into the plot. ]

”Lawrend, I will leave things here to you. And don't think about getting maids!”

A red-haired man eyed his son with a solemn face. He was wearing a brown sleeveless tuxedo and a white undershirt. The man fixed his necktie as he walked toward the large metal gates of the mansion.

”Yes, father…”

The son's name was Lawrend, and he had no choice but to obey his father. His father is also the wealthiest merchant in the city. He was also 17-years old this year.

Lawrend had a red hair and a handsome face. His body was sort of fit for his age.

This was a bright morning in the city of Lanika. The brick roads were busy as horse carriages passed through and fro to transfer their goods in and out of the city. Incessant chatter can be heard from the streets as passersby talked with each other.

This scene took place in front of a mansion inside the noble district of the city.

”Good.”

Lawrend's father nodded his head in satisfaction. This son of his suddenly grew interested in maids. He ought to continue the family line and become a successful merchant.

”I'll see you in 6 months then.”

The red-haired man bid farewell to his son and rode the carriage waiting outside. Many of the guards followed, leaving only a few left. They rode the carriage in front and behind the red-haired man's carriage.

They formed a 5 carriage caravan. Together with the 2 carriages carrying goods at the far back.

”Hiyah!”

Neighh

The coachman whipped the horses. The horses neighed and started to move forward. They soon disappeared from Lawrend's view.

Lawrend stared at the closing gates and sighed bleakly. He remembered the stacks of books waiting for him inside his room.

He thought about what his father just said to him. Reluctance filled his heart when he thought about it.

Ever since Lawrend reached 7-years old, he had been having dreams of a modern civilization. In that dream, he was living and eating whatever he wanted. There were no monsters while towering buildings scattered around him.

There was even an instance when he saw lightning escape from a black string. It filled Lawrend's mind with awe. It felt so vivid yet so alien to him. It was as if it was his past life.

He woke up full of excitement only to realize that it was just a dream.

In this world, mages can manipulate the weather and swordsmen are capable of slicing a leaf 1 kilometer away from them. So Lawrend thought that it was a divine revelation for him that points to a powerful form of magic.

He researched about the subject, and his interest in magic grew stronger for each day that passed. The next time he dreamed. He saw a row of dozen maids bowing towards him. The dream quickly cut off at that point, but somehow, it stuck inside Lawrend's mind more than the lightning did.

Ever since then, he begged his father to hire him a maid. To no avail did his father budge. No means no.