Chapter 1 - Homeless and Penniless (1/2)
Chapter 1 – Homeless and Penniless
It was a wobbly and bumpy ride as the carriage recklessly rolled down the neglected road. A nervous Rei nibbled at her nails as she looked through the window trying to distract herself. Alongside, cigar between his lips, sat a somber man gazing at the anxious girl. This cigar was commonly smoked in the Wenches ghetto. It perfectly represented their current situation.
The carriage shook as it rolled down the road. Rei bit her nails by habit as her older brother held a cigar between his lips. It wasn’t the usual brand. This cigar was commonly smoked in the Wenches ghetto. It perfectly represented their current situation.
“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.” He tried to placate her.
“…”
“Why aren’t you saying something? You’re so gloomy, it makes it seem like we’re in a grave situation!”
He felt it was about time she snapped out it. She was making a mountain out of a mole hill!
I make it seem so? Rei so wanted to retort.
They were at war with the neighbouring country. The economic recession that came with it was weighing down on everyone. Their father passed away, leaving behind debts and more debts. Mother, unable to cope with the sudden shock, was at a hospice. As if things weren’t bad enough, her brother fell victim to fraud. What happened after, was the most obvious- they were stripped of their status and mercilessly kicked out by their maternal house and kin. They were now homeless and penniless with no future in sight.
If this situation didn’t count as grave, then what did?!
Her brother understood her worries. But he didn’t want her to lose hope, not yet.
“If this goes well, you can live like a proper lady again. The debts we owe to our relatives will also be paid. Our mother will be able to live comfortably again. Do you understand, Rei?”
Rei stopped fiddling with her fingers. Her brother seemed like he’d slap her soon. She took a deep breath and went back to looking at the passing scenery.
Heish seemed satisfied with her response or rather her tacit submission. It was good enough for him, as long as she listened. With a stoic mien, he continued to ramble on.
“Anyway, aren’t they a noble family, so why is their manor so far out in the countryside? I mean, at this point, I won’t be surprised if we’re greeted by peasants covered in muck instead.”
“Heish!” She raised her voice.
She thought her brother was going overboard now, forgetting about the ‘position’ they were in and acting all hoity-toity.
“What? I’m just being honest. People should be allowed to express themselves if something’s wrong.” He was never the one to mince words and wore his heart on his sleeve. Besides, arrogance was ingrained deep in his bones that even bankruptcy could not affect.