After the flies descend

He suddenly forgot his polite and respectful demeanor rushing at the man who had given him so much. Now he had even given him a name. Something inside of him seemed to have unsealed at that moment, and tears sprang to his eyes as he grabbed hold of the man, hugging him tightly.

Liam was satisfied. The boy was acting like he should, as a seven-year-old boy. It was a beautiful sight.

The boy, Yong-Sun, looked up with glistening, shining eyes. Tears were still falling. "Does it have some meaning other than being first?"

"A book I read mentioned it as a 'dragon in the first position,' but it also means good, brave, and eternal. I don't exactly know what the first part means, but you feel like a hatchling of a dragon to me."

"What's a Dragon?"

"A magical being that breaths fire to extinguish their enemies and a friend to those who have no disputes with it."

"I have never heard of a being like that," he said, wiping away the tears.

"Don't you have stories or legends that people talk about, especially children's versions?"

"No, I am an orphan, and we are treated mostly as vermin. The sir in the inn was right. I am lucky that you noticed me." he smiled happily, but he didn't let go of Liam.

Liam scratched his head at that moment, recalling if he had introduced himself to the boy or not. Finally, thus, he decided to say it. "From now on, call me Liam. But, if I ever hear a sir or something of that kind again, I'll let Nio eat you."

Yong-Sun didn't know who Nio was, but he could tell that that one was very capable of eating him. So he silently vowed to himself never to call him like that.

Liam changed the subject then.

"Do you know where I could find someone to identify some plants?"

"Yes, the farm managers are very good with plants," Yong-Sun said enthusiastically, releasing Liam and getting up instantly.

On the other hand, Liam didn't think they could help him in the matters he was hoping for. But that was the only lead he had, and as he didn't want to disappoint the boy and followed him a moment later.

The sun had already set, and it was rapidly getting darker.

"Si...L-Liam? I was supposed to lead you to a dark alley yesterday. By now, they should have figured out that I am free. They might try to capture and sell me again." he confessed meekly, hoping he wouldn't be disciplined.

"Don't worry about that. I know about the flies. Just lead the way," Liam acted like it was not a problem.

The boy sighed in relief that Liam wasn't mad at him.

It was something he liked a lot. Liam liked very much that the boy, 'No, it was Yong-Sun now, and he had to remember it,' didn't do as he was told. He likes the fact that Yong-sun can think for himself. Selfishness is something that keeps people alive.

A bit over half an hour later, they reached the greenhouses. It was rather strange to see greenhouses on top of each other. The place was lit up like the streets before the holiday seasons on earth, and people were still working inside.

To think that they would do something like this because they had superior material and lacked the area where they could build this. It was genius. It was another new sight to Liam, who marveled at this concept. But, he had to admit that this was only possible because of the superior material this world could produce.

"Red-49, why haven't you reported for work yet!?" a shout rang out once Yong-Sun entered the area with Liam. He reacted to it by hiding behind Liam and peaking at the person coming toward them.

The person frowned as he saw the sight.

"Hello, I am Liam. I bought Yong-Sun's freedom yesterday, so don't be so mad at him," Liam acted friendly, as he didn't see any malice in the woman's voice or facial features. Of course, that could also be faked, but the feeling he got from the woman was one of caring.

"Hah! How nice! I hope you treat him well. He is a bit naughty, but a good boy in heart." the smile on her face could reach her ears if possible. The genuine happiness in her eyes couldn't be faked. "I wish there were more good people like you out there," she sighs, "These children need care that we cannot provide. By the way, I'm Liona," she introduced herself last.

"I will. Nice to meet you, but I'll tell you in advance that we are probably leaving soon, so I suggest you say your goodbyes, Yong-Sun." he turned to look at the boy still hiding behind him.

"Ah, how soon?"

"After the flies descend," it was comical to see the small boy's eyes widen in surprise. He knew what Liam meant by flies and ran off in a specific direction. It even looked like his legs couldn't keep up with how fast he wanted to go. He stumbled quite a few times.

"Hkhm," Liam cleared his throat, "Yong-Sun brought me here for another reason. He thought that someone here would be able to help me identify a few plants. Is that possible?"

"Yes, but that depends on the plants," she said thoughtfully.

"I have them with me. Are you able to help me?"

"Sure, come with me. I'll have a look at them." Liona led the way to the cellar. It turned out to have a few floors underground as well. One room was specially built for books. The room was also constantly kept dry.

"Please lay them out on the table." Liam laid them in order as Pollen had given them to him.

"Why are you placing them like that?"

"The right order gives me a message."

"Who gave you that message?"

"Is that important?" Liam answered with a question.

"It's just that ... there is a legend similar to this." she hesitated to say that. After all, many people would shush her if they heard.

"Oh! Tell me! I'm very interested in such tales." Liam was more than intrigued by her words.