Running Away From Home

Now that Sophie was free from the cellar and knew that she no longer had a place in her aunt's family, she tried to think of a resourceful way to take care of herself.

The girl immediately made her way out of the house and into the streets of Hastings. She was still in her uniform so it wasn't so cold, but it started to attract some attention because most of the students were already home during the late hours.

"Are you all alone, Miss?" Some of the patrons outside of a pub called out to her and laughed. Others whistled and tried to invite her to drink with them as Sophie quickly rushed by and ignored them.

She needed a place to stay but she couldn't get caught in her room anymore even if she tried to sneak back into the house. Maybe some of the servants would take her side? But that was too risky.

Sophie traveled across the cold and dark streets of Hastings. Only the flicker of street lamps filled with oil and wicks provided dim lights across the usually busy and bustling roads of Hasting.

If she knew where Katherine lived, then perhaps she would have approached the lady and sought her out… but she didn't know.

Should Sophie still try to attend cow dung academy?

Her cousins would no doubt try to bring her back home and then she'd end up right back into the cellar. So it meant that Sophie's option was either going back to Hauntingens despite her lack of a certificate and funds.

…Or go back to the castle where Nicholas was staying?

Would the young man take pity in her situation and let her stay there temporarily? Maybe he could actually rush and get the loan in Rostchild's bank for her? It was better than actually going to Hauntingen on foot.

Once Sophie decided that it was the best option she had right now, even if it was shameful to go ask for help, she made her way out of Hastings and headed for the castle.

It was only for her to come back and realize that the castle looked abandoned and empty? No. It wasn't exactly empty because there were some soldiers still around, but when Sophie tried to approach them, they raised their swords.

"No more visitors, allowed," One of them spoke.

"But I was just here this afternoon," Sophie tried to say to no avail. She didn't think they would raise swords, but she was mistaken.

A few of the soldiers exchanged looks before they said, "The one that you are looking for is no longer here."

"What? Nicholas?" Sophie's eyes widened. "He was here just before I left, so why would he…?"

The soldiers themselves didn't even bother responding anymore. They were tasked to take care of Lord Ferdinand's castle while they were gone and that was the only task that they were going to do.

"Why would he just leave without saying goodbye?" Sophie smiled bitterly.

There was no need for Sophie to even finish her statement. The wealthy, influential, and powerful all had different kinds of whims they followed without even a moment's hesitation.

If Nicholas decided to leave, then he would leave.

Perhaps it was Sophie's fault to have so much faith in a person she didn't know that well. Oh, he did leave her that precious mask, but even her school bag was confiscated by her two cousins when her aunt confronted her.

"I will return this to Lord Nicholas," Valerie said with a smile.

"No, you already have that mayor's son, let me do it." Lucia hissed at her sister and tried to steal the mask.

A bittersweet smile formed on Sophie's lips at the memory. It was probably going to disappoint them that Nicholas was no longer around once they attend classes tomorrow… but Sophie was now penniless.

She had nothing to her name, no things at all.

"Well, it doesn't matter," Sophie said to herself determinedly. "I know how to scavenge in the forests to look for food and I also know how to read and write."

All of these things began to formulate in her mind. A way for her to survive while she tried to make her way back home. Going back to collect anything from Aunt Helga's place was too dangerous and risky now.

Sophie could easily take temporary jobs while on her way to Hauntingen as a tavern worker to earn her keep too. She knew how to cook and that was a good skill to have as well.

There was the fact that she was wearing her Cawden Academy uniform and people would recognize it too, so maybe they'd also let her do other jobs?

If there was anything that Sophie set her mind to, then she would be able to do it. Compared to eight years ago when she was nothing but a child, Sophie now had a lot more knowledge now than before.

"I can't give up now," Sophie told herself.

After gathering her wits, Sophie reapproached the soldiers to ask for directions to Hauntingen. This time, she was determined to get answers from them.

"What is the easiest and fastest way back to Hauntingen?" Sophie asked and looked all of the men in the eyes. "Can you please give me directions there, at least?"

The group of soldiers stationed outside of the castle looked at the girl in uniform in confusion. Why would she suddenly be asking questions like this when it was already the middle of the night?

"Go home, girl."

"Now is not the time to be asking silly questions," one of them said.

"I am quite serious in my inquiry," Sophie frowned. "And I am going home after this."

The soldiers looked at each other and then decided to just give her directions and even a spare map from out of their supplies.

"Here take this so you can stop bugging us from our jobs."

Sophie raised a brow, but accepted it without question. "Thank you."