Anna's past

The statement caught everyone off guard, causing them to turn their attention to Alex. He gazed calmly at the group before him and spoke with a level of certainty that made the others uneasy. "Would you like to accompany us?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of suspicion.

Anna's eyes narrowed with anger upon hearing this, and she glared fiercely at Alex. She felt a strong urge to lash out at him physically, but she managed to control her rage and responded loudly, "What do you know? I have lived here my entire life, waiting to exact revenge on those who wronged me. I lost everything because of them!"

Alex couldn't help but smirk at her words, finding them somewhat hypocritical. He replied, "If you truly desire revenge, you should leave this place and seek justice elsewhere. Don't just wait around for someone to come along so you can exact your revenge." Anna was taken aback by his words and struggled to come up with a response.

Once she regained her composure, Anna explained her story in greater detail. "When the old man passed away, I came back to this place seeking revenge. But upon my return, I realized that I had been deceived. There is nothing here anymore... no corpses, no houses... only these empty caves." As she spoke, her voice carried a sense of sadness and defeat.

Anna began to share her captivating tale with Alex and the others, taking them on a journey through her experiences. "I arrived in the bustling city, hiding my true identity to discover what had become of my hometown in my absence. But as I interacted with the locals, they viewed me as a monster, and fear consumed their hearts. It was as if they had erased me and my village from their memories." As Anna continued, she recounted how the guards had pursued her, and she had fled to a nearby cave.

However, Alex interrupted her, questioning her certainty that the town had forgotten about her. Maya intervened, urging Alex not to halt Anna's story mid-way. Anna paused for a moment before responding, "I always had my doubts, but when I met her, everything became clear." Alex, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "Who is 'her'?" Without missing a beat, Anna replied, "My mother." Both Maya and Alex were taken aback, questioning how it could be possible since Anna had always believed her mother had passed away. Anna's response was filled with anger, sadness, and depression as she shared how she encountered her mother in a nightmarish place, realizing that her mother's life had not ended as she had always thought.

Anna's eyes welled up with tears as she continued to recount the events of her harrowing day. As she returned to the safety of her cave, she was still in a state of confusion and couldn't make sense of what had just happened. She sat down to gather her thoughts, her mind racing with questions and doubts. It was then that she noticed something peculiar - an emblem that caught her attention. Upon closer inspection, she realized that it belonged to the city lord's special dark knight. These knights were a mysterious breed, known only to a select few who believed they were nothing more than a myth. They did not protect the kingdom or its people but instead carried out the city lord's dirty work. The gravity of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks, and her sadness turned into a mix of fear and uncertainty. As Anna spoke, her friends listened intently, their concerns etched on their faces. Maya's expression turned from curiosity to anger, and Alex could sense the tension in the air. He wisely chose to remain silent, not wanting to exacerbate the situation.

As Anna continues her tale, a deep sense of sadness lingers in her voice. She explains the intricacies of her predicament, revealing that the city lord is somehow involved, but she cannot confront him head-on due to the impenetrable defenses of his palace. Despite this, Anna is undeterred and determined to see justice served. With a shrewd plan in mind, she decided to take matters into her own hands by disguising herself and infiltrating the city lord's mansion. As she speaks, you can feel the weight of her emotions, and you can tell that this is a difficult task for her.

It's important to note that there is a significant difference between palaces and mansions, as Anna elaborates. The city lord's palace is a heavily guarded building in the heart of the city, serving as both his home and office. On the other hand, mansions are usually located in more remote areas, used by the city lord's harem and his son after he reaches a certain age. Despite being less guarded than the palace, the mansion still poses a significant challenge for Anna, but she remains resolute in her mission.

(There is a notable difference between the terms Royal and Noble that is often misunderstood. Although both positions hold significant power and influence, their roles and responsibilities vary greatly. Royals are responsible for making and enforcing laws, while Nobles ensure that they are upheld by the people. Additionally, Nobles are tasked with collecting taxes, while Royals utilize these funds for the betterment of the people. The most notable difference between these two positions is who they represent. Royals, such as kings, represent their entire kingdom, which means they are subject to certain restrictions, such as refraining from having a harem. However, they may be permitted to marry a second wife in special circumstances. On the other hand, City Lords or Nobles represent the King and therefore are not subject to such restrictions. They can utilize their mansions and properties in a more relaxed manner.

In essence, being Royal or Noble is more than just a title, it's a way of life. It comes with a host of responsibilities and duties that must be performed with utmost diligence and care. The Royals, with their immense power, have the responsibility of ensuring that their kingdom is well-governed and that laws are enforced to the fullest extent. The Nobles, on the other hand, have the task of ensuring that the people adhere to the law and pay their taxes promptly.

Moreover, while the Royal is bound by certain restrictions due to their position, the Noble has more freedom to utilize their resources as they see fit. This can be seen in the way they use their mansions and properties. The Royals are required to use these resources for the benefit of their people, whereas the Nobles are free to enjoy them in a more relaxed manner.

Therefore, it is important to understand the nuances and differences between these two titles to appreciate their roles in society fully.)

As I made my way past the vigilant guards stationed at the entrance, I couldn't help but notice a tantalizing fragrance that wafted through the air. It was an aroma so delicate, so soothing, that it immediately put me at ease. As I stepped inside the Mansion, I resolved to carry out my nefarious plan to abduct the city lord once he arrived. However, my focus was disrupted by a scent that was all too familiar to me. (You see, goblins possess an acute sense of smell, and I was able to discern this fragrance from all others.) My curiosity piqued, I decided to track it down, and it led me to an opulent room within the Mansion. This chamber was unlike any other, spacious and exquisitely furnished. And as I pushed the door open, I was taken aback by what I saw - my own mother, standing before me.

- To be continued.