Before returning to my work, I turned to the boy and said in a serious tone:
"You need to leave now and come back after an hour. The boss went out for some errands, and he said he'd be back in exactly an hour."
The boy nodded in understanding, though a glimmer of worry in his eyes didn't escape me. Then he left with hesitant steps, as if afraid I might slip away and leave him to his fate.
As for me, I returned to my usual tasks—cleaning weapons and arranging heavy crates.
But my mind wasn't focused on what was in front of me. Instead, it was occupied with what awaited me after an hour: how would I convince the employer hire that boy?
As I wiped the blade of a gleaming sword, the first idea crossed my mind: maybe I could tell him the boy was my younger brother, that he came looking for work and wanted my help.
But I quickly shook my head in disapproval.
"No… lying is wrong. And besides, that plan sounds a bit ridiculous."
Thoughts moved through my mind like crashing waves.
Should I tell him I found the boy wandering the streets, lost with nowhere to go, and that he begged me to help him find a job?
That was closer to the truth… but it still didn't feel convincing enough. The boss was a practical man, not easily swayed by emotions.
I spent a long time thinking, jumping between plans and possibilities, until I reached a final decision: I wouldn't try to twist anything—I would simply tell the truth as it is.
And if he refused… I'd look for another way then.
That decision eased me slightly, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from my chest.
The hour passed slowly, until the boy finally returned, standing beside me with a mixture of anxiety and hope on his face. His eyes seemed to search the future for salvation.
We stood waiting together in silence. The only sounds were distant footsteps in the market and the wind slipping through the alleys of the town.
Then suddenly, a familiar carriage stopped in front of us—the employer's carriage.
He stepped down with steady movements, carrying the presence of a man accustomed to leadership and responsibility.
He exchanged a brief glance with me, and I decided to seize the moment before hesitation could take hold.
I stepped forward confidently, the boy trailing behind me nervously.
I spoke with seriousness:
"Sir… I have a request I'd like to present."
He stopped, turned to me with sharp eyes, and said in his usual cold tone:
"What is it?"
I swallowed, then answered:
"I'd like to ask you to hire this boy to work with us."
I gestured slightly toward the boy behind me, who looked like a small bird suddenly thrown before a predatory eagle.
I had prepared myself for a long argument.
I expected him to ask, "Who is this? What's his relation to you?" forcing me to explain everything and try to convince him.
But what happened next completely surprised me.
The employer was silent for a brief moment, then said calmly—but with decisive sharpness:
"Of course. Why not?"
I stared at him in shock, my mind freezing for a few seconds.
"Really?!"
He gave a slight smile.
"Yes. I don't have many employees anyway, and the strange tasks we get require more hands. Having another person will help a lot."
Then he turned directly to the boy, studying him carefully before saying firmly:
"From now on, you work for me. Your wage will be forty dollars a day."
The boy's eyes widened in astonishment, then he was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.
"Yes! I'm looking forward to working with you too—I'll do my best!"
I stood there, watching in disbelief. I hadn't expected it to be this easy. I had prepared myself for arguments and persistence.
But now… a strange sense of relief spread through my chest, as if a mountain of worry had been lifted.
Then suddenly, I remembered something I had completely overlooked.
My own salary had increased some time ago—it was now seventy dollars a day! How had I forgotten that?
That brought me closer to my goal… to the dream that followed me every day: finding my family.
The boy stood before the employer hesitantly, as if unsure where to begin.
Then he gathered courage and asked in a slightly hoarse voice, filled with both excitement and fear:
"So… what do I have to do?"
The employer smiled faintly and replied, placing his hands behind his back:
"The daily tasks here seem simple on the surface, but they require effort and patience. Usually, you'll be responsible for cleaning weapons until they shine like new, arranging heavy crates in the storage, and pulling the carriage when necessary. But…"
He paused, giving the boy a careful look before adding:
"Sometimes, we receive unusual tasks—outside the scope of normal work. At those times, you must be ready for anything."
The boy slowly raised his head, a flicker of unease in his eyes.
The boss continued:
"Your daily duties will be the same as this man standing beside you."
I froze in place, looking between them in confusion.
Wait… why are they both looking at me like that?
No… no, please don't let this be what I think it is…
After a heavy pause, the employer continued while staring directly at me:
"And since you'll be doing the same tasks, you will be responsible for him from today onward."
Simple words—but they struck me like lightning.
Inside, I screamed: Nooooo! Why me?!
I can barely take care of myself—how am I supposed to be responsible for him too?!
I saw the boy looking at me with eyes full of gratitude and hope, as if that sentence had saved him.
As for me, I forced myself to hide all that turmoil behind a cold mask.
I didn't want to appear weak or complaining in front of them.
I forced a smile and said, in a voice that didn't feel like my own:
"Of course. I'll be responsible for him from today."
The employer simply nodded, then turned and walked inside, leaving behind a heavy silence between me and the boy.
I let out a long sigh, releasing some of the tension inside me, then finally turned to him.
He stood there nervously—but in his eyes was a spark of hope I hadn't seen before.
I said seriously:
"So… I'm responsible for you during work from now on. That means one thing: don't cause any problems, and don't do anything stupid. Understood?"
He gave a small smile and replied with a mix of seriousness and excitement:
"Understood."
I stared at him for a few more seconds, as if searching for reassurance that he wouldn't drag me into trouble—but my heart wasn't entirely convinced.
Still… I knew fate had drawn a new path for us together, whether I liked it or not.
After calming down a little, I added:
"Anyway… what's your name?"
The boy looked at me with wide eyes, then answered calmly, though filled with curiosity:
"My name is Vesper."
I smiled slightly.
"That's a nice name. Alright, let's go and start our tasks."
Vesper nodded eagerly, and we walked together toward the workplace.
As we worked—arranging heavy crates, cleaning weapons until they gleamed, and handling other physically demanding tasks—I noticed something surprising.
Vesper was quick to learn and precise in his work—far better than I expected from someone his age.
Time passed faster than I thought, and by the end of the day, it was time to leave.
I put on my coat and picked up my bag, heading toward the inn—when suddenly, that familiar strange feeling returned.
I turned slowly.
There was Vesper, walking behind me, matching my pace as if he intended to stay close.
I approached him and asked, slightly irritated:
"What do you want now?"
He hesitated, then said awkwardly:
"I… don't know where I'm supposed to sleep tonight."
I gave a small smile, trying to reassure him:
"It's simple. Go find an inn. Money isn't a problem—you've already been paid."
He shook his head gently, then said honestly:
"It's not about money… I just don't trust anyone except you."
I paused, feeling the weight of responsibility grow heavier.
Then he added quietly:
"Can I come with you?"
I sighed slowly, realizing resistance wouldn't help.
"…Fine. Let's go. It's getting late."
A wide smile spread across his face.
"Of course—let's go!"
I walked ahead, and he followed eagerly.
Well… he's just a fifteen-year-old kid. I shouldn't be too harsh on him… even if it's a bit exhausting.
We finally arrived at the inn. I knocked on the door three times:
Knock… knock… knock…
Aunt Melissa opened the door with a warm smile.
"Welcome back!"
Then she noticed Vesper beside me and smiled lightly.
"And who is this?"
Before I could answer, Vesper stepped forward confidently:
"I'm like his little brother. And I want to stay here."
Aunt Melissa laughed warmly.
"Haha… what a cute child. Looks like we have a second resident now!"
Then she added:
"It'll be seven dollars per day."
Vesper smiled eagerly, handed her the money, and entered happily.
Inside, Liana was waiting. When she saw me, she ran over and hugged me.
"Mister, you're finally back!"
But then she noticed Vesper—and her expression immediately changed.
"And who is this?!"
I said calmly:
"This is Vesper. He'll be staying with us from now on."
She frowned.
"What?! No, I don't want that!"
I was surprised.
"Why not?"
She hesitated, then said awkwardly:
"Because… because… I don't like how he looks."
Vesper froze, his face turning slightly red.
"I… I'm ugly?!"
I stepped in quickly:
"Liana, it's not nice to call someone ugly. You're not a bad girl, are you?"
She replied stubbornly:
"I'm kind!"
I smiled lightly.
"Then go ahead and apologize to your older brother, Vesper."
She paused, then nodded slowly.
"I… I'm sorry."
Then she ran off to the kitchen.
Aunt Melissa smiled apologetically at Vesper.
"I'm sorry. She's not usually like this—I don't know what's gotten into her."
Vesper smiled politely.
"It's okay… kids are like that sometimes."
She smiled again.
"Anyway… aren't you both hungry? Come eat."
We went to the kitchen and sat down.
The food was as delicious as always, warm and comforting. Vesper ate eagerly, as if it were a new experience for him, while Liana ate quietly—perhaps because of his presence.
After dinner, Vesper went to his room next to mine, and I went to mine as well.
I lay down on the bed, exhaustion washing over me.
The day had been long and full of events, leaving a deep mark on me.
As my thoughts drifted…
Sleep finally took hold, and I slipped into a deep slumber—leaving the world behind.