I'm eleven years old now.
The streets were alive with noise.
Laughter.
Shouting.
Footsteps echoing across the cracked pavement.
"Tag! You're it!"
"Run!"
Someone tagged me from behind.
"Got you!"
"Tsk—no way!"
I took off running, turning sharply through narrow spaces, trying to shake them off. My breath quickened. My heart raced.
I ran with them—
With Ryndon.
For a moment…
Everything felt normal.
No monsters.
No Fractures.
Just kids chasing each other before sunset.
Then—
I slowed.
My eyes drifted upward.
The sky was changing.
Orange fading into darker shades.
"…It's getting late," I muttered.
I stopped and raised a hand.
"I'm heading home."
Ryndon caught his breath and nodded.
"Yeah… same."
One by one—
Everyone started leaving.
No one complained.
No one argued.
Because we all knew.
At night…
You never know what could happen.
-
When I got home—
A vehicle had just stopped in front of the house.
Not an old car.
Not fuel-powered.
A Mana Cab—a vehicle powered by a mana core, glowing faintly beneath its chassis. Smooth. Quiet. More advanced than anything in the Outskirts.
The door opened.
And she stepped out.
My mother.
Hana.
Height: around 5'7.
Soft dark brown hair that fell naturally over her shoulders.
Warm hazel eyes—gentle, but strong.
Her face carried a quiet beauty. Not flashy.
But comforting.
The kind that made people feel safe just by being near her.
"…Mom."
She turned—
And smiled.
"Leo."
I ran toward her and wrapped my arms around her.
"I love you, Mom."
She laughed softly and hugged me back, patting my head.
"I love you too, son."
For a moment—
I didn't want to let go.
She had just come from the Central District.
A completely different world.
Bright streets. Tall buildings. Cafés, restaurants, parks. Crowded with nobles, adventurers, and officials.
That's where her shop was.
A small café.
But famous.
People came not just for coffee—
But for her cakes.
The best in Eldoria.
But it wasn't always like this.
When I was six—
Father disappeared.
No explanation.
No goodbye.
And after that—
Everything fell apart.
We struggled.
Every single day.
Food. Money. Survival.
But my mother—
Didn't give up.
She started from nothing.
Built everything herself.
And now—
We were standing again.
Because of her.
"…Let me help," I said, reaching for the box.
Inside were ingredients— Flour. Coffee beans. Chocolate.
She smiled. "Careful. That's expensive."
"I know."
-
A few days later—
I was inside the café.
Busy.
Always busy.
At least thirty people could fit inside— And every seat was taken.
Nobles. Adventurers. Government officials.
All gathered— Talking, laughing, drinking coffee.
"Order for table three!"
"Coming!"
I carried trays back and forth.
Coffee. Cake. Repeat.
Meanwhile—
My mother stood behind the counter.
Calm. Focused.
"Why am I working here again…" I muttered.
Then I remembered.
"If you help, I'll increase your allowance."
"…Right."
Worth it.
Then—
Ding.
The door opened.
I glanced up—
And froze.
"…Ryndon?"
He stood there.
Beside him—
A woman.
Tall. Around 5'7. Fair skin. Long black hair flowing down her back. Sharp but elegant features.
Her presence was refined.
Graceful.
The kind you could tell—
She wasn't ordinary.
And beside her—
A man.
Tall. Composed. Sharp eyes.
Elias.
They noticed me too.
All three of them.
"…Leo?" Ryndon said, surprised.
I scratched my head.
"Uh… yeah."
"…Why are you here?"
"…I work here," I replied.
"My mom owns this place."
Right on cue—
"Leo?"
My mother stepped out.
Then smiled when she saw them.
"Oh—Ward family. Welcome back."
Ryndon's mother smiled warmly.
"Hana… it's been a while."
"It has," my mom replied.
She placed a hand on my shoulder.
"This is my son. Leo."
They nodded.
Then I spoke—
"Mom… he's the one I told you about."
I pointed at Ryndon.
"The one who got bullied."
My mom blinked— Then smiled softly.
"I see…"
Elias crossed his arms slightly, a small smile forming.
"So… Leo, it seems we've been acquainted for quite some time."
"…Yeah," I said.
They laughed lightly.
We sat together.
Eating cake.
Drinking coffee.
Talking.
For once—
Everything felt… normal.
Then I asked—
"Uncle… you must have a lot of money, right?"
Elias blinked.
"…Me?"
He let out a small breath, a faint smile forming.
"Just enough to afford some cake and coffee in the Central District."
Ryndon snorted softly. His mother hid a smile.
Then Elias added—
"My wife and Ryndon come here more often."
"I only join them… maybe once every six months."
"I've been busy."
My mom nodded.
"That's true. I rarely see him here."
I leaned back slightly.
My eyes shifted between them.
My mom never really knew what kind of work Uncle Elias had.
And she never asked.
Maybe she didn't want to pry.
Or maybe—
She already understood that some things were better left unspoken.
Time passed.
Laughter filled the table.
And for a moment—
Everything felt warm.
Peaceful.
Complete.