Rin
I couldn't breathe.
A rope pulled taut constricted my neck.
My thoughts were muddled and incoherent.
My finger caught, adding to the pressure while restricting the ease of relief.
Death was imminent, all hope was lost.
I tried to wiggle my neck free, but it's of no use.
I could no longer move my fingers reliably, too tired to control them.
"Leo… why?" I manage to squeak out.
His eyes were squinted in concentration, almost like he was enjoying this. Does he enjoy watching me die this much? Is my life that much of a joke to him? That he could so easily squeeze it out of me.
But… something was off; his face lowered in remorse, like this was all just an accident.
"S-sorry!" He blurted out with a chuckle. "I didn't mean to make it that tight. You know… since you're living here now, you should really learn to tie your own ties. Instead of dragging me here." Loosening the knot.
I cough, finally given the gift of air. "Yeah, yeah. But it's not my fault! This whole day was just sprung on me."
"Are you two almost done?!" Lavinia called out from my bedroom.
"We'll be right there!" Leo yelled back.
Leo and I took one last look in my bathroom mirror. My now, more nourished, healthier physique was apparent. Both of us were dressed in thick winter tuxedos, in the house's colour.
Why? Because Lady Phia is making us.
When I got back from helping my family move into their new home in the Middle District, Lady Phia decided to ignore Lord Elgin's training rules and allow us kids to get to know each other better by spending a day out of the estate.
With Lord Elgin still gone at his meeting, she said it was fine, and his rules are too strict for someone my age anyway.
I still have to express gratitude to Lord Elgin, allowing me to see my family so soon. It was a relief being able to explain the situation to them properly. Of course, I didn't tell them everything. Just enough for them to understand why I could no longer live with them.
The actual move took two days, and I used that time to talk with my mother and sister. I was pretty vague, but they seemed to understand. I told them my boss, Asher, was actually the brother of Lord Grimwald, and he recommended me to train in the Youth Training program. A program for promising young Holders to train early for the Royal Guards. Of course, they were sceptical at first, with the fact that I was broke and had a weak Will. But when I told them the position didn't have me actually training in combat, and they would be bumped up to the Middle District, they were more than happy to accept my fake position here.
It hurts lying to them, but it's necessary. I can't stop lying now, and I only need to get better at it. To survive.
The Grimwalds bought a home for my family near the District gates, and OCC, since it's one of the cheaper parts of the District. The home was still a massive upgrade to our old one, though. Asher even offered Rose a part-time job at the cafe.
The possessions my family brought with them to the Middle District weren't enough to require all the carriages lent to us. The trip also gave me the chance to bring my few clothes to the Grimwald estate. It was a quick and easy endeavor.
Our old home was immediately sold off to the kingdom and is set for demolition. The news left a bittersweet feeling in my heart.
The entire trip to the Middle District from our old home was fast and smooth. Rose couldn't stop smiling the entire way to the house, getting the chance to be inside a carriage. Escalating to uncontrollable giggling as she imbued her resident visa for the first time at the gate.
As it was most likely my last time there, I said a quick farewell to Captain Moser, thanking him for all his help.
Arriving in the Middle District, I never thought I'd see the day when I could look at my mother's and sister's faces as they saw it for the first time. Rose wanted to explore everything. It was difficult to keep her focused on the task of moving homes, as we didn't have a lot of time.
We did, however, have the time to check out her new academy, H.H. Academy. Due to my sister's stellar grades, the school year ending in a few weeks, and a letter of reference from Lady Phia, she was allowed to graduate early and transfer to a proper academy in the Middle District, which she will be attending in the new year.
While my trip to the Middle District was nice, having to return to the estate left me in a bad mood. Missing out on Rose's birthday by one day, the 6th of Ends, the final month of the year.
If I were given a couple more days, while our mother would never allow us to participate, Rose showed interest in the Lower District tradition. But it seemed like she was only saying that for me.
When a Holder reaches the age of 15, they are legally allowed, by the kingdom, to hunt down Beasts for commissions. Many Lower District Holders apply to become a Voyager at 15 to make some extra zen. While the higher Ranks require a formal evaluation, the lower Ranks allow them to freely take on commissions to hunt Mid-Will Beasts. With this law passed a few years after the Dark Long Night, it's become a rite of passage for young Holders in the Lower District to take on their first commission solo when reaching the age.
Of course, I never participated in the tradition, but Rose is very capable, even seeming eager to do it. But I'm with Mom, I would never let her participate.
"Happy Birthday, Rose." I say out loud to the mirror.
Leo, already at the bathroom door. "Let's go, Rin."
Walking out of the bathroom with Leo, Lavinia looked up at us, leaning on the wall of the now open door frame. Two balls of light were circling her palm, changing colour as they moved.
"Finally." She said simply.
Wearing a dark blue, thick, long-sleeved dress that covers her neck, with her light beige trench coat overtop, she looked dressed between a formal outing and lazing around the home. Wearing winter boots with insulated leggings instead of the typical heels with a dress.
"You look great, sis! But I think I take the head." Leo jokes.
The term 'head' is assassin talk, a substitute for 'trophy'.
"Yeah, sure." She responds with absolutely no emotion whatsoever.
She glanced at me for a moment, quickly shifting her eyes to the door. "Let's just get this over with." She grumbled, dissipating the balls of light and walking through the door frame.
Making our way out of the estate and into a carriage, it took us to the closest market section of the District, by the western district border.
The carriage dropped us off in front of a breakfast place, and said they'd be back in four hours.
Heading inside, Lavinia led us, making haste and quickly finding a table at the back corner. Settling in a seat facing the wall, she made an effort to keep her head low.
"What's with the rush, Lavinia?" Leo said, picking up a piece of parchment in front of him.
Lavinia, following suit, used the parchment in front of her to cover her face. "I don't want to be seen hanging with my brother… and this weirdo." Motioning towards me.
Not bothered by her comment, I examined the building's interior. It was a simple, wooden shack. Much like the many buildings in the Lower District, and OCC, only larger. Despite its plain look, it was still more technologically impressive than anything in the Lower District and Asher's cafe. Its dull, wooden setting is most likely a design choice.
Leo and Lavinia both lowered their parchments at the same time, prompting Lavinia to speak, "Rin, go deliver our order. I'll have a Strawberry milkshake and pancakes. Leo?"
"Coffee, Lots of cream and sugar. Pancakes as well."
"Table 12." Lavinia shooed me away.
It seems my serving days are not done yet.