"I hate you, Iago," said a girl standing right in front of him.
Heavy rain poured down, accompanied by the deafening roar of thunder, yet her gaze pierced deeper than nature's fury itself. "I hate you so much I want to kill you." After saying those words, she turned her back and left Iago standing alone.
Iago stood frozen, his head lowered, eyes fixed on the ground. The rumbling thunder didn't stir him in the slightest. His eyes widened slightly, his lips parted, and his wet black hair clung to his forehead.
The rain drenched him endlessly, weighing his body down. For ten long minutes, he simply stood there—until his lips slowly curved, forming a smile.
***
Back in the year 1500, in a country called Cirland, there stood a wealthy and renowned kingdom: the Kingdom of Valemira. It was famous for producing many brilliant and noble minds.
One morning, a young man of twenty had just arrived in the capital. He had long black hair parted in the middle, the back a little unkempt, and half-closed eyes that made him look perpetually tired or sleepy. Though simply dressed, his appearance was neat and clean, giving him a certain handsomeness—quite striking for someone from the countryside.
"So that's the Kingdom of Valemira..." he muttered softly. From afar, the grand palace towered high. White marble walls blended with golden metal that gleamed until its spires pierced the clouds, standing like a beacon visible from the outer districts of Citywon.
The young man walked through the bustling crowd. People were busy with their morning routines, most of them buying daily necessities. He paused at a puddle, staring at the unfamiliar reflection of his face, then continued on.
"Hey, boy! I've never seen you before. Are you from the village?" called out an old merchant, making him turn his head. The man was pot-bellied, with a thick mustache, smiling as he gestured for him to come closer.
"Yes, I've just arrived from the countryside. What is it, sir?" the young man asked with a faint smile.
"I'd like to offer you this lucky charm. Just one Flor." The merchant raised a small trinket.
The young man raised an eyebrow. One Flor for such nonsense? Since childhood, he had never believed in anything supernatural.
"I'm sorry, sir. Do you really think I have that much money?"
The merchant froze, then laughed awkwardly. "Haha… fair enough. One Flor is a bit much for you, isn't it?"
The young man only smiled. They chatted briefly before he politely declined the man's offer for work and moved on. A lucky charm, huh? I wonder who would buy such a thing.
Not long after, a horse-drawn carriage passed by. A gallant guard held the reins, while inside sat a noble girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. Her name was Stella Valemira, daughter of the ruler of Valemira. For a brief moment, her eyes met those of the young man. Just an instant—but enough to make time feel as if it had stopped.
The carriage should have continued on, but instead it suddenly halted. Stella quickly stepped down, her gaze fixed on the young man's retreating back. She hurried after him. "Wait! Hey, you…"
The young man turned, confused, while Stella caught her breath. "Why are you just standing there?!" she snapped.
"Forgive me, but… what's wrong, my lady?" he asked politely.
"Who are you? I've never seen you before."
"I've just arrived from the countryside."
Stella narrowed her eyes. In a swift motion, she drew her sword and pressed it against his neck. The surrounding crowd gasped and began whispering.
"Hey, isn't that Princess Stella?"
"Yes… but why is she pointing her sword at that man?"
"I heard there's a skilled thief in the city… goes by the name Shadow."
The whispers were loud enough for the young man to hear. He understood immediately. So, she thinks I'm that thief, Shadow.
Calmly, he said, "I know you suspect me of being a thief. But is it necessary to go this far when the truth isn't clear?" Then, without hesitation, he stepped closer until the blade touched his neck. A drop of blood fell.
Stella's eyes widened. "Don't move! I'll cut off your head if you take another step!" she shouted, though her hand trembled slightly.
"To behead an innocent man? Is that what nobles are truly like, Princess?" the young man replied coldly.
The guard, Garron, quickly approached, trying to ease the situation. "Please, control your anger, Your Highness. Even if he looks suspicious, that doesn't mean he's guilty."
Stella hesitated, then took a deep breath and lowered her sword. "You're right, Garron. Forgive my rudeness."
The crowd slowly dispersed, disappointed that the man wasn't the thief they had hoped to see caught. Stella then smiled warmly, her beauty radiating with softness. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Stella Valemira, daughter of the noble house of Valemira. What is your name?"
The young man felt something strange stir within him as he looked at her face. Wait… this face… why does it feel so familiar? But he dismissed the thought.
With a respectful bow, one hand on his chest and the other behind his back, he answered, "My name is Iago Verbal. It is an honor to meet you, Princess Stella."
Stella froze. Her smile vanished instantly, her eyes widening. "That name…"