_______KALA VILLAGE_____
______ KALA's graveyard _____
______Woman 1_____
This is tragic! She died at a young age and left her daughter right after giving birth!
_______ Woman 2______
That's true! But she deserved it! Who told her to give birth in the first place!
_____Woman 3 _____
Even though she knew what would happen, she didn't listen to our warnings!
_____Woman 2_____
If it had been a boy, but she gave birth to a girl! What a shame! May God be with her father!
_____Woman 3 ______
Exactly! He must get a new wife. How will the family continue with only a daughter?
_____Woman 1______
Yes, yes! Mr. "Melen" is handsome, wealthy, and can have thousand lovers if he wants!
________ 10 years later _______
____LOCAL GOVERNOR's house_____
_____ MELEN____
Lilian! Where are you, my dear?
______LILIAN_____
Lilian isn't here!
_____ MELEN____
Ah, there you are!
____LILIAN____
(laughs) How did you find me, Dad!
_____ MELEN______
How could I not find my daughter on her tenth birthday! Happy birthday, my dear Lilian! Don't you want to see your gift?
_____ LILIAN _____
(excited) A gift?! But I want the cake first!
____MELEN____
(laughs) Yes, yes! Anything you want, my little princess!
______ LILIAN______
I love you, Dad!
____MELEN____
I love you too, my princess!
______ 3 days later ______
______ KALA's primary school_____
_____ Child 1_____
Look at her! Isn't this the orphan girl? I heard she was homeschooled until now! Did their money run out?!
_____ Child 2 _____
I heard you're rich! So why did you come here? You should be studying at home! What are you doing in a school for poor people like us?
______ Child 3 _____
It's not like girls are useful even if they study! Was your mother that stupid to give birth to you and die?! (laughs)
____ Child 1 _____
I wish you had died with her! You're just bad luck!
____Child3_____
Yes, all your family ever does is steal our money!
____Child 2 _____
Yes, many people die in the village and you still tax them! And you give nothing in return!
_____Child 1 _____
True! Curse your whole family!
_____ Child 2 _____
Wow! Look at her! She's crying! She's going to cry!
______ Children 1,2,3_____
You little brat! (laughs)
_____Child 3 _____
Don't cry, little one, Papa is here (laughs).
_____Child 2 ______
All you have is your pretty face! And now you ruin it with tears! (laughs)
______Child1 _____
You're so evil and ugly, I feel sorry for your mother who sacrificed her life for you!
____ Children 1,2,3____
Evil and ugly! Evil and ugly! Evil and ugly! Evil and ugly! (laughs)
______ LILIAN_____
(crying) Shut up, all of you! You don't know the feeling of losing a mother! But her sacrifice for me will not be in vain. I will save as many homeless children like you as I can and help them. So don't worry, you won't starve. As for my mother's sacrifice, it shows she loved me even though I am a girl, and that's due to her wisdom and great mind. A girl is better than a boy without morals like you! And remember, your mothers are also women! I bet if it were your mothers in my mother's place, even if they knew you were boys, they would abandon you. That's clear from your upbringing. As for my beauty, yes, for now it's all I have, but just wait. I will make you bow to me for the position I will earn myself. I'll show you how a beautiful face handles matters! I promise, just wait!
_____ Child 1 _____
(angry) Let's leave this useless orphan girl alone!
_____Child 3 _____
Yes, yes, at least we have a family and a warm feeling! Don't even dream of experiencing it!
_____ Child 2______
Even if we are immoral, at least we're not killers!
______ Child 3 _____
Stay away from her, or she'll kill me too!
_____ Child 1 _____
Yes, that's right. I feel sorry for her and her father!
______ Child 2 _____
Scary! You disgusting killer!
_______ Children 1,2,3___
Yes, killer! Killer! Killer! Killer! (laughs)
______ 5 hours later _____
______MELEN's house_____
_____ MELEN____
My princess! Welcome back! How was your first day at school?
______ LILIAN_____
I don't want to go back there!
_____MELEN_____
What? Why, my dear? Didn't you say you wanted friends?
_____ LILIAN_____
Not anymore!
_____ MELEN_____
Why? Did something happen?
______ LILIAN______
They all call me ugly, evil, a killer, and say I'm just bad luck!
______ MELEN____
You're not like that at all! You're my beautiful princess! You're very pretty and not a killer at all! You're an innocent, sweet child. I'm sure your mother would be proud to see you like this! And you're not bad luck, ever since you entered my life, I've started seeing colors again. Lilian, you are my hope in this life! They must be jealous! Don't worry, I'll get a tutor for you tomorrow!
______ LILIAN______
But they said I'll never know the feeling of having a family!
______ MELEN______
No, never! What's that? We are already a family! The word "family" doesn't necessarily mean having both parents. As long as we love each other, we're a warm and kind family, especially with a beautiful child like you in it!
_____ LILIAN____
Really?!
______ MELEN______
Yes, absolutely! I love you, my little, beautiful, sweet princess Lilian! I will never leave or hate you!
_____LILIAN_____
I love you too, Dad! (laughs)
_____ 5 years later_____
_____LILIAN_____
(smile) Such sweet memories! But even though he said that he spent all his time working, I understand.
____ POV LILIAN_____
And now, it's time to keep my promise. Yes, I am Lilian, the most beautiful girl in the village, no, in the whole world!
_____MELEN's office _____
_____/Knocking on the door/______
_____LILIAN_____
Dad! It's me, Lilian! I want to talk to you about something important!
_____MELEN_____
Come in!
_____/Opening the door/_____
______ LILIAN______
Excuse me for coming in! It's been a while! Has work piled up, Dad?
_______/Closing the door/______
______MELEN______
Hahaha, actually I was about to finish! Sit down! It's rare that you want to talk to me about something important! Did something happen?
_____LILIAN______
(sits) Actually! Dad, since I'm part of the "Da Local" family, I think it's the right time for me to enter the business world!
_____ MELEN_____
(sits)....
____LILIAN_____
(nervous) Is there a problem?!
_____MELEN_____
(changes expression completely) So you're saying you want to enter the business world just like that?!
_____LILIAN_____
(nervous)... Of course not! What I meant is that maybe I should work. So I'm here for your final approval!
______ MELEN____
(sighs) It seems you don't understand what the "Da" in our family name means! You should realize it's hard to earn but easy to lose. It signifies nobility without the blood running in your veins; it's just a fancy word to express a lowly noble. We all have to live with this reality whether we like it or not! Everything must be handled carefully. Your entry into the family business without any experience or knowledge of poverty and failure will only make things worse. Don't take it personally; we are talking about work. The "Local" family has many members, and one mistake can make them swarm like insects, fighting over my position even if you were just a governor of a simple village in the eastern borders! If you want to start a business, you don't need my approval as long as you use the original family name "Doia." That's your decision, so I won't interfere!
______LILIAN_____
(stands) I'm sorry! I won't take it personally! I will prove that I deserve my name and title. I am "Lilian Da Local Doia." You must be busy, so I'll leave you to continue your work. Goodbye!
_____ /Opening the door/______
_____MELEN_____
(smile) Goodbye! Have a good day, my daughter!
_______LILIAN_____
Thank you for your advice, Dad. Have a good day too!
_____Closing the door_____
______1 year later_____
____KALA VILLAGE _____
____Man 1____
So this is the border luxury village!
___Man 2 ____
Yes! I heard they help the homeless while improving the village! They even give us kingdom papers!
____Man 3_____
And guess who does it!… The local governor's daughter!
_____Man 2_____
Yes, the local governor is just a greedy man exploiting villagers' money for his benefit!
____Man 1____
What a scoundrel!
______ MELEN's house_______
MELEN's office
______ MELEN______
(angry, shouting and pounding fists on the table) Why is all this happening!? I… I do my best for them, and they call me trash, and they only seek Lilian's favor because she's a girl! … I knew something bad would happen as soon as I gave her freedom! I won't let her do more now! What will people say about us? A family ruled by a daughter?! What a shame! … Lilian… just wait, I'll make you regret it!
_____ ?????_____
Do you want revenge?
______MELEN_____
(shocked, frozen) Who's there?! Where are you? Spy? Assassin? Who sent you here?!
_____ ?????____
Oh! Don't worry about me. I'm not an enemy, I'm here to help you restore your reputation! Now, will you accept my generous offer or not?!
______MELEN_____
(hesitant) …..
______??????______
(laughs) Just so you know, this is a one-time offer. Once you make your decision, you must take responsibility. No turning back!
_____MELEN_____
(nervous)… Actually… can I have some time to think about it? … (sweating) … as you know—
______????_____
Shall I consider this a refusal?! I don't have time like you. Think faster, or I'll leave!
______MELEN_____
(nervous) Wait a moment! … I.. I accept!
______??????_____
Hahaha! That's the spirit! And remember, no backing out now!
______POV MELEN_____
I'm starting to feel some regret! Something feels wrong!
_______MELEN_______
That's true! I want revenge on those who mocked me! But there's one condition: don't hurt my daughter!
_______??????_______
Oh, what a caring father! That's it?! … (sigh) … How boring… I thought you'd ask for a contract or something like that, which I hate!
_____ MELEN____
But first, who are you?!
______??????_____
Well, let's think… For now, call me "Bens." I'm just a passerby who found someone in need of help! Now, for your first mission, not much remains. Listen carefully: "Tomorrow will be a stormy day. You will find a boy with white hair and green eyes, looking foreign. Help him!"
______MELEN______
How is this supposed to help me?! Why not give me more details?! His name, age, etc.!
_______BENS______
Oh! Don't worry about that; he'll tell you himself! … Damn, I'm late! Goodbye, see you on the next mission!
______MELEN______
But! Wait, you—… (sigh) seems he left! I didn't see his face, he seems from a noble family capable of mental telepathy! But he hid his magic completely! Even I didn't notice!
_____1 day later_____
_____POV MELEN_____
I knew something was up! … I didn't expect what he told me to actually happen! That morning, it stormed exactly as he said! On top of that, we found a boy who looked foreign, silver-white hair, green eyes. All he remembered was his name, "Kevin," age 17… (sigh) I really started to regret now! I wonder when the next mission will come?!
_____LILIAN's room_____
_____ LILIAN_____
Damn, what did I see today! Those eyes, that strange hair, his cold personality! He's the first boy who treated me as a normal girl! How can he ignore all this beauty in front of him! … Even if he's a little handsome! … That doesn't mean ignoring me ! Damn you, Kevin! I'll show you!
_____3 years later (Now)_____
______MELEN's office _____
_____ /Knocking on the door/_____
_____MELEN_____
Who's there? Do you need something?!
_____ Maid______
Sir! Sorry to bother you, but someone outside wants to meet you and says it's urgent!
_____MELEN_____
Didn't I tell you I'm very busy these days?! …(sigh) Tell him to make an appointment and come later!
_____ Maid____
I told him, but he refused to leave, sir! He said you know each other and his name is "Bens"!
____POV MELEN____
(shocked) Damn, after I thought he was joking and forgot about it… (deep thought)
_____Maid_____
…Yes? …Sir?
_____MELEN____
(back to awareness) Oh! Let him in!
_____Maid_____
Yes, sir!
_____/Opening the door/_____
____BENS_____
It's been a long time, Mr. Melen!
_____ MELEN___
Oh… yes! Please, have a seat!
______/Closing the door/_____
_____ BENS_____
(sits) I know there's no time for questions! First, this isn't my real body or voice, so don't doubt me because my voice changed! Second, your first mission was successful. Third, I'm here because I heard some strange rumors!
____ MELEN____
(nervous) Rumors?!
_____BENS_____
Yes! Your small village was about to be destroyed due to your debts! You didn't ask for money from your daughter. All roads were blocked for you. Only two paths could save you: become a criminal, selling people's organs and slaves secretly, or enter the drug trade secretly. … Unfortunately, you chose both paths at the same time! … (sigh) I could have understood if it was just drugs! But… murder… and also the slave trade… what you did, Melen, is a second-degree crime after betraying the empire and kingdom! Now, how will you compensate me?! I never planned to work with a dangerous criminal from the start!
_____MELEN_____
(shocked) I… I'm really sorry! I'll do whatever you ask! Please have mercy!
____ BENS____
Interesting .....emmmm...you!
____ MELEN____
Yes, sir!
_____BENS______
You have a daughter, right?! And if I'm not mistaken, her name is Lilian! I heard about her achievements! If you want to keep quiet about what you did and everything to continue well, give her to me!
____MELEN_____
…but… but you promised not to touch or hurt her!
_____ BENS____
Any objections?!
_____ MELEN____
N…no sir, I… I just—
____BENS____
I never said I would hurt her, so act fast! Think of it as compensation and a mission at the same time! Isn't that what I said from the beginning? … Remove her from your way!
_____MELEN____
But… this… alright, I'll follow your orders! But make sure you fulfill your part of the promise too!
_______ 1 hour later______
____BENS______
Hahaha, your daughter is really fun!
_____ MELEN_____
(nervous) Oh… yes… I'm glad!
_____/Knocking on the door/______
_____Maid______
Sir! Sir!
_____MELEN_____
What is it? Didn't I tell you not to disturb me?!
____ Maid____
It's… it's really bad news!
______MELEN_____
Speak! What happened?
______Maid______
Miss… Miss Lilian has escaped!
______MELEN_____
(shocked) What?! What have you been doing all this time?! Damn you! I'll deduct from your salaries!
______BENS_______
As I thought, she's really fun!
______ MELEN_____
…I… I'm really sorry, Mr. Bens! I'll find her as soon as possible!
____ BENS_____
Why are you so worried? … Don't worry! She won't run far! After all, she's just a girl! Hahaha
_____ MELEN_____
But sir, what if we can't find her?
____ BENS____
Then be ready to face the consequences! … Now, what are you doing? Quickly, search for her. I'll give you 24 hours! Counting the time, only 23 hours left!
______MELEN_____
…Y… Yes, sir! (runs outside)
_____/Opening the door/______
______POV MELEN______
Damn you, Lilian! I'll show you!
_____/Closing the door/______
_____MELEN_____
(Loudly) Quickly, send men to search for Lilian! Don't let anyone leave the village without checking their identity! …Immediately! You have 23 hours left!
_____23 hours later_____
_____MELEN______
What do you mean you haven't found her?! It's impossible for her to have left the village in such a short time!
_____ BENS_____
Your time is up! Now I'll leave, goodbye!
_____MELEN_____
I'm really sorry, sir! Give me another chance! …Hey… you're leaving?! Just like that? Didn't you say—
______BENS_____
(smiling) Oh! Don't worry about that! Enjoy your life, Mr. Melen! Goodbye! (leaves)
_____MELEN_____
…Now… finally… am I safe?! Hahaha… I'm alive!
______POV MELEN_____
You fool, Bens! … Definitely, I'll enjoy my life now that she's gone!
____24 hours later_____
______MELEN_____
Haven't you found her yet? Bring her back here at all costs! Did you hear me?!
_____POV MELEN_____
Damn you, Lilian! You destroyed everything! Even though nothing really happened, (sigh)… anyway, back to work!
_____SOMEWHERE ______
____ LILIAN____
Cynthia! Did you hear something just now?!
_____CYNTHIA _____
What are you talking about? Go back to sleep; it's early. We'll leave around seven in the morning, so we still have an hour to relax!
_____ LILIAN_
Ah… oh, sorry! Maybe I'm just tired!
____POV LILIAN_____
It's only been two days since we left the village! But I already feel worried! I feel like something is wrong! …Or maybe it's just because it's my first time outside! I'm really tired. Yes… I think that's the reason… I should sleep!
____THE ROYAL NEWSPAPER___________________________________________
Today is Monday, 27th of Pomeir, 3560 in the Royal Calendar. A massive explosion occurred on the eastern borders of the Sartia Kingdom around 6 a.m.! Specifically in the village of "Kala," where everything within a 20 km radius was destroyed, fortunately, these areas were uninhabited.
Unfortunately, there were no survivors: 420 children, 1,000 youths aged 15–30, 730 men and women aged 30–40, 205 elderly between 40–60, plus 128 seniors, totaling approximately 2,783 deaths.
The cause remains unknown! Imperial forces continue searching. We will provide updates as soon as they become available. Stay tuned to the Royal Newspaper of the Sarthia Kingdom under direct oversight of the Empire of Lashmir.
________________________________________________________________________
_____SOMEWHERE _______
________BENS________
(laughs) …I hope you enjoyed your time to the fullest, Mr. Melen! After all, I keep my promises! But you're lucky you died with your honor intact, and I didn't expose you publicly. You should be grateful I'm in a good mood to feel pity for you. After all, you really tried! …Especially with a face like a dog's. I wonder where you got your daughter's beautiful face… or maybe she's not even your daughter. Who knows! Hahaha… hahahaha!
[(Royal Calendar: 12 months, 30 days each except months 5 and 8 with 25 days. Year 3560 Royal (M) or Imperial (A) marking the Empire of Lashmir's foundation.)
Months:
1_ Lelith
2_ Sorad
3_ Bils
4_ Note
5_ Moarte
6_ Hilld
7_ Nowi
8_ Viata
9_ Yad
10_ Tand
11_ Pomeir
12_ Vace
Seasons:
Winter: months 1–2
Spring: months 3–4
Time (Life & Death): months 5–8
Summer: months 9–10
Autumn: months 11–12
"Time" or "Life & Death" season cleanses the Earth. If heat is needed, temperature increases; if cold is needed, it drops. If humans become too numerous without purpose, it eliminates all except the royal and imperial families via magical poisoning for those aged 20–100, physically and mentally healthy. Most people avoid going out in this season and try not to damage nature while completing daily duties.]
(Note: Month 5 {Moarte} = Death in Romanian, start of Time season | disaster season.
Month 8 {Viata} = Life in Romanian, end of Time season | life returns to normal.
Other months named after great emperors, total 10, unknown power, rumored to have left Earth 2000 years ago after facing the "Great Epista Continent Disaster.")]