"Where am I?" I asked

"You're In the kingdom of Sloperia."

Hearing that, I quickly stood. "S-sloperia??"

"I'm Jim by the way, a baker, I own the bakeshop just around that corner. Are you lost?"

"Ella, I-I think s-so."

"Come with me." I followed him. We stopped In front of his bakeshop.

"Do you want some Hot Choco?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Here, you must be hungry too." He hands me a delicious-looking toast.

I was distracted by the sound of purring. I searched for where that sound came from.

"Oh that was the cat, It stays here all the time, so I just took it in. She's a female by the way." Old man Jim said.

"Umm...Old Man Jim, what is Sloperia?" I asked curiously.

"Right...Sloperia is one of the kingdom In all of Golden Circle. The queen and the king's family lives there." Pointing to the top of the small uphill.

"Then why is it called Sloperia?"

"As for the origin, I have no idea. What I know for sure is that the queen and her family are good people."

"What's the queen's name?"

"Her name's Rosalie"

"Rosalie...."

"Everyone here likes her, she's nice to the townspeople, thanks to her, our lives here are easier. No discrimination, she's the best queen one could ask for." Old Man Jim said smiling. After a while, his smile faded.

"Is something wrong?"

"It might sound crazy, but the queen once ordered an execution. Poor Emilio, he was executed without evidence. He was a nice guy, he had to take care of his little boy all the time. Someone must have framed the whole thing."

"That's sad...where is his boy now?"

"People say, he's started killing nowadays. He's probably a professional assassin right now."

How come you're not startled or anything?"

"He only assassinate people who hungers for power, like the queen or some nobles, he keeps saying he was framed no one understands. His heart's full of anger, hatred, and vengeance."

"I think we should stop him."

"Go ahead and try, everyone here tried their best to make him stop and forget the past, forget about the death of his father."

"That must have hurt so much....I think I understand. I too lost my father."

"I'm sorry."

"No no, It's fine."

Hearing the story behind the place I ended up in out of nowhere, I asked. "Old Man Jim, where can I find the blacksmith?"

Old Man Jim points "down that way"

"Can I still come back here Old Man?"

"Sure! You are more than welcome."

"Thanks I'll be back."

*At the blacksmith's shop*

Swords, Shields, and other stuff awaits me.

I noticed the nameplate on the table, named "Wane The Blacksmith"

"May I help you?"

A not-so-old guy came out of the wooden door. "Umm...can you, by any chance...create a dagger?"

"Can you think of something a blacksmith can't create with a steel?"

"uhh....no"

"Then of course I can."

I laughed awkwardly "Thanks Old Man Wane"

"Design your dagger and send it to me after."

*Later*

I finished the design. It was common in my world, so I don't know If It can be made here. Dunno If I should be proud, pleased, or embarrassed? Whatever...

I gave It to him. His eyes widen. "What design is this?? Splendid work here! Give this to me, I'll make your dagger free." He said waiting for my reply.

"uhh....sure I guess." Well, that was expected.

"I will make It right now, though I'm afraid It might take a day."

"No worries I'll come back tomorrow then."

"Sure! You are free to come anytime."

*Back at the bakeshop*

"I'm back"

"Welcome back Ells."

"Ells?"

"You don't like It? It's your nickname."

"It's fine, thank you."

"What were you doing in the blacksmith though?"

"I asked Old Man Wane to make me  dagger."

"Dagger?!"

"Oh....for protection. Don't get me wrong."

"You must be strong"

"My father was a General."

"Really?? Then you and late Emilio's son must have a lot in common."

"How?"

"The late Emilio was a former Duke of the palace, he was assigned far away though, that's why his son gets lonely all the time."

"hmm..."

That's was worse than I thought. He never received any love aside from his father. We sure do have a lot in common.

"By the way, you said you had nowhere to stay right? You can stay here. We have rooms upstairs, this is our home, so feel free to do whatever you like."

"Old Man....do you put a lot of trust to a stranger like this?"

"No I don't, besides you are not a bad person, why should I leave you alone out there?"

"Ha, you're making a mistake"

I have killed more people in my world. Just because I lost my dad, It was the only way to relieve myself from the pain. It sounds unreasonable, but It's true. If that bitch did not leave my dad for another man, he would've been still here.

"Thanks, I won't be a headache." I said smiling.

"Papa, here are your eggs and and flour."

"Oh right, Ells, this is my son Trench."

"Hey..."

"Papa who's she?"

"She's Ella, I found her outside."

"Seriously papa, you take in just anyone. Forgive my father he takes in anyone he thinks is good."

Can't deny it, It's partially correct.

"It's fine, he is nice to anyone."

"Yes he is, that's why I'm proud of him, but being too nice have their consequences."

"Right....nice to meet you."

"To you as well."

"By the way, you from the east?

"East?"

"Yeah, the way you dress is the same as the people in the east."

"Well....I guess so..."

"Ells you want to tour this place? Trench why don't you go with her? She is strong, but she Is still a girl."

"Old Man you don't have to though..."

"Fine papa, let's go Ells.

I stayed silent. Well even if I talked there wouldn't be any topic. Just makes it awkward.

"umm...Trench we can go tomorrow, I am exhausted right now, I also have an appointment tomorrow."

"....Ok, tomorrow it is."

"Ells there are extra rooms upstairs go on and take one."

"Thanks Old Man."

I went up to check, I opened each door hoping what's behind it is an empty room, we don't know, one of the rooms might be their rooms. I picked the room with a view of the town outside the window, aaaannnddd I shouldn't have mentioned it, one of the rooms I opened was Trench's. He was still changing. Embarrassed, I quickly closed the door. Thank god the room next to it is the exact room i imagined it would be.

*The next day*

It was 6 in the morning, according to the town's watchtower. I packed a few things to bring in case I get attacked. I heard a soft knock on the door.

"Yo Ells, we gotta be back by 10"

"Hold on, I'm coming."

"Papa, we're going now"

"Sure, take care."

The road to the market was packed. Curious, I asked Trench. "Trench, what's with these people?"

"It's Friday"

"What exactly is going on?"

"Seriously?......It's Friday sale"

"Ehh? You have that here?"

I didn't know they had sales here. This must be the old times, like what the year in the calendar says. I'm not too surprised...

"Seriously Ells, are you really that stupid? People in the east know that too."

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING STUPID?!"

"Who else?"

"YOU-!"

"So what's this appointment?"

"Right! Let's go to the blacksmith's shop"

"Blacksmith? For what?"

"You'll know when we get there. Hurry, chop chop." I said clapping my hands twice.

*At the blacksmith's shop*

"So that's your appointment?? A DAGGER???"

"Aww come on, not like you've never seen one."

"And what do you want to do with that...thing?"

"You do know you look like a gay right now right?"

"G-Gay??"

"Whatever let's go."

*After purchasing random stuff that I'm interested in and might help me if I ever get attacked...*

"Trench"

"What"

"Do you know where that guy lives?"

"W-what boy?"

I raised one eyebrow. "What are you fidgeting there for? You know exactly what I mean."

...

"Alright fine, but are you sure? It's not safe out there."

"*murmuring* coward"

"What was that?"

"Nothing, tell me where he lives."

"I don't really know where he lives, but I saw him going down that alley over there."

"Are you crazy or are you sure?"

"Now you're starting a fight-_-"

"Don't worry, I'm stronger than you."

We both went to where Trench said where he was.

No doors.

No passageways.

There is only one reason, If he really went, and disappeared this way.

I checked for hidden push buttons. Trench might be the idiot, but I'm not. Well....not too smart too.

There!

The wall started wiggling a little, I reached out to it. I don't feel the wall, this must be a secret wall thingy...

"What is this witchcraft? What did you do to the wall??"

"Trench, you are the idiot."

I walked in.

The other side of town?

More gloomy

More dark

How come this place existed?

The only lit house among all the houses...that guy must really live here.

We entered the house. "Hello! Is anyone here?"

The house was dusty.

"Trench, why not decorate this whole town?"

"Have you gone insane Ells? No way. This town was the happiest place, though the adults don't know, when we were kids we used to play a lot around here. That was after the execution, we found this place. We soon knew the truth, yet we swore to each other not to tell anyone. Even the adults. We used this place as our hideout, then we found a boy around our age here lying on the floor sick and tired from all the crying, right here on this wall. We took him him inside one of the empty rooms in my dad's house and treated him. He didn't want to be with us so he ran. We ran after him but ended up in the same place, no one was around. We were sure we saw him go here, but he was nowhere to be found. Not until now. How did you know?"

"I used to read a lot of fiction novels, they mostly had secret doors and stuff."

"I thought you used magic."

"Are you crazy?"

The trapdoor on the floor swung open, a guy came out.

"Lex....?" Trench said with a puzzled face.

"You..." The other guy said.

"It really is you!" Trench raced to hug him.

"How did you get in?"

Trench looked my way. "She did it."

"Was it a bad thing? I'm really sorry!"

"I don't care, you all will eventually know anyway."

"Why are you alone here?"

"Don't you think you should introduce yourself first?"

"Ah right sorry, I'm Ella"

"Lex"

"So...why are you here alone?"

"It's peaceful."

"It's more fun outside though."

"So?"

"I'm new here so I don't know much, but I've heard a lot about you"

"Ok you can all leave now."

"Why would they do that to your father?"

Lex slammed a fist on the table. "LEAVE!"

Trench grabbed me by the shoulder. "Don't ask him that, he doesn't like it."

"O-oh I-I'm sorry"

"Come on Ells it's almost 10"

*On our way home*

"I didn't..."

"It's alright." He said patting my head.

*At the bakeshop*

"We're here!"

"How was your day?"

"Tiring."

"Papa, are you baking something?"

"I'm cooking."

"Cooking?"

"Right, I tried other ways, since baking was getting boring. I'm searching for new recipes too."

"It's fine though, your baking was awesome."

"Haha, Ella are you hungry? I cooked something for you."

"Papa I'm your son, yet you cooked nothing for me, but for Ells?-_-"

"Sure Old Man."

Baking and cooking....Interesting...

If he had one or two of the customers taste test his new recipes, they might like it and share it to their friends. Old Man's business might rise...it will increase his customers too. I told him my suggestion.

"How do you know about these stuff?"

"I used to do it with my mother"

"Trench must be lucky if he were to pursue you..."

That idiot won't, believe me old man. Who would want to go out with him anyway.

*Next day*

As usual.....

Old Man opens up his shop. I went out to get fresh air. People were once again crowding. As curious as I am, I head there.

"Here ye, Hear ye, the queen is hosting a masquerade party held in the palace tomorrow. The chosen one by the queen, spends a whole day with her around the palace. Everyone is permitted to attend. Thank you."

There seems to be a lot about this world I have no idea of...

Everything is so old school, but to compare my world and this....I'd prefer this, although there are few issues, it is more peaceful.

"Where have you been young lady?"

"Trench?? I thought you were sleeping."

"Papa was worried about you."

"Oh I was listening to the announcement."

"You know....papa never worries about strangers this much, but he took it to far as to get to know you more and take extra care of you. You're so lucky."

"Thanks, It's been a while since someone took care of me."

"Why?"

"My father died long ago"

And I'm sure this world is just an illusion of the past. The real world, where my father died....It was real. That will never change how great the pain I felt.

"I'm sorry"

"It's alright, let's go to Lex's today."

"Ok sure..."

                                                                           TO BE CONTINUED...

My memories were hazy....I still have them though. I have a feeling I might lose them someday.

Lex....

A warrior's son, who's father was hated by someone in the palace.

Framed.

Past.

Weird.

*At Lex's*

"Lex, can I ask something?"

"Sure, long as it's not about my father"

"Then...can I ask why you wanted to take revenge so much?"

...

"He was framed. I couldn't save him that time. Whoever did that to him should pay. Loosing the only person you loved without you even noticing, is just as painful as having a deep wound."

Strange, I felt that kind of pain when I lost dad...

"Have you ever stopped and think if he wanted you to?"

....

I don't like killing, I was so frustrated that it feels like I have no control over my body. Every time I did, pain hits me. Even though I knew dad wouldn't want it. I just...It hurts like hell. No wonder Old Man Jim said that. I can feel his pain. Maybe, he feels the same right now...

"It was my desire, not my father's. I don't want to repeat the same mistake I made when I was a kid. Never again."

Huh....I wish i could've done the same...

*Later*

"Why do run so damn fast?"

"Admit it Trench, you're a turtle."

"Stop talking about yourself, you idiot"

"You are the idiot, I'm too cute to be one"

"Ha! I don't see how you're too cute"

"Tsk, run faster."

"Man, I'm exhausted. Where'd you get all the energy?"

"I train."

"Girls can train??"

"Stop the whining"

"Why do we even need to run? The bakeshop's just there."

"Oh? We're here?"

"YOU JUST NOTICED?? after all those running???"

"hehe"

"Welcome back, what's with all the sweating and panting?"

"This idiot suggested we run instead of walking"

"I told you you're the idiot!"

"HAHA it's nice to see you two get along. Told you Trench would be happy, he looked for you everywhere when you were gone."

"P-papa!"

"HOHO I see......right, Old man I'm heading out later. Don't need Trench"

"Why? I'm your bodyguard"

"Bodyguard? With a frail body like that? Pfft don't make me laugh"

"Go and rest for a while Ells, we'll call you once the food's ready."

"Thanks Old Man."

Lex...I must help him, I don't want the same thing happen twice. I should find whoever did that to Old Man Emilio. I was so scared to move before, seeing my father die in front of me. I did nothing to save him, but kill people. I never once thought of finding whoever did it. Lex is different, although we have our similarities, I am different from him.

...

"Ells, food's ready"

"Coming!"

...

"Ells where're you going without Trench?"

"Oh that, I'm buying a dress."

"Dress? For what?"

"Trench you should know that. You're coming with me to the palace later."

"E-Eh??! p-p-palace?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Are you crazy? I've never been to the palace! Only papa goes there in every events."

"Yeah? And why is that?"

"Aww come on! You can't seriously be asking me that right now!"

"I am, so what?"

"Don't worry Ells, my son don't go there, he keeps being surrounded by ladies there"

"Pfft HAHAHA, is that it Old Man?"

"I-I'm f-famous ok?"

"You looks so dumb right now."

"YOU-"

"I'm going now, see you guys later."

...

Let's see...the Boutique shop, I pretty sure I've seen one near that Old Man's shop...

*At the Boutique shop*

"Welcome, how may I assist you?"

"Oh hi, I'm looking for a blue dress. Dou you have any suggestions?"

"Yes we do, this way please."

Geez these things existed in this time? They were polite too....Come to think of it, I never once wore a dress...ahh I'm in trouble.

"We suggest these dresses for you, why don't you try it? You will look good in this"

"Ahh haha I'm not trying to look good or anything, but thank you."

...

"I'm buying it. Where do I pay"

"Just proceed to the counter."

"Thank you"

"You're welcome, please come again"

"Sure"

...

Ahh that was the worst. I forgot how I despised dresses so much, this world is crazy. Perhaps, the owner of this body likes dresses so much....Life is too cruel...

*Back at the bakeshop*

"I'm home"

"Welcome back"

"Old Man, where's Trench?"

"Oh, he's on the roof"

"ON THE ROOF??"

"Don't worry the roof's safe, he's not doing something crazy"

"Thank god...well anyways, I'm going up"

"Sure, take the stairs"

...

"Oi, buy these for me"

"You're back? AND WHY SHOULD I?"

"Here, buy yourself a tux or whatever."

"Fine, everything in this list?"

"Yeah"

"Right...where'd you get all this money?"

"I work too, you idiot"

"I told you I don't go to the palace, 'sides what're you gonna use that for?"

"Something I think will happen later, I'm just getting ready"

"Ehh? If it's to stop something bad then fine, If you're doing this for something awful, you'll be my slave for a month"

"Sure, I don't mind"

"Wha- you agree? It's just a joke though..."

"I told you, I don't mind, You can't even handle me being your slave. Hurry up and buy those things."

"Y-yes ma'am"

...

Ha, we really have similarities, he's killing the queen first tonight. I should stop that guy before anything happens"

*Later*

"you're late!"

"At least I'm here"

"Get change already, we're going after 5 minutes. I'm gonna go change too."

"Yeah yeah, geez, why do I have to obey you?"

"Simple, you can't defy me"

...

"Ok let's go"

"Y-y-you....wha-what?"

"What?"

"N-n-nothing"

"Alright, Old Man see you at the palace!"

                                                           TO BE CONTINUED...

*At the palace*

"Geez, good thing it's a masquerade, you owe me for this Ells."

"Sure I do, did you bring the things I ordered?"

"I'm not your assistant"

"Didn't you said not too long ago, that you were my bodyguard?"

"I did, but it's different"

"It's the same"

"Tsk, here"

"I knew I could count on you HAHA"

"You're just using me-_-"

"HAHAHA am I?"

"Oh no, am I still recognizable?"

"No, why?"

"Help me Ells, there are ladies heading this way"

"Why should I?"

"Come on, I helped you tons of times, help me with this"

"*sighs* Fine"

The ladies in their elegant and decent dresses approached us.

"I haven't seen you somewhere, are you new?"

"Y-yeah, I guess" I replied.

"You look stunning tonight."

"Why, thank you" I said laughing awkwardly.

"And who might this be?"

Oh shoot! I forgot about Trench. How should I respond?.........geez why does that have to be the only choice??! Argh! I can't believe I'm doing this!

"Right...he's my date tonight"

"Date? Wow, you look so good together."

"I know right."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment or are you criticizing me?" I replied.

Trench and I?? Anything but that!

"Sorry?"

"Oh, nothing"

"I heard the duke's coming tonight."

Duke? I thought Old Man Emilio was the only duke....so they replaced him after all...."The dukes coming?"

"You didn't know? This is also the celebration of the duke's return"

"Really?....ahh anyways, please excuse us ladies. Let's go."

...

"You should thank me, you idiot"

"Thanks...but why...date though?"

"Wha- t-there's no other ch-choice!"

This bastard holding his laugh!!

"HAHA I see, I see"

"Take the table near the queen"

"Huh? Why?"

"I told you, something I thought about might happen tonight"

I can't tell him that, they might suspect me as a murderer, or Lex's apprentice, or worse Lex might be upset I spoilt his plan.

"Right....You look wonderful tonight Ells"

"Ehh?? You admit I'm cute now?"

"No way, blockhead"

"You should be thankful I'm in no mood to beat you up:)"

"Just Kidding!"

"That's better HAHAHA, you look awesome too, don't worry."

"T-thanks"

"Though I won't help you with the ladies anymore"

"What?? You're leaving me here?? Aww come on, please let me stay with you. I'll do anything."

"You know...that's the worst thing you could possibly say...You said Anything alright. Don't go back on your words."

"Tsk, yes master." Trench says sarcastically.

...

*Later*

"The Duke has arrived!" Announced the person at the door.

I hate palaces, I know nothing 'bout these...-,-

As the duke was walking down the hall, the people were lining up. Are you sure this is how the palace works? Damn...

The duke stopped in front me. "Ella!?"

"....excuse me?"

"Ella, is that you?"

"Uhh...I'm sorry sir, you might've mistaken me for someone else.."

"Huh....I'm pretty sure she looked exactly like you. Perhaps I was, my sincerest apologies miss"

"Huh? Ahh no worries!"

Geez, who is this body's owner? Some powerful royal family member or something? My real name's Ella though....It's unexpected how we have the same name. Crazy....

"Trench there's Lex" I pointed. I could recognize him easily, with all the black outfit and slicked back hair. Damn he looks good.

"Why is he here? he knew about the masquerade thingy?"

"I guess he did, seeing him standing there. Ready the wig, and clothing I ordered."

"Wow, now I regret being your bodyguard."

"Just do it."

He's behind the queen....any minute now. Lex takes out his dagger......one of the royal guards noticed Lex's movement.

"Now! Let's go!"

We grabbed Lex and hurriedly went to the exit. Lex accidentally stabbed the royal guard before we got him out there....this is bad. Hope no one notices.

"Here wear these."

"Trench?? Ella??"

"Let's talk later, for now, let's escape."

...

*At Lex's home*

"Are you crazy?? do you think no one will notice??"

"I am a professional"

"Professional or not, it's way too risky. Plus the duke's there. I know you want revenge, but it will be all for naught if you get caught there."

"I hate to admit it but she's right Lex...you should listen."

"Why the heck do you care? You don't need to interfere with my business."

"If I say we'll help you...would you listen?"

"Help?....hahaha you guys don't even know these things."

"Lex, she experienced the same thing, you can trust her"

....wow Trench, this idiot just had to open his mouth. Thanks to that though, Lex agreed.

".......alright, fine. If this little plan of yours fails, prepare yourselves."

"Got it"

...

Let me think this all through first...don't wanna spoil our first plan.

*Next day*

As usual, the marketplace is crowded today. Due to accident yesterday, some of the staffs resigned from their job. Guess they were afraid, I mean there was a lot of blood yesterday, just for one royal guard. The queen sent that human announcer again, dunno what's he called. Well, anyways, they are looking for recruits today. That gives me a wicked idea, though I know they won't like it HAHA.

...

"Trench, I got an idea!"

"That fast?? You trying to kill me?"

"Wha- no, let's head to Lex."

...

"Papa, Ells is planning something evil again, we're going to go somewhere."

"HAHA sure, don't come back late."

...

"Oi you're destroying my reputation."

"Then that's good"

"Quit it!"

"No I won't"

...

"So noisy....can't you argue somewhere else?"

"Hi Lex, I have an idea. Hear me out?"

"Don't trash the place"

"Sheesh, you're as harsh as ever."

"So what."

"OK OK gather around the table. I went to the marketplace today, heard the announcement, and guess what?"

"You're gonna let us enter the palace?"

"Woah, how'd you know?"

"It's clear, I heard the announcement, I expected it since I accidentally killed a royal guard instead of the queen."

"Wow....well anyways, we enter the palace as it's staffs, and while we are there, we look for clues. I'm pretty sure someone in the palace was the one who framed your father. In this situation, there will be secret passageways and stuff, if we can get our hands on those evidences, we show them to the queen, then the true culprit will be executed. Hopefully that's enough justice, Lex what do you think?"

"Hmm.....but I have to give up my profession"

"Are you willing?"

"I guess.....alright I'm going."

"Trench you stay take care of Old Man."

"HUH?? I'm coming, if something happens papa will get mad. He favors you more than his own son you know."

"*sighs* Alright fine"

Hmm....these two.....look awful.

"Come on I'm bringing you both somewhere." I grabbed their hand.

...

*At the tailor shop*

"Tailor shop? For what."

"Don't mind just get in."

...

"Alright, I'll pick for you both wait here."

...

"That took too long"

"Well, of course there are a lot to choose. Come on try it on you two."

"Tsk I'm more comfortable with my daily clothes."

"Same here."

"Argh just try it on!"

...

"Done."

"Me too"

"Ok come out in three, two, one."

The both of them comes out.

...

"Ells, this is so not my type."

"Forget that Trench."

"Umm....th-this is j-just the right s-size."

Ho? Stuttering Lex? Pfft hahahaha I'm gonna get used to this cute side of his.

"You both look good. We'll take this please!"

...

"Gosh Ells, where'd you get more money?"

"I told you last time, I worked."

"Right....but I thought you used it all up"

"Don't compare me to yourself, you idiot."

"You lookin' for a fight? Huh??"

"I'd like to see you try Trench"

"Just kidding, you take it too seriously hahaha"

"Ok let's head to the palace."

"Ehh?? Now??"

....

*At the palace*

"Please remain seated in the waiting area, thank you."

Everything is just so like the old version of my world. I don't go out so everything here is sooo new to me. Dad and I always played at the garden when I was young. I was surprised myself when I went out to kill. That horrible incident...

"Lex, Trench, what you signing up for?"

"Cook" Lex replied.

"I guess I'm gonna be a caretaker here."

"Oh cool."

"How 'bout you Ells?"

"Oh me? I guess the queen's attendant"

"You sure 'bout that? You won't get tired or anything?"

"Nope"

"Trench, why call her Ells?" Lex asked curiously.

"Papa said that's her nickname. She likes it so we used to call her that every time."

"Actually.....I just noticed. It's cute."

EHH??? WHA-WHAAATT??? M-me? C-c-cute? H-hold up, I-I'm not used to this. My face is beet red now. Damn you Lex, saying that with a straight face.

"F-forget t-that! Anyway let's decide later where we'll meet in the palace from now on"

"Good idea."

...

"Next please."

....

                                                 TO BE CONTINUED....