“Mommy, can I play over there? ” I asked my grandmother. I called her Mommy—because the real one left me, and since then, she’s been the one to care for me.
She gently smiled and nodded. “Oh, alright, my dear. Just don’t wander too far, do you understand? ”
“Yes, Mommy.”
The moment she allowed me, I ran toward the bamboo grove with excitement bubbling in my chest. I began picking little treasures—vibrant flowers and lovely stones—to decorate my room.
Then, as I reached for a particularly beautiful flower, a butterfly suddenly appeared. Its wings shimmered with such grace that I couldn’t help but smile.
“Wow…” I whispered, mesmerized.
When it fluttered away, I followed it without hesitation. I didn’t wonder where it might lead me—I was simply drawn by its beauty.
“Where are we going, pretty butterfly? ” I asked, knowing it would never reply, yet I kept on following.
Eventually, I found myself standing before an old mansion—aged and forgotten, yet strangely magnificent. Time had worn down its edges, but the craftsmanship remained. I whispered to myself, “Am I allowed to go in? ”
The butterfly had vanished, so I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Despite its age, the mansion’s grandeur still lingered. Damaged walls, faded paintings, and crumbling stone—all whispered stories of its past. On one wall, a streak of red paint caught my eye. It looked... fresh.
I reached out, but a husky voice behind me made me freeze.
“You shouldn’t be here.”
I turned, startled, only to see a boy—about my age. The fear faded quickly.
“Do you want to play with me? ” I asked with a bright smile.
“Play? What are you, a child? ”
“I’m not a child! I’m five years old! ” I said proudly.
He gave me a strange look. “Why are you even here? ”
“I followed a beautiful butterfly with pretty wings,” I explained honestly.
Just then, another voice spoke. “Who is that peasant? ”
Peasant? What does that mean?
“What’s a peasant?” I asked.
“Who are you, and what family are you from?” another older boy asked.
I bowed politely, as Mommy taught me. “I’m Sareyah De Farah. I live nearby with my mommy. Do you want to play?”
They exchanged glances.
“I’m Gabriel,” said the boy with red eyes and a royal blue coat.
“Theo,” said the white-haired one.
“It’s an honor, My Lady. I’m Felix,” said the boy with ocean eyes and many rings.
“Lucas here,” said another, holding a small book.
The last boy just glared.
“That’s Axton,” Felix said. His eyes were blood-red. He looked... dangerous.
“I’m happy to meet you all!” I clapped joyfully. “Shall we play again next time?”
“Of course, for you, My Lady,” Felix smiled.
As I left, I handed them candy I had saved. Even Axton didn’t refuse when I tucked one into his pocket.
“Be safe going home!” I shouted, waving both hands.
Meanwhile...
“Isn’t she afraid of us?”
“She doesn’t know who we are.”
“But even our eyes didn’t scare her…”
“She’s different.”
“Sareyah De Farah... who is she?”
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Comments
Niki Fujoshi
Totally blown away!
2025-07-27
1