The female representative of the demonstrators nodded as a sign of approval for further discussions. Arren felt relieved that they could attempt to reach an agreement without violence. However, the issues were not over, and there was still much work to be done."Thank you for this opportunity," Madam Rossie said politely. "We are eager to hear your demands and aspirations. Rossie is our shared home, and we must all strive to improve it."The female representatives looked somber, a hint of concern dominating their hearts. "Many of our comrades were injured in this riot. We want real change. We want changes that bring justice and well-being to all Rossie residents."Arren took their demands seriously. "We hear you, and we will try to understand these demands well. But we also have to ensure that Rossie remains within the proper legal framework."Another demonstrator spoke sharply, "Before going further, we want our comrades detained by the authorities to be released!"Arren shook his he
"Where is Lora?"An anxious middle-aged woman searched for her missing daughter. Since yesterday, Lora had not been found anywhere.In their village of Tar, chaos reigned due to the riots in the city. Several young men and fathers had flocked there, while women were assigned to keep the children safe at home."We haven't seen her, Madam!" shouted a neighbor from across the house."Oh no! I hope she hasn't decided to run to the city and search for her brother! Oh God! What other disaster is this! Huhu... hu..." The woman sobbed in grief.Recently, her son had been detained in the Rossie family jail on charges of provocation. Yesterday, her husband had participated in a demonstration, and now, her daughter was missing. She couldn't take it anymore."I'll go to the city now!""Madam! Please calm down! It's safer here. Haven't you seen the news?""What can I do, Nina? Look! My family members are all gone!" She insisted."What if they come back and can't find you? Besides, Lora is not a li
Crack!"Aww!" Lora screamed as a rose thorn scratched her arm while she was tiptoeing through the bushes. Unbeknownst to her, the bushes she passed through were a rose garden."Bl—ood?" Lora staggered, almost falling. Her voice collided with the gardening tools of the gardener, creating quite a commotion that startled a nurse."Hey, are you okay?" she asked, concerned.Lora quickly retreated, even though she was crouching. "Don't catch me!" she shouted loudly, with a pale face that even passing cats could tell Lora felt cornered."Are you sneaking in here?" the nurse asked curiously. In reality, she was an on-duty nurse, and currently, she was strolling around the south pavilion.The young lady was in surgery, and there were enough medical staff handling her inside. So, the nurse on duty was just on standby, ready in case her assistance was suddenly needed."Wh--who are you?" Lora asked fearfully. She didn't expect there to be a nurse around the mansion."I'm the nurse on duty here, a
"My brother, where is he? As per your promise," Lora asked after getting up from her bed. Despite still feeling exhausted from losing a lot of blood, Lora insisted on meeting her brother.Arren was now resting, and currently, only Lora and Madam Rossie were outside the treatment room."Mind your words, Miss. You are facing the most respected Lady in this region...""It's okay, Jess. No problem. You're quite persistent, Miss," the Lady said, smiling gently at her."I just want to meet my brother as soon as possible," she said again, bowing her head. Lora felt intimidated by the stern-looking servant.Madam Rossie rose from her chair, then extended her hand towards Lora. "Come, follow me..." she said.Lora lifted her head, a smile immediately spreading across her face. "Alright!"***"How's it going?""I'm trying! Ughh..."Two men were seen trying to open a cell lock with a flat piece of iron the
Quickly! The footsteps of the escaped prisoners raced like lightning through the ominous dark corridors. Who would have thought? Their escape plan had truly succeeded."Yes! Fresh air, here we come!" Mark exclaimed with joy. Laurens seemed equally pleased, having successfully unlocked the old padlock that almost trapped them forever."Not in vain, you usually unlock Lora's diary lock!" Mark teased with a thunderous laugh."Ssh! Be quiet! Do you want to get caught?""Haha... oops!"They then focused on finding an exit immediately, trying to avoid the pursuit of guards who might have realized their escape."This way!" Mark shouted enthusiastically. The image of green fields and the fragrance of blooming flowers already filled his thoughts. Mark truly wanted to step out of this cursed place as soon as possible.In the darkness enveloping the underground corridor, their footsteps echoed loudly. Mark and Laurens felt exhilara
Madam Rossie's mansion was now under threat as two hostages from the prisoner's side jeopardized its security.The face of Madam Rossie radiated furious anger as she confronted Joseph, the old prisoner who had once been one of Mr. Rossie's trusted confidants."What are you doing!" Madam Rossie yelled in a voice that shattered the silence. Her face was red with anger, and her breath was like a predator about to pounce. "Joseph! You haven't changed!"Joseph, once a loyal servant of the Rossie family, had suddenly turned into a traitor working for Abigail. Tempted by wealth and status, Joseph conspired with internal enemies of the Rossie family and nearly harmed Madam Rossie.For years, Joseph had been imprisoned in isolation cells due to his cruelty towards other prisoners and even prison guards. His cruelty was a consequence of his greed, which had eroded his conscience.Now, the cruel man stood in the prison corridor, a sardonic smile pla
After the departure of the Tar's Villagers from Mansion Rossie, Arren, Madam Rossie, and Clark were seen strolling around the mansion. Currently, they're in the flower garden. Looks like, Arren appears tired."Arren, please have a sit," Madam Rossie said gently, instructing a servant to bring a chair behind them."Thank you, Grandma ..." Arren said, then sat on the prepared chair. She glanced around, observing the serene and beautiful twilight atmosphere. Arren couldn't deny her admiration for this breathtaking view."Clark, how are you?" Arren turned to Clark, who was smiling at her."I'm better now, my body feels whole again," he grinned. Arren widened her eyes, puckering her lips. "Not funny, Clark! I was really worried!" she whispered."I'm fine, Miss," he said softly, approaching Arren. Clark reached for the back of her hand and kissed it politely.Arren and Clark now sat side by side in the spacious flower garden at Mansion Rossie. The sun slowly crept behind the horizon, leavin
Silence dominated the Serenade ship sailing across the dark and fierce ocean.The overcast sky added a spooky ambiance, emanating from the faint moonlight penetrating through thick fog onto the ship's deck, which continued to move calmly.The sound of waves hitting the Serenade's hull created a tense rhythm, keeping the crew on alert for any sudden waves. Lately, the weather had been unpredictable, and storms often arrived without warning.In the rusty ship's cabin, Leon, dressed in black with sweat soaking his body, stared intensely at a criminal bound to a wooden chair in front of him.Bound with steel wire, the criminal struggled hard to free herself, but in vain."Not willing to talk yet?""Grraaah!"Leon observed the woman with a fierce expression. The remnants of anger within him had not yet subsided. Leon despised her. Mei Ling, the woman, had played with fire."Prize another one open!" He commanded the crew member on guard behind the criminal."Arrgh!!"Leon seemed to enjoy th
The tip of the dagger was bent. No one would have expected that a sharp dagger could change its shape like that."No-no!" the servant cried out. She was very confused. How could Arren's stomach, which should have been stained with blood, bend the dagger without any effort?In a decisive moment, the dagger had undergone plastic deformation, like a metal dance changing its shape without being able to return to its original state."W-what's happening?" The servant wondered with trembling hands. Arren just smiled triumphantly. Her opponent had been thoroughly defeated without calculation."I anticipated this, Lesel," Arren said with a proud face.Yes. Lesel. It turned out she was Esme's henchman who was so eager to take her life."H-how did you know?"Arren immediately tore the tulle fabric covering her stomach. There was a shiny accessory there. A steel belt."W-what?"At first, the rumble and vibration were indeed felt by Lesel. She didn't expect that the collision between the dagger and
The blonde servant pursed her lips, while the black-haired one kept staring straight ahead."Fine!" she replied somewhat annoyed, but indeed their plan must not be ruined."I'll keep watch around. You need to get ready soon.""Okay."The two suspicious servants then continued their secret mission. There wasn't much for them to do except find their target and carry out their revenge."It seems he's on the west balcony. Wait for my signal, we'll launch the attack soon!""Okay!"***The atmosphere of the banquet was still lively with the melodious music playing softly in the background. Some guests enjoyed it while dining, while others continued chatting. Arren and Leon seemed happy as they greeted the guests present."It seems... I feel stifled," Arren whispered to Leon. This pregnancy made her easily tired and also felt hot all the time."Do you want to leave this place?" Leon asked, wrapping his arm around his wife's waist."Yes," Arren replied weakly."Let's go, then," said Leon, affe
Ava's eyes sparkled with happiness. She nodded eagerly and hugged Arren in return. "Thank you, Aunt!"Ava didn't expect that her birthday would be celebrated with a special feast, even though the feast wasn't specifically held for her."You're welcome, Ava!" Arren replied in kind. She was happy to cheer up her little friend who seemed down and lacking in spirit due to the absence of her parents."We have to go, Ava. This is for you," said Leon as he handed over a wrapped gift box with a purple ribbon on top."W-what's this, Sir?" Ava asked, surprised and delighted. She didn't expect to receive a gift from Mr. Leon on a day that wasn't her birthday."Consider it an installment gift," Leon joked, chuckling softly."Ahaha! Thank you so much!" exclaimed Ava as she opened the gift wrap. Inside was a brown fur teddy bear. "So cute!" Ava exclaimed happily. Arren and Leon were pleased to see her reaction.Shortly afterward, they really had to leave as there was something they needed to ensure
After some time in the hospital, Arren was finally allowed to go home. There were no signs of danger or contraindications from the treatment she received."Thank you, Doctor. I feel much healthier," Arren said after the doctor visited her for the last time."You're welcome, Madam. I'm glad you've recovered without difficulty."Doctors Freddy and Josh watched Arren leave with relieved hearts. Finally, their worries were gone. Arren was truly free from the danger that threatened her life.***On the way home, Leon kept staring at Arren with uncertain feelings. He was truly happy with his wife's recovery, but there was something that worried him."Are you sure about your plan? I don't want to put you in danger again, Darling!" Leon exclaimed, not wanting to endanger his wife anymore."There's no other way. We can do it, Darling!" Arren said firmly with strong determination.Leon sighed deeply. He couldn't prevent his wife's stubbornness. "Promise me, you'll stick to our plan.""Yes, Darli
"Sir! You're mistaken!" the nurse exclaimed, holding Leon's arm to prevent him from punching the doctor."What?!" Leon turned to the nurse. He was exhausted and couldn't tolerate any more mistakes from the doctor that would result in his children being born with defects."You misunderstood, Sir!""Yes, that's right!""Your children are fine, Sir."The voices of the nurse and doctor echoed. Leon lowered his fist and looked towards Dr. Freddy, who seemed to be breathing a sigh of relief."Tell me, Doctor! What happened to my wife and my children?!" Leon demanded, still full of anger.Before the doctor could answer, Arren's faint voice could be heard behind the nurse standing by the bed."Le—on…" she called softly."Arren!" Leon pushed aside the nurses covering his wife's presence. "Arren!" Leon approached Arren, tears streaming down his face. "Are you... awake?" he asked, gently caressing his wife's forehead."Uh huh," Arren replied weakly. "What happened? Why does it seem crowded here?"
Leon gripped Arren's hand tightly as they rushed to the hospital. Anxiety and worry consumed him. For some reason, Leon had a bad feeling."Driver! Faster!" Leon commanded as he saw Arren grimacing in pain, cold sweat dripping from her forehead and body, Arren's breaths were labored."Yes, Sir!"The driver immediately accelerated the car, doing his best to balance the increasingly speeding vehicle. He was truly worried that the young lady was suffering from an extraordinary ailment."Arren, hold on," Leon pleaded, continuing to comfort Arren with hugs and handholds."Argh, Leon..." Arren groaned as if enduring excruciating pain. Not just in his stomach, but throughout her body."We're almost there!" The driver signaled. Leon was so anxious. He nodded and prepared to take Arren to the emergency room as soon as they arrived at the hospital.Finally, after driving for some time, they arrived at the hospital."Doctor! Doctor!" Leon carried Arren to the ER, where everyone watched them with
Lora was successfully evacuated, and everyone was overjoyed. However, there was a strangeness apparent to her. Arren even noticed it. "Le-Leon...," she called out as Lora approached her.An unfamiliar scent emanated from Lora's body. It made Arren extremely nauseous."Ugh!" Arren vomited. He couldn't contain the overwhelming nausea."Darling!" Leon exclaimed in alarm. What was happening to his wife?"Le-Leon... Lora's... scent... it's very... unpleasant," she murmured as she nestled into her husband's embrace. Leon immediately caught Arren, who had almost fallen earlier. Now, his beloved wife was in a swoon."What scent?" Leon tried to sharpen his sense of smell. Indeed, he smelled something foreign and pungent, like the scent of lead. "Lora, come closer to me!"Leon tried to inhale the scent more deeply. Lora's heart, of course, was in turmoil. But the girl had already linked herself to William. Now, Mr. Leon was no longer the man who dominated her heart."Just wait a moment."With mo
Laurens's shout almost made Mrs. Dolores's heart jump out. "Oh, God!" The middle-aged woman then ran following Laurens's footsteps as he moved toward the field area."Leon! Let's follow them!" Arren exclaimed, following Mrs. Dolores's lead to her daughter's supposedly accident site. Leon followed Arren after ensuring Mrs. Dolores's house was securely closed.Arriving at the field, they were surprised to find Lora in a gaping hole. The hole, with rough soil around it, resembled a dug hole."Ouch!" Lora groaned in pain. Several wounds were visible on her knees and arms. "Mom! Help me!" she cried, tears streaming down her face."Oh, God! Lora! What happened to you?!" Mrs. Dolores trembled. "Laurens! Do something for your sister!" she ordered her son, who also seemed confused."I was just running, then... suddenly I fell in here! Huhu!" Lora continued to cry in pain.Arren and Leon had just arrived, as did the villagers who heard Laurens's shouts nearby."Get a rope!" Leon shouted, rolling
"Lora!" Arren called out, waving her hand. Lora just nodded her head, not returning the gesture of the young miss.Laurens felt uneasy. He elbowed Lora's ribs a little roughly. "Be polite, Lora!" he scolded his younger sister.Lora just snorted and turned away. She then ran off home without saying goodbye, without uttering a word.Arren, who was quite far from them, looked puzzled. However, she didn't dwell on it too much. There were many villagers waiting to talk to her."So, how will you develop our village, Miss Leader?" asked a middle-aged man who seemed to be struggling to find work.Arren just smiled and gave a brief answer. She didn't want to make empty promises. Arren would surely do her best. "You must be patient but diligent. When the village programs are finally implemented, I hope the villagers will truly make the most of them.""Thank you, Miss Leader! We will definitely do that!"Leon looked proud of Arren's gentle yet firm attitude. Arren could indeed be a good leader, l