Chapter 5: Sister's Worry (Revised)
"Sister, what's that? It looks different from Uncle Andrew's cart," Raven said, pointing at a sleek, luxurious carriage coming down the road.
Athena looked up, brushing her hair aside. "That's the Landua carriage of this town's Lord, sweetheart. It's meant for nobles, not regular folks like us."
"Is he rich?" Raven's eyes sparkled.
"The richest in this territory," Athena replied with a gentle smile. "He owns this street, our home, your school, the railway, the factories — almost everything you see. He even controls four other towns and a large city called Highhold."
"Wow! Who is he? Why does he get to own so much?"
"He's Baron Alexander Whitbard, a noble of the Zenith Empire. Unlike us commoners, nobles have special privileges. If you ever see him, you must greet him respectfully. Understand?"
Raven nodded slowly. Athena continued walking, her voice calm as she explained bits of the world around them. Despite the various carriages they passed — dog carts, broughams, cabriolets — Raven lost interest quickly. He had seen them many times before.
Before long, they reached the gates of Silverhelm School, one of the seven elementary schools in Darkcross. It offered basic education and helped children choose a future path.
Such schools didn't exist for commoners a few centuries ago. But ever since mainland wizards arrived with their wealth and knowledge, things had changed. They brought education, new technologies, and a wave of modernization. Thanks to their efforts, around 60% of commoners could now afford to send their children to school.
Technological wonders like railways, steam engines, sewing machines, photography, and even magical communication artifacts had become part of everyday life.
'Those wizards from the mainland… They did more for ordinary people than even the Emperor or Father ever did,' Athena mused, her expression distant.
In the past, just hearing the word wizard could strike fear into people's hearts. Now, though still rare, they were seen as mysterious guardians of progress. In Darkcross, only 20 wizards lived among a population of 100,000 — most hidden, blending in as ordinary people.
If not for her time at the palace, Athena might never have guessed that such people lived among them at all.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps.
"Raven!!! Good morning!" A plump little boy with a massive schoolbag and blonde hair dashed toward them, nearly knocking Athena over.
"Robert!" Raven grinned and waved as his friend arrived.
Athena gently set Raven down, quickly combed his messy hair, and handed him his lunchbox.
"Today's the first day of the semester," she reminded him. "No fighting, and listen to your teachers. Okay?"
"Yes, Sister." Raven took Robert's hand, and the two ran into the school gates, chattering.
Athena watched until they disappeared, her smile fading into quiet concern.
'He's getting weaker each day, even with all the healthy food. He's sick almost every week. I can't delay anymore. I'll have to try the Walker's Spirit Potion…'
Aunt Shirley had once mentioned a rare life potion sold in auctions — one that might heal Raven's soul. But buying something that miraculous required gold. Too much gold.
Athena's own salary barely covered their needs. She earned only thirty silvers a month. Five went to rent, five for food and medicine, and ten were spent on Raven's school. After a year, her savings stood at 380 silvers.
'The Walker Spirit Potion costs 500 to 600 silvers… 5 to 6 gold coins.'
She clenched her fists.
If she wanted to earn more, she had to rise in rank.
Despite five years of training, her Knight progression had stalled. Thankfully, her physical fitness and academic scores got her a job as a constable two years ago. Now, she worked patrols for the Darkcross Police Department.
But she wasn't content.
If she could become an Official Knight, her position would jump to Head Constable — and her salary would multiply.
'But without the right techniques, I'm stuck.'
It wasn't that her training was flawed — it was incomplete. The Royal Instructor had withheld certain techniques to avoid hindering her growth. After she left the palace at 13, her training path fractured.
Still, she had no regrets.
'I don't care about the royal title or lineage. All I want is to protect Raven.'
And to do that, she needed strength.
Real strength.
As an Official Knight under Baron Alexander, she'd gain access to artifact weapons like the Aether Rifle — a creation of the wizards, capable of killing magical beasts in a single shot. Normal guns barely scratched such creatures. Even the best police weapons couldn't harm Official Walkers or stronger monsters.
Aether Rifles, however, used bullets crafted from magic stones — enchanted to deliver destructive blows. Common ones could take down intermediate-rank monsters with ease.
But such weapons were rare. Only a thousand existed across the entire Empire. Baron Whitbard alone possessed a dozen.
Darkcross was near the Mirage Woodlands, a dangerous forest filled with monsters. Thanks to artifact weapons and prepared patrols, the town remained safe — for now.
But high-rank monsters? They were intelligent and terrifying.
Athena couldn't afford to relax.
Becoming the Baron's Knight meant more than a weapon. It meant access to resources, respect, and a future for her brother.
'Right now, I earn thirty silvers a month. After expenses, I barely save ten. The potion costs six hundred. I still need more than a hundred silvers…'
She could ask Aunt Shirley, but the older woman had her own burdens.
'Should I… sell the necklace Lord Crimson gave me?' Her hand instinctively touched the chain on her neck.
No. She slapped her cheeks firmly.
'What's more precious — a necklace or Raven's life?'
Heart resolute, she turned toward Grey Street, where black-market merchants dealt in potions, relics, and dangerous secrets.
She would do whatever it took.