The next day, Kael woke up later than usual and went to get his breakfast with Chocolo.

  When he arrived at the kitchen, he immediately noticed that neither Jacki nor Lasan were there.

  —Where did they go…? —he muttered, frowning—. Did they go to the forest again? No… I told Jacki to tell me if she planned to go there. Otherwise, the only thing she does is bring cocoa to make more chocolate…

  After a while, Kael went to the back yard of the mansion. Enta and Ken were there, organizing the training field.

  —Uncle Enta! Uncle Ken! —he called, waving his arms.

  Both ignored him completely. Kael knew it instantly; that attitude was not accidental.

  —Oh… so you’re ignoring me because of yesterday? —he said, crossing his arms.

  —Hey, Ken, did you hear something? —Enta commented without looking at him.

  —I think so… —Ken replied—. A traitor child in the distance…

  —Whaaaat?! —Kael exclaimed—. So for you it’s fine that I receive all the punishment from yesterday?

  —Of course, young master! —Ken replied with exaggerated enthusiasm—. Or were we the ones sitting between young girls’ legs receiving kisses?

  —That’s because I’m cute, small, and adorable! —Kael shot back, puffing out his chest—. I can’t help it! You two are old and ugly.

  —That doesn’t give you the right to drag us to death with you! —Enta growled.

  While the three argued, the lord of the house approached silently.

  —And now why are you fighting? —Laret asked, in a tired tone.

  —My lord! —Enta said immediately—. Your son is too much of a womanizer! He cannot flirt with every girl he meets to receive affection without facing the consequences of the demons waiting for him at home!

  —Dad! —Kael interrupted—. In my defense, I’ll just say I exaggerated the truth a little… except with Ken, he really does call Aunt Holley “hairy gorilla.”

  —I say it with affection! —Ken defended himself.

  Laret looked at all of them with an exhausted expression before speaking.

  —Come on… we are family. We have to carry problems together.

  Enta and Ken nodded.

  —But that doesn’t give you the right to reduce your punishment by exposing others —Laret continued, locking eyes with Kael—. Where is your honor?

  —I’m a child, you can’t judge me the same as you! —Kael replied immediately—. But you’re right… sorry for exposing you yesterday. My head still hurt from the other day when Chocolo and I ate the pantry meant for grandfather’s food… if they hit me more, I would’ve ended up unconscious for a week…

  —Well, who told you to cause so many disasters…? —Ken grumbled.

  —Oh, excuse me, patron saint of innocence —Kael replied—, who at my age didn’t even kill a fly…

  —That’s true, Ken —Laret intervened—. You don’t have the right to judge… I still remember the dog poop you put in my backpack when we were children.

  Ken burst into laughter. Kael, however, looked at his father accusingly.

  —No, dad, you’re not safe either! —he said—. Mom and the others fill me with kisses, make me bathe with them, and pinch my cheeks, and you do nothing! The only thing you saved me from was the earth Racatros… and honestly, mom is scarier than that lizard…

  —Well, in a way, the young master has a point… —Enta commented.

  —It’s true, he has a point —Ken added—. Maybe three Racatros could match Miss Caria’s fear level…

  —Of course she’s scary if you do something that annoys her —Laret said—. Simple things like tearing one of her dresses could make her explode.

  —Now you understand me! —Kael exclaimed—. I have to endure her fury every day!

  The four of them kept talking and criticizing without realizing that a being worse than the demon king himself was behind them.

  —So I’m scarier than the demon king…? —a cold voice said behind them.

  // -- then we’re finished -- //

  With earth magic, Caria trapped the four of them between stone pillars that violently rose from the ground.

  The pillars were spaced enough apart for a small and thin Kael to escape the punishment.

  —Young master, don’t abandon us! —Ken shouted desperately.

  —My lady, I think there is a serious misunderstanding! —Enta tried to explain.

  —My love, there’s no need to resort to violence… —Laret said in a conciliatory tone.

  And so, Kael left behind the lord and the guardians who protected his life, running to survive.

  I will remember you forever, my warriors… I will continue your legacy —he thought.

  When he was reaching the mansion gate, he saw that a carriage was leaving. Through the window he managed to spot Redda and the two cooks. Without thinking, he sped up; using his magic, he jumped onto the roof of the carriage, opened the door, and got inside.

  —Ah! Young master, what are you doing here?! —Jacki exclaimed, startled.

  —Young master, you can’t do things like that! You could get hurt! —Lasan added.

  Redda looked at him with a serious expression.

  —From your face, you were escaping from my lady… —she said calmly.

  —That’s right —Kael replied—. Every minute I spend outside her claws is a minute I will enjoy before I stop seeing the light of day.

  —Fine… come with us —Redda accepted—. Tonight you will receive your punishment.

  She then leaned out the window and informed the gate guard that she was taking the young master with her.

  Kael looked at the three of them and asked curiously:

  —And where are we going?

  —I have pending matters in the city —Redda replied.

  Kael, excited, was already thinking about going to the commercial district to see if he could find useful materials. The surprise was great when he noticed the carriage was heading toward the lower districts.

  —Wow… I haven’t come to this district before… —he murmured.

  —I wouldn’t recommend looking outside, my lord —Jacki warned—. This place is usually not pleasant…

  Despite the warning, Kael kept looking and found himself facing a harsh reality.

  Collapsed and poorly maintained houses. Waste in the streets, piled garbage. Men, women, and above all, children clearly malnourished and sick.

  —This place is definitely quite deteriorated… —he said seriously.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  —People who have no work or are sick come to this district… debtors and criminals… —Lasan explained.

  Kael watched in silence, with a different look in his eyes.

  // -- what’s wrong? You look melancholic… -- //

  Poverty, crime, inequality… hmm… familiar. This is like any high-risk neighborhood in Latin America —he thought with irony.

  —You have a very deep look, young master —Redda commented.

  —I only see potential here —Kael replied—. You just need to eradicate gangs, traffickers, and bands of thieves; then provide a large amount of resources to feed the population and offer basic health services… and in ten years this will be a district with growth and projection.

  Redda looked at him with satisfaction before speaking.

  —Anyone who heard that would say you are still a child who doesn’t know where he stands… but the conviction and determination in your eyes tell me that, if you truly wanted to and had the necessary resources, you could achieve it…

  Time passed quickly and the loaded carriage finally reached its destination. In front of them stood a large church, old and worn down by the years, as battered as the houses around it. Its stone walls were cracked, the roof showed visible patches, and the windows looked like they had been repaired more times than anyone could count.

  Jacki and Lasan stepped down first. As soon as their feet touched the ground, a large group of children of all ages ran toward the carriage.

  —Miss Jacki!

  —Sir Lasan!

  —Welcome!

  The shouts mixed with laughter and messy footsteps. The cooks reacted immediately with almost instinctive warmth, taking the children’s hands, ruffling their hair, and responding to every greeting with sincere smiles.

  Kael watched the scene for a few seconds before turning to Redda.

  —This church… these children… —he said quietly—. Is it an orphanage?

  —That’s right, young master —Redda replied—. Children who lost their parents or were abandoned come here… and worse, some were rescued from slavery.

  Kael swallowed without taking his eyes off the place.

  He and Redda stepped down from the carriage. As soon as they did, several children also approached Redda, surrounding her with obvious affection. They hugged her, held her hand, or simply clung to her clothes, as if her presence alone gave them security.

  It didn’t take long for them to notice there was an additional guest.

  —Look, a well-dressed boy!

  —Are you a noble child who was abandoned? —one asked, surprised.

  —I am! —Kael replied without hesitation—. They abandoned me and now I will live here!

  Redda leaned slightly and placed her only hand on Kael’s shoulder.

  —You won’t escape your punishment by staying here —she said firmly.

  While they were talking and the cooks continued interacting with the children, an elderly woman approached to receive them.

  She was a nun with a severe appearance, firm gaze, and unbreakable spirit.

  Her face, marked by deep wrinkles and a scar that ran from her temple down to her cheek, spoke of years of sacrifice and sleepless nights. She had gray eyes, tired but always attentive, and a serious, almost intimidating expression, although those who knew her understood that beneath that hardness there was a huge heart.

  She wore simple clerical clothing, always impeccably arranged despite the wear: black, austere, without ornaments or excess. The edge of her habit had been patched several times, a clear sign that she preferred to invest every coin in the children rather than in herself.

  Redda looked at her with respect.

  —Very good morning, Abel. It is a pleasure to see you in good health.

  —The pleasure is mine, Lady Redda —the nun replied—. It is pleasant to receive a visit from you.

  There was a particular clash of energies in the air. Both projected solidity, discipline, and firm manners; two different women, but united by the same way of carrying themselves and speaking.

  Abel then directed her gaze toward the new visitor.

  —Without a doubt, your features and expressions fully match the descriptions —she said—. I give you a warm welcome, young master Kael. I hope you enjoy your stay here.

  —Very good morning, Lady Abel —Kael replied politely—. I am Kael Sungley. It is a pleasure for me to meet you and to know this place.

  —Well, young master —Redda intervened—, it is time to unload the supplies.

  —Yes, ma’am! —Kael replied immediately.

  More nuns came to the area and led the children away, clearing the space to allow the newcomers to prepare for unloading.

  Kael watched Jacki and Lasan with curiosity, noticing the enthusiasm with which they worked there, so different from the energy they showed at the mansion.

  —Does the energy of those two here catch your attention? —Redda asked.

  —Of course —Kael replied—. I have only seen that energy in Jacki when I tell her I will make chocolate…

  —That’s because Jacki and Lasan come from this orphanage —Redda explained.

  Kael looked at her, shocked by the revelation.

  —Jacki became an orphan after a monster attack in a village near the Mount of the Gods —she continued—. And Lasan was sold by his parents to pay a debt to an underground slave trafficking network…

  Kael felt the reality and harshness of this world fall over him with force. A world that did not distinguish between being indulgent or severe with anyone… a world that did not stop the course of its history, not even when it came to innocent children.

  When they finished unloading the supplies, Abel approached the young master.

  —If you feel tired, we can go inside to rest, young master —she said—. It is not usual for a lord to take care of these tasks.

  —No problem —Kael replied—. This is nothing compared to the training I do daily. If I want to be a good lord, this should be the minimum I must do. Besides, if I don’t, Redda will punish me —he added with a slight smile.

  —Is Redda very strict? —Abel asked.

  —Sometimes —Kael replied—, although she only becomes like that when someone in the mansion neglects their duties…

  —She has always been like that —Abel commented—. When we were young nobles, Redda was always disciplined and demanding with her performance, often pushing herself too much.

  —Wait… Redda was a noble? —Kael asked, surprised—. And you too?

  —That is correct —Abel replied—. I renounced my noble position to take care of the children of this orphanage. Redda, on the other hand, was stripped of her title for disobeying the leader of her house… although that story is long; perhaps I will tell you another time.

  —Oh yes, I want to hear that story —Kael said, not hiding his interest.

  —My life has not been worthy of remembering or recalling, young master —Redda intervened—. But if you wish to know, you only have to order it…

  Kael looked at her seriously, seeing her in that moment not with the eyes of a child, but with the mind of the adult he once was.

  —I would never do that —he replied—. I won’t deny that, to get along better with the people I appreciate, it is good to know their past… but I will only access that if that person wishes to tell it. I would never demand it.

  —Now I understand what you told me —Abel said, observing Kael—, that the young heir does not show the age he has.

  —Well, all the supplies are already in the storage rooms —Redda announced.

  Jacki and Lasan approached at that moment.

  —There is no more comforting food than the one prepared with love and dedication —Redda said—. Are you ready?

  —Yes, ma’am! —Jacki replied enthusiastically.

  —At your service! —Lasan added.

  —Then let’s go inside to begin —Abel said.

  And so, another important part of the city of Cautares was revealed to Kael: a harsh and difficult atmosphere that stayed afloat thanks to the desire and effort of those who, at some point, had suffered the same.

  The interior of the church contrasted with its deteriorated exterior. Although the walls showed cracks and the ceiling revealed old beams, the place was clean, orderly, and surprisingly warm. The smell of firewood and drying herbs filled the air, mixing with the distant murmur of children being guided to other rooms.

  Kael walked forward with curiosity, observing every corner. There were no luxuries or unnecessary decorations, only what was needed for the place to function. Simple beds, worn wooden tables, carefully patched blankets. Everything spoke of shortages… but also of constant effort.

  Jacki and Lasan moved with total familiarity, as if every hallway and every door were memories engraved in their minds. They laughed with some of the nuns, helped move boxes, and answered the children’s questions with infinite patience.

  Kael could not help comparing it with the mansion. There, everything was designed for comfort, security, and prestige. Here, on the other hand, every object seemed to have been obtained with sacrifice.

  —This place… —he murmured—. It feels different.

  Redda heard him but did not answer immediately. She simply watched the children who, from a distance, looked at every movement with curiosity.

  —There is no room for distractions here —she finally said—. Every day is a silent struggle to survive a little longer.

  Kael clenched his fists without noticing.

  —But there are also smiles… —he added—. They don’t feel defeated.

  Redda looked at him from the corner of her eye, with a slight gesture of approval.

  —Because someone decided not to abandon them —she replied.

  Abel stepped forward and opened a larger door than the others. Inside, a wide kitchen waited to be used. The tables were clean, the utensils arranged, and a large pot rested over the central stove.

  —This is where the real magic happens —the nun said—. A hot meal can change a child’s day… and sometimes, their entire life.

  Jacki immediately rolled up her sleeves.

  —Let’s get to work! —she said with a wide smile.

  Lasan nodded, organizing the unloaded supplies.

  Kael stood still for a few seconds, watching them. There was no obligation in their gestures, no complaints, no visible exhaustion. Only will.

  —Can I help? —he asked.

  Abel looked at him with surprise but did not stop him.

  —If you wish, young master —she replied—. But remember that here there are no titles, only hands that work.

  —Then that’s fine —Kael said—. Today I am only Kael.

  As he moved between boxes and sacks, Kael felt something inside him settle. It was not guilt nor pity… it was understanding. Understanding that the world was not fair and that ignoring it did not make it disappear.

  He looked at the children peeking from the hallway, waiting anxiously for the food. Some laughed, others barely spoke, but all shared the same expectant look.

  This world does not forgive —he thought—. And it does not wait…

  But he also understood something else.

  If it does not wait… then someone has to act.

  Redda watched him from a distance. In silence, without intervening. In the young master’s eyes she saw something not many nobles possessed: a dangerous spark, a mixture of empathy and determination that, with time, could change more than he himself imagined.

  —The punishment will be harsh tonight —Redda said, breaking the silence.

  Kael smiled slightly.

  —I know —he replied—. But today… it was worth it.

  Abel closed her eyes for a moment, as if that simple sentence confirmed something she had already sensed.

  And so, between steaming pots, children’s laughter, and cracked walls, Kael understood that Cautares was not only a city of nobles and training… but also a place full of innocents, sustained by those who refused to give up.