The Miserable End Of Fiction

The cold wind brushed against my face as I stood by the dimly lit corridor, my hands clenched into fists. Carla's voice broke the silence, trembling yet firm.

"Young master, let's run away from here."

I turned to face her, expecting a joke, but what I saw instead made my heart tighten. Her deep blue eyes, usually filled with warmth and mischief, held only desperation. She meant it.

A chuckle escaped my lips as I tried to lighten the mood. "You already have a daughter, and I'm still a kid. If you really want to run away with me, ask again when I grow up—"

Before I could finish, a sharp pain shot through my ear. Carla had pinched it, hard. Her eyes burned with frustration.

"Are you seriously making jokes right now?" she hissed, tightening her grip.

"It hurts! It hurts! Sorry—sorry! I won't do it again! I was just trying to lighten the mood!" I yelped, squirming under her grip.

She finally released me, but her gaze didn't soften. "Then tell me, young master, what's your answer?"

I rubbed my sore ear, sighing. "No. This isn't the right time to leave."

A heavy silence filled the air. Carla's lips trembled, her fists shaking at her sides. "But how do you know it's not the right time?! When will it be the right time?! What about the suffering you'll endure in the coming years?!"

Her voice cracked, laced with sorrow and anger. "I never want to see you like this… it's horrible. So let's run away." Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks.

I reached out, gently wiping them away. "I know you're worried about me, Carla. But I'm worried about you, too. And the rest of the workers… the people who raised me, who made sure I was never alone in this empty house. I can't just leave them behind."

A soft shuffle echoed through the corridor, and one by one, the hidden maids stepped out from the shadows. Their faces were solemn yet resolute.

"We will stay by your side, young master," one of them whispered, her voice filled with quiet determination.

A bitter smile played on my lips. These were the women my grandmother had chosen to serve me before I was even born. And now, they were the closest thing I had to a family. But even so…

"Tch. And here I thought you'd all leave soon," I muttered, feigning indifference. "You're at marriageable age already. Just marry someone and leave this house—"

Ack! Another sharp pain flared through my ear.

"Young master, you should properly thank them," Carla scolded, her expression stern.

I groaned. "But I didn't say anything wrong!"

"Apologize," she demanded, raising her hand again.

I quickly turned to the maids, who were watching the scene with amused smirks. "Sorry—sorry! I didn't mean it that way!"

One of the younger maids chuckled. "Then what did you mean, young master?"

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "I mean, you're all beautiful. I just thought you'd be married by now, but you're still here."

A ripple of giggles spread through them. "Hehe~ Are we really that beautiful?"

I was about to confirm when an ominous presence loomed behind me. I turned, my stomach sinking at the sight of the head maid. She held a wooden stick in her hand, her expression unreadable.

"Ahh—Head Maid, why do you have a stick?" I laughed nervously, my feet inching backward.

She sighed. "I woke up early to prepare someone's favorite meal, but someone never showed up. And now I find that all the maids abandoned their duties."

Hic.

"Haha—now that I think about it, I am very hungry! I should go have breakfast! And since all the maids are here, you can deal with them—"

"Young master."

Her sharp tone froze me mid-step. I closed my eyes, bracing for the inevitable punishment. But instead of a beating, I felt warmth. Arms wrapped around me, gentle and reassuring.

"You've been through so much at such a young age," she murmured. "But don't worry, you're not alone. We will face this together."

My breath hitched. I wanted to believe her. But I knew… if my plan went wrong, everyone here could die.

Her voice softened. "And don't flirt with the young maids."

"Yes," I mumbled immediately.

She finally released me. "Now go. I'll have a little talk with these young ladies."

I turned to see the maids trembling, their eyes pleading for mercy.

"Umm, Head Maid?" I hesitated.

"What is it, young master?"

"Can you… forgive them?"

"No. They neglected their duties, so they need to be scolded."

I sighed. There was only one thing left to do. Something I really didn't want.

"I'll eat vegetables. Please forgive them."

Her expression softened. "Oh? That's a noble sacrifice."

Ugh… I really hate this.

"Okay, let's go, Carla. I'm starving."

I needed something edible in my stomach. Yesterday, that bastard had forced me to eat something disgusting. I never wanted to experience that again.

---

Dining Room

But as soon as I entered, my hunger vanished.

He was here. That man.

"Oh? You're here," he said, casually sipping his tea. "Come, sit. Let's have breakfast together."

I clenched my jaw. "Why are you here?"

He smirked. "This is my mansion. I can go wherever I want."

I sat as far from him as possible, focusing on my plate.

"Did you study what I gave you?" he asked.

"Yes," I replied, my tone cold.

"Good." He studied me, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Your manners have improved. I expected you to rebel by now… or are you afraid of what I'll do to your servants if you fail?"

I tightened my grip on my fork. I'm not going to fail. But it's not time yet.

"You will fall because of your own karma," I muttered. "I don't have to do anything."

His eyes darkened. "How interesting. A mere child speaking of karma."

He set his utensils down, his gaze locking onto mine.

"Eat well, because today is your last day to enjoy a good meal. Tomorrow, we conduct the ritual to awaken the legacy. I hope you succeed… my son."

My heart pounded.

The time has come.

The day I would finally gain the power to break free from this cage.