Sitting in a large armchair, next to me was Zeyone. Red Star Pery Crimson, Raphael and Sery were currently standing around our armchair, as if to protect us from any danger.
- Tell us about La Maison d'Émeraude orphanage. Everything that's important to know," I said with a touch of authority.
Eloise pulled out a hologram, displaying all the information about the orphanage: the number of children, the date it was founded, and other essential details. With a serious tone, she declared:
- The Emerald House is an orphanage created some eighty years ago by the Harry family.
She paused before continuing:
- At present, it's run by a descendant of the Harry family, named Luc. He is thirty years old and has been looking after the orphanage since an incident when he was twenty-two. After his time at the Academy, he refused to travel to the "New World".
An image appeared in the hologram: a man with an ordinary face, marked by a deep scar on his cheek.
- The "New World"? I asked, confused. Why did she say "New World"? What did it mean?
Eloise looked at me, equally perplexed, then turned her attention to Zeyone, who, like me, didn't seem to understand what she was referring to.
- Don't you know the "New World", young masters?
I nodded, and Zeyone also seemed interested to know more.
Eloise was about to pull out another holographic projector, but the Red Star's firm voice sounded behind us:
- This is not information you're supposed to know right now.
- Why?" I asked, frowning.
- Is it something we'll have to find out at the Academy?" intervened Zeyone.
The Red Star nodded.
The New World? I wondered what it was. But for the moment, it wasn't an important subject.
- After learning of your arrival, young princes, we took the liberty of investigating all the children in the orphanage," declared Eloise.
We're just off to look for someone. Why are they taking all these precautions for something so simple? It's not as if a thirteen-year-old could be planning a coup. Is it?
- The child you're going to look for has been thoroughly investigated. It turns out that he's not very popular at the orphanage, or rather, the others have been avoiding him ever since the test. Even before the test, he was scorned and mocked by his classmates. Since the test, he has been arrested several times by the authorities, despite his age, for theft, brawling and breach of the peace.
- Pff, I couldn't hold back my laughter. Are they serious? Ester's only thirteen, why do they accuse him of everything? They talk about him as someone particularly unstable.
Zeyone raised an eyebrow. From the look on his face, he too thought it was ridiculous. Unlike him, Sery frowned slightly. I didn't know what she was thinking. Raphael and Red Star kept their stoic looks.
Eloise looked at us, as if she didn't know what to say. Then she continued:
- The Ester child, after taking sixth place in the potential test, was approached by many organizations, as well as by the two gangs in the town of Ravencroft. We don't yet know what was said between them, but we think they wanted to recruit Ester.
She emphasized this with a straight face.
After her explanation, Eloise brought out the files with all the details. We asked a few questions, then, once we'd obtained the information, we set off for our assigned quarters. It was spacious, chic and very pleasant to look at.
- I asked Pery when we were going to pick up Ester.
He replied that we could go at any time. So, without further ado, we set off for the Emerald House orphanage.
I didn't bother to hide my identity, and neither did Zeyone. We created quite a stir as we strolled through the streets.
People in the crowd looked at us like living gods. I don't know how much we've accomplished to deserve such admiration, but it's incredible.
The rain was still coming down.
These people would rather look at us and get wet than take shelter. I don't understand their reverence. A hand grazed me. I kicked it away and gave it a fierce look.
Despite Sery's blow, the man felt nothing. He looked amazed:
- I've touched royalty, I can feel my luck coming. he said, ignoring Sery's gaze.
Their insouciance amazes me. Are the people of Ravencroft so desperate?
The feeling of having people's hopes pinned on you is so oppressive. I feel like I'm obliged to do something for them.
They're my people. I look at Zeyone, who is walking at the front, at the side of the Red Star. We have about fifteen minutes to walk through the streets of Ravencroft.
I insisted on walking, but now I feel it was a mistake. Every second we were surrounded. A crowd was following behind us.
Every second, the feeling of being adored made me nervous. Nervous? Or is it sadness? No, I think I pity them, I feel empathy for these people. So, even if there's not much I can do right now, I'll make sure I help them.
As these thoughts swirled around in my head, I saw Zeyone, who was looking over her shoulder at me. His curly metallic gray hair made him look very attractive. He gave me a gentle look, as if he understood what I was thinking. His smile reassured me. He didn't say anything specifically, but I think I understood him.
- Thank you, brother," I murmured.
The air was cool, the sky as gray as ever, as if the clouds no longer wanted to give way to fine weather. The rain was a little lighter, but it persisted, falling in fine, regular drops.
Gradually, Ravencroft's slums began to reveal themselves. The homeless were becoming more numerous, their silhouettes blending into the dark, damp alleyways.
Yet even they, when they saw us, their eyes, at first pale and almost lifeless, began to regain a little color. A sparkle of curiosity, of life, invaded their eyes. They mingled with the crowd, eager to know why the two princes were wandering these dirty quarters, far from the palaces and golds of the court.
I glanced behind me. Sery followed my gaze, and despite our efforts to make our way through, the crowd seemed endless. It pressed in, tightening around us, carried along by a palpable energy. A few of them caught my gaze and, with a light gesture, shook their hands, as if to say "cuckoo". I answered with a wave of my hand, then resumed my walk, remaining focused on our destination.
In the distance, a large rectangle-shaped building came into view, standing out among the other dilapidated buildings in the neighborhood.
It appeared to be two storeys high, and in comparison looked incredibly clean, almost too spotless for this run-down environment.
- We've arrived," said the Red Star, his voice calm but confident.
Zeyone and Red Star led the way. At that moment, I realized that from then on, I was the main actor in this scene, and they were mere extras. Raphael, standing to the rear left of Zeyone, met my gaze and gave me a small smile. I returned his smile in silence, before turning my attention back to the road.
I walked at the front, dressed in my royal uniform. The ZETA insignia adorned my back, and my cape hung elegantly from my right shoulder.
The weight of royalty seemed heavier than usual, as if every step wearing this cloak reminded me of the responsibility that comes with it.
The doors of the Emerald House opened, as if sensing the commotion outside. A lady stepped out, her eyes wide. Her gaze widened at the sight of us. They must have been warned of our arrival, but I'm sure they weren't expecting such a scene.
Imagine, ready to welcome an important person on a simple matter, only to find yourself in front of a huge crowd, and the imperial family in person.
Looking at her, I felt a pang of sorrow for her. She seemed unsettled, caught off guard by the magnitude of the event. You had to experience it to understand it.