While Rain discussed the details about the dragon and other abominations, the nameless child wasn't sitting idle either. He was given clothes and a towel so he could wash up. And he did want to — of course he did, the smell wasn't that bad. They wanted to bathe him, but he politely refused. Well, tried to refuse — it didn't work. The maid was very determined. Despite the boy's stench, she didn't show any reaction and led him to the place where the servants usually washed.
There were many rooms and many tubs. She led him inside and undressed him, tossing his rags straight into the trash bin. The bath was already ready, with very warm and pleasant water. Even the steam felt nice — at least to a child, since he was naked… Although the child wasn't exactly embarrassed, he was uncomfortable. Unlike adults, his thoughts were pure and innocent. After all, who really felt shy when they were bathed as a kid?
The white, foamy water soon turned black and filthy. The maid's eye twitched involuntarily. It wasn't that she hadn't expected this — it was the boy's body. Scars and bruises on his back, his arm, his stomach… Some were earned in battles, others clearly from sharp objects — maybe broken glass or rocks. Whatever caused them, it just shouldn't have been like that. Not on a child. But there they were. And surely, more children out there were getting such scars even now.
With grim thoughts, she continued washing him. She was clearly experienced in this. She looked around twenty, though maybe a little older. Well, perhaps she really had a child of her own.
Eventually, she finished bathing him. The boy was really embarrassed, but not because of any dirty thoughts — no, it was because she'd washed him when he was all filthy and smelly. Thankfully, now he was clean and smelled good. His skin was smooth and pale like a baby's. If not for those scars and bruises, he'd be considered handsome even among his peers. And his face… it was a face destined to break many hearts in the future. Even now, with his features worn by hunger, they couldn't hide his charm.
His hair had once been matted with grime, but now its inky-black color shimmered slightly, making him even more striking. And to top it off — those dark eyes. So dark they almost didn't reflect light. It was a little eerie, but even then, they just looked like a regular child's gaze.
"Oh my goodness, you're definitely going to break a lot of hearts one day! How can a kid be both so adorable and so rugged? Oh dear, I hope my silly girl doesn't fall for you! Though I wouldn't blame her…"
The boy stared at her blankly and finally decided to speak:
"Umm… thanks a lot, I guess? I really appreciate it."
The maid smiled. Wait — no, she smirked. The boy was incredibly shy, though maybe only around her. His speech was clumsy, and he blushed so cutely. What else could one expect from a kid like that?
"You're so skinny! Alright, now I've gotta feed you or my conscience won't let me sleep tonight. Oh, by the way — that basket of food you brought, where did you get it? I remember the princess took that basket for her friend in the city. Oh no! You didn't hear that! That was supposed to be her secret…"
The boy scratched the back of his head awkwardly and replied:
"She gave it to me. Though I think she said the person it was meant for had died."
The maid looked a bit surprised. Then she sighed.
"No wonder. I heard he was a knight. Maybe it was him who went hunting this time… Poor princess."
They decided to drop the subject and headed to the servants' dining room. Most people were busy, so it was empty. Besides, lunchtime had probably already passed.
Nothing special happened after that. The child just ate regular servants' food — but it was very filling. If he hadn't eaten that food basket earlier, he probably wouldn't have been full. After finishing his last portion, he contentedly drank a cup of honeyed tea. He didn't know what honey was, but it was very sweet and went well with the tea.
The maid happily watched the boy eat. He was clumsy and a bit gluttonous. Finishing an adult-sized portion… Even the maid herself couldn't eat that much in one go. She picked up a towel and gently wiped his mouth.
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind:
"Whoa, I almost didn't recognize you, kid. Gotta say, I'm impressed."
Then he turned to the maid and praised her:
"Thank you — you took good care of my student. Here, take this."
With those words, he handed her a pouch. Whatever was inside, the maid was clearly delighted. She bowed and left. Before stepping out, she turned back, waved to the child, and said:
"Take care of yourself."
Rain turned his gaze to the boy and said:
"Let's go. We've got a lot to do today."
---
They left the palace and headed toward the city gates. Many guards were already there. But they weren't what made the city impenetrable — it was the massive walls that served as a shield from the abominations. The guards simply let Rain and the child through, and the two of them made their way toward the plains.
"Stay close to me. Even though the number of monsters has decreased, their strength has increased. One mistake could cost you your life."
"So… where are we going?"
"To my home."
"Your home is outside the city?"
"Of course. See that plain with the lake over there? There's a cave where I live. Super convenient, by the way. There's a creature in there that, even dead, scares off annoying bugs."
The boy just nodded.
They walked for a long time. Even though the plain didn't seem far, it took quite a while to reach it. To make matters worse, it was hard to tell the time because of the rain and clouds. Not that time had much meaning anymore, ever since those clouds appeared.
Without any incidents, they finally reached the lake. Just like the old man said, there was a hole — a massive hole. There was also a wooden staircase leading down. They descended carefully, and the boy felt it — a presence. But this one was much, much stronger. The cold was like stepping into a snowstorm in the middle of winter. Even his thoughts began to slow from it.
When he finally got to the bottom, he saw the source of the aura. The skeleton of a chimera lay there, serving as a sort of decoration.
Yes, the cave wasn't exactly a cave. It looked no different from a room in some palace. Though the torches burned blue instead of yellow, making the flames seem even hotter.
In the middle of the cave was a small table, and in the corner — a workshop… Words couldn't describe it — it had to be seen. The workshop was small, just a single large square table. On it lay many swords, knives, fangs, and various parts from the chimera and several abominations. The sight was both awesome and terrifying. And when you remembered that it had all been done by one person, it became downright horrifying.
"Welcome to my humble abode. Though if you ever need anything, you'll have to climb the stairs — I didn't really plan ahead."
The child nodded.
After a moment of thought, he still asked:
"So, where will we eat?"
Seriously, this kid's head seemed to be filled with nothing but food.
Rain pointed at the stairs and simply shrugged.
"Up there. We'll only eat fresh meat and organs of the abominations. They might look nasty, but the taste… absolutely divine."
And so, teacher and student finally reached their destination.
Rain had no idea that from this day on, with his own hands, he would create a monster.
And the child… he already suspected that his life was about to change.