Chapter Text
“Hold this.”
Himeno quickly caught the bag dropped by the woman before it could hit the ground. She fixed her posture and followed the woman out of the store, bowing her head towards the store clerk who could only give her a sympathetic look.
“Don't walk so close.”
She slowed her pace, keeping her distance. The usual treatment given to her by her foster sister. Or at least foster sister on paper from what she's told.
The Djardens were of high nobility in Ishabana. Moreso after the Wrath that killed her parents and destroyed her home. At least that was what she was told as she barely had any memories of her past prior to the Wrath. But the paperwork Dugded constantly waved in her face said enough that she and what were supposed to be her family’s assets were entrusted to him.
Despite being a foster child on paper, the family treated her more like a servant. A role she had to accept otherwise she would've been thrown out like all other noble children that were fostered. She'd rather endure the harsh treatment than live on the streets considering how hard it is to even be a commoner in the country.
Ishabana wasn't always so unfair, but the Wrath only brought out the worst in people and made living in the country harsh. It didn't help that the other countries were facing similar issues and couldn't help.
She followed Hilbil back to the Djarden mansion, the many bags snatched from her hands when they entered the foyer.
“Just go be useful and help the maids already!” the pigtailed woman said with her shrill voice.
Himeno bowed her head before making her way to the kitchen, only to sigh after closing the door.
“I take it your day didn't go well?” one of the maids asked, taking a bucket out of the sink.
“You mean a wonderful day where I carry my sister's bags?” Himeno asked, earning sympathetic smiles from the servants. She accepted the rag given to her.
“Just the windows today before you can help us with dinner.”
Himeno couldn’t help but to smile, knowing there should be a small gap that would allow her to relax. A much needed one after spending the morning being bossed around. “Thank you, Penni. I’ll make sure to do my best.”
She took the bucket and made her way out of the kitchen towards the parlor where she would start.
The maids were sympathetic to her after she was made to work as one. Some even spent their spare time teaching her how to read or perform basic math for inventory. While she became quite proficient, they couldn’t help but to feel sorry for her as her ability to learn more was limited by her current status.
But Himeno didn’t mind. She found solace in them and was willing to do the work needed and give them a hand in return for all they’ve done for her. Especially since they would find ways to do her work so she can spend time in town without needing to worry about work.
“Oi.”
She tensed at the call, recognizing the condescending tone. She lowered the rag and turned, her gaze low as she bowed her head to greet the man.
“Where were you today?” the man questioned, hands on his hips as he looked down on her.
“I was escorting Hilbil-sama through town, sir,” Himeno said, not lifting her gaze. She tried not to flinch when something tapped her head many times in a rhythm.
“That so? All I heard from my daughter was no one helping her at all today. Are you calling her a liar?”
“No, sir. I apologize.” She felt the hits stop but didn’t react.
Dugded let out a small huff as he rested the book on his shoulder, examining the girl. “I guess I’ll let you off. But no dinner for you tonight, you hear? And no sneaking food from the other maids.” He turned on his heel before walking off, tapping the book against his shoulder. “Don’t be causing trouble, you liar!”
“Yes, sir…”
She tightly held the rag, trying to calm herself.
Himeno felt her stomach growling as she walked through town, dragging bags of garbage to throw into the dump. Today was probably worse for her after spending most of it following Hilbil on her shopping spree and having to redo some of the housekeeping because Minongan kicked over the bucket a few times with his clumsiness. It led to more of Dugded admonishing her to a point of no dinner for a week.
She wasn’t sure how it was fair, but it was hard to argue against him at this point. It was something she had to accept.
She arrived at the large walls surrounding the disposal area. It was pretty far from town due to the smell which only becomes worse whenever it’s burned. Himeno wasn’t fond of it which was why Dugded didn’t hesitate on making the maids give the job to her.
At least it got her out of the house for a bit.
She brought the bags to the pile, setting them as close as she can. Her gaze then fell to the pile of discarded bread nearby. Most likely from the bakeries that have been struggling with selling food due to increased poverty. The inability to properly store said food led to them growing rotten sooner as well which meant more being discard.
A waste Himeno wasn’t fond of.
She stared at the growing pile of moldy food, face scrunched up as she tried to quell her grumbling stomach.
“Hungry?”
She let out a small yelp at the voice. She quickly covered her mouth to keep herself quiet as she turned to find a figure who seemed to have stood just behind her before she jumped away from the scare.
They were dressed all in black as their clothes were covered by an open longcoat with a high collar. Their neck was covered by a scarf that almost hid their mouth if they pulled it up. Slung over their shoulder was a duffle bag. What struck her as odd was how their short hair was styled in a way to cover their right eye.
They held up their gloved hands. “Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you like that,” they said, their voice deep enough for Himeno to be unsure if they were a man or a woman. They peered over her shoulder towards the pile. “I can see why you were staring at it like that. What a waste.” They made their way to the pile, looking around. “Definitely not salvageable...”
Himeno gave them a once-over. What a weirdo.
She turned to leave but jumped when they popped up in front of her again. She stepped back in shock.
“Say. It's not much, but if you're hungry, can I at least treat you to something? Something better than whatever you were about to do with that stuff.”
Himeno's face reddened. “I wasn't going to eat it! Do I look that desperate to you?!”
The stranger paused, tilting their head as they studied her. “Not really. More like sounding you were.” They pointed to her stomach which seemed to have released another growl on cue.
She covered it, face beet red in embarrassment. It released another growl despite her trying to suppress it.
The stranger let out a small laugh. “Come on. I promise I won’t bite.” They began to walk out of the dump, only to pause and turn back when she didn’t follow.
Himeno wasn’t sure what their deal was. And it was suspicious for them to approach her this late in the night. She could run, but they could probably easily catch up to her since they knew she was hungry. But it would be too dangerous to follow them.
She looked towards their face, only to find their gaze soft and reassuring. She pursed her lips before following them out, making them smile. They led her towards a bench where they took a seat. Himeno remained standing, still unsure.
The stranger opened up their duffle before taking out a small pull-string sack. They opened it when they noticed her still standing. “What? Just sit. Not like I'm going to do anything to you.”
Himeno cautiously took a seat on the bench, keeping her distance. She noticed the stranger was tilting their view into the sack as if to inspect the contents.
“Okay. Definitely all of them.” They set it between the two of them. “Have whichever one you like. Wait.” They pulled it closer to themself. “You don't have allergies, do you?”
Himeno wasn't sure what their deal was, but shook her head. “I don't have any.” She found the sack opened up to her.
“Then feel free.”
“Hah?” She then noticed inside was a wide selection of bread and buns. Her eyes widened at the amount. “How did you-?!”
“I bought them,” they said defensively,” I just carry a lot in case I get hungry or something. But they won't go to waste if that's what you're thinking.” They then noticed the apprehensive look on her face. “Don't trust me?”
“You can't expect me to trust a stranger. I don't know if you're aware, but I used to be a noble. I know better than to trust a stranger giving me food.”
The stranger squinted as if to study her, letting out a small hum. “Fair enough.” They took one out before leaning back on the bench, eating.
Himeno couldn't help but to study this stranger, taking in how relaxed they were despite the current situation. Not to mention how dangerous the streets can be at night.
She felt her stomach growl again, making her cover it as her face reddened. She looked between the stranger and the sack. “Just one?” she asked.
“Take as many as you need.” They ate the last piece in their hand.
Himeno hesitated before reaching into the bag, taking out a round bun with some sesame seeds on top. “Thanks...” She took a bite, revealing the red bean paste inside much to her surprise. But it didn't last long as she began eating more.
The stranger could only smile. “So does this former noble have a name?” they teased, taking out a wooden bottle to drink from.
Himeno glared at them. “Should say the same to you.”
They laughed. “Fair enough. Call me Hae. Hae Pietra.” They held out the bottle. “So?”
Himeno eyed them before accepting the drink. “Himeno.” She paused. “Just Himeno…”
“Don’t have a last name?”
She hesitated, tightly holding the bottle in her hands. Something that didn’t go unnoticed. Hae leaned back and sighed. “I’ll retract my question. If you don’t wanna talk about it, I won’t make you.”
Himeno fidgeted, somewhat grateful they didn't pry. “Thanks...” She took careful sips from the bottle, finding it to be sweet water. “Hm?”
“Ah. Is it too sweet? Sorry. I just prefer it that way.”
“It's fine.” She returned it. “You're... not from Ishabana, are you?”
Hae smiled. “Good eye. But it doesn't mean I'll tell you where I'm from, princess.”
Himeno felt her face burn at the sudden nickname, only to scoot away from them.
Hae quickly sat up, eyes wide. “Sorry. Was that too forward?”
“N-no... Just surprised.”
“If I do anything to make you uncomfortable, just let me know.”
Himeno couldn’t help but to eye them as they leaned back in their seat, fidgeting with the ends of their scarf. She finished her bread before resting her hands on her lap. “I… don’t really tell people my last name. Mostly because I’ve been ridiculed for pretending it’s mine.”
“How so?”
“Apparently it’s the same as the royal family… Their name was supposed to die with them after the Wrath killed them.”
Hae looked towards the sky at this. “The royal family, huh…? So your name is Himeno Ran?”
“Only name I remember calling myself. Only thing I ever remembered about myself from before the Wrath, really.” Her gaze lowered, tightly gripping the fabric of her skirt. “I’m not sure why I’m so attached to it… But I can never call myself by my family name since it’s taboo now. So it’s just Himeno.”
“Does the same apply to your parents?”
“They died during the Wrath. I was taken in by another noble family who apparently had ties to mine. I’m the last person in Ishabana with my name, really.”
She wasn’t sure why she was telling them all this. But somehow she couldn’t stop.
“I see. My condolences.” They took another sip of their drink.
“I don’t need it. But… thanks.” She found them standing up, stretching their arms.
“It’s getting pretty late.” They held a hand out to her, a small smile on their face. “Shall I walk you back?”
“There’s no need.”
“It’s fine. And you work for a noble family, don’t you? It would be dangerous for you to be walking around this late. Wouldn’t want any suspicious strangers approaching you.”
Himeno couldn’t help but to let out a small laugh, folding her arms. “Says the person who snuck up on me.”
It was Hae’s turn to laugh. “Fair. But I do mean it. Even if it’s just tonight.”
Himeno slowly nodded before standing up. “But only to the gate.”
“Anything you want, my princess,” they teased. They held out an arm to the side, telling her to lead the way.
She did as told, making her way back as they stayed one step behind. “Hae. If you’re not from Ishabana, what brings you here at this time?” she asked, looking back towards the stranger.
“I just have some business here. Mostly classified, but I have reasons to be here. I guess one being to help out a girl who sounded very hungry.”
“So you’re here for charity?”
“Something like that.”
Himeno let out a small hum in thought, seeing how it didn’t sound like they had an ulterior motive. Even if they did, it wasn’t her business. “I see.”
They arrived at the Djarden mansion, only for Hae to let out an impressed whistle at the size. “You work for this one?”
“Y-yes. The Djardens had connections to my family so it’s expected of them to be high in status.”
“Yet I still found you hungry.” They reached into their duffle, taking out another loaf. They wrapped it in a handkerchief and held it out to her. “Here.”
“Hm?”
Hae took her hand, placing the item into her hold. “Just in case you need some more tonight. Or the morning. Whichever is your preference.”
Himeno looked at it, only to hold it close. “Thanks. Even if you didn’t have to.”
“Well I wanted to.” They took her free hand, gently kissing her knuckles. “I hope we can meet again, my princess. Maybe then, we can talk more.”
Himeno wasn't sure how to respond but nodded. “Maybe.” She went through the gates, not noticing Hae watching her even when she closed the door to the kitchen behind her.
Hae sighed. “Himeno Ran…” They smiled, pulling their scarf up to cover their face. “I'll remember that…” They turned from the mansion and took their leave.