It had been a week since I moved to this world. I tried to adapt to the environment. During the day, I usually asked Father to take me with him hunting. While enjoying the forest atmosphere and seeing the unique animals inside, I was also taught archery by Father. Although my archery skills were still lacking, Father kept encouraging me.
Then, at night before bed, I usually asked Mother and Father to tell me fairy tales to expand my knowledge. I chose fairy tales because no 5-year-old would ask to be read an encyclopedia. From the fairy tales told, there were usually elements that actually existed in the real world, not entirely imaginary. After hearing them, I often asked Father about the meaning of those elements, and after being answered, I would keep asking related things until my father got dizzy.
I was quite satisfied with my habits so far, but there was something strange bothering me. While following Father hunting in the forest, I never met anyone else. Even though I was sure the settlement was not too far away, considering every morning Mother went out to buy spices and household necessities. I was not too curious about the outside world.
As long as I could live with both my parents, I already felt very happy. Moreover, I also didn't know if there would be racial issues in society. This kingdom has many different races, unlike other kingdoms which are usually only inhabited by humans and one or two non-human races.
Currently, we were preparing dinner together. I helped Mother peel carrots, while Father helped cut meat and vegetables. Father often joked and made jokes that made our activities feel fun. While we were laughing, suddenly I felt tightness in my chest. My heart beat fast, making me afraid. I tugged at Father's clothes, but strangely, this time he just stayed silent unlike usual.
Because I didn't get a response, I immediately looked up at Father's face. His face looked like he was holding back pain. Apparently, it wasn't just me who suddenly felt pain. While holding my chest, I ran to Mother who was stirring a pot.
"Mother! It hurts," I said while pulling her clothes. My mother, who heard it, immediately put down her spoon and turned to me. However, before she could say anything, suddenly there was a sound of something falling behind us. I immediately turned around and saw Father lying on the floor. Mother, who panicked, immediately ran to him.
I also wanted to approach Father, but suddenly my heart beat faster and felt intense pain. My body weakened instantly. I fell, my vision blurred looking at Mother and Father. The last thing I saw was Mother's eyes filled with tears and Father's body slowly turning into golden dust.
When I woke up again, I saw a very foreign ceiling. I woke up and looked around, looking for Mother. However, I didn't see her anywhere. I noticed this room which I thought looked better than my room. For some reason, instead of panicking, I felt very calm but tears kept flowing from my eyes uncontrollably. I tried to wipe the tears, but my crying wouldn't stop. My throat felt choked. My eyes began to sting because I kept rubbing them.
Not long after, I was hugged tightly. Without looking, I already knew it was Mother, because she was also crying. I replied by hugging her shaking body. We cried in silence for a long time.
"Listen, Kael. From now on we will work in the palace as servants. Be a good child. And one more thing, never say that you have elf blood. Understand?"
"Palace? Why don't we just go home?" I said confused.
"Currently the situation outside is very chaotic. It will be safer if we stay in the palace," Mother answered with a voice full of fear.
I, who heard it, only nodded because I didn't know what Mother meant by the chaotic situation. However, I might find out if I search a little.
"Now, wash your face and change clothes. Because you are still small, the Queen allows you not to work. However, in exchange, you must become the Prince's study friend," Mother said.
"Prince? But Mother, why can we work in the palace? Isn't entering the palace difficult?" asked the child curiously.
"Yes, Prince. He is the same age as you, so maybe you will get along quickly. The Queen was my classmate as well as my friend back then, so I can work here easily," she said while smiling.
I was surprised to know Mother used to be friends with the Queen. If Mother was in the same class as the Queen, didn't that mean she was a noble too? Why did she live in the middle of the forest instead? I kept wondering in my mind, but because I couldn't ask directly, I was a little annoyed.
I didn't ask about Father, because I myself knew when elves die they will turn into gold dust. Just like Father's condition before I was unconscious.