"Apologies, Noble Joe, but we don’t have any information on Dan."
"I'm truly sorry, sir, but we have no details about Dan. I hope this won't affect our relationship with your household."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Over two years later, Joe found himself back in Eldoria City at his father’s mansion, shadows beneath his eyes from lack of sleep.
A small child waddled over, barely two years old, laughing as he wrapped his arms around Joe and murmured happily, "Jo! Jo! Jo!"
Joe’s expression softened as he lifted the boy into the air, smiling. "Jogo, I missed you, little brother!"
Jogo laughed, hugging Joe tightly as he playfully tugged on Joe’s hair and nibbled on his nose. Joe chuckled, holding Jogo close to make sure he didn’t slip from his arms.
"Excuse me, Noble Joe!"
A maid approached, bowing respectfully. "He insisted on seeing you. I know you’ve just returned from your journey, so I can take him now if you like."
Joe shook his head gently. "No, Ebe, go get some rest. You look worn out."
Ebe smiled with relief. "Thank you, Noble Joe."
Joe sighed and then said, “And stop calling me ‘Noble Joe’ and bowing all the time! We’re friends, and your mother, Lyra, is like family to me. It feels strange seeing you so formal."
Ebe’s smile widened. "I’m sorry, but tradition requires it. I’ll try to remember just for you, alright?"
Joe nodded, carrying Jogo in his arms and heading toward the door when Ebe called, “Joe?”
He turned back to her, listening as she said, "You’re a good man, Joe. Don’t let the world beat that out of you."
Joe nodded, moved by her words though not entirely sure of their meaning. He smiled gently, reassuring her. "Of course, Ebe. I won’t forget."
Ebe nodded in return, noticing the weariness in his gaze that seemed to grow darker with each visit. Despite this, she silently wished him all the happiness he could find.
Later, Joe played with Jogo outdoors, laughing as they enjoyed their time together in the fresh air. After a while, he carried Jogo as they strolled through Eldoria’s lively streets, Jogo staring in wonder at the sights, clutching Joe’s hair tightly, feeling safest in his brother’s arms.
After a few minutes, they passed a candy shop, and Jogo’s eyes sparkled as he pointed at the colourful treats. "Jo! Jo!" he exclaimed.
Joe grinned. "Of course, anything for my little brother, anything!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"On behalf of the Adventurers Guild of Daekrahm City, we regret to inform you we have no information on Dan at this time. We will reach out to you personally if we hear anything, sir."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Night had fallen at the Adventurers Guild tavern in Roxana. Joe sat alone at a table, waiting for his dinner, while his guard kept an eye on him from nearby, nursing a drink. The dark circles under Joe’s eyes were more pronounced, reflecting his exhaustion—and, this time, a subtle but heavy despair. Though he kept his expression neutral, the frustration was eating away at his peace of mind and making it harder to keep his anger in check.
Two years had passed without a single lead on Dan. Joe sipped his expensive tea, letting its warmth settle him, when a woman approached, smiling as she slid into the seat beside him.
"Handsome, how about buying this lady a drink?"
Joe gave her a brief look before calling out, "Chef! How long until my dinner is ready? I’m starving!"
The chef nodded quickly. "Coming right up, Sir Joe! My apologies for the delay!"
The woman’s smile faltered, clearly annoyed by the lack of attention, but she quickly regained her composure. She leaned closer, her voice coy as she suggested, "How about we head to a private inn? Just the two of us."
Joe looked at her calmly and replied, “Ma’am, I’m not interested. Please, go bother someone else.”
With an irritated sigh, the woman stood up and left just as Joe’s dinner was served. He muttered to himself, “Not the first, and definitely not the last. I’ve got a reputation to uphold—I’m no lust-driven fool.”
After dining, Joe turned his attention to a letter he held, a warm yet bittersweet smile crossing his face. He had read it countless times, finding comfort in its words each time. He opened it again and read:
“Joe, my son, I’m thrilled to tell you first that you now have a sister, Ilana. As your mother, I hope you’ll finish your business and visit us soon! Joking aside, please come, Joe. I miss you dearly, and so does Jogo. If you have a moment, come meet your sister and see your father. We all miss you—even Agatha and Urien, though he won’t admit it!
You have a family; never forget that. Evangeline, your mother.”
Joe’s smile softened, but his eyes were weary as he finished the letter. Just then, a figure caught his eye outside the tavern window—it was Dan, the bandit.
Joe’s eyes widened in disbelief. He sprang from his seat and rushed outside, scanning in every direction with frantic, almost desperate movements. People around him cast puzzled glances, trying to make sense of his urgency. Finally, he spotted Dan climbing aboard a carriage just as it began to pull away.
Without hesitation, Joe sprinted after it, grabbing the back of the carriage and hoisting himself up. He seized Dan, holding a dagger to his neck, and shouted, “Stop the damn cart!”
Startled, the driver immediately pulled the reins, “We’re still in the city, son! Don’t be stupid!”
Only then did Joe realize it was just a frightened merchant he had ambushed. Retracting his dagger, Joe muttered, “My apologies. I thought you were someone else. I’ll pay for—”
"No need," the man said, still startled, hands raised in surrender. "Just go, son. You've already given me a heart attack."
Joe gave an apologetic bow, then turned and walked back to the tavern. Outside, his guard was waiting. Joe waved him off with a dismissive gesture. "Don't worry, just a mistake," he said.
The guard nodded and headed inside. Joe lingered outside for a moment, releasing a long, weary sigh before finally following him in.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
“Thank you, Noble Joe, for your purchase of our unique pets. Rest assured, any special requests will remain strictly confidential. Only those directly involved will be informed.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------
A year later, Joe found himself in the prison of Oria City, notorious for a brutal incident in which he had attacked a local guard with the guard’s own iron shield—a violent display that kept the town talking for days.
Joe now had darker circles under his eyes, looking more despondent than ever. Anger surged through him, and he occasionally struck the cell walls in frustration. Although just sixteen, he was tall and strong, his muscular frame a result of the rigorous life of a merchant that had kept him physically robust and resilient.
Eventually, he lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling as he murmured, "I will hunt you down."
A day later, Joe was released after paying his way out of prison. As he exited his cell, a fellow inmate threw him a glare and remarked, "Just because you're nobility, you think you can get away with anything. I heard what you did! He was a good man!"
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Joe met the prisoner’s gaze and replied firmly, "The nobility rejects me for my commoner roots, and you reject me for being noble. Yet, all my wealth is the result of my own hard work."
The prisoner fell silent, and Joe added with a mocking smile, "Seems I don’t belong in either of your worlds. Call me an outcast."
A week later, Joe arrived in Eldoria City after receiving an urgent letter from his father, summoning him home. Entering the mansion, he noticed preparations underway for Eldoria’s annual festival. Beneath the balustrade balcony in the main hall, a grand table decorated with fruits and cakes caught his eye. Maids, along with Agatha and Evangeline, busied themselves, ensuring every inch of the table overflowed with delights.
After briefly surveying the bustling festivities, Joe made his way to his father's office. He knocked and entered, finding Jeffrey and Urien deep in discussion. They paused as he entered, and Jeffrey addressed him with a serious expression, "Please, have a seat. We need to talk."
Joe sensed the gravity in Jeffrey’s tone and replied, "I came all the way from Oria City, so I know this is important. What’s going on?"
He took a seat, waiting as Jeffrey and Urien exchanged looks before Urien spoke up, his tone stern. "I heard you beat a guard nearly to death. Care to explain?"
Joe met Urien’s gaze evenly and answered bluntly, "He said things I’d rather not repeat here, so I beat him up. Is there a problem?"
Urien’s face tightened in anger, his voice growing sharper. "You nearly killed a guard with his own shield, and that’s all you have to say?"
Remaining calm, Joe held Urien’s gaze with a dark intensity. "Yes. What’s your point?"
Urien fell silent, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "You’ve tarnished the Gostave name. People will talk…"
"People always talk, so what?" Joe interrupted, his tone unyielding. "Do you even step outside this house, Urien? Do you hear the stories told in taverns about noble antics? What I did is nothing compared to the wild tales people share. He disrespected me, and I handled it—as we Gostaves always do."
Urien's anger simmered as he stepped closer to Joe, his voice low and intense. "The noble houses may flaunt their titles, but they lack the respect you’ve earned. Even so, the Gostave name is still new among the nobility, and they'll seize any chance to tear it down."
Jeffrey listened intently, his gaze resting on Joe's empty, hollow eyes. Joe, seemingly unaffected by Urien's words, appeared more annoyed than concerned.
He stared back at Urien, retorting, "Don't you ever get tired of all the bullshit you spout every day, Urien?"
Urien’s eye widened in shock as Jeffrey stood up. Caught off-guard by Joe’s boldness, he struggled to respond. Turning to Joe, who looked visibly irritated, he began, "Urien, this is..."
Before he could finish, Urien slapped Joe across the face in frustration, shouting, "BECAUSE THE NOBLES ARE JUST WAITING FOR YOUR FATHER TO FAIL, TO DIE, TO MAKE ONE MISTAKE SO THEY CAN FEED THEIR EGOS! JOE, WHAT THE—"
In one swift move, Joe kicked Urien in the groin, sending him to his knees in agony. Jeffrey watched in stunned silence.
Joe’s eyes blazed with anger as he glared down at Urien. "YOU SCUMBAG!" he shouted, grabbing his chair and swinging it at Urien’s face. Blood splattered as Urien fell, clutching his head.
Joe stood, only to be shoved down by Jeffrey. He scrambled up, incredulous. "You too?"
Jeffrey was speechless, watching Joe storm out. But before he could leave, Urien pushed Joe’s head against the door frame, pinning him with fury. "YOU DAMN KID! DON’T DESTROY WHAT YOUR FATHER HAS BUILT!"
With a fierce shout, Joe pulled his head back and delivered a powerful headbutt to Urien, who staggered back, releasing him.
Disoriented, Urien quickly exited the office. As Jeffrey moved to follow, Joe slammed the door shut, breaking the lock and trapping Jeffrey inside.
Jeffrey rattled the handle, struggling to open the door. Outside, Urien steadied himself on the balcony railing, but Joe advanced on him.
Rage twisted Joe’s expression as he gripped Urien’s head and slammed it against the rough stone of the balcony. Blood burst from the impact, staining the surface. With a raw shout, Joe held Urien’s face and left arm tightly. "You're dead!" he roared. "It ends here!"
Urien managed to free his left arm and punched Joe, making him stagger. Taking the chance, Urien pinned Joe against the wall, his voice urgent. "Your father is an outcast! This world is brutal, but we must press on. We need to keep low and protect those we love. Don’t destroy everything, Joe! Please... son!"
Joe’s rage simmered as he looked away, his voice calm but laced with pain. "The same nobility that let my mother die? The same nobles who cared more for a damn cave than a village?"
With a shout, Joe drove his fingers into Urien's eye.
Urien screamed, collapsing to his knees, his cries echoing through the mansion. Nearby maids and guards rushed toward the commotion.
Agatha hurried over, shouting, "Urien!"
Urien struggled near the stairs, trying to stand. Joe loomed over him, his voice seething with rage. "I’ll never bow to nobility or follow their corrupt rules. In my world, it’s my rules or nothing."
Jeffrey finally broke down the office door. He turned to a scene of chaos—guards rushing in, maids screaming, and Agatha and Evangeline hurrying up the stairs.
Time seemed to slow as Jeffrey looked back at Joe and Urien. In a moment of horror, he shouted, "NOOOO!"
Joe grabbed Urien and threw him over the balcony railing. Urien crashed onto the table below with a loud, bone-crunching impact.
BAMMM!
The table shattered beneath him, leaving Urien unconscious amid the broken shards, blood pooling around him.
As Agatha and Evangeline dashed toward Urien, one guard rushed to his side, while another charged up the stairs to apprehend Joe. Joe met him with a steely gaze. "Come on!" he challenged.
The guard approached, but Joe retaliated with a brutal headbutt, grabbing his face and slamming it into the wall. Locking eyes with him, Joe let out a furious shout.
At that moment, Jeffrey intervened, landing a punch on Joe’s face. Remarkably, Joe stood his ground, his eyes blazing with anger as he addressed his father, "You too?"
Jeffrey faltered, looking at Joe, who spoke with venom, "My mother died, and her killer, Dan—DAN THE CURSED—is out there, living it up, sleeping with women, drinking wine. And you? Have you forgotten her?"
Jeffrey was silent as Joe, shaking with anger, continued, "She died protecting me, protecting others, and you’ve let her memory fade. What kind of man are you?"
Jeffrey’s heart twisted at Joe’s words. He had never forgotten Beatrice, never replaced her, never let her go, yet he couldn’t find the words. Joe, transformed from the son he once knew, now seemed like a stranger, and the realization struck Jeffrey that he might be responsible for his son’s descent.
Jeffrey stood silent as Joe glared at him, spitting, "Keep playing by their rules... They’ll support you just like they did that night. But know this: I hope you rot with your noble friends, and when they start to burn, I’ll be there to watch and enjoy every moment."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Sorry, Noble Joe, Dan disappeared long ago; we have nothing on him."
"Sir… I’m sorry, but we found nothing. We tried, we dug, we searched—there’s nothing."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe left the house, climbed into his carriage, and roughly shoved his guard aside. The guard fell to the ground, staring in confusion. "S... sir?"
"LEAVE ME ALONE!" Joe shouted, his face twisted with anger.
The carriage left the mansion, heading out of Eldoria City. Inside, Joe sat staring at the floor, his face flushed as memories flooded his mind—Beatrice, Jeffrey, Urien, Evangeline, Agatha, Jogo, Kaelen, and himself. He clenched his fists, his eyes wild as he recalled that monster—DAN.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" he screamed, his rage echoing in the carriage.
Meanwhile, in Urien’s chamber, a nun tended to his injuries, though he still needed rest. Sitting beside him, Agatha fumed, "Joe could have killed you! Why didn’t Jeffrey stop him?"
Urien gently patted her head. "Please! Jeffrey’s got enough to deal with; let it go."
Agatha’s face was still furious. "LET IT GO? HE ALMOST KILLED YOU!"
Urien shook his head. "He wouldn’t have. Please, keep your voice down."
Agatha went silent, softly rubbing his cheek. A tear slipped from her eye as she whispered, "I thought I’d lost you. I... I..."
Urien pulled her close and kissed her cheeks. "I’m here, love."
Agatha hugged him tightly, feeling her love and respect for her husband, her other half, whom she feared she might lose. She kissed his nose, "I’ll spoil you today. Just wait until I cook something you love."
Agatha smiled as she stood up and walked toward the door. With a warm expression, Urien said, "You've worked hard today; why not let the chef handle it?"
Agatha turned back, smiling. "I said I’d spoil you. Am I a woman without her word?"
In Jeffrey’s chamber, Evangeline gently patted his back as he looked at the ground, visibly hurt. He murmured, "Believe me, I... I..."
Evangeline nodded. "I understand, I do."
Just then, a knock sounded. "Come," Jeffrey called.
Ebe entered, holding Jogo’s hand. "He was worried and wanted to see you."
Jeffrey opened his arms with a smile, and Jogo leapt into his embrace. Jeffrey looked at Ebe. "Thank you, Ebe. You’ve done well, as always."
Ebe managed a sad smile, bowed, and closed the door. Only 15, she’d been with the Gostave family for years, always diligent and kind. Yet she couldn’t shake the sadness she felt for Joe, whose visits grew darker. She saw the changes in him, though she never knew when he might lose control.
Closing her eyes, Ebe whispered, "Stay safe, Joe. Be happy."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Apologies, sir. As we told you last month, his last known location was Feuerhügel city in the east. That’s all we have."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
A week later, Joe sat in a tavern, staring blankly as he waited for his dinner, his gaze vacant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"We have no information."
"We have nothing."
"He disappeared."
"He vanished."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The chef served Joe his meal and asked, "Anything else, sir?"
Joe didn’t reply, starting his meal in silence. The chef gave a small nod and left him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"We..."
"Don’t..."
"Know where he is."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Chef!"
The chef turned back to Joe. "Yes, sir?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Can’t you just let it go?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe snapped, "Just bring me the damn wine!"
