The orphanage was far simpler than the grand halls she was used to.
Children played in the courtyard, their laughter bright despite their worn clothes. Esmeralda walked among them, her presence drawing curious glances.
"You're really pretty," one child whispered.
Esmeralda blinked-then laughed softly. "And you're very honest."
It didn't take long before two children lingered close to her.
One was a quiet girl with gentle eyes-Serena.
The other, smaller and more energetic, clung protectively to her side.
They followed Esmeralda around as she spoke with the caretakers, occasionally tugging at her sleeve or asking shy questions. Esmeralda knew Serena was not like other children. Serena was the Saintess who proclaimed Amaria being the Blessed child of the Goddess. She knew that Serena will awaken her divine powers soon and she needed Serena's help for her future.
"Will you come back?" Serena asked softly.
Esmeralda paused.
"...Yes," she said gently.
And she meant it because even though Esmeralda needed her, she also grew fond of the little girl who looked over at everyone in the orphanage.
A few days later-
The laughter was gone.
The orphanage was quiet.
Too quiet.
Inside, a caretaker staggered forward, the scent of alcohol heavy in the air.
"You little pests..." they muttered, raising a hand on Serena.
The smaller child stepped in front of Serena. "Stop! She didn't do anything!"
The blow came anyway.
A sharp crack echoed through the room.
Serena froze.
"Stop... please..." she cried, tears streaming down her face.
But the caretaker didn't listen.
Another strike.
Another cry.
And something inside Serena-
Snapped.
Light burst from her small frame, soft yet overwhelming.
The room fell silent.
The caretaker staggered back, eyes wide with terror.
Serena stood there, trembling, glowing faintly-
Her power awakened.
The next day-
The orphanage gates opened once more.
This time, it was not just Esmeralda who arrived.
The Pope himself stood beside her, his presence commanding and solemn.
The caretakers fell to their knees, pale and shaking.
Serena stood quietly among the children, her small hands clenched.
Esmeralda approached her slowly.
"...You did well," she said softly with a worried face. Esmeralda felt guilty that she did not know the reason Serena awakened was because of the abusive behaviors of the caretakers.
Serena looked up at her, tears brimming. "Will... will they hurt us again?"
Esmeralda knelt in front of her, her voice gentle but firm. "No. They won't. I will make sure of it."
Behind her, the Pope's voice rang out, cold and absolute. "Those responsible will be punished accordingly."
The abusive caretakers were dragged away.
New staff would come. Better ones.
Safer ones.
Serena hesitated. "...I have to go, don't I?"
Esmeralda smiled faintly. "Yes. You have a role to fulfill now."
The girl stepped forward-and hugged her tightly.
Esmeralda froze for a second... then slowly returned the embrace.
"Will we see each other again?" Serena whispered.
Esmeralda closed her eyes briefly. "We will."
Then, after a pause, she added quietly-
"Serena, there's a favor I'd like to ask of you."
Serena looked up. "Anything."
"If you ever study healing... or potions..." Esmeralda said softly, "look into something that could cure a disease that turns the skin purple."
The disease was called Lilac's disease. The origin of the disease is unknown but some claim it is genetic. Esmeralda remembered that she developed this disease later in the book and when the cure was discovered, she was already at the point where she was uncurable. This time, she wanted to change that.
Serena nodded, determined. "I will."
They parted slowly.
And as Serena left with the Pope, Esmeralda watched in silence.
Another piece in place.
A few days later-
A royal messenger arrived at the ducal estate.
"Lady Esmeralda," he said, bowing deeply. "His Highness requests your presence at the palace."
Esmeralda paused.
Then smiled faintly.
"...Of course he does."
And just like that-
The next move had begun.