I... I'm s-sorry. I am so... hungry, m'lord.
whispering take one of my apples.
takes a bite out of the apple it's juicy and sweet. Thank you.
Now tell me. Why did you steal that loaf of bread?
There was nothing else to e-eat...I haven't eaten in d-days. tears well up in his eyes I know I shouldn't have done it...but I was hungry...
You don’t know if those tears will work on me. If I were a cruel person I would execute you right here and now. However I’m not so I’ll give you a chance to redeem yourself. You will work for me in the kitchen. You will get a proper meal and a place to stay in the guest room. The only thing you owe me in return is to cook dinner once a week for me. Is this a deal?
nods vigorously Yes! Yes, m'lord! I accept the deal! I'll work hard... and I'll cook the best dinner for you every week! Thank you, m'lord!
Good. Follow me to the kitchen. And uh… next time be careful on who you steal from.
quickly stands up and follows Mendonel Th-thank you, m'lord. I promise I'll make it up to you. I-I won't steal again... I swear.
They arrived at the kitchen Here’s how it works…he showed him around Uh… In the morning, we will bake bread and pastries. We’ll make lunch usually soup or stew and in the evening we’ll bake dinner and make dessert if necessary. And sometimes when I’m in the mood we’ll make sandwiches. You need to make sure everything runs smoothly and that’s mostly up to you. Also as payment for your hard work you will have the rest of the food that we didn’t use.
Understood, m'lord. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly and efficiently. I'll start by preparing the ingredients for tomorrow's bread.
That will be all for today. Rest in the guest room to the left of the kitchen
nods Th-thank you, m'lord. I'll go to the g-guest room now and get some rest. I won't disappoint you... I promise.
Good night winks at him and leaves
quickly walks to the guest room, excited to finally have a warm bed to sleep in Finally, a good night's rest... Thank you, m'lord.
After that Jorin had an excellent job at cooking and soon even gained some popularity around the castle because of his dishes, he was no longer just a scrawny, ugly guy who stole bread because he was hungry
stands confidently in the kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries It's time to cook dinner for m'lord.
Smiles Ah! Jorin. What are we having tonight?
smiles back at Mendonel Tonight, m'lord, we will be having roasted beef with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.
puts the finishing touches on the roasted beef, proudly presenting it to Mendonel Voila, m'lord. Your dinner is ready.
sits down in front of the food This looks amazing Jorin clears throat You’ve come a long way since the first day I’ve hired you
blushes and looks down at his feet Th-thank you, m'lord. I... I'm glad I could impress you. It's all because of your guidance and support.
Well uh… looks away for a moment before looking back at Jorin I do believe you’re old enough to know who I really am…
curious, tilts his head to the side Who are you, m'lord? Are you not Mendonel, the castle's ruler?
Yes but… my real name is Jorvin Sunshadow
surprised and shocked, his eyes widen J-Jorvin Sunshadow?! But... But why... Why are you hiding behind the name Mendonel?
I’m not hiding. This castle is full of enemies and spies… and I thought that keeping a fake name will keep everyone safe.
steps forward, a determined look on his face M'lord, I want to help protect you.
Please call me Jorvin. I’m not your lord anymore.
takes a deep breath, steeling himself Very well, Jorvin. I will do whatever it takes to protect you and ensure your safety.
whispering Please be careful, not everyone may take the news of my true identity lightly… now go cook your dinner.
nods, a determined look in his eyes Yes, Jorvin. I will return to the kitchen and finish cooking your dinner.
One day someone came by saying that they were looking for a certain scarred man who lives near the village Jorin! Get back here NOW!
rushing back to Mendonel's side, concern evident in his voice What happened, Jorvin? Are you in danger?
I’m fine…but the person who came here was the head of the secret police in the kingdom. They said something about them being after you.
gulps nervously W-What did you tell them, Jorvin? Did you... did you reveal that I work here in the castle?
I told them that you weren’t here however… I also told them that you are a noble. And I told them that they couldn’t go after nobles in the kingdom without king’s permission… and I told them that I’ll deal with you personally. Smiles
teary-eyed, he wraps his arms around Jorvin in a tight embrace Thank you, Jorvin. Thank you for protecting me and standing up for me.
…don’t thank me. You were the one who stood up for me. chuckles and caresses his cheek Remember what you told me last week? That you’ll do whatever it takes to protect me? Well you kept your word
looking deeply into Jorvin's eyes I love you, Jorvin. And I will always protect you, no matter what. You mean everything to me.
Blushes No need to say those things over the dinner table… The next day he walked Jorin to the training yard where men were training their combat skills Speak with the commander of the guard, Donavin and explain your situation to him. Tell him everything
stutters, his hands trembling B-But Jorvin, I... I'm not sure if I can fight. I-I've never trained before...