Chapter 148: Warning do not unlock
Unaware of Damien silently watching his back from the shadows, Little Yu stepped inside the small wooden hut nestled beneath the mountain’s protective embrace.
"Mei, I’m home!" he called out gently, closing the door behind him with care, as though trying not to disturb the tranquility that lived within.
Almost instantly, the sound of light, hurried footsteps echoed across the creaking wooden floor. A tiny figure darted out from behind a tattered curtain, her movements brimming with energy. A little girl—no more than six or seven—came running barefoot, dragging a well-loved stuffed rabbit along the dusty floorboards. Its seams had frayed, and one ear drooped sadly, but it was clear the toy had been hugged countless times.
Her eyes sparkled like crescent moons, wide and full of joy as they met Yu’s gaze.
"Big brother! You’re finally back!" she beamed, her tiny voice sweet as birdsong. "Did you bring the chocolate for me?"
She reached her delicate hand up with anticipation, her chubby fingers trembling slightly with excitement.
Yu’s smile faltered for just a breath—so faintly that only someone watching closely could have noticed. The warmth in his expression didn’t vanish, but a subtle tension tightened around his eyes.
In this world, chocolate had become a luxury—an indulgence only the nobles could afford. Back when they’d lived in the city, tucked safely under their father’s roof, such a treat had been a common delight. Their small home had always felt full—of safety, warmth, and the scent of sweetness wafting from their kitchen.
Yu had never known his mother, and his father never spoke of her. He didn’t know where their money came from, nor had he ever asked. He only remembered that, no matter what, they had never gone hungry... and chocolate was never something to dream about—it had simply been there.
But everything changed a year ago.
One ordinary morning, their father had kissed Mei’s forehead and tousled Yu’s hair before heading out on his usual "work." That was the last time they saw him.
He never returned.