THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

David pulled Brendah into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her trembling form. His voice was a whisper in her ear, heavy with emotion. "We have to leave, Brendah. We can't stay here anymore. I won't let anything happen to you."

Brendah's hands pressed lightly against his chest as she pushed him back, her tear-streaked face now filled with confusion. She stood abruptly, her voice steady but questioning. "Leave? Where? And why?"

David stood as well, running a hand through his messy white hair. He moved to the bed and sat on the edge, patting the empty space beside him. Brendah hesitated for a moment before sitting down, the mattress sinking slightly under their combined weight.

"Why were you crying earlier?" David asked, his tone softer this time.

Brendah turned her head away, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "It's nothing. You don't need to worry about it," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

David sighed, his hand resting gently on her thigh. He gave it a reassuring squeeze, his touch warm and grounding. "Brendah, listen to me. I don't hate you, and I never could."

Her head snapped toward him, her lips parting as if to argue, but the seriousness in his eyes stopped her. Before she could voice her thoughts, David leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that stole her breath.

Brendah's eyes widened in shock, and she instinctively tried to pull away, but David held her in place, his hands cradling her face. Their lips moved together, tentative at first, then more passionately as Brendah's resistance faltered. When their tongues met, a heat spread through her chest, leaving her dazed and breathless.

When David finally pulled away, her heart was racing, her face flushed. She stared at him, utterly speechless.

"Do you believe me now?" David asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Tears welled in Brendah's eyes once more, and she shook her head, her voice cracking. "Why? Why are you doing this?"

David cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear. "Because I love you," he said simply, his words sending a jolt through her.

Brendah froze, her breath hitching. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond. But then, her resolve hardened. "Even if we leave… even if we run through the snowy wastelands… do you even have the money to support us both?"

Her question caught David off guard. He blinked, realizing that he hadn't thought that far ahead. The memory of Ced offering him a job resurfaced in his mind, and he nodded, determination returning to his features.

"I'll figure it out," he said confidently. "For now, I need you to hide. Don't go to work for a few days. Just wait for me, okay?"

Brendah hesitated. "Where are you going?"

David took her hands in his, his grip firm but comforting. "Trust me," he said, his eyes meeting hers. "I'll come back for you."

After a long pause, Brendah nodded, though worry lingered in her gaze. "Alright. I'll hide and wait. But you'll need to talk to Mei when you get back."

David smiled softly, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Thank you. Just trust me."

He hugged her tightly one last time before standing and walking to the door. As it closed behind him, Brendah sat back on the bed, her hand clutching her chest. Her face burned with embarrassment as she whispered to herself, "When did Winter become so bold?"

She glanced toward the door, her thoughts swirling. A part of her felt guilty, leaving all the responsibility to him, especially since she was older. But another part couldn't help but admire his determination.

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David descended the creaky wooden stairs, his boots landing with a dull thud on each step. A line of impatient customers stretched before him, their faces twisted in irritation.

"Winter! You want to die keeping us waiting like this?" one grumbled, his arms crossed over his chest.

David didn't bother responding, his face unreadable as he slipped behind the counter. His hands moved with practiced ease, retrieving candles from the shelves, taking names, and collecting payments. The monotonous rhythm steadied his nerves, though his mind was elsewhere.

As he handed a bundle of candles to a man with a sour expression, a familiar voice cut through the crowd.

"Winter, ma'boy!"

David froze for a moment, the voice tugging at the edges of his memory. He turned slowly to see Old Ced bundled in his thick coat and gloves, his grin wide and almost infectious. Ced sauntered toward the counter, his weathered face glowing with the warmth of someone who enjoyed life far too much.

A wave of déjà vu washed over David, his heart skipping a beat. His gaze flicked past Ced to the dwindling line. Only two customers remained. Not wanting the crowd to grow longer, he quickly grabbed three candles for each of the remaining patrons.

"But we can't afford this many," one of the men protested, his eyes wide in disbelief.

"It's on the house," David said firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Their expressions shifted from shock to gratitude, their grins genuine as they clutched the candles close. "Winter, we won't forget this kindness," one said before they hurried upstairs, their excitement palpable.

Ced leaned on the counter, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "You've got quite the heart today, eh?"

David didn't reply immediately. He motioned for Ced to follow him, stepping around the counter and heading back toward his room. The old man's curiosity deepened, but he trailed behind without question.

The room was dimly lit, the faint scent of candle wax lingering in the air. David shut the door behind them, leaning against it for a moment as if gathering his thoughts. Ced watched him closely, his sharp eyes missing nothing.

Finally, David straightened and gestured to the worn chair opposite the bed. Ced took a seat, his grin unwavering.

"If I take the job," David began, his voice steady but low, "how much would you pay me?" Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire

The question hung in the air, and for a brief moment, Ced's grin faltered, replaced by a look of intrigue.

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A/N:Hey everyone, don't forget to check out my new book, Lucky 21, and leave a review while you patiently wait for the webtoon! Also, keep in mind that David's emotions are being influenced by his new body and the tower, though revealing too much would spoil the fun. Feel free to ask anything in the comments section!