In 2171, on Great Britain’s island, near London, a small manor sat at the foot of a mountain in a quiet town. Though called a manor, it was tiny compared to local homes—just a two-story cottage and a small garden.
The area was remote. The nearest neighbor lived seven hundred meters away. Reaching the town center meant walking kilometers.
Yet the surroundings were stunningly peaceful.
Birds chirped among colorful blooms. Fresh air filled the silence. The vibrant flower field looked like a living painting.
*Creak—*
The back door opened with a wooden groan. Out stepped a twelve-year-old girl with golden hair and blue eyes. She carried a flower basket, brimming with energy. Her simple life hadn’t dimmed her spirit. This beautiful place seemed to fuel her vitality.
“Hmm, they’re growing wonderfully this year.”
At the garden’s heart, she plucked a blooming red flower. She examined it closely, then took a deep, satisfying sniff of its fragrance.
Spring had made the garden flourish. It filled her with joy.
“Sis~”
A voice called from inside—identical to hers but younger.
“What is it, Alena?”
Cleyna answered, her face tightening with worry. She turned toward the house just as a smaller golden blur rushed out. The girl clutched a pink backpack.
“Careful! Don’t trip!”
Cleyna hurried to greet her twin sister. Though only ten minutes apart in age, Cleyna seemed far more mature. Alena still had the tender heart of an eleven-year-old.
“Sis~ my backpack strap broke…”
Alena’s voice trembled. Tears welled in her reddened eyes.
*Pfft—*
Cleyna couldn’t help but chuckle.
“You’re laughing at me…”
Alena looked crushed, on the verge of tears.
“There, there~”
Smiling, Cleyna ruffled her sister’s hair. She set down the basket, took the backpack, and worked the straps with quick fingers. In seconds, she tugged them tight—perfectly even.
Handing it back, she lifted her basket again. “Breakfast done? Off to school then. Try to walk with Lily. I’ll stop by the shop first, then join you.”
Lily was the daughter of their nearest neighbors.
“Mhm!”
Alena nodded cheerfully, used to this morning routine. She shouldered the fixed backpack, waved goodbye, and slipped out the garden gate.
“Sigh… When will Alena grow up a little?”
Cleyna sighed worriedly. She picked up her basket, bent down, and began gathering the finest blooms.
………………………………………………………………
*Hum-hum-hum~*
Cleyna strolled down the street, humming a tune. Her old backpack bounced lightly. She carried the flower basket toward the town’s only flower shop—to earn money.
Soon, she reached the shop. A woman pruned outdoor flowers. Cleyna greeted her brightly: “Good morning, Mrs. Denver! Today’s flowers are here.”
She raised the basket as the woman turned. But Mrs. Denver’s face stayed blank, cold—as if she didn’t recognize Cleyna. Actually, most townsfolk either ignored her or stared with icy glares.
“Cleyna, leave them there. The payment’s beside it.”
The woman turned away without another word.
Cleyna just smiled and nodded, used to this. She set down the flowers.
Why such coldness? Cleyna had awakened an ability—a strength-enhancing one. But in this remote town, such powers were strange. A girl with unnatural strength? Unacceptable. Only her parents’ death, her care for Alena, and her unmatched flower quality kept Mrs. Denver dealing with her.
That’s why Cleyna sent Alena to school alone—to shield her from this prejudice.
“I’m off then. Goodbye.”
Cleyna took the money. Polite as always, she offered a farewell she knew wouldn’t be returned. Then she headed to school.
But…………
Forty minutes later, Cleyna arrived. Students eyed her oddly as she neared her classroom. Before she opened the door, familiar sobs and timid comfort drifted out.
*Whoosh!*
She flung the door open. Just as she feared.
Alena sat crying at her desk. Lily, with her light-brown hair, tried to soothe her—but shrank back from three looming figures nearby.
“Stop crying! It’s just homework help! We’re doing you, an orphan, a favor!”
The richly dressed girl sneered. Her cronies flanked her. Cleyna’s fists clenched. She strode forward.
“Didn’t you hear me? Stop!”
The girl raised a hand to slap Alena—*Snap!*—Cleyna seized her wrist mid-swing.
“Oh? If it isn’t the monster’s sister. Let go, now!”
The girl spat defiance. Cleyna said nothing. Only: “Apologize to my sister.”
“Pah! Why should I apologize to this penniless brat—”
*Boom!*
Cleyna hurled her across the room. She crashed into the podium. Her fancy clothes tore. Scratches marked her face.
“Ahhh! Teacher! Forsythe attacked me!”
Unsurprisingly, Cleyna faced harsh punishment. Her ability drew bias. The girl’s wealthy family ensured it. By evening, after scrubbing the school toilets, she finally left. Alena had long gone home with Lily, as instructed.
“Sigh…”
Cleyna exhaled deeply. Then she straightened up. Her signature smile returned. She hummed again, heading home. Alena must be starving by now. She’d cook dinner fast.
She’d awakened her ability. The Conquest Corps had recruited her. But with Alena depending on her, she couldn’t join the Capability combat Academy alone. Taking Alena there would force her into combat roles later—a path Cleyna refused. She wanted Alena to live an ordinary life, far from war. Yet the government gave her only one year left…………
“Well, I’ll cherish today.”
Exactly. With just a year left, she’d treasure every moment teaching Alena. Today’s fight set a bad example. She’d need to talk that through…………
Under the setting sun, the girl walked on, bright and hopeful. Her mind painted a future: Alena grown up, independent, living peacefully as a normal girl—free from her shadow.
