Elsie wasn't used to this.
Back in Oxford, every meal was an experience-prepared by the finest chefs, rich in flavor and elegance. Her family's manor, grand and majestic, had a kitchen where each dish felt like a masterpiece. But here, the food was nothing like that. The roasted grain was dry and tasteless, and the roebucks were tough and flavorless. For one and a half days, she couldn't bring herself to eat a single bite.
Her body, conditioned to better food, began to protest. Her stomach twisted at the sight of the meals, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't force herself to swallow. The grain remained untouched, and the roebucks went cold. Weak from hunger, her limbs felt heavy, and she struggled to stay on her feet.
She wandered the room, dizzy and disoriented, her thoughts foggy. The lack of food was starting to take a toll-she felt like her body was falling apart. She stumbled toward the terrace and spotted a sword nearby. Without thinking, she grabbed it, the cold steel a momentary comfort as she tried to steady herself.
Outside, Yamin stood, watching her with quiet attention. Though she remained outside the room, her eyes never left Elsie. After a moment, she turned to the keeper standing nearby.
"Get the key," Yamin ordered. "Take her to the caregiver."
The keeper hesitated but quickly retrieved the key and unlocked the door. Yamin entered, her steps quiet but determined. "We need to see the scientist. Z-12. He's the only one who can help."
Z-12-Acarias, a man shrouded in mystery, known for his expertise in things no one dared to question.
"Take care of her," Yamin instructed the keeper, concern in her voice.
The keeper nodded and guided Elsie to a dimly lit room. Elsie collapsed onto the bed, too weak to speak or even sit up. Her mind was clouded with exhaustion. The keeper tried to engage her.
"Where are you from?"
".....Oxford," Elsie whispered.
The keeper looked confused. "I've never heard of it. What is it?"
Elsie didn't answer. Her body was too drained, and her mind too scattered. She closed her eyes and drifted into a light sleep.
The keeper left and returned shortly with Z-12. The scientist glanced at Elsie and noted her pale complexion, then retrieved a jar containing a brew made from mina nor seeds and Migra leaves. He prepared it and handed it to her.
"It won't taste good, but it'll help," he said flatly.
Elsie grimaced at the bitter liquid but drank it, her stomach turning as she swallowed. She sank back into the bed, her body heavy with fatigue. The brew, though unpleasant, seemed to numb the pain.
After an hour, Elsie stirred, feeling slightly better but still restless. She quietly rose from the bed, trying to escape. As she moved, her elbow brushed against a glass container on the table, sending it crashing to the floor.
Z-12, who had been in his lab, heard the noise and stepped into the room. He found Elsie standing by the broken glass, her face pale.
"Don't get too close," he warned, kneeling to clean up the mess.
Elsie stepped back as he gathered the shards, her mind already planning her escape. Once he finished, Z-12 stood and looked at her.
"Sit down. Take a moment."
Elsie obeyed, limping slightly. Concern flickered in Z-12's eyes as he moved closer to inspect her foot. But before he could, she kicked him hard in the stomach. Z-12 collapsed in pain, and before he could recover, Elsie dashed through the door and fled .She didn't stop to think. She just ran.
Eventually, she found herself outside a modest house. Warm light spilled from the windows, and the smell of food filled the air.
A woman stood inside, preparing dinner. Elsie, breathless and covered in dust, appeared at the door.
The woman looked up, surprised. Without asking questions, she opened the door.
"Come in," she said softly, taking one look at the lost girl before her.