"Creak…"

The door slowly opened, and the sound of arguments, discussions, and laughter echoed around.

A stew-like smell filled the air as hot, rich dishes were being served.

Calus looked at this and walked in, the girl right at his tail.

He didn't choose a wealthy or five-star restaurant, but one common here, a familiar place.

He wanted her to feel comfortable. Taking her to a high-end restaurant would have been a mess.

Picking a seat, Calus sat and waited for the waitress to attend to them. But when he looked at the girl, she slightly bowed her head, standing beside the chair.

"Sit," Calus said with a frown. What actually happened to this girl? Even in a low-end restaurant like this, she didn't dare sit down.

The girl paused, hesitating, but eventually sat as a beautiful waitress approached.

"Good morning, sir… what—"

The waitress paused as her eyes met Calus's. He was a middle-aged man, very handsome, but his gaze was indifferent, with a strange, unsettling vibe. Even without the mask, she unconsciously felt uneasy.

"Can I get you—" she finished, gulping.

Calus didn't mind her and spoke.

"Get me your best dishes," Calus replied.

"Ah… okay, sir… we have three specials…" 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Enough to feed ten people. Get me everything, from the best to the good ones. And bring some milk for the girl," Calus said, cutting her off. She bowed and left.

The little girl's mouth went agape.

All? All of it?

Although this was a low-end restaurant, even rich merchants or aristocrats wouldn't spare a second glance. But to her, this place was special, a heavenly food she likely wouldn't taste in her life. And yet this man… he was so generous.

She sneaked a few glances at Calus's face as she bowed her head, her fingers fidgeting nervously.

"What's your name?" Calus asked. The girl looked up.

"It's Lina, sir," she replied carefully.

Of course..not Eva.

Calus couldn't hide it. He felt disappointment but of course, it couldn't be Eva.

"Be free and relax. All bills are on me," Calus said, flashing a faint smile. The girl nodded.

Her head hung low once more, but Calus couldn't help himself. His eyes remained glued to Lina.

From her voice to her face… she was like an exact replica of Eva, only older.

Even their mannerisms were similar. Eva also fiddled with her fingers when nervous.

Soon, the waitress brought the food, and their table quickly filled with mouth-watering dishes.

"Enjoy, sir," she said.

"And you, young lady," she added with a smile before leaving.

The aroma filled Lina's nose, and she tried to stop herself from pouncing on the meal.

"Eat," Calus said, noticing her hesitation. She immediately stopped holding back and began eating.

Even though she wished she could devour everything before it turned out to be a dream, she restrained herself.

Watching her like this brought a genuine smile to Calus's face.

"So, Lina, do you live nearby?" Calus asked as she wolfed down the food.

"Yes, mister. I stay around here," Lina replied, hurriedly swallowing. She couldn't hold back anymore, it tasted amazing.

For someone used to brick bread, this was heavenly.

"What about your parents?" Calus asked. Lina paused.

"I'm an orphan, mister," she said.

Crack…

"Oh," Calus murmured, feeling his heart ache. Seeing how dirty and thin she was, the ache deepened.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Calus said softly. Lina shook her head.

"No worries, mister. There are actually a lot of us orphans here," she said, flashing a smile that made Calus chuckle. Her teeth were filled with remnants of the meat she had just eaten as she continued.

"Slow down, it isn't going anywhere," Calus laughed. Lina paused, her eyes misty.

"I'm sorry, sir… I apologize. I won't do that again," she said, her oily hands dropping the meat. She stood and knelt on the ground.

Crack…

Calus felt his heart ache even more. He stretched out his arm.

"No, I'm not saying you should stop," his expression filled with loss and pain.

"Continue eating. Just eat slowly. I don't want you to choke," he said softly as Lina stood up.

"Thank you, mister… really," Lina almost teared up as she hurriedly stood and bowed once more.

A pang of pain filled Calus's heart again. This little girl must have suffered badly.

Seeing her return to eating, Calus unconsciously smiled, unable to take his eyes off her.

"Mister…" Lina called out.

"Yes?" Calus replied.

"Why did you help me? I'm just an orphan, a beggar… a dirty one. Young masters like you only help people like me to take us in as slaves…" Lina paused, her eyes watery as she looked at him.

Apparently, she had assumed he was an aristocrat.

Calus sighed. She hadn't rejected his help, but she had seen it as an opportunity. At least she wouldn't have to worry about food anymore. She seemed okay with this.

The question hung in the air. Calus didn't answer immediately. His eyes stayed on her.

From her thin, small frame to her dirty clothes, yet those bright eyes…

Even with everything she had gone through, she had never lost the will to live.

"I don't know. But you've got me wrong. I'm not an aristocrat… just a traveler," Calus replied.

"Oh…" Lina said with a smile. Calus saw relief in her expression.

"So you're doing all this for a stranger you just met?" Lina asked, furrowing her brow.

"Yes. Anything wrong?" Calus asked, genuinely stunned.

"Mister… you are strange," Lina said. Calus laughed a little.

"I've been told that before," he said, feeling his spirit lift slightly.

*********

10/10

Alright

finally done. Five chapters for the 50 golden tickets and the extra five cause we finally got to a million views and also it reached

500k words.

Thanks for all the support , author

really appreciate it and as for everyone

reading,

commenting

and advising

me. Highly appreciated.

Don't

forget.

50 golden tickets for 5 extra chapters release

100 power stones for

5 extra chapter release

100 golden tickets

for 10 extra chapters release

200 power stones for 10 extra chapters release.

A Magic castle for 10 extra chapters release.

Tell me your ideas and what you think about calus.., about Lina or fre.

Am listening.