Fallen Fate Online

Red Feather City was huge, especially compared to the smaller villages. Anyone could find a suitable store, blacksmith shop, or restaurant to relax in.

Each land had its owner or whoever enforced the rules. In Fallen Fate Online, within the kingdoms, this position was most often held by the Noble Families.

There were several Noble Families in Red Feather City, and each had some influence over the city, but no one could match the Redfall Family, the incomparable leader.

"Damn... I thought Feto's Mansion was big... but this... I've never seen such big buildings in my life!" Zayne muttered in a daze, looking at the massive mansion on top of which the family emblem fluttered.

"No need, my house isn't that big..." Kyla said modestly, covering part of her face with her collar.

"Heh, maybe for you, since you spent your whole childhood here, but not for us." Roland smirked as he looked up, "I've been here many times, but I still can't get used to its size. Well, let's not waste any time."

Roland approached the guards, spoke briefly to them, and returned to the others, then, the gate was open and they were able to go inside.

Roland headed straight for the main hall, where they should have already been expected, both because of Zayne's letter and the fact that they had rescued Kyla.

'Huh, not sure even the rich ones in my world have something like that!' Zayne grinned inwardly, enjoying the sight of the exquisite statues, ornamental shrubs as well as fountains that were in the front yard.

Elin had a similar reaction. If it wasn't for the incident with Nydan, she wouldn't have been able to get here today, even though she had been aiming for it for a long time.

"Hello, Mr. Roland, I'm glad to see you." The girl in formal clothes said as she bowed low. She met them in front of the entrance to the main hall.

"Veronika, you are as serious as ever. I'd have a word with you, but I think you understand that we have another task now." Roland smiled with a glance at Kyla, who looked away at Veronika.

"Yes. I see you have someone interesting with you today." Veronika stared at Zayne, not paying attention to Elin or Kyla at all.

Roland nodded.

Veronika opened the doors and led them to the massive wooden table.

"The Sir will be right over, please wait." Veronika said respectfully, bowed, and took a few steps to the side, standing next to the luxurious chair that was empty.

In the next minute, several doors opened as maids brought hot tea and desserts and quickly left.

Zayne looked around, shrugged, and ate a cookie with a few sips of tea. He decided not to waste the moment while they waited.

Kyla was cold, up to this point she had spent hours in a freezing cage, so the warmth from the tea enchanted her. She reached out her hand, about to take the cup, but stopped because of the stern gaze of Veronika, who decided to pay attention only to her.

Step. Step. Step.

Slow footsteps were heard echoing through the spacious hall. Then, at the top of the stairs, a silhouette appeared, walking leisurely down the red carpet.

It was a tall guy, with hair as light as gold and azure eyes. He wore a precious, white robe, with a broad red sash.

"Sir!" Veronika exclaimed as she bowed low.

The guy nodded, sat down in a chair, and put one leg over the other. He nodded slightly to Roland, then he looked intently at Zayne.

"My name is Alden, and I am the eldest son of the Redfall Family. Normally I don't need to introduce myself, but this is a special case, isn't it Traveler?" Alden smirked as he touched his chin.

"So you were the one who sent me that letter." Zayne muttered.

"Yeah. I was hoping we could meet tonight, but I didn't expect it to happen like this." Alden glanced at Kyla, "However, it looks like Fate's sight directed at you helped save my sister."

Alden took a deep breath before sternly saying, "Kyla, get up!"

"Yes!" Kyla instantly stood up with a frightened expression on her face.

"Agh, maybe I should calm you down or let you rest after what you've been through, but first you'll get your punishment. So you'll remember it once and for all." Alden said coldly as he gestured to Veronika.

"Brother... Maybe we shouldn't do this...?" Kyla tried to resist looking at the menacing Veronika, who was putting black leather gloves on her hands without any emotion.

"I tried, but you disobeyed anyway. Kyla, tell me, do you even realize what you have done?" Alden said quietly with stare at her.

Kyla was silent, she was afraid to say anything.

"You decided to leave town territory, even though I warned you that girls have started disappearing lately for some reason. Obviously, someone has been kidnapping them, and what's more, I told you directly about it, didn't I?" Alden narrowed his eyes.

Kyla gulped, "Yes, you're right... but I thought the knights would protect me!"

"Silence!" Alden shouted, making Kyla flinch, "Six men died because of your actions! Six knights who have spent years training and honestly helping our city become stronger and safer every day!"

Alden clenched his fists, "You had all the information, but your ego ruined them! No amount of compensation will give their families back their husbands and fathers, don't you understand that?!"

Everyone was speechless, especially Zayne, for whom in an instant the situation took a completely different turn.

He was the only one who saw the knights fight as well as how they died.

'Maybe they failed in their task, but they didn't stand a chance against Nydan anyway... As much as I feel sorry for Kyla, she's been through a lot, but Alden has a point, though he is overly harsh...' Zayne muttered internally, not daring to get involved in their argument.

"Since you are a woman it will be a woman who punishes you too. Veronika, proceed." Alden waved his hand.

Slap.

At the same moment, Veronika's palm like a whip fell on Kyla's cheek, making her feel a painful heat and leaving a red mark on her cheek.

"Six people died because of you, so you'll get just as many slaps." Alden said, then Veronika gave her another slap.

The ringing sounds of the slaps rang out four more times, echoing throughout the room until Veronika stopped.

Kyla's whole face was red as tears flowed from her eyes because of the intense pain and hurt she was feeling. However, she didn't take offense and endured it all, clenching her fists tightly.

"Done." Veronika said calmly, took off her gloves, and stood beside Alden like his faithful guardian.

"Fine. Kyla, I hope you have learned your lesson. If you were not my sister, I would demand that you be imprisoned." Alden looked at her coldly, "Go to your room. You are not to leave the grounds of the manor for the next month. During that time, I'll find you a new guard."

Kyla nodded, bowed slightly as the rules of etiquette demanded, and headed for the stairs, struggling to keep from crying.