It was the first weekend at the Heirs' Academy. Sunlight streamed through the window into Ethan's room, illuminating the old nautical maps pinned above his bed. After breakfast, he had retreated to his room. In one hand, he held an old quill; in front of him were sheets of blank paper, each letter carefully considered as he wrote. These little notes were important to him—they were his way of keeping the bonds with friends and family intact, despite the distance.
In his first letter, he wrote about Harry and Lydia, whom he had met on his first day at the academy. Their warmth had offered him a small comfort in this unfamiliar place, making him feel less alone. Yet the following day, during the dining hall incident, he had faced Jupiter, Elvis, and Kaida—how they had discovered everything about him, especially his past as a pirate. Jupiter's piercing gaze and Kaida's mocking smile still lingered vividly in Ethan's mind.
He also recounted how Harry and Lydia had supported him despite the situation, though his own fears had kept him from drawing closer to them. At the end of the letter, he expressed how much he missed his family, hoping to see them again soon.
Finally, he mentioned Pamela before sealing the letters, carefully writing the addresses and placing them in envelopes. He wished for the letters to reach their recipients as soon as possible.
As he prepared to post them, Ethan paused and knocked lightly on Pamela's door. A soft "Come in" called from inside, and he pushed the door open, peeking his head inside. Pamela sat immersed in her books, her expression deep in thought.
With a faint smile, Ethan asked, "I'm heading to the post office. Would you like to come with me?" Perhaps this short journey could help bridge the gap between them.
Pamela lifted her gaze from her book, blushing slightly. "But I don't have a friend to write with… My family's always busy… It's better if I stay. Besides, I have homework for Diplomacy and Negotiation to do," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
Sensing her sadness, Ethan nodded. "Alright," he said, but the helplessness of not being able to help someone so lonely and withdrawn gnawed at him. As he quietly closed her door, the weight of Pamela's isolation pressed down on his shoulders.
Outside, the gentle wind echoed through Rothina's narrow streets as Ethan walked a long stretch to the post office. The streets were both an adventure and an escape. Yet upon entering, he realized the place was nearly empty—everyone except Harry and Lydia had gone.
His heart raced. This was undoubtedly bad luck. He hadn't wanted to run into them, but it was too late now.
Quickly, he mailed his letter and bolted for the exit.
Just as he reached the door, he heard Harry shout from behind, "Ethan, wait!" He had no choice but to stop. Slowly turning around, he saw Harry and Lydia, both with determined expressions. He knew the moment of confrontation was inevitable.
Lydia spoke first, her voice urgent: "Ethan, why are you running from us? If it's because of that incident in the dining hall, we don't believe those heirs!" Her eyes shone with sincerity and concern.
A pained smile crossed Ethan's face. His gaze fell to the floor for a moment before returning to theirs. "You must believe them. They're telling the truth," he said, his voice heavy with sorrow.
Harry's voice was firm but gentle. "Even so, we want to hear your story," he said. There was no demand in his words—only the honest desire of friends seeking understanding.
Ethan sighed deeply. He knew this explanation was inevitable. "Alright," he said, surrendering to it. Sharing this story would be difficult, but necessary.
Silently, the three of them walked toward Ethan's room. Neither Harry nor Lydia spoke until they had closed the door behind them. The silence carried the weight of the story about to be told. Ethan gazed toward the light streaming through the window, as if seeking a fragment of peace from the outside world. Then he sat on the edge of his bed, with Harry and Lydia opposite him.
His voice was low and trembling as he began recounting his past. He detailed his sea adventures, the harsh days aboard the pirate ship, even the conflicts with his captain. Each word carried the weight of years of accumulated burden. As he spoke, he revisited those moments in his mind, admitting that Jupiter, Elvis, and Kaida were right—he needed to face his past, though he was afraid.
Harry and Lydia listened without looking away. When Ethan finished, the room fell silent.
Harry was the first to break the quiet. "We won't tell anyone," he said, his voice filled with conviction. This wasn't just a promise—it was the assurance of a friend.
Ethan looked at them in astonishment. "You still want to be friends?" he asked.
He couldn't believe it. His past seemed heavy enough to end their friendship.
Lydia smiled, nodding. "Yes, we're still friends. No matter your past, you matter to us."
Ethan's eyes welled slightly. He felt the lightness of setting down some of the burdens he had carried all this time. He looked at them with gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered.
A profound calm settled over the room. The wind continued to blow outside, but Ethan was no longer alone. Harry and Lydia were there to help him confront his past.
After this deep, emotional conversation, Ethan felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. He knew he wasn't alone anymore; no matter how dark and difficult his past, he had two friends who accepted him as he was.
The trust and comfort of this friendship warmed him. The support from Harry and Lydia made him feel safe, at least a little, again.
That evening, the vast dining hall at the Heirs' Academy felt warmer, more welcoming. Perhaps it was because the heirs were gradually getting to know each other.
Long oak tables and massive crystal chandeliers adorned the room, giving it a majestic air. Students chatted and laughed, shaking off the day's fatigue as plates were filled and emptied.
When Ethan entered with Harry and Lydia, his eyes immediately sought Pamela.
The young girl sat alone at a corner table, stirring her food with a fork, barely eating.
In a soft voice, Ethan turned to his friends. "I want to invite Pamela to join us. She should sit with us."
Harry and Lydia nodded, supporting the idea. Seeing their eagerness encouraged Ethan.
He approached Pamela's table. She looked up in surprise. Ethan smiled warmly at her. "Pamela, come sit with us," he said. "You don't have to be alone."
Pamela hesitated at first, sensing the curious stares of other students. But Ethan's sincere expression, along with the encouraging looks from Harry and Lydia behind him, eased her. She considered for a moment, then nodded lightly, smiling shyly. "Okay, I can sit with you," she said, her voice timid but filled with gratitude.
Ethan joined her, and together they returned to Harry and Lydia.
The four of them gathered around a large table. Lidya cheerfully said to Pamela, "Welcome! It's great to sit together." Her words melted a little of the chill in Pamela's heart. The warmth of Lidya and the friendly smile of Harry made her feel that she wasn't alone.
Harry started a playful conversation to lighten the mood. "Ethan told us some stories," he said, winking. "But I guess you could share one of your stories too, Pamela."
Pamela looked at them hesitantly. Seeing everyone's eager attention, she found a bit of courage. "I don't have many stories," she said softly, smiling. "But maybe another time."
Lidya didn't want to pressure her. "Whenever you want," she added. "We're here."
Ethan felt himself relax in the midst of this friendly exchange. Pamela's shyness and reserve were gradually fading in the warmth of the group. He was pleased. Pamela had gone through hard times, and understanding and supporting her was part of his responsibility toward his friends.
Throughout the meal, the four of them talked about various topics—classes, other students, and the strange yet charming streets of Rothina. Ethan occasionally glanced at Pamela, encouraging her to join the conversation. Slowly, she became more comfortable, contributing more to their discussion.
Lidya explained notes and strategies from her Diplomacy and Negotiation class, while Harry shared stories about sports activities at the school, especially basketball games. Pamela listened attentively, occasionally offering her thoughts with a shy smile.
Ethan realized how important these new friendships were for Pamela. Her introverted nature was opening up under the influence of friendly Lidya and protective Harry. This moment was special for Ethan. Despite his difficult past, the security and warmth offered by these new friendships began to dispel the darkness inside him.