In the early morning, fine golden sunlight pierced the thin mist and fell upon the verdant earth. Smoke curled up from an ancient little town, and the streets gradually filled with busy pedestrians and residents.
This quiet town under Trifas's jurisdiction had a name that meant "giant tree by the lake" in Romanian. However, for various reasons, the locals preferred to call their hometown "Floare"—a quietly blooming flower. The word suited the town's atmosphere better.
Other than the unusually pleasant weather for this season, this Thursday was no different from any other day.
As usual, at nine in the morning, Mayor Alec put on his hat, took his cane, and prepared to leave the town hall residence to inspect the town. He was a gentleman of considerable repute, around sixty years old. He had studied mechanical engineering in the Soviet Union, and though half of his blond hair had turned white, his complexion was rosy and he was full of energy. He had something of Santa Claus's broad, genial figure. Kind, humorous, intelligent, and capable, he had never married, yet loved this little town as though it were his own child. The townspeople adored him, and this was already his tenth year as mayor.
However, Mayor Alec's inspection was destined not to happen that day, because two unusual guests arrived without warning.
"Well, if it isn't Miss Fiore and young Master Caules?" Mayor Alec looked in surprise at the girl in the wheelchair and the boy pushing it. The siblings wore their usual gentle smiles. As mayor, he naturally knew many things about this land, including what the true owners of that castle were concealing.
Curiosity could not only kill cats; it could also drag those who peered into secrets into the abyss. All he could do was protect the