Family system

The warm glow of a candle lighted the small bedroom in soft light. A grandmother sat on the edge of a small bed. Beside her lay her granddaughter, tucked beneath a quilt that her mother had sewn, her eyes wide with curiosity and wonder.

"Will you tell me a story, Grandmama?" the girl asked, her voice small but excited because her grandmother had great stories.

The grandmother smiled gently and adjusted the quilt around the child. "Of course, my little star. Tonight, I'll tell you the tale of the soldiers of Goldspire—the brave souls who defended our city against the monstrous horde."

The child's eyes sparkled. "The ones who saved us?"

The grandmother nodded. "Yes, them. The ones who gave everything to protect our home. Now, close your eyes, and let me paint you a picture."

The child closed her eyes, though her excitement kept her restless. The grandmother's steady and warm voice filled the room.

"It wasn't so long ago," she began. "Goldspire, our beautiful city where we built our lives after our previous was destroyed, is a beacon of hope. But even the brightest lights attract shadows. From the portals high in the sky came a monstrous army, creatures of chaos and destruction, wanting to tear down all that we hold dear."

The girl opened her eyes briefly. "Were you scared?"

"Yes," the grandmother said honestly. "Fear gripped the city, but our soldiers stood in the face of fear. Men and women who trained every day to protect us. They weren't born with great powers or magical gifts. But they trained hard to get the powers that they had and they did it for just one goal. That is protecting the people that live in this city."

The girl clutched her stuffed toy tightly. "What did they do, Grandmama?"

"They gathered on the city walls," the grandmother said, her voice swelling with pride. "At the forefront were the captains—strong and courageous leaders who had risen through the ranks through skill. Behind them were the infantry, shields, and swords in hand, standing shoulder to shoulder. And up in the watchtowers, the archers prepared to rain arrows on the advancing horde up in the watchtowers. Each one of them knew the dangers. They knew they might not see another sunrise, yet no one turned away."

The girl's lip quivered. "Were they all alone?"

The grandmother smiled softly. "No, my dear. They had the people of the city to support them. And Lady Fiona came from the Center Island, where the city lord's mansion stood. She wasn't a warrior on the front lines but a hero. She and the others on the island worked tirelessly to provide the soldiers with supplies and healing. She fought the monsters head-on and helped the soldiers get their bearings and rest. After helping them fight off the monsters, she went around helping people with healing and supplies."

"Is she a goddess?" the girl asked.

"Not a goddess," the grandmother replied, shaking her head. "But they revered her as much as one. They saw her kindness, strength, and love for the people. Fiona didn't fight because she wanted glory. She fought because she loved this city and its people. She stayed up all night coordinating defenses, ensuring every soldier had what they needed, and personally comforting the injured."

"What about the battle?" the girl whispered, her voice tense.

The grandmother's tone grew solemn. "When the monsters attacked, it was chaos. The creatures were massive and terrifying, with claws that could tear through stone and eyes that burned with hatred. But our soldiers didn't waver. The captains called out commands, keeping their units organized even as the ground shook. Archers fired volley after volley, their arrows striking true. The infantry clashed with the beasts, their shields locking together like a fortress as they pushed forward, inch by inch."

Her voice softened. "It was a hard-fought battle. Some lives were lost, but every soldier fought with all their heart. And just when it seemed the walls might fall, Fiona arrived with reinforcements. She brought healers and mages to tend to the wounded to strengthen their defenses. Her presence alone motivated the soldiers to hold the line."

"Did they win?" the girl asked, her voice trembling.

"Yes," the grandmother said, her voice brimming with pride. "Through their courage and hard work, they turned the tide. The monsters were driven back, and their threat was extinguished. Goldspire stood tall because of its soldiers' bravery and the people's unwavering support."

The girl's eyes were wide as she clutched her toy tightly. "I want to be like them, Grandmama. Brave and strong."

The grandmother leaned down, kissing the girl's forehead. "You already are, my little star. And you'll shine just as brightly as they did one day."

As the candlelight flickered and the girl's eyes began to close, the grandmother sat back, her heart filled with warmth.

…

Days had passed since the attack, and Goldspire slowly returned to its usual rhythm. The air buzzed with conversations about the battle, admiration for the soldiers, and rumors about the figures of the Center Island.

The markets bustled with energy as merchants displayed their goods, eager to sell their products as it slowed down when the attack came. Children played in the streets, reenacting the actions of the soldiers with wooden swords and shields.

Memorials had been erected in the corners of the city for the soldiers who had fallen in battle. Small altars adorned with flowers, candles, and notes from loved ones lined the streets near the barracks.

…

In the grand study of the city lord's mansion, Fiona stood before Elise; her posture was perfect as she gave her report. The room was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, the warmth contrasting with the icy presence Fiona carried. Elise sat behind her ornate desk, her chin resting on her hand as she listened intently.

"The city has stabilized significantly since the attack," Fiona began, her voice steady and precise. "Repairs to the outer walls are nearly complete, and the defensive towers are fully operational. The soldiers' morale remains high, strengthened by the successful defense and the people's gratitude."

Elise nodded, her gaze fixed on Fiona. "And the people? How are they coping?"

Fiona's eyes softened slightly. "They are doing okay. The markets and workshops are as lively as ever, and the sense of community has strengthened."

Elise leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips. "Good. The stronger they feel, the less likely they will succumb to fear the next time this happens."

Fiona hesitated for a brief moment, her hands clasped behind her back. "There is one concern, my lady. If the operation that Valentina and the rest are doing is successful, then there will be no new attacks. Is that something good or not?"

Elise's smile faded as her expression grew serious. "I expected them to be successful, and I think that if that happens, it is good because while now they feel like brothers due to the battle, there are always going to be people who lose someone, and that is what I want to avoid."

Fiona nodded. "Understood." Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire

Elise's eyes lingered on Fiona for a moment before softening. "You did well, Fiona. The people see you as their protector, and they're not wrong. You've given them hope."

Fiona's face was cold as always, but a faint glimmer of happiness passed through her eyes. "I serve Goldspire and its people. It is my duty."

Elise chuckled lightly. "Of course, it is. But don't forget to rest. Even you aren't immune to exhaustion."

Fiona inclined her head. "I will keep that in mind."

Elise watched as Fiona turned to leave, her movements graceful and efficient. "Fiona," she called, halting the maid in her tracks. "Thank you."

Fiona glanced over her shoulder, her expression unreadable. "It is my honor, my lady."

As Fiona exited the room, Elise leaned back in her chair, her mind already turning to the future.

The door shut behind Fiona, and the study fell into a heavy silence. Elise leaned back in her chair, her fingers tracing the intricate carvings along its armrest. The golden light of the setting sun painted her features in a warm glow, but her sharp eyes softened, and the weight of the day began to settle on her shoulders.

A sigh escaped her lips. Elise rested her head against the back of the chair, her gaze drifting toward the window where the sky burned with hues of orange and pink. Her thoughts wandered far from the study, the city walls, and the responsibilities that anchored her here.

Instead, they settled on Jack.

She closed her eyes, her hand absently brushing over the fabric of her dress as if reliving the warmth of a memory. His touch came to mind as warm, exciting, and filled with comfort that words couldn't replicate.

Elise let out another sigh, this one softer, filled with longing. She missed him so much and wasn't the only one in the mansion who did.