Willem in Misanthrope

Prologue

The shore we stood upon, I still remember it now, our silhouettes reflecting as the waves come and go.

"Another dream," Willem said while yawning.

My name is Willem Myse, eldest son of Anton and Julia Myse, I also have a little sister named Rena. We were once praised by the people of the proud city of Dorio, the capital of the country, all thanks to the fact that our ancestors served and made this city one of the wealthiest, but now we're just living ordinary lives as farmers. 

The truth is we were once among the richest families throughout the city, but one mistake is all that it takes to turn our lives upside down.

House Myse, 20XX

"Governor Myse, Mr. Foxire just arrived."

"Let him in and keep everyone from entering this room."

"As you wish, excuse me."

"Good day Governor Myse, I assume that there are things that we need to discuss."

"Have you already decided on who will be the next head of this household?"

"Yes, I've decided."

"Oh, I hope you made the right choice, otherwise.."

"Willem Myse, the son of Anton and Julia."

"!" In a blink of an eye, Paul pulled out his pistol and pointed it towards the head of Gregg Myse.

"Say that again, and you'll see your life flash before your eyes."

"It is the right thing to do."

"Henry is the legal son of Anton and Beatrice van Axel, that Julia is just a concubine!"

"Don't talk like that about Julia, she's the daughter of the governor of Giseboa, Beatrice died from the moment Henry was born, Julia became the new wife of Anton, and both of them now have a son and that boy will be the next head of this househol-"

Before Gregg can finish his sentence, Paul flashed a document indicating the crimes that Gregg Myse committed while being a governor.

"It would be a shame to let people know that the governor everyone loves is a scum that loves torturing and abducting innocent citizens just because they're questioning the way you run this city."

"You coward, how dare you to use this against me vice-governor?!"

"Make Henry the new head, and I'll have this statement abolished, what do you say, Governor, is it a deal?"

"Tsk, you fool!"

And just like that, Henry Myse-van Axel became the head of the household, Gregg Myse was arrested for being the one responsible for the disappearance of some opposing citizens to overthrow the last governor. The new governor, Paul Foxire, exiled Anton and Julia. Anton left Henry without saying anything, as he was forbidden on talking to his son ever again. Henry became Paul's adopted son.

Without any home to return to, the couple planned to return to Julia's hometown, the city of Giseboa, located at the southwest of Dorio.

Having only 300 gold, spare of clothes, and a portion of food, Anton and Julia fled to the city of Giseboa, along with their son Willem Myse.

Along the way, they stumbled across an old man that seems to have collapsed on the road. Slowly, they helped the old man stand up and gave him some bread then asked why he collapsed;

"My name is Ziex Asplay, a traveling merchant, I am headed towards the city of Giseboa, I felt hot and suddenly collapsed due to exhaustion."

"A pleasure to meet you Mr. Asplay, we were actually headed towards that city, you can come with us if you want but before that let me introduce myself, my name is Anton Myse, this is my wife, Julia, and my son Willem."

"Likewise, you look like a perfect family."

"The thing is.."

Anton explained what happened to Ziex.

"Sorry, that was rude for me to ask what happened."

"It's fine, well, we need to get going, it's getting dark already."

"I'll be in your care Mr. Myse."

The group started walking and hoped for the best to reach the city as soon as possible.

They spent 2 days walking, and by the 3rd day, they reached the city of Giseboa.

"Thank you for your help Mr. Myse, as my token of gratitude, please take this stone."

"Oh, you didn't have to Mr. Asplay."

"That stone is a lucky ornament, it will protect you from now on."

"I'll take good care of it, looking forward to meeting you again, Mr. Ziex."

"Take care young lads," said Ziex as he walked away.

There was a moment of silence when suddenly Julia started to cry,

"What's wrong Julia?" as Anton walked towards his wife.

"I'm sorry Anton, it's my fault.."

"It's okay Julia, it's not your fault, I should've known better, I promise to take good care of you two."

The young Willem silently watched his parents while holding on to his mother.

"Willem, dear, I'm sorry.."

I was only 4 at that time and didn't know what was happening, but I can still recall that my mom was crying and her sob resounded as she embraces me.

A painful memory that I can never forget, I won't forgive those people who made our lives miserable.

3 years later, Anton started working as an assistant in a cafe, while Julia worked as a clerk. Through their hard work, they managed to purchase a small house with a field that they can use to plant rice, fruits, and vegetables.

On another note, Julia is going through labor.

A few months later, my little sister was born.

"Such a beautiful baby girl." said the nurse that assisted us throughout the operation.

"She looks like an angel."

"Look Willem, this is Rena, come and greet your little sister."

I gazed at Rena and started telling myself to protect the smiles of these people, as they are my precious family.

She smiled at me as she somehow felt the warmth of those who loved her the moment she was born.

Although she was delivered safely, her body was fragile, so we need to take good care of her.

While attending school and helping dad on the field, I made sure to take good care of Rena.

This time, I'll protect those who are dear to me.