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❝Our world doesn't play out like a fantasy. We aren't some carefree princesses getting handed happy endings on a silver platter-you make one wrong move, and it's game over.❞
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In a world where all control over their lives is illusory, a grou...
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—Part 1.1— The Annoying Burdens of Peace
❝Should I stay or should I go?❞ —Anzhi—
Contrasting the harsh sunlight, soft winds blew through the fields of wheat, giving a moment of peace to the ever-working faction. My faction.
Wiping away the small sweat beads from my forehead, I slightly scowled at the sight of the next row in the fields, ready to be plowed. It had barely been an hour since I started working—just a few minutes after I'd arrived home from school. I wanted my job to be done with.
"We need your physical capabilities, Miss Dong. Please invest your time to help out and understand the way of the Amity."
I hated how formal my own mother sounded when she'd spoken those words. I remember glaring at my older brother and best friend who could barely keep in their giggles. On top of that, she'd asked me in front of the entire faction during dinner—I couldn't say no.
That's how I ended up being one of the few children working on the fields.
"Physical abilities my ass," I grumbled as I thought back. In reality, my mother just wanted to discipline me for being so rowdy. She just decided to make it publicly undeniable.
"I hope those are kind words I hear, Miss Dong," the bright voice of one of our faction's facilitators spoke.
Wen Jiahui—my mother's best friend.
I sweatdropped as she gave me her knowing stare, quickly getting back to a more productive speed. "O-Of course, Mrs. Wen. I'll get back to work immediately. I-In fact, I'll plow an extra two rows as well. I feel quite productive today, so I should probably get back to work, though."
"That wouldn't have been necessary, but it would be helpful if you. There have been fewer people working the fields in preparation for the upcoming events. Thank you for volunteering."
The moment the tall, proud lady had walked away, my shoulders slouched and my back hunched.
"Of course, I couldn't even keep my goddamn mouth shut. Just volunteer yourself to do extra forever at this point, Anzhi!"
My loud, incoherent mutters caught the ears of the people around me, though, they all turned to glance at me before looking away.
I really needed to stop getting myself into embarrassing situations.
To some people, the peace and warmth Amity was known for may have seemed appealing. The warm colors, the pale browns and reds, the delicious food—anyone could have lived peacefully here. The way our lives were structured valued peace—each decision made was chosen through a vote, and it never tied. It was like the democracy they spoke of in the forbidden history books—old, calm, and symbolizing its own meaning of peace.
