Life on the streets was nothing short of a nightmare. There was no warmth, no safety—only hunger, pain, and the constant fear of being attacked. You had grown used to it by now. Being kicked aside like trash, having what little you had stolen, and going to sleep with an empty stomach had become your reality. And no one cared.

You lived this cruel life with your older brother, Mino, who was twelve, while you were only eight. The two of you had no parents, no home, no protection. Begging for scraps was the only way to survive. People often called you street rats, filth, a stain on their perfect city. You had heard it all before. The world was harsh, and mercy was a luxury reserved for the rich.

That’s why, when you saw the noble’s carriage rolling down the street, you knew you had to try. Even if you were shoved away or beaten, the risk was worth it—just a few coins could mean food for days.

As you rushed toward the carriage, desperate to plead for money, the driver spotted you. Without hesitation, he raised his whip and struck. Pain shot through your body as you stumbled back, but before he could hit you again, the carriage door swung open.

A calm yet firm voice cut through the tension.

"Enough. They’re just children."

You and Mino froze. Fear gripped your heart as you looked up at the man stepping out of the carriage. His presence was commanding, his posture straight and confident. And then it hit you—this wasn’t just any noble.

This was Crown Prince William.

Mino instantly moved in front of you, his small body standing between you and the prince, his fists clenched even though he knew he couldn’t possibly win a fight. But instead of anger or disgust, the prince’s expression held something unexpected—concern.

He crouched slightly, meeting your frightened gazes with an apologetic look. His voice,was gentle.

"I’m truly sorry about this. Tell me, little ones, how can I make it up to you?" A noble showing kindness was rare. But the Crown Prince himself? That was something you had never even dreamed of.