This is the Kingdom of Freya, on the smallest continent in the world also named Freya. Even being the smallest in the world, it stretches from having covered by the wide ocean on each side, with inland deserts and Greenlands along with its own 'Magical Forest' which provides as a dungeon for the adventurers. The dungeon is maintained by the royal family, and its exploration is only appointed to very high magical users. Naturally, the highest magical users is the main female character, Elaine with her unique light magic. Second, comes the first prince with his equally high capability as a dark magic-user. Even by knowing this, any avid reader knows that these two are made for each other. Like dark balances light, the prince is the one and only match for Elaine.
Another strong magical character is the villainess of this novel, fiance of the first prince, who 'torments' Elaine because of her love that is the first prince. I am not sure what is her magical powers but she only appeared in the scenes where she bullied Eliane for contacting her fiance. She has a strong and prideful character with a sense of justice. An admirable woman figure if she were born in the 21st century. But not in the era now which considers such women as 'ungraceful' if they voice out their opinions. It cannot even be considered as 'torment' when all she ever did was to correct the 'ditzy' heroine. The irony was, she was imprisoned unjustly even when she was the epitome of justice. I felt pity for her, unlike everyone who felt pity for the character 'Ray' who ended his life due to his own foolishness but for her to be punished when she did nothing wrong.
All children deemed to have magical capabilities are admitted at the most prestigious magical school in the capital of the kingdom by the age of 16, 'where the main game' begins. There occurs the important events that lead to progress in the story. In 11 years, I am going to end up there too and 'fall in love' with Elaine at first sight. Ah yes, the generic high school romance otome game, where 'the spring begins'. I hope I fail the entrance exam.
Moving on, 'I' supposedly have an average capability as a wind magic-user. Neither it's impressive in combat nor shield area. A setback in my dreams to become an adventurer.
According to the novel and the game, there is not much information on characters besides their connection with the main female lead in the novel. My elder sister, Lilly, is also one such character. Through my memories of 'Ray' till now, I have come to an understanding that she is a freedom-loving and independent woman in search of an adventure than living in this prison-like castle. Although she is named as the heir to the throne because of her being the firstborn, everyone knows the favoured child, that is Robert will attain the throne.
Lilly is also a loving sister. On countless nights when my 'stepmother' was not in the mood to act like a 'mother', she would tell me stories about our birth mother while pampering me to sleep. She is 5 years older than me, although mentally I am 6 years older than her I have always felt her sisterly love for me.
As I approached the sitting area in the garden, I noticed her calmly reading a book on the neighbouring Kingdom of Atlantia.
'Hm, I wonder what interested her in reading that.'
When I was close enough, she finally closed her book and noticed me. She broke into a lovely smile and engulfed me into a warm hug like always. Although after being self-aware of my age, it is embarrassing to indulge in such acts, I enjoyed her love for me.
She pulled my cheeks quite aggressively as soon as we pulled apart.
"Oh my, Ray! Your cheeks have gone chubbier~ So cute." She giggled as she teased me.
I tensed up and grew conscious of my chubbier self.
'She reminds me of certain someone, as crazy as my little sister used to be'
"Sister, that that's enough!"
"Haha, are you embarrassed? Is my Ray finally growing up? Aw, don't I want you to be 5 forever." She pouted her cheeks.
Her glimmering light yellow eyes were little sad yet had a tint of jest in it. Her long light raven hair fluttered in the air as she giggled.
Yes, she is beautiful, even for a 15-year-old.
"My growing up is inevitable, sister," I said as I took a seat in front of her.
Well, tried to.
The chair was too high to climb. Or am I just too short?
'Hm, how do I do this again?'
In my previous life, despite being a weak guy, I was a good 6 ft 2 inches high to ever experience problems like these.
I held the left armrest of the seat as I tried to bring my right knee to the edge of the cushion placed on the seat. My cheeks went red from trying.
'God, is this the same body that 'spars' with the first prince?'
I huffed as I gave up and stared maliciously at the seat and my legs that deceived my intention to sit.
Lilly laughed loudly as she held her stomach.
"Look? Where is the prince who was acting like a grown-up?"
"I.."
Lilly stood up as she walked towards me. She easily lifted me up by both arms and sat her on her lap.
"Sister, I am too old for you to do that." I hurriedly said hiding my humiliation.
"You will never be old enough for me." She hummed.
I gave up as I sat in discomfort while she offered my cookies as if I were her pet dog.
'Elisha, my younger sister would definitely have made fun of me, if she were here.'
"Luca told me about you fainting." She began and I flinched.
'She really knows what goes on in the castle, huh?'
"It was mere weakness," I said.
"You don't need to give excuses, Ray. I know the reason." She said as I was unable to decipher her expression. "I never stopped you from associating yourself with that woman but I knew it wouldn't end up good."
'Obviously, she didn't warn me because she didn't expect me to understand the circumstances as a 5-year-old'
My elder sister, Lilly, has the power of predicting the future. So perhaps, she already knew that woman is up to no good.
"It's alright sister. I am not that affected."
"Listen, Ray." Her voice turned serious. "I had a vision. It's about your future. And mine."
I froze in fear. Huh? This... this never happened in the game? Is this a behind-the-scenes? Every vision of hers is supposed to be in the novel. And there was not once it was about 'Ray'.
I looked at her nervously as I did not expect this.
"I am soon to be betrothed as to the king of Atlantia."
W-What!
Even if Atlantia is the neighbouring kingdom, it's overseas.
"H-How can they do this? You are only 15? This is impossible." I asked as I worried for her.
Everything is happening too soon! It happened when I leave for school, it's not supposed to happen now.
My eyes widened in fear as my heart pounded inside. In the novel, she is the only one on the side of 'Ray'. She always protected him from his father.
"What are you saying? I am an adult." She laughed sadly.
Anyway, betrothal at such a young age? Even if 15 is an adult. As a former brother of a reckless sister, I was always careful about her dating. Such brotherly feelings evoked my worries for my current elder sister.
"How will you go there in a strange kingdom all alone?" I inquired
"It is what, father desires. He wants to strengthen our relationship with them." She flashed a sad smile again.
"I don't care about, father. He can't do this to you." I said in rage.
Is that old man out of his mind? Does he think he can control our lives like a puppet exhibition? Just because, he is the king, I must kneel before him?
"I won't tolerate this."
"It's of no use, Ray." She looked at me unfazed by my bubbling anger.
'No, sister. I am not the 'Ray' you know. If the future needs to be changed, it changes from the present.'
"I will talk to him."
"Ray..." She sighed, "Please."