GRRR... GRRR... GRRR...
Rumbling sounds ensue.
I'm currently inside a weird-looking elevator, like the ones I used to see in my previous life. But this elevator isn't in great shape—it trembles violently as soon as we step in. The shaking even makes Marilyn's assets jiggle.
"Alex, you're probably wondering why this lift is shaking, right?" Marilyn asks while playfully ruffling my hair.
I nod in reply.
"Well, this is actually a secret and rarely used route to Her Majesty's chamber. I've been ordered to take this route for some reason. It's all for your sake," Marilyn explains, ruffling my hair once again.
BAM!
Suddenly, there's a loud explosion as the elevator comes to a sudden stop, causing us to lose our footing.
RUMBLE. RUMBLE.
The elevator doors open abruptly, revealing a beautiful scene as Marilyn and I step outside.
Nature~
That's the first thing that catches my eyes. There are countless trees and plants all around, emitting various scents and creating a unique ambiance. Looking up, I see two suns hanging in a deep blue sky. I take in the serene atmosphere as a gentle breeze blows over me.
Taking a closer look at my surroundings, I spot six sturdy square towers firmly set, connected by thick, fortified walls made of dark red stones.
Small windows are generously scattered across the walls in symmetrical patterns, along with archer and artillery holes of the same size.
Hmm, an elf's eyesight isn't too shabby. Glancing from a distance, I notice the remains of broken siege engines, swords, and shields scattered in the fields outside. It's like a painful reminder of a past war. Just a glance tells me that this place has seen a lot of bloodshed, as if a grand battle took place here.
"Let's go," Marilyn's voice snaps me out of my daze, and I reply with a slight nod. We start walking in a particular direction. The area is empty, with only trees and plants surrounding us.
However, with my years of experience, I can tell that many guards are watching us, although they remain concealed.
"I would have loved to give you a tour since this is your first time outside. But we need to meet Her Majesty quickly. Princess Arya and Anya have no idea you're coming out for the first time. They'll be really excited to spend time with you," Marilyn says as we walk down the path ahead.
"How do you feel about being outside for the first time?" she asks, looking bewildered at my calm demeanor despite it being my first time outdoors.
"I can't say much since I haven't fully explored the outside world. But for some reason, I feel happy. Besides, I've learned a lot about the outside world from the countless books I read in Mom's study," I reply with a slight shrug.
"No matter how I think about it, you really are special. Most elves can't read until they're eight years old. And your level of thinking is beyond your age," Marilyn mumbles, seemingly puzzled.
Damn... I really need to drop these mature acts and do some random, foolish things.
After walking for a while, we finally reach our destination. Although the distance isn't that far, I'm sweating due to my current body.
In front of me, there's a brown square-shaped carriage that resembles an ancient car. It's entirely made of wood, with intricate hand-crafted designs all over.
In an instant, a figure suddenly appears before us.
What the... I didn't even notice his presence.
The person in front of us right now stands about 6'10 tall. He's a bald man in his youthful age, fully clad in golden armor from head to toe, with heavy-looking boots. From his elongated ears and tanned skin, it's evident that he is of mixed elf and dark elf heritage. His facial features are average, with a few scars here and there. It doesn't take an expert to know that this person has fought many battles.
Despite his imposing appearance, he wears a bright smile on his face.
"Good day, Your Highness. My name is Adrian. I'm Her Majesty's guard, a loyal aide to the deceased king and captain of the royal knights. I will serve Your Highness to the best of my ability," Adrian introduces himself with a deep bow.
However, I simply flash a toothy clueless grin, leaving Adrian scratching his bald head in confusion.
"Marilyn, I thought you said His Highness is extremely smart?" Adrian mumbles, looking towards Marilyn.
"Come on, you probably scared the prince with your ugly face," Marilyn retorts with a pout as she grabs my hand and leads me closer to the carriage, leaving Adrian standing there confused.
Suddenly, Marilyn opens the carriage door, revealing my mom sitting inside. She's wearing a casual red gown. The carriage's interior is modest, with two red, exotic couches placed opposite each other. High-grade red leather and glossy wood designs adorn the interior, giving it an exquisite look.
Spotting my mom, I rush towards her and bury my face in her embrace, just like any normal kid would do.
"Fufufu... looks like someone missed his mom," Mom says with a giggle, tightly hugging me and showering my face with kisses.
"Tell Adrian we should get going," Mom instructs Marilyn, who promptly closes the carriage door. Soon after, a sound is heard as Adrian enters the carriage, taking his place in a separate compartment, resembling a driver's cabin.
As the carriage sets in motion, Mom places me on her lap, resting my head on one of her comforting pillows.
"Alex, Mommy is so sorry..." Mom suddenly speaks up.
"Eh?" I utter innocently.
"I had to restrict your movements and keep a close eye on you because you're unique and must be protected at all costs. That's why you weren't as free as your older sisters. But I can't bear to see you confined. I have to protect you as a mother, no matter what," Mom says, hugging me tightly while ruffling my hair.
Suddenly, Mom stops hugging me and reaches for her purse, pulling out a black material.
"Alex, you have to wear this all the time. It's an eyepatch. If you wear it, you can play with kids your age and have a normal childhood. But promise me you won't take it off, no matter what," Mom says, handing me a small black eyepatch.
I look at the eyepatch, pretending to be as confused as any other kid would be, and glance at my mom.
Seeing my puzzled expression, Mom smiles and runs her hand through my hair once again.
"Alex, there are some bad guys called demons who are causing havoc. They want our most precious possession, and your father died trying to protect it. After his death, they stopped attacking for some unknown reason. If they find out about you, they'll surely attack us and try to take you away from Mommy. I don't want to lose you, my dear. Mommy loves you."
"Before your birth, a prophecy was revealed. Your father and I made preparations. When the time is right, I will tell you everything about it. But for now, you need to wear the eyepatch and stay safe," Mom explains with tears streaming down her face.
"I'll wear it, Mom. I won't let the bad guys catch me," I assure her, immediately putting on the eyepatch.
"Thank you," Mom says, embracing me tightly once again.
After collecting herself and returning to her usual demeanor, she opens the carriage window, allowing me to catch a glimpse of the surroundings as the carriage speeds along.
"Alex, let me tell you more about Ironica," Mom begins.
================================
Join our Discord server for updates and to view character illustrations.
https:
//discord.gg/RF8pvt6KJv
Cast your votes using power stones and golden tickets to unlock more chapters.