Kirsch Vermillion, known among the nobles of the Clover Kingdom for his obsession with beauty and impeccable appearance, stood before his father, Andrew, as though a heavy fog of disinterest clung to him. Kirsch's request, so out of character, lingered in the air like a mystery waiting to be unraveled.
Andrew leaned back in his chair, the weight of the sudden request pressing on him more than the piles of documents strewn across his desk. His eyes, slightly darkened from countless nights spent managing Vermillion family affairs, studied his son intently. This was not the Kirsch he knew. This young man, standing confidently in front of him, seemed more serious, more determined, as if a change had been stirred deep within.
"Training in the wilderness?" Andrew echoed, trying to buy himself time as he processed Kirsch's words. "You've always preferred the safety of the estate. Your looks, your style—what's brought about this sudden urge to venture into the unknown?"
Kirsch sighed softly, his fingers brushing his pink hair as if smoothing away the tension. "Father, I know what you're thinking. I've never been one for physical strain. But... I've realized that if I wish to stand out in the kingdom, I need more than my charm and good looks."
Andrew raised a brow, his curiosity piqued.
"Beauty," Kirsch continued, "without strength to protect it, fades quickly. I've watched others... Noelle, Leopold, even Mimosa—they've all grown stronger. Meanwhile, I've remained stagnant. I want to be more than just another pretty face in the Vermillion family. I want to make a name for myself, not because of our bloodline, but because of my skills and achievements."
The room fell silent as Andrew weighed his son's words. He could sense a depth of sincerity in Kirsch's tone, something rare and almost foreign. It was as if Kirsch had been watching the world around him pass by while he stayed stuck in the comfort of his vanity, and now, he wanted to break free.
"You say you need a quality sword, a tent, and gold. That's no small request, Kirsch," Andrew said, his voice serious yet curious. "Venturing into the wilderness is dangerous. You're not the only noble who's ever gone out to test their strength, but you also know that not everyone comes back the same."
Kirsch met his father's gaze, unflinching. "I'm aware of the risks. But I've been too comfortable for too long. If I wish to join a magic squad, I need to challenge myself."
Andrew leaned forward, elbows resting on his desk, hands clasped in front of him. His eyes narrowed in thought. "And why should I allow you to do this? You've always avoided training, made excuses to stay indoors. What makes this any different?"
"I..." Kirsch paused, searching for the right words. His mind flashed to moments he'd spent watching others—watching his cousin Mimosa battle her way through the Magic Knights Entrance Exam, watching Noelle gain control of her magic despite her struggles, and Leopold—his younger cousin—always hungry for a challenge. Even his older sister Mereoleona's fearsome reputation haunted his thoughts. All of them were making strides, growing into their own. Meanwhile, he remained stagnant, pampered by the privileges of nobility. But now, he sought more.
"I want to stop being afraid," Kirsch confessed, his tone raw and honest. "Afraid of losing, of getting hurt, of stepping outside of my comfort zone. All my life, I've hidden behind my status, my looks, but that's not enough. Not anymore. The world is changing, and if I don't change with it, I'll be left behind."
Andrew listened, his face softening, though still guarded. He had always seen Kirsch as the delicate one, the one who took pride in their beauty, but maybe—just maybe—there was something more to him.
"You've given this a lot of thought," Andrew remarked. "I see you've decided this isn't some passing whim."
Kirsch nodded. "This is what I need to do, Father. For myself."
The silence between them stretched, and Andrew shifted in his chair. The father in him felt torn—on one hand, he wanted to protect his son from the dangers of the world outside the estate walls, but on the other, he knew that Kirsch needed to grow. Andrew had done his best to shelter Kirsch, knowing that his son didn't possess the same fiery ambition as his elder sister Mereoleona or his cousin Leopold. But now... now Kirsch was asking for the chance to prove himself.
Finally, Andrew spoke. "You're right to come to me, Kirsch. I'll grant your request, but on one condition."
Kirsch blinked, surprised that his father hadn't outright refused. "What is it?"
"I want you to train with a mentor before heading into the wilderness. Someone who can gauge whether you're truly ready. I won't send you out there unprepared."
Kirsch hesitated for a moment. He hadn't expected his father to take him so seriously, but the idea of having a mentor didn't sit well with him. "A mentor? I was hoping to train on my own, to test my limits without any interference."
"And what if you fail? What if you're unprepared for what you face?" Andrew countered, his voice sharp. "The wilderness isn't some place where you can afford to be careless. If you're serious about this—and I believe you are—you'll need guidance. At least for a short time."
Kirsch frowned, his pride battling against his reason. But after a moment of contemplation, he conceded. "Fine. I'll accept a mentor, but only for a short time. After that, I want to go out on my own."
"Agreed." Andrew's tone softened once again. "I'll arrange for you to train with someone experienced. A former Magic Knight, perhaps. Someone who understands the wilderness and can prepare you for the trials ahead."
Kirsch nodded, relieved that his father had at least listened. "Thank you."
Andrew stood up from his chair and walked around the desk to place a hand on Kirsch's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, son," he said, his voice warm yet firm. "This step you're taking—it's not an easy one. But I know you'll find your strength, just like the rest of our family has."
For the first time in a long while, Kirsch felt something stir within him—an unfamiliar sense of determination, a drive that pushed beyond vanity. He would prove himself worthy, not just of his family name, but of his own ambition.
As he left the office, Kirsch couldn't help but feel that this was the beginning of something new. He had no idea what trials awaited him in the wilderness or under the guidance of his new mentor, but one thing was clear: he was ready to embrace the challenge.