The next day, William woke up feeling refreshed after a grueling week of training. After his bath, he searched around for his usual training clothes but couldn't find them.
"Lily, where are my training clothes?" he asked, confused.
Lily, a cute and bubbly maid assigned as William's personal attendant, entered the room, smiling brightly. She glanced at William's body wrapped in a robe and giggled. "Young Master, I don't think you'll need them today," she replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
William blinked. "What do you mean?"
Lily stepped forward and presented him with a set of casual clothes that looked rather plain—something more fitting for a commoner, not someone of his royal status. The sight confused him further.
"Lady Myre said you'll be exploring outside the castle today," Lily explained as she helped him into the clothes. "She said to think of it as a rest day since it's her last day training you."
William raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "And what did Mother say about this?"
Lily let out a small laugh. "Well, of course, Lady Lumia was upset at first—she doesn't really like the idea of taking breaks, you know. But His Majesty James convinced her to allow you a holiday... at least once a year," she said, helping him finish getting dressed.
William's new outfit was simple but comfortable: a pair of grey pants and a dark yellow shirt. He looked down at the outfit and felt strange wearing something so unremarkable. But at the same time, the idea of exploring outside the castle was exciting. It had been a long time since he'd been allowed to go beyond its walls.
"Outside the castle, huh?" William mused, feeling a spark of anticipation.
The last time he had left the castle, he had only been a few months old. His mother had taken him out to introduce him to her parents. William still remembered their faces—a kind-looking older couple who had showered him with affection. They played with him, and he recalled the moment they showed him their Sila. It was magical, almost surreal, and at that moment, even as a baby, he understood that he had been born into a world not just of magic, but a world shaped by something far greater—Sila.
As he finished getting ready to go out, William's mind wandered. 'Sera, I don't understand. Why is it called Sila and not mana?' he asked curiously.
[It's simple,] Sera responded smoothly. [It's the same energy, just under different names. Sila is a purer form, while what your memories showed—mana—seems to be an energy of creation. It allows them to manifest things based on their imagination.]
William considered this for a moment. 'Energy of creation, huh... I guess that makes sense.'
[Exactly,] Sera continued. [When I say it's the same energy with a different name, that's because in the tongues of the gods, it's called Origin Energy. It can be divided into any form of energy. Even the energy that forms inside someone after coming into contact with their talent is an example of this.]
'So, you're saying talent affects how this Origin Energy is broken down?'
[Yes. The talent you're born with influences how Origin Energy is shaped within you. It filters and refines the energy, breaking it down into specific particles. For you, it's Soul Energy and Chronos, or Time Energy. The purest form of your Sila has been shaped by your unique talent.]
William absorbed Sera's explanation with a pensive expression. 'So, that's why I feel so different compared to others,' he mused, his thoughts swirling with newfound possibilities. This knowledge opened up fresh avenues for his future growth, stirring both excitement and curiosity within him.
'Does that mean I can't use other elements like mana users can?' he asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
[That's right,] Sera confirmed. [Your body is now attuned exclusively to Time and Soul energy. You'll only be able to harness abilities related to those aspects.]
[But don't worry,] she added quickly. [Soul energy is incredibly versatile. It can manifest in various forms, like Soul Flames, Soul Ice, and more.]
William nodded in understanding. His thoughts were interrupted as he glanced toward the garden, where his mother stood waiting with Myre. Lumia's displeased expression softened the moment she saw him approaching, her stern demeanor melting into one of pure, affectionate love.
As William drew near, Lumia bent down and wrapped him in a warm embrace. "How's my precious boy?" she asked, gently running her hand through his hair.
William couldn't help but smile. He could tell that her love wasn't just an act—no matter how strict she could be, her affection for him was genuine. "I'm doing well, Mother. The maids healed me perfectly, just as always," he replied, looking up at her with a grin.
"Hm, good," Lumia responded, satisfied. She then handed him a mask. "Here, take this. It will help you avoid being targeted by assassins," she said, her voice carrying both concern and care.
William took the mask and, after a moment of contemplation, slipped it over his face. As he did, his features began to shift. His striking appearance transformed into that of an ordinary commoner, with unassuming brown hair and dark eyes. Looking at his reflection, he appeared like any normal person one might pass by on the street, blending seamlessly into the crowd.
William looked at himself in the mirror, now appearing as a regular boy, completely unrecognizable. "This is amazing, Mother," he said, touching the mask, feeling its magic at work.
Lumia smiled warmly, though her eyes held a hint of concern. "Just make sure to stay close to Myre. Even with the mask, you mustn't drop your guard."
"I'll be careful, Mother," William assured her, standing tall despite the heavy responsibility in her gaze.
Myre approached, her usual playful demeanor replaced by something more serious. "Ready to explore, little prince?"
William smiled at her. "Ready as ever."
"Then let's go," Myre said, her voice softening as she gently guided him forward. The two walked through the grand gates of the castle, stepping into a world full of possibilities— and, of course, dangers waiting to be discovered.