You know, ever since I was young, my parents always took pride in me in every conversation they had. Initially, it brought me joy when they expressed their admiration, prompting me to adopt a similar demeanor.
A demeanor that always exudes self-assurance to others.
The outcome was rather dismal. Apart from being burdened with various weighty responsibilities and high expectations, any failure to meet them resulted in, at the very least, becoming the topic of gossip for others.
And the worst consequence?
I prefer not to dwell on it.
Since then, I have embraced my flaws and imperfections, but when entrusted with a significant task, I proved myself capable of delivering.
Despite their initial doubts, I remained indifferent.
As long as I fulfill my duties, I will carry them out diligently.
As of now, my current goal is simply to survive. I strive to live well in the present. Therefore...
I...
Seeing the Golem's large hand just an inch away from my nose, my vision suddenly became blurry, and I felt as though I were in a half-conscious state—everything moving in slow motion.
Still in a daze, I nonchalantly rose from my sitting position and sidestepped, envisioning how I might survive.
My hand grasped the earth Golem's arm, and as time appeared to reverse—WHUSH.
BLAAAAARRRR
The giant Golem, whose arm I held with my small hand, vanished abruptly as its entire body was consumed by a large, pitch-black orb resembling a Black Hole. Instantly, a radiant light flooded the area where I stood, with swirling flames and water dancing in harmony, the wind rustling leaves around me, and the ground splitting beneath my feet.
"?!"
"Oh no."
Prince Lysander whispered to himself as he watched Kain fall to his knees, his face pale, observing him now surrounded by all the elements of magic, light, and darkness.
"Whatㅡ what is this?!" Kain stuttered.
"Uh, that's what I was about to ask..." Prince Lysander responded with a nervous smile. Then, he express his gratitude to all the magic that had suddenly appeared to help him, it vanished as quickly as it had come.
'Was this truly a blessing? No, it felt more like a curse. Despite my slight gratitude for being able to wield all forms of magic at once.'ㅡPrince Lysander's gaze shifted to Kain, who remained heavily trembling, sitting with a pallid face. Despite this remarkable reaction from him, known for his stoic demeanor and elegant composure, Prince Lysander sensed the gravity of the situation.
He had just displayed his exceptionally extraordinary ability to his foe.
'Should I eliminate him now?'
At a glance, the idea flashed in my mind. When our eyes locked, "Hiiii-help! Please spare my life!" Kain dropped to his knees, his forehead touching the ground as he pleaded with Prince Lysander.
Could he plead like that?
Perhaps I could manipulate him to turn all the members of the anti-king faction in my favor, effortlessly controlling not just the kingdom, but maybe even the entire world?
Oh, the trouble it would bring...
Utilizing the dark magic at his command, Prince Lysander altered Kain's memory so that he would recall only Prince Lysander vanquishing the colossal Golem with water magic. Achieving this was a simple task; a dark mist encircled Kain's head, leaving him petrified with a look of shock in his eyes.
The enchantment took hold as Kain rose once more, resembling a marionette compelled to stand. As if his soul had returned to his body, Kain simply nodded stiffly, as if nothing had happened.
"Water magic, huh? I knew you had a talent for magic," Kain said with a sigh, 'Why is this? Even though this insect child seems to only be able to wield water magic, why do I feel afraid? Strange.'
Prince Lysander smiled in relief and nodded before Kain began teaching him the basics of water magic. Prince Lysander closely followed each lesson. Few hours passed, Kain sighed in satisfaction.
"Good, in just a few hours, you've already mastered half of the basics of water magic. It won't be long before you can cast healing spells and summon water creatures to aid you in battle. Let's conclude our magic training for now. Since we haven't practiced our physical and sword skills, meet me here again tomorrow morning at the same time." After bidding his hasty farewell, Kain swiftly departed, leaving Prince Lysander behind.
As he watched Kain's retreating figure, Prince Lysander let out a long sigh before his gaze darkened once more. Just before Prince Lysander's collapsing body could touch the ground, Rina, who had been observing him learning magic, caught him in her arms.
"I never expected... this child..."
Unbeknownst to Prince Lysander, Rina had been closely monitoring everything.
Carefully carrying the unconscious Prince Lysander back to his room, Rina gently placed him on the bed, studying the young boy's features. His complexion was a healthy white, his blond hair messy, and his clothes dirtied with soil and dust.
Softly stroking Prince Lysander's face, Rina smiled and whispered tenderly, "Sleep peacefully, Prince. Your secret is safe with me."
❀❀❀
The next morning, I awoke to find Rina looking at me with concern, while Kain stood by my bedside.
"I apologize, Your Highness, I didn't realize that yesterday's training had been so strenuous for you. It would be best for you to rest today. We will continue the training tomorrow. If that's settled, I shall take my leave," Kain said hastily before departing.
"Why was Sir Kain in such a rush? Does he have other duties?" Rina asked in astonishment, while Prince Lysander remained silent, gazing down at his hands. With his heart pounding and hands clenched, Prince Lysander leaped from the bed. "Let's go, Rina, while I have this time to rest. Prepare some water for me to bathe and breakfast!"
"Of course, Your Highness!" Rina replied, darting off to quickly fulfill my request.
❀❀❀
After bathing and enjoying breakfast with Rina faithfully by my side, I decided to leave my room and make my way to the library.
"Your Highness, shouldn't you rest as Sir Kain suggested?" Rina asked, a hint of concern in her voice as she noticed Prince Lysander asking about the location of the royal library. "I'll do it later after a brief read...come on, Rina. Quickly show me where the library is," Prince Lysander replied with a pleading tone, gently pulling at Rina's skirt as he was much shorter than her.
Amused by the actions of the young prince, Rina reluctantly agreed and accompanied him to the royal library. However, as they walked out of the left wing of the castle, they heard a young boy calling out Prince Lysander's name.
"Hey, Lysander!"
"By the gods, there he is!"
❀❀❀
To Be Continue ?