The fire bolt magic erupted from Prince Lucius' outstretched hand, a dazzling brilliance that illuminated the space around them. The flames danced and flickered in a mesmerizing display of power, casting shadows on the ground and sending sparks flying in all directions. The heat radiating from the fire bolt was intense, causing the air to shimmer and distort as the fiery projectile shot forward with a roaring sound.
As the fire bolt surged towards its target, the flames seemed to intensify, growing larger and hotter with each passing moment. The crackling energy of the spell seemed to fill the air with a sense of urgency and power, creating a breathtaking spectacle that left Prince Lysander in awe of his brother's magical prowess.
With a deafening explosion, the fire bolt reached its destination, creating a dazzling burst of fire and light that engulfed the area in a brilliant inferno. The force of the magic caused the ground to tremble, sending vibrations through the air and leaving a trail of scorched earth in its wake.
As the flames subsided and the smoke cleared, the aftermath of the fire bolt magic left a sense of wonder and admiration in its wake, leaving both princes breathless at the sheer raw power and beauty of the spell they had just witnessed.
"Isn't that amazing?!" Prince Lucius snapped out of his admiration for his own abilities and grinned widely at Prince Lysander, pointing towards the area where the magic had just been unleashed.
'No wonder his younger brother perished on the spot... It's not Kain's fault... That magic was just too powerful for someone like Lysander to evade; he simply had to choose between standing by his brother or cautioning him not to accidentally direct his magic towards his younger sibling...'
"Lysander?" called Prince Lucius, bringing Prince Lysander back from his daydream. Throat clearing softly, Prince Lysander smiled faintly, "Ah... yes... that was very impressive, brother! The impact was quite substantial... so significant that it could be lethal. You should be more careful when using your magic! Promise me!" Prince Lysander insisted, gazing at Prince Lucius with a serious expression. Prince Lucius looked at him in surprise but quickly nodded in understanding. "Yes, I know it's very dangerous. I promise to be more careful next time--"
"What's all this commotion about? Hm? It seems that His Highness Lucius is starting to play with his magic again?" Kain appeared out of nowhere and approached them. Seeing Kain getting closer, a startled Prince Lucius began to step back slowly, seemingly afraid of being scolded.
Simultaneously, Prince Lucius' servant arrived with an elderly, mustached man. "Your Highness Lucius?! Was that your magic causing the noise? Master Fey has reminded Your Highness multiple times to be cautious with that magic, especially when using it without supervision..."
In the end, both Prince Lucius and Prince Lysander received a scolding from their two magic trainers.
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After dinner, Prince Lysander opened his journal and crossed off one of the primary causes of his death.
"I managed to survive, huh?"
Though slightly disappointed, isn't this a positive outcome? It means that Prince Lysander was able to stay alive while preventing a significant alteration in Prince Lucius's character. Whether it's the best scenario or not, the fact remains that he survived.
Letting out a sigh and sinking into his bed, Prince Lysander stared up at the ceiling of his room.
'Next... should I indulge in life more leisurely from now on? It seems like I've successfully overcome my moment of peril...'
Ah, I feel like celebrating with a glass of beer and some fried chicken... maybe even a hamburger... and I wouldn't mind getting a bit drunk. Should I ask Lilith for some drinks?
Ahahaha, she most likely won't approve.
"Enough, I might as well celebrate it by going to sleep..."
❀❀❀
Weeks passed by without any notable occurrences, except for Prince Lucius increasingly inviting Prince Lysander to practice their magic together in secret. However, one bright morning during a family breakfast in the dining room, the Royal Family gathered together...
"Lucius, Lysander... father has an important announcement to make. Listen closely, as I won't repeat it," King Clover announced suddenly, placing down his utensils and looking at Prince Lucius and Prince Lysander alternately. Prince Lucius appeared tense, gripping his spoon tightly, while Prince Lysander simply looked up in understanding before returning to his meal, anticipating King Clover's next words.
"Actually, Lucius... father hasㅡ"
BLAMM
Prince Lucius suddenly rose from his seat and slammed the table, prompting an angry call of his name from Queen Clover. However, Prince Lucius remained unyielding, his gaze fixed sharply on King Clover.
The morning breakfast atmosphere felt unusually tense and silent, with only the soft clinks of utensils and the sound of Prince Lysander's chewing breaking the stillness as he observed the unfolding drama with a calm demeanor.
Despite this, no one paid attention to him, their focus solely on Prince Lucius and his uncharacteristic rudeness.
"I refuse, Father! Why must we increase the wealth of another Duke's family, even if it's for the kingdom?! I won't do it, Father! Let me choose my own partner!" Prince Lucius declared before storming out of the dining room.
"Lucius!" called Queen Clover, rising from her seat but held back by a sighing King Clover.
"If he's persisting like that... what choice do we have... this is crucial to avert a civil war... The Heartwood Duke family is the key family in the anti-royal faction... although he did not request for his daughter to marry the crown prince... he is willing to resolve the rebellion by uniting his family with the Royal Family..." King Clover commented, casting a glance at Prince Lysander who remained seated at the table, leisurely relishing his breakfast as if the recent incident had never occurred.
Noticing her husband's gaze, Queen Clover, who had returned to her seat with a deep sigh, rested her chin on her hand before responding with a concerned tone, "Even though his daughter is the same age as him, isn't it too soon to match them together?"
"What do you mean? We were betrothed at the tender age of eight. Just look at us now..." King Clover replied almost incoherently to himself. Queen Clover gently tapped her forehead before clearing her throat and smiling warmly at Prince Lysander.
"Actually, Lysander... Father intends toㅡ"
"ㅡArrange for you to marry the sole daughter of the Heartwood Duke family and make her your betrothed. How does that sound? Isn't that wonderful news?"
Prince Lysander spat out the egg yolk he had been chewing as he gaped wide-eyed at his parents.
"Huh?"
❀❀❀
To Be Continue ?