I woke to knocking, just like every morning. Groaning, I blinked against the dim dawn light seeping through the heavy curtains. It could only be one person—Lirien. It was always her. I threw off the blankets and sat up, rubbing my eyes as the knocking grew louder and more insistent.
"Come in," I muttered.
The door creaked open, and Lirien entered, her arms full of folded towels. She moved with the practiced grace of someone who had spent years waking the Demon King's son, yet she still greeted me warmly. It was comforting.
"Good morning, Aiden," she said with a small smile, handing me the towels. "I've brought these for washing your face. Livik is waiting for you in the hall."
"Right. Thanks," I replied, taking them from her. Lirien was the only one who spoke to me like I was just another person. The other servants were all formalities and courtesies, their faces masks of subservience. Lirien was different. Maybe that's why I didn't mind her presence.
She turned to leave, pausing at the door. "Don't keep them waiting too long," she added, a hint of concern in her eyes. "You know how Livik gets."
"I know," I replied quickly. The last thing I needed was Livik storming in here to drag me out of bed. Although he seemed to respect me, when it came to the kingdom, he sometimes forgot I was the prince.
With that, she left, and I quickly prepared myself. I splashed cold water on my face, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. Today was important. Today was the start of my training—my first step toward understanding the power within me. I couldn't wait.
I ran out of the room, barely slowing down as I twisted through the castle's hallways. My enthusiasm propelled me forward, my thoughts racing ahead to the training grounds. Today would be different. Today, I would—
"Aiden!" Livik's voice echoed down the corridor as I skidded to a halt. He stood in the hall with a woman beside him. I recognized her—the elf. Her expression was calm.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Livik said, bowing deeply. The elf mirrored his movement, her head lowering gracefully.
"Breakfast is ready," Livik continued as he straightened up. "After that, your training begins."
"I won't be eating this morning," I replied curtly. My stomach churned with a mix of nerves and anticipation. I had no time for food.
Livik opened his mouth to protest, but I cut him off with a look. My smile faded, replaced by a flat expression. My gaze bore into him, leaving no room for argument.
"Y-Yes, Your Majesty," Livik stammered, his eyes darting away. "Please, don't mind me."
I turned my attention to the elf, who had been silently observing the exchange. "What is your name, Mrs. Elf?" I asked, though my mind was already drifting to the sparring I had dreamt about the night before.
"Larina, Sir," she replied evenly.
"And your family name?" I pressed, hoping to learn more about this new figure in my life.
"I do not have one, Your Majesty." Her voice was calm, unflinching, but her eyes betrayed nothing.
*I guess she must be a commoner,* I thought, my enthusiasm dipping slightly. A commoner wasn't the opponent I had hoped for, but perhaps she would surprise me. *Come on! Give her a chance.*
"Very well," I said, trying to hide my disappointment. "Shall we begin?"
Livik led us through the castle, and I followed closely behind. My excitement bubbled back up; this was the first time I was leaving the castle since my reincarnation as Aiden. The air outside was crisp and cool, a stark contrast to the stuffiness within the castle walls. I had never felt more alive.
We arrived at the back of the castle, where a vast stretch of green grass lay before us—perfect for training and sparring. My heart raced. I could finally test the power I'd kept hidden all this time.
Livik bowed and returned to the castle.
"I shall now explain the basics of magic, Your Highness," Larina began, her voice taking on a lecturing tone.
"Please, call me Aiden," I interrupted, dismissing the formality.
"I couldn't possibly—" she started, a hint of panic in her eyes.
"I insist," I interrupted again, more firmly this time. I didn't want to be 'Your Highness' right now.
"Very well," she conceded, her voice softening. "Aiden it is." Her cheeks flushed slightly, but the expression quickly faded back into her usual stoic demeanor.
*Did she just blush?* I thought, surprised.
"Now," she continued, "I shall—"
"Let's have a sparring match, shall we?" I cut her off, unable to contain my impatience any longer. I didn't want explanations. I wanted action.
"But—" Larina hesitated, her brows furrowing as if she wanted to argue.
I had been in this world for seven years. Seven years. Always locked up in the castle, just shooting fireballs into the sky. That was no fun at all. Now, with someone to test my power on, what did they expect me to do?
"Don't go easy on me," I ordered, my voice leaving no room for debate.
"That's an order."