Seven years in this world, and I know every inch of the castle by heart. I've never been allowed to leave.
My sister is still as annoying as ever, though now she's off at a noble's boarding school. My parents are as predictable as always. I've gotten used to Lirien, and at seven, I can finally manage to bathe myself.
My magic training has hit a dead end. What used to be fun—launching fireballs into the sky—doesn't feel like real training anymore.
Yesterday, I overheard my parents arguing about my education. Should I be homeschooled or sent to a noble's academy? My dad thinks I should go to school and start building relationships with the nobles I'll have to deal with in the future.
I don't even remember going to school in my past life, so finally, I'll get to experience something "normal" as a demon child. I also need school to learn more about this world.
All kinds of thoughts ran through my head as I imagined the thrill of being the most important kid in the entire school.
"Hehehe, perfect," I said.
"Oh? What is?" asked a familiar voice. Livik, my father's advisor, stood there—a tall elf with brown hair and eyes to match.
"How goes your day, Your Majesty?" he asked.
"Mine is splendid as long as yours is, Livik."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," he replied. "Though I would love to continue our talk, your father has matters to discuss with me concerning your education. So please, excuse me." He bowed slightly and walked off. I watched him until he turned the corner and disappeared.
*Why is this education thing taking so long?* I thought as I went on my way.
Even after seven years here, I have no friends. I only know the caretakers, a few nobles, and some servants. It's actually kind of depressing.
*I still need to learn about magic,* I reminded myself, frustrated by my current limitations. *There's got to be more to it than just throwing fireballs.* Without proper guidance, I was stuck.
I often wondered if there were other forms of magic—something more advanced, more powerful than what I'd learned so far.
Then it hit me: Education isn't just about playing my father's political games. I need it to uncover the full extent of my powers.
...
Weeks passed as I waited, each day filled with anticipation. Finally, the castle gates opened to let in the person who would be my tutor.
So that was the decision—home tutoring. I wasn't thrilled when I found out. I had really hoped to attend a real school, but it is what it is.
Livik escorted the tutor through the castle, and I watched them from the top of the grand staircase. She didn't look like anyone I'd ever seen.
She had short, snow-white hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to take in everything around her. She was an elf—easy to tell from the elegant point of her ears.
They stopped in the middle of the grand hall. Livik gestured for her to wait before slipping into a side room, probably to inform my parents she had arrived. The elf stood calmly, her eyes wandering the room without giving anything away. Her posture was perfect, her hands lightly resting at her sides. She had an air of quiet authority, as if she could read every corner of the space and still remain completely in control.
A mischievous spark lit up inside me. No one in the castle knew the full extent of my abilities—not even me. This was the perfect moment to have some fun.
I had learned to control the wind just enough to lighten my steps. Now seemed like the right time to make an impression.
Without thinking twice, I vaulted over the banister. The wind obeyed, cushioning my fall and gliding me gently to the floor. I landed softly, just a few feet from the elf, barely making a sound.
She blinked—showing the first hint of emotion on her otherwise calm face. For a brief second, I saw surprise flash in her eyes before she returned to her serene expression. She inclined her head slightly—not quite a bow, but enough to acknowledge my status.
"Your Highness," she said, her voice steady and respectful, but not overly warm. "An impressive feat." Her eyes flickered toward the faint breeze still swirling around me before settling on me again. "Such control at your age is... notable."
"Thank you," I said, trying to match her composed attitude as I straightened up.
There was a pause, but it wasn't awkward. It felt deliberate, like she was waiting for something. I realized she wouldn't say more until the formalities were taken care of. I had seen this kind of behavior from servants and nobles before, but this felt different. She wasn't impressed or dismissive. She just... waited.
Livik returned, catching sight of me standing near the elf. His eyebrows lifted slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Your Highness," he began in a controlled tone, "I see you've already... met."
The elf turned her attention to Livik, nodding respectfully. "Advisor Livik," she greeted him with the same calm deference she had shown me. "Are the King and Queen ready to receive me?"
Livik nodded. "Yes, they await you in the council chamber. If Your Highness would excuse us," he added, bowing to me.
The elf inclined her head toward me again. "It has been an honor, Your Highness," she said, her formal tone softened by a hint of sincerity. "I look forward to our future meetings."
With that, she followed Livik down the hall, her cloak flowing elegantly behind her. I watched them walk away until their footsteps faded into the distance.