As the carriage departed from the mansion gates, I looked out the window with wide-eyed curiosity. The world outside was even more fascinating than I'd imagined. It was like stepping into a storybook—medieval buildings, stone houses, cobblestone roads, all nestled under the hazy morning light. People dressed in garments reminiscent of Western European Middle Ages, their long tunics and simple cloaks flowing as they moved about. Some carried baskets of goods, others tended to stalls.
I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement, watching the town come alive, every scene straight out of the books I'd read. The only thing that interrupted the flow of daily life was the steady passing of our carriage. Wherever we went, the citizens bowed their heads in reverence. It was clear my father, Lucious, had earned their respect through his benevolent rule. It felt strange, knowing they bowed for me as well, though I was but a child in their eyes.
Yet as the minutes ticked by, my initial excitement began to wane. The repetitive scene of people bowing and the muffled sounds of the outside world started to feel monotonous. I soon found myself slumping back into my seat, my previous enthusiasm fading.
Sensing my change in mood, my mother pulled me into her lap with that same tender warmth I'd grown accustomed to. Her soft hands began to caress my hair as she looked at me with concern.
"What's wrong, darling? You were so excited about this outing. Has your excitement already faded?" she asked, her voice soothing.
I hesitated, unsure of how to express my thoughts. "It's not that, Mother… When I said I wanted to go out, I didn't mean this," I replied, sounding more dejected than I'd intended.
Mother raised a brow. "What do you mean, then?"
I sighed, trying to find the right words. "I wanted to see everything up close. I want to experience the outside world, not just watch it from inside a carriage. Right now, I feel like a bystander… And all we're seeing are people bowing to us. It's the same thing over and over," I said, glancing out the window again as the townspeople continued to lower their heads in respect.
Mother chuckled softly at my complaints. "People bow to us out of respect, Noah. It's a tradition in our dukedom for citizens to bow when nobles pass by. They do it of their own free will," she explained, gently tapping my nose.
"But still…" I trailed off, sighing. "It's too boring just sitting here."
My mother gave me an amused smile, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she looked at me. "Alright, my little explorer. What do you suggest we do instead? I can't bear to see you so disappointed," she said, her tone playful but kind.
My face brightened immediately. "Why don't we walk among the citizens? We can leave the carriage behind and travel on foot. That way, we can get closer and actually experience the town!" I said, excitement creeping back into my voice.
But my mother's expression turned more serious. "We can't do that, Noah. It will be the same as now—except worse. People will crowd around us to catch a glimpse of their young master for the first time. It could even be dangerous," she explained, her tone gentle yet firm.
My shoulders drooped in disappointment, and I pouted slightly. It seemed like my hopes of truly exploring the town were slipping away.
But just then, Bella, who had been quietly sitting nearby, spoke up. "Why don't we use a disguise, Madam? No one would recognize you if we employed your illusion magic. It would allow you and the young master to walk freely among the citizens," she suggested, her voice calm and measured.
Hearing Bella's suggestion, I perked up instantly, my eyes filled with hope. I turned to my mother, silently pleading for her to agree.
Mother sighed, her eyes softening as she glanced between Bella and me. "Alright, alright," she relented with a smile. "Let me inform Captain Ronald first."
She tapped on the carriage window, and soon Ronald rode up beside us. "Do you have any requests, Madam?" he asked, his voice steady but slightly curious.
Mother didn't say anything, instead Bella leaned out of the carriage window and explained our plan to him. His expression shifted to one of concern.
"Madam, it's dangerous to roam without security. Master Lucious has strictly ordered that we remain at your side at all times," Ronald said, his tone firm.
Mother's lips curled into a confident smile. "You needn't worry, Ronald. I'll be casting an illusion spell over us, and I am more than capable of handling any situation." she replied, her tone dripping with authority.
Ronald hesitated, clearly torn between obeying his orders and trusting in my mother's abilities. "I understand, Madam… but it's still my duty to protect you. At least allow me to follow from a distance, for your safety."
Bella, who I now realized had her own reasons for supporting Ronald's involvement, chimed in. "Yes, Madam. It might be best if Captain Ronald comes along. Just in case," she said with a hint of mischief in her tone.
I smirked inwardly, noticing the glances Bella and Ronald exchanged. It was clear Bella had a fondness for the knight captain, and this would be the perfect excuse for them to spend time together.
Mother finally gave in, waving her hand dismissively. "Very well, Ronald. You may follow, but only you. No other knights."
Ronald bowed, his expression a mixture of relief and resignation. "As you command, Madam."
With that settled, my mother turned back to me and smiled. "Now, let's get this spell cast, shall we?"
She muttered a few incantations under her breath and waved her hands in intricate patterns. I watched in awe as the air around us shimmered briefly, but when I looked down at myself, I frowned. "It doesn't look like anything changed… We still look the same."
Mother laughed lightly at my confusion. "Oh, my curious little scholar. The reason you can't see any difference is because you're excluded from the spell's effect. It's not disguise magic—it's an illusion. We appear the same to each other, but to everyone else, our faces are completely different."
"Wow! That's amazing!" I exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement. "Can you teach me that one day?"
"Of course, darling. But it's not time yet. You still haven't awakend. Let's wait till you awaken. If you awaken mana then I will tach you everything I know and if you awaken aura then father will be teaching you," she said, ruffling my hair affectionately.
Hearing her words, I just smirked inwardly as I already know that this body would awaken both mana and aura. Wait until I surprise everyone.
With the spell cast, the carriage slowed down, coming to a stop at a quiet part of town where we could slip away unnoticed. Mother, Bella, and I exited the carriage, blending seamlessly into the crowd. The townspeople continued to bow towards the now-empty carriage, blissfully unaware that the Vestron family had already stepped into the world among them.
Finally, I thought, the real adventure could begin.