Kai's POV
Kai: "Mmm...good morning, Mom"
I mumbled, rubbing my eyes as I plopped down into a chair at the kitchen table.
Lily: "Oh, finally up, huh? Go take a bath. Breakfast is almost ready."
Kai: "Okay..."
I trudged towards the bathroom, the cool morning water from the bucket splashing against me.
Splash! The sound echoed, waking me up fully as I doused myself with water.
Kai: "I'm done! So, Mom, what's for breakfast?"
I asked as I dried myself off and returned to the kitchen, curious about the day's meal.
Lily: "See for yourself."
She placed the plates on the table. I frowned when I saw what was on them.
Kai: "Ugh, cabbage... I don't like cabbage."
Lily: "You need to eat everything to get stronger, just like your father."
Kai: "Liar! Cabbage doesn't make anyone stronger."
I pushed my chair back and made a beeline for the door.
Lily: "Hey! Stop right there! Finish your breakfast before going outside!"
But I ignored her and yanked the door open—only to smack into someone. I tumbled backward, landing hard on the ground.
Woman: "Ah... I seem to be a magnet for kids today."
She muttered, brushing a few stray strands of her blue hair out of her face as she looked down at me. She wore the same purple robe and wide-brimmed hat, looking exactly like the mages I'd read about in my books. Her staff glowed faintly, a mark of a skilled magician.
Kai: "I'm sorry!"
I quickly stood up, eyes wide, taking in her appearance. Blue hair, a staff like Mom's... This woman was a magician! But why was she here? Did Dad send for her?
Curiosity gnawed at me, so I asked,
Kai: "What's your name?"
She chuckled and bent down to my level, a smirk playing on her lips.
Woman: "Before asking someone else's name, shouldn't you introduce yourself first?"
What? Isn't she the one who came to my house? Shouldn't she know who I am? Something about her told me she wasn't great at making friends...
Just then, Mom came up behind me.
Lily: "Who are you?"
The woman straightened up and, with a surprisingly polite gesture, removed her pointy hat, bowing slightly.
Alice: "Hello. My name is Alice. I'm here to teach your son the basics of magic."
Magic lessons? But Mom could teach me that, right? I was about to protest when Mom smiled and said,
Lily: "Oh, so you've finally arrived."
Kai: "Wait... she's going to teach me magic?" I pointed at Alice, half-expecting Mom to say it was a joke.
Alice narrowed her eyes at my reaction, clearly annoyed, which made me a bit happier.
Lily: "Yes! From today, Alice will teach you magic and help you prepare for the Royal Academy entrance exam."
Kai: "Entrance exam? There's going to be a test?"
Lily: "Yes! That's why we called her."
That's news to me. I sighed. Looks like I don't have a choice. I glanced up to see Alice smirking at me, clearly enjoying this. Ugh... I guess becoming the commander-in-chief won't be easy after all. I felt exhausted just thinking about it.
Lily: "What's wrong?" She looked worried.
Kai: "Nothing. Mom." After saying that I turned towards my new master "I'm looking forward to learn from you." I bowed.
Alice: "Oh, I'm looking forward to it too." She said, messing up my hair. Ugh! Stop it! You'll ruin my hairstyle!
I quickly retreated inside, grumbling under my breath.
Lily: "Aren't you going outside?"
Kai: "Not in the mood anymore."
Alice chuckled.
Alice: "Guess he's not that thrilled about having me as his master."
Lily: "It's not that. He's just a little shy around new people. He'll warm up to you soon."
Alice: "Shy, huh..." She gave a soft smile, the kind you'd give when remembering something fondly.