Arai's Perspective
Ah, Mizuki can't use mana.
She failed at the awakening rite.
I don't know why, but it worries me.
She'll be fine, right? She won't suffer because of this, will she? I mean, does society treat people like her differently? What's the right term for her? I think… disabled, isn't it?
Hmm, being unable to sense mana is strange.
Even I could feel mana in the air around me before my first attempt at using magic.
I asked Verdi, and he said he didn't know what was wrong with Mizuki.
Oh, my mother's condition is worse too.
She's been sleeping a lot since that strange incident about a year ago when I saw the black specter.
Ah, let's not dwell on these sad topics. They stir up strange emotional feelings inside me.
I've read many of the books in the palace library. I didn't even care about the content, I just read them.
I tried focusing on books with knowledge about magic, but unfortunately, I couldn't find any on the topic. Verdi had hidden them all from me after my previous attempt at using magic.
Anyway, what's important now is that I've learned a little about this world.
There's only one continent in the world: the Western Continent.
Currently, I live on a group of islands called the Artemis Isles, located on the western edges of the Western Continent.
It's the year 9980 of the New Moon Calendar. Like Earth, the year consists of 12 months.
There are other races besides humans.
No, there's nothing like a cute elf or a cat-eared girl. I didn't find much information about these other races—after all, they're forbidden from entering the isles! At least, that's what I read in one of the books.
This ban stems from an ancient treaty or something similar.
The different races are simply: vampires, skyfolk, dwarves, spirits, and elves.
Vampires, as I understand them, are those elegant, human-like creatures who enjoy drinking blood under the full moon. As for the skyfolk, they are exceedingly rare. They're humans with wings on their backs—in other words, bird-like humans without beaks or talons.
I read in a fictional story that they are extraordinarily beautiful with a heightened sense of aesthetics and grace.
Meanwhile, the dwarves are the legendary blacksmiths coveted by all for their unmatched crafting skills - typical trope. I didn't find much about the spirits, only that they are proud beings residing in the 'Spirit Realm' and can only be summoned through special magical tools, contracts, or even secret magical rituals.
As for the elves, they're closer to myth. I don't even know why.
After some deep thought, I made a firm decision within myself.
I will run away! To hell with these isles and this kingdom.
Verdi mentioned that the Western Continent is dangerous yet full of opportunities.
But these isles? Three small islands were fought over by useless kingdoms with no purpose.
I closed the book.
"Hmm, Mizuki, what are you planning to do in the future?"
Reclining against the trunk of a tree, I asked the black-haired girl who was swinging her sword like a pro in front of me.
This girl, my older sister Mizuki, had started learning swordsmanship a few months ago.
"Huh? Why are you asking that out of the blue?" Mizuki didn't stop swinging her sword and replied, "I don't know, but I don't plan on leaving Mom and Dad. Besides, I can't use mana, so I'd probably die if I ventured out."
Her tone sounded accepting of the reality.
Such strong acceptance of oneself, it would take a normal child years to achieve this level of peace.
"Arai, what about you? I'm sure you'll either run away from the palace or bury yourself in a sea of books," Mizuki teased with smugness.
"Do you think so? That's unfair to me. I'll work hard and inherit Father's position and responsibilities," I replied with innocence and sincerity.
Run away from the palace, huh? Tsk, is it that obvious? Still, even I have the right to escape!
"Oh, right! Your fifth birthday is coming up in two years and a few months. Get ready, Father says he's prepared a 'wonderful' gift for you."
A wonderful gift? I don't believe that for a second. Just look at that smirk on her face. I'd be a fool to trust it.
Hmph, it seems something unpleasant awaits me at this ominous birthday party.
Ugh, how annoying. This party will make me sick.
I hate social gatherings.
I hate them!!
...
Third-Person Perspective
N.M 9982/1/1
The orange plasma orb rose in the sky, heralding the dawn of a new day.
The breeze was warm, invigorating everyone it touched.
"Hey, you! Arrange those ribbons neatly!"
"You there! There's dust here, clean it until it shines!"
"And you! Your clothes are a mess. Do you intend to humiliate our mansion?!"
The Rolan Duchy Palace buzzed with activity, the sound of bustling servants echoing through every corner.
Today marked one of the most significant events in the palace.
Why?
Because it was Arai's fifth birthday celebration!
This day was monumental, not just because it marked the young master's birthday, but also because, in the Loclover Kingdom, birthdays were only celebrated five times in one's life: at the age of awakening; five; at fifteen; twenty-five; forty-five; and finally, on the day of their death!
But why was this particular birthday considered so crucial?
It was Arai's first public debut!
Nearly all the nobility of the kingdom was expected to attend. Some speculated that a prince or even the king himself might grace the event, owing to the contributions and prestige of the Roland family.
At Mizuki's fifth birthday, a few nobles had come to offer congratulations, but the number was nothing compared to the turnout expected for Arai's celebration. To call those past visitors "suitors" rather than "guests" would have been more accurate.
After all, the one who would inherit the duchy and the prestigious Roland title was Arai, as the male heir, not Mizuki. Being the Duke's daughter, Mizuki would receive a moderate allowance, some lands owned by the duchy, and a noble status upon Verdi's death.
Naturally, some coveted such assets. Moreover, marrying Mizuki presented a golden opportunity to establish familial ties with the powerful Rolan Duchy.
A union with her killed two birds with one stone!
Gazing at the ceiling, Mizuki sighed wearily and muttered melancholicly, "The responsibilities of nobility are so exhausting…"
Arai didn't respond, but he silently agreed.
He stood with his arms stretched out to the sides as a swarm of servants surrounded him, each with a specific task. Some styled his hair, others adjusted his clothing, and so on.
Arai was dressed in a crisp white shirt with a black necktie, black trousers, and a pair of long gray socks. Contrasting him, Mizuki wore an entirely black dress adorned with silver floral patterns and black feathers at its edges. A small black hat perched atop her head.
Her current attire accentuated her beauty magnificently.
Both Arai and Mizuki were worn out from the repetitive nonsense involved in preparing for the event.
Verdi didn't join them but shared their distaste for the ordeal.
Dance lessons… etiquette training… hunting skills… No, not the metaphorical type of "hunting," but actual animal hunting!
Arai had no desire to mingle with those aristocratic nobles.
He'd had his fill of flattery and empty courtesies in his past life as the heir to a technology conglomerate and the CEO of a pharmaceutical company. Participating in the banquet wasn't something he wanted, but he had no choice. He needed to present himself as a proper "nobleman."
After all, being born as a high-ranking noble wasn't the worst fate one could have.
...
"Arai, no matter what happens, do not align yourself with any faction in the struggle for the throne! The king may come with one of the princes. If that prince tries to lure you into his faction, refuse him without hesitation, but of course with diplomacy!"
"Our family is neutral in these matters. Remember that!"
Verdi warned in a stern tone.
"You're a smart child, so I trust you'll understand."
'As if I want to become a political pawn…' Arai shook his head internally but displayed a resolute expression and replied, "Yes!"
"Good."
Verdi gave a quick nod before turning to Mizuki. "Mizuki, if any of those spoiled brats try to force anything on you, you're free to deal with them however you see fit."
"After all, the honor of the Rolan name cannot be violated so easily! Let Arai or me know if you can't handle it yourself."
"Hmph! I'd like to see anyone dare to lay a hand on me." Mizuki scoffed disdainfully, as though she didn't even consider the nobles worth her time.
Over the past three years, Mizuki hadn't remained idle. She had decided to learn swordsmanship under Haist, the guardian of Roland Duchy.
"Even though I cannot use magic or mana, that doesn't mean I'll settle for being just another spoiled noble, right?"
That was Mizuki's way of thinking.
After training with Haist for some time, Mizuki demonstrated immense talent in swordsmanship, especially with her fluid and unpredictable movements. Her attacks were swift and almost impossible to anticipate.
"Such incredible talent, yet no mana? A pity, a true pity..." Even Haist couldn't maintain his usual calm in the face of Mizuki's skills.
The strangest part was her uncanny ability to conceal herself and her extraordinary agility, qualities that went beyond normal human limits. Because of this, Arai became certain that their mother's origins were far from ordinary.
To Haist, Mizuki was a rare genius capable of reaching heights neither he nor Verdi could ever hope to achieve.
One year ago, Arai failed miserably in Haist's test. But out of respect for his long-standing friendship with Verdi, Haist decided to give him another chance after the Awakening rite.