The next day...
3 major events are going to take place today.
First, the coming-of-age ceremony of Elenor and all the other kids who have reached the appropriate age.
Secondly, the predicted arrival of the Gothel kingdom's delegation for the merging of the tribe with the kingdom.
For these two events, the entire village was in a hurry preparing for these events.
And finally.....
"Don't miss me too much, kiddo. Also try not to cry when you get rejected!"
"Just shut up and get going already!"
Today is the day Abby is going home which is in the Livia empire. If you look at this from a certain angle, she is quite the bigshot in the empire. But her annoying face always makes me forget about it.
"Don't forget to give my present to big sis Elenor"
"I won't. Just get going. Those guys are waiting for you"
Luca said while looking at the two guys waiting for it. The presence they were giving off was no joke. It's as if he was standing in front of ginormous beasts.
"Let us depart, young miss" One of the guys said while extending his hand toward her.
"Yes" Abby's attitude took a 180 degree turn and she started like some noble lady of a influential family.
"Say hi to Ronald for me" Dad said while looking at another guard.
"Yes sir"
Abby then looked at us one last time and looked toward dad with a serious expression.
"Uncle, please be careful about negotiating with the kingdom. In the first place, I really don't trust in this merging talk. This is too suspicious"
Abby was genuinely worried about this peace talk. She wanted to mentioned this before but couldn't find the right time.
looking at her like this, I really find it hard to believe that she is just 7 years old.
"Don't worry, we will have our guard up. Also, don't you believe in your uncle?"
Yeah, that's right. Even in the empire, dad can be counted amongst the strongest people in there. He could have taken a place there but came back in order in give the tribe people a place amongst the common people.
Abby also looking somewhat satisfied gave a nod to the guard. The guard then started chanting something and a magic circle appeared below them.
Oh! Didn't I tell you? Well it should be quite at this point of time but this world contains many mysterious powers. Magic, ether, ki, reki etc.... the list keeps on going but using this powers can manipulate the laws to their desire.
Like this guy here is making a teleportation circle in order to directly reach their destination.
Well, let's talk more about it some other day....
"I'll send you letters through my familiar so you better answer them!"
"Yeah, yeah, so just go already"
Giving one last smile to Luca, the circle lit up completely and Abby and the others disappeared with it.
'Damn, that girl is high maintenance'
"Now then, let's get ready for the ceremony!"
Everybody started going their own ways to complete their unfinished work.
Luca also went to in order to give finishing touches to his gift.
****
It was nightfall...
In a open space which was supposed to be the children's playground, a temporary stage was set up.
The path to the stage was filled with precious flowers and gemstones indicating the importance of this ceremony.
Today, the kids participating in the ceremony will have their arcane soul unlocked which would decide their future career path....I think.
And yeah, this is a Ingrid tribe thing. Others races can't do this. This is what makes us different from other races.
While others have to study which path and decide their career path, we directly awaken our talent and usually our clan children are far more talented than other clan's not that I am bragging or anything....
Well anyway, the children are adorned in flowers exclusively grown in our clan which can be used by elders to stimulate their soul.
Luca then join the other children of his age who are standing there with their gifts for their brothers and sisters. But everyone has a separate gift ready for Elenor.
"What did you prepare for sis?"
"Sweets from me"
"A handkerchief"
"I prepared flowers"
"There are too many flowers already here. I prepared a giant sword for her. As expected, my gift is the most awesome!"
".....Can she even lift it?"
"..." A kid who realized his mistake fell into a spiral of depression. Others felt a little bad and started consoling him.
A girl saw Luca approaching hiding something behind his back.
"Luca, what did you prepare?"
"Nothing special..."
Luca hid his gift securely so that nobody could see it.
The kid who was dejected snapped out of it and started laughing loudly.
"Hahaha, Luca! It seems your gift seems even more worse than mine"
"Yeah, yeah, it's the worst. Now, go away"
"Aww, don't be shy. Let us take a look"
The kid then jumped on Luca and snatched a doll made by him.
When others saw it, they were left speechless. The doll was delicately detailed down to the last strand of hair. It was even painted beautifully. If this was a human-sized statue, anybody could mistake it for the real Elenor.
"Luca, who made this? Was it brother Jeff? I don't think even he can make something this amazing"
"Was it from a artesian from outside the village?"
Everybody were starring at Luca waiting for a answer.
".....made it"
"Say it loudly. We can't hear you"
"I made it! Happy now?!"
Luca exclaimed it loudly. He was quite embarrassed to admit it. He thought the other kids would make fun of him, but he still wanted to give Elenor something special on this meaningful day.
But the reaction of the other kids was something he didn't expect.
"Are you for real?"
"Did you really make this?!"
"Y-Yeah, why?"
"Why, you ask?! This is amazing! Sis will love this!"
"Luca, you're amazing. Can you make mine too?"
"Well, this is way better than a guy who bought a giant sword as a gift. Seriously, even giants can't lift that!"
The girl's words were like sharp swords stabbing the kid's little ego.
He is now sitting in a corner getting a reality check.
The girls only had one thought in their mind,
'He deserved it!'
Even the girl who wanted to give some cookies to the kid just downright ignored him.
Now the girls only had their eyes on Luca.
"Soo...will you make us a doll?"
Luca who thought he would be embarrassed now seemed quite smug about his achievement.
"Of course. But you have to wait for your coming-of-age ceremony"
"Whaaaaaat??"
"Don't be so petty!"
"I guess we have to grow up faster now"
Luca then saw that the kid was still depressed and called him.
"I'll make you one too so stop sulking already"
The kid was Luca as if he was looking at his lover.
"My darling Luca! I'll follow you forever!"
"Eww! Get off me"
"Congrats Luca. You found a wife for yourself!"
Everyone starting laughing at this situation and wished Luca for his 'bright' future.
But at that time, Luca didn't realize that he won't be able to fulfill his promise...