Another six years flew by, and I had grown older. I was now twelve years old. If there was one thing I was grateful for in this world, it was that only nobles could attend school. For the first time in my life, I was happy to be middle class.
That aside, I needed to start thinking about my future. By the time I turned eighteen, I couldn't let my mom shoulder the burden of paying taxes for both of us. I thought about using some of the inventions from my previous life, but only tower mages and merchants were allowed to invent things. If I attempted something similar, I'd either be executed or hailed as a genius. While the latter sounded appealing, the last thing I wanted was to draw too much attention to myself.
Deep in thought, I sat under the shade of a tree behind the inn. My mom interrupted me, her voice breaking through my daydreams.
"Why are you always sitting there, thinking like an old man?" she asked with a playful smile.
"I'm trying to figure out how to earn money before I turn eighteen," I replied. "I don't want to be a burden to you."
Her expression softened as she reached out to rub my head. "You're not a burden, Mordred. You're my son. It's my job to take care of you. You're still young—enjoy your childhood while you can." She placed one of her hand on her hip and the other on her chest, proudly declaring, "I'll take care of everything until you're ready."
I couldn't help but laugh. My mom tilted her head in confusion. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing," I said, shaking my head.
She gave me a skeptical look, then smirked. "You've always been weird," she teased.
"Am I really that weird?" I asked, feigning shock.
"A little too mature for your age," she admitted, "but it's what makes you more charming." She pulled me into a warm hug before stepping back. "Now, come inside and help me decorate. We have a lot to do for the Festival of twilight sovereign."
The festival celebrated the annual departure of King Odin to Eternis Citadel, where the monarchs convened for their mysterious yearly gathering. No one knew what the monarchs discussed or why they met, but speculation ran wild. Some believed they shared secrets of the ancient world, while others thought it was to maintain balance between their powers. Personally, I didn't care. All I wanted was to enjoy the festival's food, spend time with my mom, and focus on our lives.
---
Meanwhile, at Odin's Palace
In the grand halls of Stormspire Keep, Captain of the Valkyries, Kaelvar Drakthorn, stood before King Odin. The captain's imposing figure was adorned in intricate silver armor, and his eyes carried a mix of curiosity and duty.
"My lord," Kaelvar began, bowing slightly. "May I ask something?"
Odin, draped in a cloak of storm-gray and lightning patterns, nodded. "Speak."
"Why do you allow the people to celebrate your departure every year? They treat your absence like a festival," Kaelvar asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Odin chuckled, his laughter resonating like distant thunder. "Kaelvar, if you rule with an iron fist alone, your people will resent you. Let them celebrate. Let them vent. If it helps them release their frustrations while still paying taxes and obeying the laws, then I see no harm."
Kaelvar frowned. "But their mockery—"
"Is harmless," Odin interrupted, his gaze sharp. "A king who fears the voices of his subjects is no king at all." He stood, his aura of power crackling faintly in the air. "Now, is the carriage ready?"
"Yes, my lord," Kaelvar replied.
"Then let us depart. The citadel awaits."
As Odin left the hall, Kaelvar followed closely, his mind heavy with the enigmatic wisdom of his king. The storm above the palace began to dissipate as the royal carriage, pulled by thunder steeds, rolled out of the palace gates, carrying the Lightning King toward Eternis Citadel.
---
Back at the inn, I helped my mom hang garlands and set up lanterns. The aroma of festival food wafted through the streets, mingling with the sound of laughter and music. Unbeknownst to me, this ordinary day would soon change the course of my life forever.