Ashborn would be turning five in just a few days. After becoming the youngest in history to gain control over natural energy, his name had already spread across the continent.
Today was a big day—his official debut as a noble. Nobles from all over the empire were coming to introduce themselves in hopes of forming good relations with the DragonHeart family, including the emperor himself. But what truly excited Ashborn was the chance to finally meet other kids his age. Maybe, just maybe, he'd make a friend today.
The banquet preparations were grand. Ashborn, not one to sit idly by, even helped the maids and butlers, going as far as building a vacuuming robot inspired by cleaning machines from his previous life. The robots were an instant hit, selling out their first batch of 2,500 units within a week and spreading throughout the empire.
As carriages arrived one by one, each more extravagant than the last, nobles stepped out in their finest attire, hoping to impress the DragonHeart family. For them, this was more than just a banquet—it was a chance to secure favor with the strongest family on the continent.
"Ashborn."
Gray DragonHeart called out to his son, who was dressed in a finely tailored suit, a silver-Black dragon emblem stitched onto the left side of his chest pocket—the proud symbol of the DragonHeart family.
"Son, today is important. Keep your head high and don't mind the stares."
"The stares?" Ashborn asked, confused.
"Not everyone comes with good intentions," Gray said, his tone serious. "You'll understand soon enough. Just trust your instincts, and don't waste time on those who don't deserve it."
Ashborn nodded, understanding the weight behind his father's words. He had already heard about the two-faced nature of nobles from the maids.
"But," Gray added with a grin, "if anyone gets too persistent, don't be afraid to slap some sense into them."
His voice was loud enough for the nobles waiting outside to hear. A shiver ran down their spines, making some reconsider attending.
"Yeah... I'm not doing that," Ashborn muttered, slightly embarrassed.
Gray laughed. "Alright! Time to head in."
The butler's voice echoed through the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, the DragonHeart family has arrived!"
The family entered, dressed in the finest silks and adorned with precious jewels.
"Look at that dress! She's wearing the Feather Fairy today—I'm so jealous!" one noblewoman whispered, admiring Feronia's elegant gown, intricately designed with shimmering gemstones that mimicked the beauty of a fairy's wings.
Gray stepped forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present my son and heir—Ashborn DragonHeart!"
Ashborn confidently walked onto the stage, where a massive crystal stood at its center. The ceremony required nobles to showcase their magical aptitude by channeling mana into the crystal. The intensity and color of the glow would determine their elemental affinity and overall potential.
Placing his hand on the crystal, Ashborn released his mana. The crystal's glow intensified, shifting through every color at once before—
CRACK!
The crystal shattered into pieces.
"Huh?!" Ashborn blinked, stunned. "Why did it break? I didn't even use half my mana!"
A deep, boisterous laugh erupted from Gray. "Hahaha! See? I told you! You can't measure a dragon's mana with a puny crystal!" He turned to the emperor with a teasing smirk. "What now? That was your crystal, wasn't it?"
The emperor remained silent, swallowing his embarrassment.
Feronia sighed, massaging her temples. "He's at it again. What a headache."
"Why does Dad always do that?" Ashborn asked, slightly embarrassed.
Feronia shook her head. "Honestly? I have no idea. Maybe he just enjoys keeping the emperor in check."
With that, she grabbed Gray by the ear. "Ow! Ow! Wait, honey, the fun just started!"
"Sorry, everyone, we have urgent family matters to discuss," Feronia said before dragging him out of the hall and slamming the door behind her.
Ashborn sighed. "There he goes, getting into trouble again."
"Even the strongest man is weak against his wife." A familiar voice chuckled from behind.
Ashborn's eyes widened. "Grandpa! You're here! Finally!"
The Elf King smiled and lifted Ashborn into his arms. "Haha, you've grown taller."
Ashborn was about 130 cm now, quite tall for his age.
"Don't forget me now, kid!" A deep voice called out.
Ashborn turned to see a tall man dressed in black, his aura familiar but his appearance completely different.
"Uncle Amaya?" he asked hesitantly.
Amaya grinned. "Good! Now come here and give me a hug."
Ashborn ran up to him, hugging him tightly. "How did you do that? Aren't you a dragon?"
"Of course. It's called Polymorphing," Amaya explained, still smiling.
"I thought you weren't coming?"
"Well, let's just say your mother wasn't too happy with me after our last duel." Amaya chuckled, remembering the three-hour lecture from Feronia—and the ten-hour one from his wife afterward. "But I couldn't disappoint you."
The banquet was lively, though the DragonHeart family paid little attention to most of the nobles, only entertaining a select few.
Needing a break from the crowd, Ashborn stepped outside into the garden, enjoying the quiet night air. But what he saw next would stay with him forever.
A girl, about his age, flew across the sky, sitting on a broom. Her long silver hair shimmered under the moonlight, and her deep red eyes sparkled like rubies. For a brief moment, their eyes met.
And then, she was gone.
Though the moment was fleeting, her image was burned into his mind.
A strange sensation stirred in his chest.
"Huh…!?"