The snowstorm outside was relentless, blanketing the world beyond the Nyx estate in a sea of white. Inside his room, Arius was seated at his desk, poring over an ancient tome. The glowing runes etched on its pages seemed to pulsate with a life of their own, each one a mystery begging to be unraveled.
Arius traced the runes with his small fingers, his crimson eyes narrowing as he pieced together their meaning. (A language of power and intent,) he mused, his lips curling into a faint smirk. (Far more interesting than the dull grammar lessons from my past life.)
Despite his maturity, his young body often reminded him of its limitations. His hand ached from writing, and he had to resist the urge to rub his temples as fatigue crept in. (I'll need to pace myself. A child's body can only do so much before giving out.)
He leaned back in his chair, glancing at the parchment filled with his interpretations of the runes. They glimmered faintly under the light of the enchanted lamp. It wasn't just academic curiosity driving him—there was a thrill in discovering the unknown, in testing the boundaries of what was possible.
A soft knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. "Come in," he said, his voice calm but curious.
The door opened, and Conrad entered, carrying a tray of tea and biscuits. The boy, six years older than Arius, was always hesitant in his presence, as if unsure how to interact with someone.
"I thought you might need a break, Master Arius," Conrad said, setting the tray on the table.
"Thank you," Arius replied, offering a small nod. He observed the boy for a moment, noting the nervous fidgeting of his hands. (He's intimidated, but why?)
"You don't have to be so stiff around me, you know," Arius said, his tone lighter. "I'm not going to bite."
Conrad blinked, then gave a sheepish smile. "It's not that, Master Arius. You're just...different. Smarter than most kids I've met. It's a little intimidating."
Arius chuckled softly, though the sound carried a hint of bitterness. (Different. That's one way to put it.)
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The Duke's Office
In his study, Duke Nyx stood by the grand window, his golden eyes fixed on the falling snow. Behind him, Becky stood with a composed expression, though the weight of her words was evident.
"The rumors have spread further, Your Grace," Becky said, her voice steady but laced with concern. "They're saying Arius is the result of...an affair."
Duke Nyx's expression didn't change, but his fingers tightened around the goblet in his hand. "And the source of these rumors?"
Becky shook her head. "My spies have yet to identify them. Whoever they are, they've been careful to avoid detection."
The Duke turned, his imposing presence filling the room. "Rumors are a dangerous tool in the wrong hands. Have them silenced, Becky. I will not tolerate such insolence."
"Yes, Your Grace," she replied, bowing slightly. But she hesitated before adding, "What of the boy, my lord? It's only a matter of time before he hears of this."
Duke Nyx's gaze softened for the briefest of moments. "Arius is stronger than anyone give him credit for. He'll endure, as he always has. But for now, keep this from him. Let him focus on his studies and training. This is a burden he doesn't need to bear."
Becky nodded, her gray eyes filled with resolve. "As you command, Your Grace. I'll ensure no one within the estate speaks a word of it."
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Arius's Room
Back in his room, Arius had abandoned his desk for the floor, where an enchanted orb hovered just above the ground. Its glow pulsated in time with his breathing as he practiced mana control, a skill that required both concentration and finesse.
(The Duke says I'm a natural,) Arius thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. (But even naturals need to train. Talent without discipline is meaningless.)
He raised his hand, focusing his energy on the orb. The light grew brighter, responding to his intent. But as he reached for more power, the strain on his young body became evident. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his arms trembled slightly.
(If only I'm a little bit old enough...) But he quickly shook the thought away. Self-pity wasn't going to change anything.
The orb flickered and dimmed as a knock on the door interrupted his focus.
"Come in," he called, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.
Conrad stepped inside, looking hesitant as always. "Master Arius, Duke Nyx is calling for you in his office."
(What is it this time....) Arius thought but reluctantly filled Conrad to go to the Duke's office.
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The Duke's Office
Duke Nyx paced the length of his office, his golden eyes fixed on the crackling fire. He had spent the past hour reviewing Arius's progress reports from his various tutors. The boy was a prodigy, yes, but something gnawed at the Duke's thoughts.
(He's pushing himself too hard.)
The door creaked open, and Arius stepped inside. His silver hair gleamed under the flickering candlelight. "You called for me, Dad?" he said, his voice steady, though his tired posture betrayed his exhaustion.
The Duke gestured to the chair opposite his desk. "Sit down, Arius."
Arius obeyed, sitting down. "If this is about the report from my etiquette tutor, I can assure you—"
The Duke raised a hand to silence him. "This isn't about your lessons." He studied Arius for a moment, his gaze softening. "You've been doing well. Exceptionally well, in fact. But you're overburdening yourself."
Arius tilted his head slightly, feigning confusion. "I'm simply fulfilling my duties. As a member of the Nyx family, I should—"
"You're five years old, Arius." The Duke's voice was firm but not unkind. "I understand your maturity and talent. But even the strongest blade can shatter if it's pushed too far."
Arius looked down at his hands, his small fingers fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve. "I don't want to be weak. I don't want to experience anything I've experienced back in the orphanage. I can't afford to beweak again."
(That damn orphanage....) Duke Nyx thought with a bit of anger. "You're not weak," the Duke said, his tone softening. "You won't experience anything you experienced in the orphanage, far from it. But strength isn't just about skill or knowledge. It's also about balance."
Arius frowned. "Balance?"
The Duke leaned back in his chair, his expression gentler. "Yes. Balance between your responsibilities and your childhood. I've noticed you rarely take time to relax or enjoy yourself. That's why I had toys brought in for you. I had hoped you might find some joy in them."
Arius blinked in surprise. "Toys?"
"Yes. They're in the playroom. You're free to use them whenever you wish." The Duke paused, then added, "You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, Arius. Not yet."
Arius hesitated, his mind racing. (Play?) It was such a foreign concept now. In his past life, he had long since forgotten the joy of carefree moments.
The Duke seemed to sense his inner conflict. "I'm not asking you to give up your studies or your training. I'm simply asking you to take a moment for yourself. Trust me, even I take time to relax now and then."
Arius gave a small nod, his voice softer this time. "I'll… think about it, Dad."
"Good." The Duke stood, resting a hand on Arius's shoulder. "You're doing more than enough. Don't forget that."
As Arius left the office, his mind was awhirl with thoughts. The idea of playing felt absurd, yet a part of him couldn't deny the curiosity bubbling beneath the surface.
To be continued.....
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New Character(s)
Conrad (Arius's playmate/studymate)
Age: 11
Height: 144 cm
Appearance: Short brown hair, hazel eyes, tan skin, with a round face and a nervous demeanor. Wears simple but clean attire, often carrying tools, trays, book and sometimes helping out Arius with things.
Characteristics: Shy, diligent, loyal, eager to please, cautious, a bit clumsy but well-meaning, observant.
Hobbies: Assisting in daily chores, reading fairy tales when no one is watching, sketching small drawings on scraps of paper.
Dislikes: Being scolded, cold weather, feeling inadequate, and loud voices.
Arius and Conrad had met when Arius got lost during a shopping trip with Duke Nyx. Arius ended up liking Conrad's company, and as a result, Duke Nyx took Conrad in, not just as a servant, but also as a playmate and study mate for Arius.