Six years had passed since I began hunting monsters and unlocking new cards. With each victory, I grew stronger, and now, at ten years old, I had finally decided to take the next step in my journey: becoming an adventurer.
With all the confidence I could muster, I burst into my father's office. Duke Mont—blue-haired, red-eyed, sharp, and dignified—was the epitome of power. Yet, this same man, feared across the Varnis Empire, was also the doting father who struggled to say no to me. It was almost unbelievable.
"Dad," I began, standing tall, "I want to become an adventurer."
He froze mid-sentence, his pen slipping from his hand. His red eyes widened, and for a moment, I thought I saw panic flash across his face. "W-what?" he stammered, his usual composure cracking. "Sweetie, say that again. I must have misheard you."
I crossed my arms, my resolve unwavering. "Dad, I said I want to become an adventurer. Whether you like it or not."
The color drained from his face. Before I could say another word, he had summoned the entire family—my mother, my brother, and even my grandfather. My declaration was met with silence as their jaws dropped.
"Aria!" my mother finally burst out, wrapping me in a tight hug. "How can you even think such a thing? Being an adventurer is dangerous! It's not a life for someone of your status—or your age. Please, don't talk about such reckless ideas."
I groaned, stepping away from her embrace. "Mom, I've been training for years! I'm strong enough to handle myself. I'm not asking for permission—I'm telling you what I'm going to do!"
"Strong?" my brother Dean scoffed, crossing his arms. "Aria, just because you've fought a few weak monsters doesn't mean you're strong enough to survive out there. You've been sheltered your whole life! You don't know the reality of what's out there."
"You don't think I know the risks?" I shot back, glaring at him. "I've been fighting monsters on my own since I was four. I've unlocked powerful cards, and I know how to use them. Just because I'm young doesn't mean I'm incapable!"
Dean's expression hardened. "This isn't some fantasy you read in a book, Aria! People die out there—good, strong people. Do you really think you're invincible? Do you think you're special?"
"Yes!" I yelled, my frustration boiling over. "I've worked hard for this! It's not like I'm going to inherit the duchy. Let me choose my own path!"
My mother stepped in, her voice sharp and trembling. "Enough, Aria! This is not open for discussion. You are a Mont—our family has responsibilities, traditions. Running around the empire, hunting monsters? That is not the life we raised you for."
"But it's the life I want!" I countered, tears threatening to sting my eyes. I'm not asking to abandon the family—I'm just asking for one year. One year to prove I can do this. If I fail, I'll come back and be the noble lady you want me to be. But let me try!"
My father, who had been silently watching, finally sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine," he muttered reluctantly, "just for a year. But—"
"No!" my mother interrupted, her voice trembling with desperation. "Absolutely not! My daughter is not going to risk her life for some…some childish dream!"
"Childish?" I whispered, my voice trembling with frustration. "This isn't childish, Mom. This is my dream—my goal. Why can't you trust me?"
"Because you're just a child!" she cried, tears welling in her eyes. "You don't understand the pain of losing someone you love, Aria. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. Please, honey, don't do this."
Her words hit me harder than I expected, but I shook my head. "Mom, I understand. I do. But I'm not going to die. I've prepared for this."
Grandfather, who had remained silent, finally spoke, his tone stern and measured. "Enough of this emotional chaos," he commanded, silencing the room. His sharp eyes locked onto me. "Child, if this is truly your wish, then tell me—how do you plan to navigate the empire? The Mont family's red eyes are unmistakable. Wherever you go, people will know who you are. How will you manage that?"
I smirked and reached into my pouch, pulling out the Two of Hearts card. "With this," I replied confidently. Snapping my fingers, I tore the card in half. In an instant, my fiery red eyes turned emerald, green, my blond hair became jet black, and freckles appeared across my face.
The room fell silent as they stared at me in shock. Even my mother, who always had something to say, was rendered speechless. My father gaped at me in disbelief, and Dean looked as though his world had just been turned upside down. Grandfather nodded slowly, his expression unreadable.
"This," I said, gesturing to myself, "is disguise magic. I unlocked this card when I was eight. I thought it was useless back then, but now? It's perfect.
My father sighed again, finally breaking the silence. "You never fail to surprise me, Aria," he said softly, though his tone was laced with exhaustion.
After more heated discussions and tearful protests, they finally agreed to let me go. As night fell, my mother quietly entered my room, her face etched with worry.
"Aria," she said softly, sitting beside me, "are you absolutely sure this is what you want?"
I nodded firmly. "Mom, trust me. I won't die. I'm strong—really strong. You don't have to worry about me."
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gently stroked my hair. "Aria, sometimes I wonder if you're really just ten years old," she whispered. "Please, honey, promise me this—promise me you'll eat well, sleep well, and come visit us for your birthday and family occasions. I need to know you'll be safe."
I reached out, wiping away her tears. "I promise, Mom. I'll eat, sleep, and visit. I won't let you down."
Without another word, she pulled me into a tight embrace, and I clung to her just as fiercely. For that moment, it was just the two of us, sharing a bond that no adventure could ever break.