Chapter Text
The capital of Eldoria was adorned in unprecedented splendor. The entire kingdom seemed to breathe as one, merging into the jubilant atmosphere of this momentous day.
It was the 10th birthday of Crown Prince Michael Kaiser, the pride of the royal bloodline.
People said it wasn't without reason. When Michael was just one month old, the appearance of the magic guild had shaken the entire capital of Eldoria for days. Everyone knew the Eldrenor Magic Guild was one of the most mysterious organizations on the continent. They were unrelated to the church or the capital, existing steadfastly with powerful, impenetrable barriers, independent in a valley 200 miles north of Eldoria. Their unexpected arrival at the palace had taken everyone by surprise, even the King and Queen were unaware of their coming.
"Michael, a very beautiful name. You are the nation's blessing," said the man cloaked in silver-gray, a purple gemstone pinned to his chest symbolizing his affiliation with the Tower. He reached out, placed a hand on the stomach of the peacefully sleeping infant Michael in his cradle, and cast a protective spell upon the boy.
The man gazed tenderly at the baby for a moment, then bowed to the two figures on the throne before turning to leave.
Years had passed, but no one had forgotten that event. Every year on Michael's birthday, starting from the southern city gate, the streets were densely lined with blue magic torches and countless other items like flowers and souvenirs. The atmosphere was vibrant and warm amidst the cold winter.
The blue light spread along the snow-dusted white road, winding its way straight to the palace like a galaxy manifested on earth. On both sides of the street, vendors displayed their wares, while many others stood watching the luxurious carriages of nobles roll by with sparkling, admiring eyes. The clip-clop of hooves blended with joyful laughter, creating a bustling symphony, a grand overture celebrating the Prince's birthday, which also coincided with the Christmas season.
The Eldoria Royal Palace resembled a giant lighthouse. From the outside, one could see its shimmering brilliance, as every window blazed with light from thousands of crystal lamps. The gilded dome sparkled under the faint moonlight, forming a halo of illusory light. The entire capital was immersed in light, leaving first-time visitors utterly mesmerized, as if lost in a dreamland.
Following the blue fire torches led to the grand banquet hall, more magnificent than any legend. The high ceiling was painted with murals of the founding kings, surrounded by thousands of star-like shining crystals. Massive marble pillars supported the vaulted ceiling, and between each pillar hung long, waterfall-like crystal chandeliers. Upon the red-carpeted floor, guests gathered merrily; all the kingdom's nobles had come to celebrate their esteemed Prince. Music resonated, the sounds of harps, violins, and chattering laughter creating a scene of breathtaking luxury.
No feast is complete without food. Long tables draped in white cloth lined both sides, laden with delicacies from North to South, from beyond the borders to local specialties whose mere names could astonish any commoner. This was testament to the immense favor bestowed upon the young Prince, who enjoyed the full love of his family and his subjects.
In the center of the grand hall, upon a golden-inlaid dais, Michael Kaiser sat between his father and mother. The 10-year-old boy wore a pristine white formal suit of some exquisite fabric, trimmed with gleaming gold thread. A royal blue sash adorned with sapphires lay across his shoulder, and a slender golden crown rested on his head. Though only 10, Michael exuded the aura of an exceptional prince, with sun-gold hair and summer-sky clear blue eyes. A mere glance from him was enough to make many hold their breath, as if drawn into the depths of a clear lake. These were the characteristic features of the Eldoria royal family.
Groups of people approached one by one, bowing and presenting gifts with blessings. The echoing well-wishes and the clinking of wine glasses added to the solemn atmosphere.
"May Your Highness's wisdom shine like the sun."
"May Your Highness enjoy enduring health."
There were many congratulations, many young ladies in pretty dresses blushing and hesitating, wanting to make his acquaintance, and no shortage of young noble sons wanting to befriend Michael. But the boy only offered polite smiles. Listening, then nodding, was the rule of courtesy, but Michael didn't spare any of them a second glance.
The boy sighed, his eyes wandering absently around the large hall, accidentally sweeping over a figure standing with its back to him.
By the large table displaying a ten-tiered strawberry cake stood an unfamiliar boy, waiting for a servant to cut him a slice. Michael was certain he had never seen any noble in the capital who looked like this. The boy was slightly smaller than Michael, dressed in a wine-red formal suit paired with a short black cloak draped over his shoulders. His collar was adorned with a drooping lace and silk red bow, secured by a large, mysteriously shaped brooch. He wore wide-cut black shorts, accented with wine-red ruffled lace at the hem, high socks with black leather straps wrapped around his thighs, and finished with platform boots. From head to toe, the boy's attire stood out starkly from all the other nobles in the hall. Who wore such somber colors to a birthday party? Moreover, no other noble had such strangely peculiar hair, brown shifting to purplish-red. Michael's curiosity was piqued, and he walked towards the standing boy, precisely because he was different, making the young prince curious and unable to look away.
As if sensing someone's gaze, Alexis felt a slight shiver and turned around (after, of course, having gotten his piece of cake), inadvertently meeting Michael's gaze. Alexis certainly knew who he was. The boy bowed in greeting as Michael approached, and Michael also nodded with a smile. The two boys, youthful in appearance, carried a solemn, proper demeanor not far from adults.
"I congratulate Your Highness the Crown Prince," Alexis's clear, soft voice rang out, just loud enough for Michael, standing two steps away, to hear.
"Don't call me that, it's too long. What's your name?" Michael smiled, stepping closer to the boy.
"Alexis Ness, from the Duke Ness family in the North," Alexis replied, still maintaining a respectful tone, while Michael muttered the name to remember it.
Just as Alexis was about to bow and take his leave (to eat the cake), Michael had already picked up a nearby plate of fruit and signaled for Alexis to follow him. The two children, one in white, one in black, sat in a corner of the banquet hall, eating and talking.
"Oh, Michael..." The Queen noticed the corner. She hadn't seen Michael for 15 minutes and had been searching for the boy amidst the crowd, but she never expected to see her son laughing and chattering happily with another boy.
Michael's bright blue eyes sparkled as he spoke with Alexis, his demeanor completely different from the earlier indifference. Alexis was the same; the seemingly gloomy boy now looked at Michael, his large, ruby-like round eyes clearly reflecting the figure of the boy opposite him. The two children talked and laughed. The Queen and the King, seated on their thrones, sighed softly and paid it no more mind. After all, Michael willingly making friends with someone else was a good thing, and even laughing and talking was an extremely good thing.
Suddenly, a trumpet sounded, a gust of wind swept into the hall, the floor trembled, and emitted a strange light. People moved aside, clearing a large space in the center of the hall. The stone floor parted, revealing a giant circle with ancient glowing blue characters, rotating slowly. A loud rumble echoed, and from within this strange circle emerged seven people wearing gray cloaks, each with a purple gemstone pinned to their chests.
The entire hall fell silent. The middle-aged man leading the group stepped forward, bowing respectfully to the King and Queen. The atmosphere grew heavy, so tense one could hear guests breathing or their hearts pounding.
"The Eldrenor Magic Guild..." a few people whispered to each other about the silver-cloaked group.
The middle-aged man, with long white hair nearly touching the floor, wearing a silver cloak and holding a golden staff, calmly walked over to where Michael stood in the corner. His gaze swept across the grand hall as if seeing through the souls of those present.
"I pay respects to the Sun and Moon of the kingdom, and to Your Highness the Crown Prince," the man looked at Michael with a benevolent face and a faint smile, his purple eyes seeming to see right through Michael.
"We thought you would come. Do what needs to be done," the King said, sitting down, looking towards Michael and the middle-aged man, his eyes vaguely wavering, veiled in a mist as if hiding something.
Michael was led by a servant to stand beside the mage. The man gently patted the boy's head, then closed his eyes, muttering ancient incantations no one understood. A faint light from the purple gemstone on his chest enveloped Michael. After a few minutes, he opened his eyes, smiled again, gently ruffled the golden-haired boy's head once more before reluctantly removing his hand.
"Future Emperor, Sword of the Kingdom, your strength will protect this realm. Michael Kaiser..." His resonant voice echoed throughout the hall. Many stared in astonishment at the small figure beside him, uttering a few disrespectful words.
"Meeting you today is my honor. You were born with the purpose of bringing blessings to the Kingdom. But, child..." He pulled Michael closer, placed a hand on his head, and a stronger purple light enveloped Michael once more.
"Not all paths will be straight. When the time comes, travel 200 miles south and find me, in the highest room of the tower. This is my birthday gift to you."
"Thank you, sir..." Michael widened his blue eyes, looking bewildered at the tall man, not understanding but still bowing in response.
Another great light appeared in the center of the hall. The man and his disciples bowed to the King and then vanished within the magic circle. The hall was once again astir, buzzing like ocean waves.
Michael was dazed for a moment before collecting himself, his eyes darting towards the corner, but Alexis was nowhere to be seen. That boy was no longer there. Michael walked, looking around, occasionally having to exchange pleasantries with people he passed, his heart restless and urging him to find the boy in red. Michael kept walking down the corridor until he saw a small figure perched precariously on the high balcony railing, gazing absently down at the garden behind the palace.
"Are you planning to jump?" Michael asked breathlessly, having rushed over.
Alexis shook his head, not even looking at Michael, heaving a long sigh as if burdened by a problem of national or even continental scale.
"It's too noisy up here," Alexis pointed downwards. Michael looked down and felt a shiver run through him.
"You want to go down there? I can take you; after all, this is my palace," Michael said eagerly, about to pull Alexis down from the railing, but the boy shook his head vigorously, showing no desire to.
"But this is the 3rd floor! Jumping down would be the end of you!" For the first time, Michael found himself trying to persuade someone. He felt that if he didn't convince Alexis, the boy might actually jump. Apart from being coquettish with his father and mother, Michael had never been like this with anyone else.
"Are you afraid of heights, Your Highness? If you are, close your eyes," Alexis remained seated, took Michael's hands, and gently reminded him.
The young prince didn't know what was happening. Before he could even close his eyes, he felt his feet leave the ground and hurriedly shut his eyes in panic, silently praying for safety.
When Michael opened his eyes at Alexis's call, the boy opposite was staring at him, patting his back. It took Michael a moment to calm down before he realized he was sitting on the lawn behind the palace, right under the snowy sky.
"That... was amazing..." Michael's eyes shone brightly, cheering happily as he looked at the boy before him.
Before Alexis could steady himself, Michael eagerly pulled him along quickly, talking and laughing, saying he would show Alexis his favorite thing in the palace.
"W-Wait, slow down, Your Highness..." Alexis was pulled until he felt dizzy, his wrist slightly sore from the grip, but he couldn't bear to spoil Michael's joy. Because his mother had said not to affect others with one's own mood.
So, even though he was panting and exhausted, he couldn't bring himself to stop, forcing himself to keep up with Michael's steps.
"Tadaaaa~ This is my greenhouse!" Alexis panted heavily, holding onto Michael's hand to steady himself.
Michael supported Alexis with one hand, while waving the other proudly, boasting about the palace greenhouse. Then he led Alexis inside, and the two children squatted before a bed of radiant red roses.
"Actually, I like the color blue, but my mother said roses don't come in blue..." Michael whispered to Alexis, while the other boy created a small ball of light in his hand to ensure they wouldn't get lost in the dark.
"Hmm..."
"Because blue roses can't occur naturally," Michael pouted, staring intently at the spot of light in Alexis's hand.
"So, do you want blue roses?" Alexis raised his ruby eyes, looking straight at Michael, who was looking down.
"Huh?"
Alexis casually plucked several nearby roses and placed them in Michael's hands, to the young prince's astonishment.
"Why did you pick my flowers?" Michael, who had never dared imagine such a thing in a thousand years – the garden he had ordered so many people to carefully tend, cherishing each flower – just watched as this strange boy he'd just met (alright, more beautiful than ordinary people too) plucked ten roses after just one sentence.
He just plucked them, just like that?
"You like blue roses," Before Michael could respond, Alexis placed his hands over the roses Michael held, closed his eyes, and muttered some ancient spell. The roses in Michael's hands turned blue as Alexis emitted a faint light, enveloping both of them in its glow.
Michael stared at the flowers in his hands, then at Alexis, who was now sweating profusely, looking back and forth several times until he was sure the flowers had truly turned blue. He jumped for joy, hugged the roses, then went to a nearby tea table to pour water for Alexis, who seemed exhausted from transforming the flowers for him.
Alexis took the cup, drank it all in one go, and then retrieved the ball of light that had been dutifully following Michael. He sighed and created four more light orbs in quick succession. Of course, these four also didn't follow him, instead hovering around Michael. Annoyed, Alexis decided to leave them be. These ungrateful brats, who created them anyway?
"Are you very tired?" Michael asked. Alexis shook his head, just a little tired, not dead yet.
The two boys talked for a while longer until they felt a significant amount of time had passed. Michael decided to pull Alexis up to return to the grand hall.
"I want to give you a gift," Alexis said firmly, looking at Michael, his pink eyes reflecting the tiny light of the fire orbs.
Michael didn't understand. He was still holding the ten flowers Alexis had enchanted; wasn't that a gift?
The strange brown-haired boy stood up, brushed the dust off the back of his pants, closed his eyes, and recited another ancient spell. This time, the light emanating from Alexis unintentionally made Michael unsteady. He instinctively grabbed Alexis's shoulder to keep from falling. A cool breeze swept past him, followed by the dazzling light of dozens of light orbs appearing everywhere in the greenhouse.
"W-What kind of magic is this...?"
Before Michael's eyes was a sea of blue roses, with light orbs floating in mid-air. Was this Alexis's magic? Wasn't it a bit strong for his age?
"No, it's very strong..." Michael muttered, his blue eyes brighter than ever, intently watching the scene before him.
Alexis beside him just stood with his arms crossed, looking at his handiwork as if it were the most natural thing, as if he had done it many times before.
"They'll maintain their blue color for a few years... I'm not sure exactly..."
"If we meet again in the future, I'll turn them blue for you again. Alright?" Alexis didn't pay attention to Michael's radiant gaze, just stared intently at the beds of blue roses he had just enchanted.
Actually, Alexis wasn't entirely satisfied.
A while later, the two finally left the greenhouse. The temperature difference made Michael shiver and complain of the cold. Alexis created another small fire orb, took Michael's hand, and placed it hovering above his palm.
Michael blushed with embarrassment. He was wearing trousers and a jacket but still complained of the cold, letting a seemingly frail child create a fire orb to warm him, while that boy wore shorts and a short cloak that only reached his arms.
The important thing was that Alexis never complained of the cold.
"This fountain flows too strongly; sometimes I get wet when playing. Then the maids say I'm mischievous and pinch my cheeks, while preparing bathwater for me," Michael chatted freely, telling his new acquaintance about the trivialities of his life, even though this new friend didn't seem very interested.
"Hmm, so it's all the fountain's fault?" Alexis frowned, and after a long moment, finally spoke.
"Ah...?"
Without waiting for Michael to continue, Alexis took off his gloves, placed them in the water, picked up a transparent ball of water, shaped it into various forms, and then threw a small dragon-shaped figure past Michael.
"Crack... Crack..."
Michael stared in horror at the completely frozen, rigid fountain; he could even hear the cracking sounds. Meanwhile, Alexis looked as calm as if nothing had happened, as if freezing the fountain was the right thing to do.
"What did you do?" – "Your Highness won't be scolded anymore. If the water is frozen, it can't get you wet."
So that was it.
But something felt wrong. However, Michael didn't care anymore because Alexis had already walked ahead, and now he was chasing after him (along with the fire orb and the water dragon).
They returned to the banquet hall after a long stroll, but the party was still ongoing. Many nobles had left early, but many others remained. Michael whispered secretly to Alexis, asking if he was staying in the castle or some mansion in the capital, but received a head shake.
"We don't like the capital. We'll depart for our territory soon."
Soon? Even thieves aren't in such a hurry! Thieves in the capital aren't this hasty!
The two boys, one in white, one in black, went from table to table, from the head to the end, eating all the sweets and savory dishes. The Queen watched the two boys standing by the cake table and couldn't help but chuckle softly. Michael didn't usually like eating those things. She looked contentedly at her son, who had finally made a new friend.
"Should we send Michael to that boy's family territory this summer?" The Queen looked at her husband sitting beside her. The man finally turned to look in the direction his wife pointed and nearly choked on his water, coughing a few times.
"They won't agree, my dear. The Ness family in the North..."
"Greetings, Your Majesty." A figure loomed beside the throne, smiling gently down.
"My youngest son, Alexis Ness. The boy is quite reserved and doesn't like parties..."
"Indeed? Haven't seen the Grand Duke invite the palace to the boy's birthday?" The Emperor waved his hand, signaling for the man to sit in the prince's chair.
"But when are you returning to your territory?"
"Tonight," the brown-haired man replied nonchalantly, narrowing his eyes with a smile. If he were an ordinary person, he would have been executed as an example by now.
"Even thieves aren't in such a hurry, Grand Duke," the Queen said, watching the two children eating fruit. She had noticed Alexis had already eaten two plates of strawberries and a bunch of grapes without showing signs of stopping. And her own son was happily playing servant to that boy, bringing every plate of fruit and any delicious item before the black-cloaked boy.
"The two children being close is a good thing, isn't it?"
"I don't know either, it's just..." The man referred to as the Grand Duke waved his hand, and a purple letter edged in gold appeared in mid-air.
"Alexis suddenly received a letter from the Magic Guild. I think I need to consider..."
"Getting into the Magic Guild is good. Alexis has talent. Don't keep hiding the boy in your territory like that; you can't hide him forever," the Emperor glared at the brown-haired man, his eyes nearly burning. Firstly, because of the unhappy black attire, secondly because of their control over their talented youngest son, and thirdly, probably because the man knew how to breathe.
"Too many opinions," the man rose from his chair and descended into the grand hall, approaching the two boys eating enthusiastically, and patted Alexis. It was time to go.
The Emperor and Queen also descended from their thrones, pulling their son behind them, and bid farewell to the two members of the Ness family.
"Can I invite him to my parties at the palace?" Michael asked his parents, blinking.
"I think that boy probably won't be able to come, son," the Queen reached out to smooth Michael's hair, then knelt to straighten the wrinkles on his clothes, sighing wearily, feeling sorry for her son.
To finally make a friend and then not be able to see each other for years sounded truly sad.
Alexis and his father returned to their territory three days after the banquet. The Duchess personally came to the gate to greet them. Unlike her usual joyful expression, today she looked somewhat panicked, her dress slightly crumpled in one corner from being clutched too tightly.
"Dear..."
"I know," the Duke waved his hand, helped Alexis down from the carriage, and they entered their castle.
A group of people in gray cloaks, each with the distinctive purple gemstone of the Eldrenor Magic Guild on their chests, immediately bowed in polite greeting upon seeing the three enter.
"Have you read the letter, sir?" the man asked with a benevolent smile, looking at Alexis, though the question was for someone else.
"Oh, don't worry, Alexis will be fine. I've looked into it."
"Yes, we will arrange things for Alexis," the brown-haired man finally relaxed, breathing a sigh of relief upon hearing the desired prophecy.
The Duchess pulled Alexis into her embrace, kissing him with deep attachment. She knew it would be a long time before she could see her youngest son again, once he went to the land in the South, separated from the territories across the continent, renowned as a mysterious region difficult to enter or leave. That's what the records said.
The Duke also bent down to pick up his son, kissed his forehead, and told him to take care of his health. Then he set the boy down and gently pushed him towards the group of mages.
Alexis wasn't frightened. He kept his head bowed until he felt someone pick him up.
"How did you use your magic, child?" the man asked gently, smiling at the boy. The kindness on his face made Alexis betray his own secret.
"I... I created a fire orb and accidentally set half a mountain on fire 70 miles away... But I didn't mean to! It was an accident! I put it out by creating a big cloud and made it rain for five hours straight to extinguish the fire..." Alexis stammered, his face flushed red, eyes brimming with tears as if about to cry.
"Marvelous, my child. Is that all? Anything else?"
"That's all..." – Yeah right, even with a knife to his throat, Alexis wouldn't dare say he enchanted the Prince's greenhouse and turned it into a "sea" of blue roses. Alexis knew his mistake. He felt extremely ashamed thinking back to what happened a few days ago, unable to believe he had exhausted himself using so much energy for someone he'd known for less than three hours.
Because the Prince's eyes were very beautiful, clear and brightening only when looking at Alexis, making the boy want to keep those eyes shining happily forever. And it was best if they only looked at him, those beautiful eyes should only look at him.
Also because Michael was very handsome, just like a prince from a fairy tale stepped out, Alexis liked him very much, really wanted Michael to be happy...
So a sea of blue roses was nothing. If Michael liked them, he'd even dare to turn the entire royal garden solely blue with blue roses, the flower Michael said he loved so much.