The sun had just begun to set when Kael stood awkwardly in the grand hall of the Alvan family estate.
The air was filled with the scent of expensive perfume, roasted meat... and noble expectations.
Around him stood people he was supposed to recognize—an uncle with a wide smile, an overly friendly aunt, and cousins who greeted him with enthusiastic waves. But to Kael, all those faces were strangers.
> "Deep breath. Don't look like an idiot."
A hard pat on his back almost knocked him forward.
> "Kael, my boy! You've grown taller—but still so skinny, huh?"
A big man with a booming laugh—apparently, his uncle.
> "Uh… thank you?" Kael forced a polite smile.
A gentler voice followed.
> "You might not remember us, Kael... I'm Aunt Lisea, and this is my son, Ronan."
A boy his age bowed quickly.
> "Nice to see you again... I guess?" Kael scratched the back of his head.
His grandmother came up next, pinching his cheek.
> "Poor thing. Lost your memory... Don't worry, dear. If you forget how to eat, grandma will feed you."
Kael's face turned red.
> "I... still remember how to eat, you know."
Light laughter filled the room. Strange as it was, the warmth of the family made things feel lighter.
But then, the atmosphere changed.
As if on cue, the Duke's family entered the hall with elegant steps.
Irelith walked slightly ahead of her parents, her posture flawless. A dark blue gown flowed around her, and her expression remained composed and unreadable.
The Duke nodded once toward the Alvan family members, his gaze sweeping the room like a general sizing up his troops.
The Duchess, on the other hand, smiled gracefully, radiating noble dignity.
Everyone stood a little straighter. Even Kael subconsciously adjusted his posture.
> "Let us begin," said the Duke. His voice was firm, but not forceful.
People began taking their seats in a wide circle. The nobles and relatives found their places, while Kael and Irelith were gently ushered to the center—like pawns placed in the middle of a royal chessboard.
---
> "As you all know," the Duke began, "the engagement between our children was arranged long ago—to strengthen the bond between House Alvan and House Veir."
> "Kael may not remember it," added Lady Reina gently, "but the promise still stands."
Kael glanced at Irelith, who gave him a small nod. Cold, but not meaningless.
> "I don't mind," Kael said, even surprising himself. "Even if I don't remember... I trust my family's decision."
Several older nobles nodded in approval. The Duke's eyes narrowed slightly—as if testing the sincerity of his words.
> "Good," the Duke replied. "Because a great storm is approaching."
Silence fell over the hall.
> "News from the western border," he continued. "The Kingdom of Vardain is facing an internal rebellion. The city of Esthal has fallen."
Whispers rippled through the room.
> "The rebellion... is it spreading?" someone asked.
> "For now, it's contained," the Duke answered. "But the kingdom fears it may spark chaos in neighboring provinces."
> "That explains the recent military movements," Kael's father finally spoke.
> "Exactly," said the Duke. "Which brings us to the next matter. A high council meeting has been scheduled in the capital. All noble houses are summoned."
> "When?" Lady Reina asked.
> "One month from now."
The room fell silent again. A meeting in the capital was never just a formality—it was a sign of change.
> "This meeting," the Duke added, "will determine how we respond to the rebellion—and perhaps… who will rise, and who will fall."
Kael felt a pressure he couldn't quite name.
He was no longer just a student. He was a noble. A piece in a game he didn't yet understand.
> "One month? That's not much time…"
---
The gathering ended with nods, wine, and polite laughter. But tension still lingered behind the courteous smiles.
That night, Kael sat alone on his balcony.
Then, Irelith appeared—quiet as the night itself.
> "You handled today rather calmly," she said, leaning against a column.
> "Really? I felt like a leaf blown by the wind."
> "Leaves may fall," she whispered, "but the wind can carry them far."
She turned, spinning her teacup slightly before gazing at the sky.
> "Maybe it's time I return to my room. Or… do you want me to stay here tonight?" she added with a teasing smile.
"Why not?" Kael replied, laughing.
She blushed and left without another word.
Leaving Kael alone to stare at the stars again.
> "She's really… seven years old?"
> "This world waits for no one. So I won't stay still either."
---
A few days after the family gathering, the Alvan estate returned to its usual calm—at least on the surface.
But Kael knew something had shifted.
Each morning, he trained harder. Not just sitting and channeling mana, but standing in the training yard, gripping a wooden sword, sweat pouring down his face.
Magic lessons with Elmond continued, though shorter now—most of the family's attention had shifted to politics and military matters.
> "Have you started understanding the mana flow patterns?" Elmond asked, watching a small fireball spin above Kael's hand.
> "A little… But why does it feel harder every day?"
> "Because you're going deeper. It's not about power anymore—it's about control."
In the afternoon, he trained swordsmanship with one of the family instructors. His movements were still stiff, but his determination was sharp.
> "Only when you can strike with intent to kill will I say you're ready to hold a sword," the instructor barked.
Kael clenched his teeth and kept swinging.
Days passed quickly.
---
A week later, the Alvan family departed for the capital.
Kael stood on the front steps, waving to his father as the carriage pulled away.
> "You're not going?" asked Irelith, standing beside him. She was the only one from the Duke's family who hadn't left yet—she'd be leaving in three more days.
> "They said… it's not my time yet."
> "It's not. But if you want to survive in this world, grow up fast."
Kael nodded slowly. He knew—the capital wasn't a place for the unprepared.
---
Three days later, news arrived.
And it wasn't good.
The rebellion in Vardain had spread. Small cities had begun to revolt. The borders were weakening.
And Kael's father... didn't come home.
> "Lord Alvan went straight to the border. The main force is marching toward Fort Yeral," reported one of the guards.
Kael's mother stared at the letter delivered by a magical bird.
> "He'll remain there until things stabilize."
> "So… he's at the frontlines?" Kael asked quietly.
His mother nodded. "You know your father. He won't run from war."
Kael was silent for a long time.
> "This world really is changing… and fast."
---
Every night, Kael sat alone on the same balcony, staring at the same sky where he once spoke with Irelith.
But now, that sky felt wider… and heavier.
> "If everyone's preparing for war… then I can't just sit around either."
With clenched fists, Kael stood up.
Tomorrow morning, he would ask Elmond to train him in intermediate magic—seriously this time.
Because if the world was going to burn... he wouldn't just stand by and watch.