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Prelude II

"This is a world where magic is everything."

In the vast and prosperous land known as the Clover Kingdom, magic is not merely a tool—it is the foundation of life. From birth, every human is blessed with the ability to use magic, and a person's status is defined by the strength of that magic. Power, wealth, even self-worth—all hinge on magical capability.

But in this world filled with light and hope, shadows lurk beneath the surface. A sharp divide exists between nobles—born with immense and limitless magic—and commoners, often looked down upon for their limited abilities.

Every mage, upon reaching adolescence, is summoned to the Grimoire Acceptance Ceremony. There, they receive a grimoire—a magic book that strengthens and guides their growth. Grimoires bear the clover insignia: three leaves for faith, hope, and love. But it is said a four-leaf clover brings luck. And if there is ever a five-leaf clover… within it dwells darkness.

My name is Kyros Kira Clover.

I inhabit the body of a seven-year-old child. A prince of the Clover Kingdom.

But not just any prince—a low-born prince. A child from a political marriage, scorned by the royal court. Though royal blood runs in my veins, my position in the hierarchy is at the very bottom.

My father's name is Augustus Kira Clover. He hails from the House of Kira. From the memories of this body, he is an arrogant, foolish, weak, and envious man—inferior and self-obsessed. He praises himself while belittling others. A terrible king, and an even worse father. A wretched man.

My mother was named Selena Elmir, a low-ranking noble from the baron class. She had long white hair and ruby-red eyes. Because of her beauty and magical prowess, Augustus made her queen—but only in name. Selena felt nothing for him. In fact, she despised him. But she couldn't defy the royal family, or her entire bloodline would be executed.

Selena bore me—Kyros—and raised me with unconditional love, even as the king ignored us. He never once visited.

The court never accepted us. I was treated as an illegitimate stain, a nuisance tolerated only because of my bloodline. Servants mocked me behind my back. Nobles scoffed when I entered a room. My magic was untested, my presence unwanted.

Then came the rumors—spreading like disease. That Selena had a secret lover, that I was not the king's child. Selena said nothing. She simply poured her heart into raising Kyros.

But one day, she was found dead. Officially, a suicide.

But I—Kyros—overheard a conversation between the king and an unknown man. It was planned. A murder.

Grief. Rage. Hatred.

Kyros wanted revenge.

But he was powerless.

No one trained him.

He was abandoned. Isolated in the palace.

Bullied by servants. Ignored by nobles. Ridiculed by siblings.

He was royalty only in name. A prince in title, not in treatment.

After that… everything went dark.

Then I arrived.

Though I entered a body devoid of a soul, I felt its lingering emotions—hatred for the king, and a deep longing for Selena. It didn't hinder me… and yet, somehow, it did. I could control this body—it is mine now—but at times, when I think of those two, my rationality weakens.

Interesting.

I decided to let it be. I've never truly hated anyone. I've never loved anyone either. I understand preference and aversion, but hatred and love… they run deeper.

For now, I'll allow those feelings to coexist.

Because maybe, in this new world of magic and deceit… they might be useful.

And this world still has no idea what I've become.

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