RESOLUTION

Five years have passed.

I'm ten years old now. Today will be my debut to the world.

This world doesn't have the custom of celebrating birthdays every year. However, there are a few age milestones that are considered important: when one turns 10, 15, and 20.

Basically, you’re considered an adult at 20 years old.

We held a small party where nobles from neighboring countries came to celebrate my birthday.

In Dragonia, there are no nobles other than us—the royal family.

Even though it was my birthday party, most of the guests naturally flocked toward Leonhart.

It was to be expected—I'm not the heir to the throne, and Leonhart had just turned 25 this year, the perfect age to start seeking a fiancée.

Only human servants were assigned to serve our guests today. Our dark elf and beastfolk servants were sent home early.

Society still holds deep prejudice against dark elves and beastfolk.

Dark elves are shunned even by the elves themselves, mainly because they possess even greater mana capacity—despite elves already having one of the highest among all races.

The Beastfolk are a subspecies of the Therians. From what I recall, Therians have more animalistic appearances, while beastfolk look mostly human but have distinct animal features.

Interestingly, Therians tend to look down on all other races, believing themselves to be superior.

Humans, on the other hand, seem to be jealous of all the other races.

I got sad thinking about it.

“Good evening, Prince Caelum,” I heard someone call out my name.

A man in his late thirties with snow-white hair stood before me, accompanied by a young girl.

“It’s nice to meet you. My name is Baron Ardan Vulkrone from VULKRONE TECH,” he said, bowing politely.

VULKRONE TECH is the company that pioneered the use of Aether. They develop most of this world’s technology and own the majority of the mining rights.

I remembered my teacher’s lessons about nobility.

Some countries still retain a hierarchy beneath the royal family—titles like Baron and Count.

A Baron isn’t a title that’s given lightly; you must make a contribution that significantly impacts the nation.

A Count, on the other hand, is a title reserved for those who do something “for the greatest benefit to Noveterra.” It’s kind of like a Nobel Prize.

“Hello there,” I said. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

He presented me with a black velvet case. Inside were several aether crystals and a sword handle.

(It looked like a toy.)

“What is this?” I asked

“A prototype created by my company. I’d like to give you our very first model.”

He inserted his chronosphere into the sword handle. A shimmering energy blade materialized.

“We figured out how to harness the true power of the chronosphere.”

Then, to my surprise, he bent the handle—and it transformed into a gun.

(No way!)

“We already know that Aether is dangerous if left unchecked. But when used properly, it can become a powerful weapon.” he said.

“You use the chronosphere to activate the dormant magic within the aether. That allows for instantaneous spell conjuration—no need for visualization.” I quickly closed my mouth.

He smiled. “Yes, that's correct, Prince Caelum. I'm surprised you figured out the theory just by looking at it.”

“Oh no, it was just a lucky guess,” I said, trying to hide the fact that it was similar to my own chronosphere.

He handed the prototype to me.

“Prince Caelum, it would be an honor if you were the one to use our first prototype. Consider it a small token of friendship.”

“Uhm….” I hesitate

I may not know much about politics, but I could sense the implications.

I mean, giving a one-of-a-kind weapon to a ten-year-old? It felt like a gift… but something about it made my heart ache.

Just then—

“There you are, Caelum. I’ve been looking all over for you,” came a familiar voice.

Baron Ardan did not smile and said “Good evening, Prince Leonhart.”

“Baron, how are you? I don’t think that’s a suitable gift for my little brother,” Leonhart said flatly.

“Don’t worry. I’ve tested it myself. It’s safe in the hands of a second prince.

Even though our interactions were limited, he's very smart—a genius, perhaps.” Baron Ardan said

I didn’t like the tone he used while looking at Leonhart.

“If you’ll excuse us, it seems my little brother is tired.” Leonhart said while smile at me.

(What I not tir—oh, you mean—)

“Yeah… it’s been a long day. I’d better go,” I said, quickly following Leonhart.

As we out of Baron Ardan earshot and view. Leonhart speak to me.

“You need to be careful around Baron Ardan, Caelum.” Leonhart said to me with a worried look.

“You two know each other?”

“You could say that.” Leonhart said while avoiding looking at me.

“He wants me to be the heir, doesn’t he? That’s why he’s trying to give me the prototype.” I said knowing that some people want to use me. I was in denial of it but it looks like I can’t escape it.

“I’m sorry you got involved in this.” Leonhart said

“People already flock to you and ignore me—that’s fine. But why does everyone keep choosing my future for me?” I said in a disappointed tone. “I just want to live my life freely.”

“I know it's tough. But that's what it means to be royalty. Even if some decisions make people unhappy about it. Believe me I know” He said in sad tones in the final words

“What did you do?” I asked.

Leonhart ruffled my hair and said “It doesn’t matter.”

Leonhart then smiled warmly.

“Just remember Caelum, doing what’s right isn’t always easy, especially when everyone is against you. But the difference between right and wrong… it’s not as unclear as people pretend.”

Then he stood up and walked away.

The party continued as if nothing had happened.

The next day

My magic lessons had progressed to practical use.

“If you activate the Water and Heat spells at the same time, what happens?” Selene question me

“You create fog.” I answer

“Correct. Go ahead and try it.” Selene said while feeling proud

We were now creating effects through combining spells in specific sequences.

This was called [Fusion Magic].

The magic system in this world is kind of like science.

By using certain spells in a specific order, one can replicate natural phenomena.

“You okay, Sparkle?” Selene ask

There was a brief silence before Selene put me in a headlock and gave me a playful noggin. “Come on, as your master, I command you to speak your mind!”

“Wait, what? Why? I’m the prince!”

“Well, too bad. I’m your master. Now speak up!” She said not letting me go.

“Okay, okay!” I said, and she let me go.

“It’s just… I like my life as it is now, but I forgot I’m still the second prince. Even if I don’t want the throne, I can’t escape from it.”

“I see.” She nodded in understanding “You wanna know something about me sparkles. People can’t bear me. I usually get kicked out within a day. That’s a new record. Normally, it’s a week—or five days at best.”

“You’re bragging about how much of a genius you are, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am! I have the bragging rights”

She stepped closer. “What I’m trying to say is, life happens. It’s messy, unfair, and out of our control. But that doesn’t define you. And you, Caelum… you’re the second most oblivious, and the kindest person I’ve ever met. So don’t be afraid of where life takes you.”

I smile

“That is the first time you ever said my na-”

She quickly ruffles my hair.

“Don’t get use to it sparkle or I'm gonna evoke my recommendation.”

“Recommendation? For what?”

She smile and said

"Camelot Institute, the most prestigious Guardian Academy in Novaterra."

She then goes to her teacher mode.

“As you know, every nation has a Warriors Academy that trains them for war. Larger nations have Guardian Academies—but only a few accept non-human races.”

She then continued "Camelot Institute is the oldest Guardian Academy of them all so they doesn't require high social standing or pride and accept of various races."

I am happy that Selene believed in me.

But I still just wanted a peaceful life.

I thought for a moment.

I definitely don’t want to be a warrior, the equivalent of a soldier in this world.

I want to live a normal life.

But I need to face the truth about myself. I’m not a normal person.

I’m the second prince. Even though I don’t want the throne, I still have responsibilities as royalty.

And what better way to learn about the world… than becoming a Guardian, the equivalent of an adventurer in this world?

“Master, I want to be a Guardian.”

“Are you sure?”

I nodded.

Selene smiled warmly.

“All right. Since I’m almost out of things to teach you... let’s discuss your graduation.”

...Graduation?