A Visit and an Offer

It had been a month since Tiberon returned home, and my father had sent a letter to the king with a detailed account of Tiberon’s kidnapping, his rescue, and the potential theory that demons might be disguising themselves as humans to divide us before conquering our lands. However, we had yet to receive any reply from the king—a fair reaction, considering the fact that Tiberon’s abduction and Queen Leona’s near-fatal wounds were our only evidence. Neither was particularly convincing proof of the existence of illusion or disguise magic.

I continued helping around town as usual while keeping up with my magic and sword training. Yet, a strange unease was beginning to set in. Times of peace felt as though they were starting to destabilize—if that even makes sense. My mind grew restless, wondering what exactly would become of this world, and whether anyone would be able to put an end to these tumultuous times. Normally, when tensions rose like this, a Hero would appear to save the day. But it was usually a summoned or reincarnated person who was chosen. If that were true, I dreaded what it might mean for me. Oh, how I wished that mysterious voice in my head would return and give me some kind of hint on what to do next.

That evening, when I returned home after helping around town, Father called me over and said, “Prepare yourself. It seems Tiberon did send a letter to King Candoria, detailing our discussions from a month ago. The king has summoned the rulers of the other human nations for an emergency conference, and we are to attend to share our side of the story as well. We depart for the royal capital tomorrow.”

Hearing that, I felt both elated and conflicted. It would be my first journey outside our domain—and for a reason that might very well decide the future of humanity in this world.

-----X-----X-----X-----

It took us about a week to reach the royal capital of Candoria. The journey was perilous enough, but what made me even more nervous was the thought of standing before so many royals at once. We were told that all five human kingdoms’ rulers would be present, each accompanied by their eldest prince or princess. There was King Thrain Ironthane and Prince Duric Ironthane of the Khazdrim Dwarven Kingdom, King Aelrindel Sylphorin and Princess Serenya Sylphorin of the Elvendom of Sylphia, King Alaric Greenwood and Prince Cedric Greenwood of the Kingdom of Silva, Emperor Darius Valerius Erelith and Princess Selindra Valerius Erelith of the Erelith Empire, and, of course, our own King Julian Leon Candor and Princess Amara Leon Candor.

Upon reaching the royal palace, I was asked to wait in the garden while my father explained the incident to the kings. He had already informed me that we would be disclosing my ability to compound magic and that I would demonstrate the illusion spell to earn their trust. While waiting by the fountain, I suddenly heard a chorus of laughter behind me. Turning around, I saw five children, all roughly my age of ten. I could only assume they were the princes and princesses I had been told about earlier.

The two princes walked side by side with completely opposite airs—one tall and carrying himself with authority, the other playful and mischievous. Behind them trailed three princesses: one holding a book close to her chest, another, the Elven Princess Serenya Sylphorin—whom I recognized—walking with a crown of daisies upon her head, and beside her, the Candorian Princess Amara Leon Candor.

When they spotted me, Amara stepped forward with a bright smile.
“You must be Alex Redcliffe, the one Father told us about. I am Amara Leon Candor, and it is a pleasure to meet you.” She then introduced the rest. “The easiest to recognize, of course, is Princess Serenya Sylphorin of the Elves. That makes the third princess, with the book, Princess Selindra Valerius Erelith. The taller prince is Prince Cedric Greenwood, and the playful one is Prince Duric Ironthane.”

“Oh, I am Alex Redcliffe. It is a pleasure to mi–mi…chuu….” I stammered, blowing my own introduction and drawing a hearty laugh from the group.

Once their chuckles died down, Princess Serenya lifted the daisy crown from her own head and gently placed it on mine. “No need to be so nervous. We’re not going to bite you,” she said warmly.

Prince Duric added with a grin, “And don’t worry. Your family might be fallen nobles, but we don’t care about that. Our fathers said you might be the most important person in today’s meeting, and I trust them.”

“Not to mention,” Prince Cedric chimed in, “the reason the House of Redcliffe became fallen nobles is actually quite admirable.”

“So let’s leave the formalities aside and just be friends,” Princess Selindra said in her calm, stoic voice.

“Thank you,” I replied, deeply appreciating their warm welcome.

Just as we were about to continue chatting over tea, a summons arrived, calling us inside for my demonstration.

-----X-----X-----X-----

Once inside, I bowed deeply and greeted the kings before proceeding with my demonstration.

“I will now demonstrate how one can layer magic and compound it into new spells, which brings us to the point that demons might be hiding amongst us,” I explained, then began my spellcasting. “MIST,” “GLOW,” and “REFRACT”—layered together and compounded into a new spell: “ILLUSION.”

Everyone, aside from my father, was astonished to see me compound magic with such ease, for none of them had ever witnessed such a spell performed in person.

Once the kings had calmed down, they exchanged glances with one another, then turned to me and extended an unexpected offer.

“Alex Redcliffe,” said King Candor, “next year, our children—whom you have just met—will begin their studies at the Candorian Royal Magic Academy. Would you like the opportunity to study alongside them?”