The Second and First Princes

That Evening, Under the Golden Sunlight...
The royal courtyard was bathed in golden light that afternoon.Kairu, a four-year-old boy burning with passion, stood tall while holding a wooden sword— a gift from Iris, his maid and caretaker who had been by his side since birth.
“Okay! I’ll do it!” Kairu shouted, eyes sparkling with determination.
He gripped the wooden sword tightly, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. In his mind, he recalled Iris’s words.“Come on… I can do this. Channel the mana… into the sword…”
Slowly, a warm sensation wrapped around his small body. The air trembled softly. A faint golden light began to glow— but strangely, a dark shadow started swirling around him too.
“Eh…!?” Iris widened her eyes in disbelief.That aura— a mix of light and darkness— was almost impossible. Even adult mages rarely managed to balance such forces, let alone a child of four.
The wooden sword in Kairu’s hands began to tremble, then shone brightly, as if it was no longer mere wood— but a blade forged from his own power.
Kairu opened his eyes, his face lit with joy.“I did it! Iris, look! I did it!” he shouted proudly.
Iris froze. Her heart raced, her lips parted but no words came out. After several seconds, she whispered in a trembling voice,“Your Highness… this is… impossible. How could you…?”
But Kairu only smiled innocently, completely unaware of how extraordinary his power was. He lifted the sword with enthusiasm and turned to Iris eagerly.“Now! What should I do next, Iris!?”
Iris took a deep breath and shifted into stance. Her face was serious, though a faint smile played on her lips.“Now… try attacking me.”
Kairu’s eyes sparkled again. “Alright then… I’ll go first!”
With a small shout, he dashed toward Iris and swung his sword with all his might. But Iris simply stepped aside lightly, dodging with ease. In an instant, she countered with a gentle slash.
Kairu was startled but instinctively raised his sword to block.“Hehe! I blocked it!” he said proudly.
He tried to counterattack, his movements surprisingly fast for a child— but Iris was still quicker. With one graceful step, she dodged, making Kairu lose his balance.
Blip!Iris flicked her finger right onto Kairu’s forehead.
“Ouch!!” Kairu fell back, rubbing the red spot on his forehead with a pout.“Why’d you have to flick me!? That hurts!” he complained.
Iris held back her laughter and smiled gently.“That’s punishment for being careless. If this were a real battle, you’d be defeated already.”
Kairu still pouted, but his eyes glowed with burning resolve.“Tomorrow I’ll win for sure! I’m not gonna lose again!”
Iris sighed softly, then smiled. Her heart trembled seeing the boy’s spirit. She patted his head with warmth.“Just wait until you turn ten… I’m sure by then, you’ll be able to defeat me.”
Kairu’s eyes widened with hope. “Really!?” he asked excitedly.“Really,” Iris replied softly.
He leaned forward, his expression innocent yet full of faith.“You’re not lying, right?”
Iris closed her eyes for a moment, then smiled sincerely.“No, I’m not lying.”
A bright grin spread across Kairu’s face. His determination burned stronger than ever.
As the sky turned orange, a gentle wind brushed past them, carrying the chirps of birds flying home. The last rays of sunlight reflected off the wooden sword still firmly held in Kairu’s hands.
Iris gazed at the boy silently and whispered in her heart—“This little prince… will one day become someone truly great.”



That Night, in the Royal Dining Hall...
That night, the royal dining hall glowed warmly under the crystal chandelier. The aroma of luxurious dishes filled the air.
At the grand table sat King Alden, Queen Elenora, the first prince Canzy, the second prince Eryon Nijima, and the youngest, Kairu. The servants stood neatly by the walls, ready to serve at any moment.
King Alden turned to his youngest son with a gentle look.“My son, is there something you wish for?” he asked softly.
Kairu paused from eating, then looked up, his eyes sparkling with excitement.“Father! I want to travel around the world! And… I also want to master all kinds of magic!”
The hall fell silent. King Alden blinked, surprised by the size of his little boy’s dream. Queen Elenora covered her mouth— her face a mix of pride and worry.
Then, a loud laugh burst from Eryon.“Hahahahaha! Don’t be ridiculous, Kairu!” he said, slamming the table. “You’re just a snot-nosed kid! How could you possibly master all magic!?”
He sneered mockingly. “Even when you grow up, I bet you’ll still be weak! Hahaha!”
Kairu gripped his spoon tightly, pouting— but instead of fear, his eyes burned brighter. He stood up sharply, his chair screeching across the floor, drawing everyone’s attention.
With small but steady steps, Kairu walked toward his brother. His face was tense, but courage radiated from him.
“If you’re going to look down on me…” Kairu said firmly, “…are you sure you can defeat me?”
Eryon raised an eyebrow, then smirked.“Heh, you think a brat like you can beat me!?”
Kairu stopped right in front of him, his gaze unwavering.“Try me if you dare… but remember, victory’s already in my hands.”
“Why, you little brat!!” Eryon shouted, swinging his fist.
Thud!But before the punch could land, it stopped midair. Canzy, the eldest brother, had caught Eryon’s hand easily.
“That’s enough, Eryon,” he said coldly. “Don’t lay a hand on our little brother.”
Silence returned. The servants lowered their heads, Queen Elenora looked anxious, while King Alden observed quietly— as if testing his youngest son.
Canzy then turned to Kairu.“Kairu… you can’t defeat Eryon.”
Kairu glared back, his voice filled with protest.“Why!? I can! I definitely can!”
Canzy sighed, his tone calm but firm.“Listen carefully. Your brother isn’t ordinary. Eryon has already mastered three elements— fire, water, and lightning.”
Kairu froze, eyes widening. “T-three elements…!?” he muttered in disbelief.
Eryon smirked arrogantly.“That’s right. So don’t ever dream of catching up to me, Kairu. I’m the true heir!”
Queen Elenora looked even more worried, and the servants whispered softly among themselves.
But Kairu clenched his fists tightly, his young face burning with determination.“In that case… I’ll train even harder! One day, I’ll surpass you, even if you have three elements!”
His voice echoed through the grand hall. Everyone’s eyes turned toward him.
At last, King Alden spoke, his sharp yet intrigued gaze fixed on his youngest son—as if seeing the spark of something far greater within the boy.