Once upon a time, in a land far, far away…

A narrative that was simple yet easy to understand. It left me invested in the characters and the plot during the time I was reading it. However, for some reason, the story of the book does not end on the last page. The conflict between the Astrean protagonist and the Traveller may be solved, but another problem was introduced at the final pages.

There is definitely something missing in this book that left me quite unsatisfied. Looking for the answers, I spot a few words on the spine of the book.

"What's this? Volume 1? Is there supposed part 2 of this thing? Who is the author and he thought this was a good idea? How cruel to leave a reader like that."

I tried to look for part two on the shelves, but there was none with the same title.

Since it is almost time for the party anyway, I left the library and return to my place. Maybe the next time I come back here; they will have part two of this book.

"Hey V, long time no see."

While I was imagining the things that would be happening next on the story that I just read, a troublesome person met me before I can reach the road to my home-- This is the last thing I want after my unsatisfying trip to the library.

The woman who recognized my face despite all this disguise is no other than Helena, the girl who kept accompanying me and Jackson when we were training at our young age. Just like what I am doing, she is currently wearing thick clothes to conceal her appearance in the public. She is the more popular ones, so I can understand her weird appearance.

But since we are alone in this passageway, she removed everything that hides her face.

Removing all those accessories have changed her appearance completely. Brunette short hair with a rosy complexion, she was still the same looking after three years ever since we last met. She really has grown to look mature during those times, but the childish atmosphere around her was still there.

"What are you doing here?"

"You were not invited to the party? How dare they didn't invite you. Where is Isaac? I need to talk to him."

"I am, but I hope I wasn't. If you're looking for Jackson, he's not here. I still need to prepare for the party, so shoo~"

"Wa! It's been a long time since you saw your big sister. You won't even invite her to your room."

"You're only two years older than me, and every Children is given a place to stay. So why do you want to go to the worst place among all Children."

"You're no fun… Anyway, I'm going back to also prepare. Don't you dare hide later in the party like you always do-- But If you do so, I'm still going to find you."

'how scary'

I did not bid her goodbye since we are going to meet again later, but I still got a smack on the head for not bidding her goodbye.

Now that annoying woman is gone, time to return and take a bath.

…

The sun was already setting, and people are preparing for the nightlife. But as expected, the busiest part of the city at this moment is the King's castle. With exquisite looking carriages filling the road in front of the castle, the most powerful people of the Kingdom are being guided by the attendants waiting for them. I cannot help but close my eyes when I entered the ballroom filled with dazzling lights and flashy clothes.

"This place is really too much anytime I see it."

"What are you whispering about, Vaughn."

I met Jackson along the way that is why we came here at the same time. We are slightly early, but a lot of people were already here chatting between their own groups.

The first thing you will notice when observing the people inside this room is that the people with sashes are clearly segregated with those who do not have one. Except for a few Children greeting some of the nobles of Astrea, you can barely see both groups discussing together.

This was a normal thing for us.

It is obvious that these nobles do not see us, Children favourably, especially those who were sitting on the highest position before we came here and took their place. I cannot blame them since we became the most powerful people in this world so quickly.

However, not everyone on their side has the bitter air surrounding them. Like Uncle Hank who took care of us since we were young, some of them still attempts to converse with the Children's group. The number who was on our good side was too little but still there, nevertheless.

It is a concerning although I could not care less about all of this because that is their problem. For now, I will take some food on the banquet table and sneak myself somewhere in the corner away from the bustling activities after I leave Jackson to a random group.

"Attention! The King has arrived."

The sudden arrival of people with trumpets has taken all the attention to the red carpet that was just laid out in this room. This fancy entrance was none other than the entrance for the most important person in this Kingdom, King Isaac.

"I'm glad every one of you was able to come here. I hope you will enjoy the simple party I prepared."

"We're lucky to have such a humble king."

"I'm blessed to be under King Isaac."

"Always with that grandeur entrance, Isaac."

I can hear a lot of praises from the Astrean nobles when Isaac entered the scene. If you want to remain on power, bootlicking the most powerful figure is one way to do it; and these nobles are just doing it effortlessly. The only people I saw greeting Isaac normally were my fellow Children and the Lords of each city.

Isaac never acts formally in front of us that is why we can easily call him by his name even though he is the king. He is always been the same kid that leads us into this unfamiliar world. The kid who always helps us when we encounter problems.

As much as how I am annoyed with him because he always wants me to visit him, he is always good to me so I cannot be mad with him except for some petty grudges.

Looking back at Isaac, he is greeting everyone he can before taking a seat on his designated chair. He was later than his usual, but I know that it was on purpose to have everyone in this room relax for the things he is going to say later. He gave about ten minutes before his majestic presence took the stage.