Asia's Perspective

"I bet that Arata kid doesn't have skills like mine, eh?" Arel bragged as he swung his sword around at a speed only possible by achieving internal mana control.

"Yup, you're the best," I spoke with no emotion in my voice. It's easier if I just agree with whatever he says or if not he'll just continue talking without shutting up. Although his nasty attitude toward Arata does get me on my nerves at times but I force those feelings down.

It's been two weeks since the royal banquet ended as well as the last time I saw Arata. I wish he were here instead of Arel. "What's wrong princess? I came all this way just to see you yet you don't look happy."

Of course I'm not happy!! "I'm fine," I answered while looking up at him. Hm? How can I get away? "Actually, I'm feeling kind of sick," sick of you.

"Ah? Illness you say? Nothing that my healing magic can't fix," he said, standing proud. "Where is the discomfort?"

"You know what. . ." I began to say, hesitant to finish the sentence due to his narcissistic personality. "You should just go. . . I want to be alone."

"What?" he spoke, his brows furrowing just like every other time before he'd lash out. "Is this because of that Arumani kid? Ever since you met him you haven't been acting as yourself," he pointed out.

Yeah, because with you I can't act like myself. "It's not about him!" I exclaimed. It's totally about him. "I'm just. . . Not feeling myself today."

"It's not about him, huh?" he repeated. "Then why? On the day of the Royal Banquet didn't you choose to dance with me?" he asked. "I stood there waiting to take your hand but you walked past me and left me there humiliated," he spoke, with despise in his voice.

"You had to lower yourself in order to ask him for a dance. That's not very adequate for someone of your status," he continued. "And all for him to look miserable about it. . . I mean, did you see his face? Everyone could tell that he wasn't having a good time.

"He doesn't consider you a friend. You just cling to him for no reason. It is clear that he doesn't want anything to do with you. So just forget about him. . . And continue to watch me instead," he finished.

"NO!!!" I yelled out, not meaning to. Hearing his words I could feel a slight constriction in my chest as my eyes began to water. "You're. . . Wrong," I said, not having the confidence to look at him.

"Am I?" he questioned. "Why is it that he, despite your claims of being friends, hasn't visited or sent a single letter?"

"Just. . . Leave me alone," I said, my voice shaky.

"Fine if your wish is to be alone then so be it," following his words he bowed down and said, "Goodbye princess." Looking down at his feet I saw him turn around and walk away.

Having his back turned I finally raised my head and stared at his back. This is why I didn't want to see him. . . Things always turn out like this. He tells me mean things until I cry. Then makes it sound as if it is my fault and I end up feeling bad about just being me. I thought as tears escaped my eyes.

Deciding it was pointless to just stand here and cry, I turned around and headed inside the castle. When I first meet him I thought that maybe we could be friends but I quickly realized that wasn't possible. . . He only wants to hang out with me because it'll only bring him more attention.

I made my way back atop the terrace, one of the few places in the castle that was devoid of people. Looking around I confirmed that no one was in the area and so I concentrated my mana and fired off small electric shoots.

I wonder if what Arel said is true. . . Does Arata really want nothing to do with me? I thought as my emotions died down. Why can't I just be happy? Father. . . I miss you. . .

"Lady Asia?" a familiar voice called. Having unexpectedly heard this, my body stiffened. Turning around I saw a familiar face who wore a confused expression. "What sort of magic was that?"

Oh, no. She saw. And her of all people. "Miss Dorothy!" I spoke, a bit nervous due to her presence. "What are. . . You doing?" I asked, captivated by her midnight blue hair as well as how beautiful she looked in her black uniform.

Miss Dorothy or I should call her by her full name, Dorothea Marrolquen, is a Marshal. The highest military rank that anyone in this kingdom can receive. And also she's of the demon race.

There is no particular reason why she's here. All the Marshals are free to come inside the castle and roam around as they please since their mere presence serves as a shield against any threat. She served as a guard in the Royal Banquet too.

"I saw you crying and wondered what was wrong so I followed you," she explained, her voice soft as she lowered herself down to my level. Since she's already pretty short a slight bend of her upper body was enough to reach me.

"Well, I'm fine now," I told her, showing a smile. "See?"

Letting out a sigh her expression turned serious. "I've told you many times before. . . Don't cover up your pain by pretending to be happy.

You know that I'm always here to listen to your problems," she said locking eyes with me while placing her hand on my shoulder. "So? Tell me what's bothering you."

Hearing her soft-spoken words I couldn't bring myself to resist any longer. Having taken a seat I then told her about my relationship with Arel as well as Arata. Then mentioned how Arel said that Arata didn't want to be my friend.

"Arata Arumani," she spoke, in wonder. "So that's the name of the boy that you danced with at the Royal Banquet," hearing this I felt my lips curve up into a smile as I recalled that moment with him.

But then, Arel's words rang clear in my head. . . It is clear that he doesn't want anything to do with you. . . And Immediately, my mood changed completely. "I've heard that people don't think much of the poor kid due to his father's reputation," Dorothy pointed out.

"I know that, but. . . Do you think what Arel said is true? That Arata really doesn't want to be my friend?" I asked, eager to hear her answer.

Letting out a sigh her attention shifted forward as she thought about the answer. "From what I've seen, Arel is a very talented kid and due to that, he turned into a very self-centered child. . ." she spoke, looking back down at me. "Now, I've never met Arata so I can't give you a proper answer regarding him. You'll have to talk to him yourself about that."

"But maybe," she continued. "Judging by the way you acted toward Arata made Arel view him as some kind of threat to whatever egotistical goals he has in mind. And he is now trying to keep you as far away from him as possible," she explained.

"He. . . Wouldn't really do that?" I questioned, finding it hard to believe. "Would he?"

"You mentioned how much you enjoyed spending time with this Arata boy. But as you can see Arel tried to put you against him. Which just goes to show that he doesn't have your best interest in mind. He doesn't care whether you are happy or sad. All he cares about. . . Is himself," she added.

Hearing her words, I found it difficult to form a response. "Alright, if that is true then what should I do?"

"That is for you to decide," she said, having her arm around my shoulders. "But. . . If Arel's words really bothered you that much just go talk to Arata. I'll even be willing to take you to him myself if you really feel the need to," she joked, showing a smile. However, that attitude quickly changed. "I really shouldn't be telling you something like this so please be sure to keep it between us."

"Got it," I replied. I'm not dumb, I know when to keep my mouth shut. But. . . She's right. I should go talk to Arata and confirm that Arel's words were just a lie.

"Now. . ." Dorothy began to say, her expression changing as if our whole conversation had never happened. "Would you kindly show me that strange magic you displayed earlier?" she asked, showing an innocent smile.

"You. . . Saw?" I asked, knowing I had no way out of this.

"You didn't think I'd notice, huh?" she replied, her smile widening.

"Alright," I said in defeat. "Here it goes," concentrating my mana I shot out a lightning projectile. In turn, Dorothy seemed a bit surprised that I was able to perform something like this.

"Lightning, eh?" she questioned, looking intently at me. "So, how and when exactly did that happen?"

Knowing that I couldn't resist her I began to tell her everything that Arata told me. Most of what had Arata explained to me at the time slipped my mind due to his complicated wording. So my explanation was incomplete.

"You know I have to tell your grandfather," she said after a long moment of silence. Having heard my words she didn't question or deny a thing.

Dorothea's Perspective

Lady Asia's revelation was nothing more than unexpected. So after showing it to the king as well as the rest of the royal family I could see that they were surprised to see it as well.

Once everyone had cleared the room I stayed behind only to see that the King seemed sort of happy. "My king," I bowed down. "As you've heard, lady Asia's breakthrough was caused by the boy who resides in the Arumani mansion.

"This is not a case of simply being special born and possessing special magical abilities with no real source of origin

"This is an actual method that could be practiced and learned. If what the princess said is the truth, we could train our mages to learn this magic so that our army can grow stronger.

"The explanation Lady Asia provided lacked the adequate information needed to properly replicate the technique. And so, with your permission, I could bring in the boy for questioning?" I said. "And of course, it is all for the benefit of our kingdom."

"Hm?" the king let out, deeply pondering my words. Finally, locking eyes with me, he spoke, "You have my permission. . . Bring him here to the castle, question him, and make sure you are not seen by anyone. Whatever you discuss must stay an absolute secret until we can confirm his words aren't a lie," he instructed. "And be warned. . . No harm shall come to that boy."

"I understand," I replied. With one final bow, I exited the throne room. Time to go get my lazy partner.

We know Asia isn't special born because she's ten years old. That's way past the age for that phenomenon to take place. Also, her mana levels aren't as high or as pure as that of a special-born kid.

Plus, I've known her since she was a baby. So for her to be able to perform such a feat means that her words must hold some level of truth.

Since her father's death, she bottled up most of her feelings and rarely opened up to anybody. So I decided to give her some space and keep tabs on her from afar.

I know well that the Arel kid was raised with too much greed due to his talent. And that alone is a reason for him not to be considered a good ally. Let's hope that this Arata boy is different.

I already had my eye on him ever since I first saw him at the Royal Banquet. The reason for that is because what kind of boy, a human at that, would have such a high pool of mana?

"Luther!!!" I exclaimed, finding my partner asleep in his room. Us Marshals have the privilege of calling the Royal Palace a home. There are even grand rooms prepared just for us.

Letting out a sigh, he spoke, "What?" his voice hoarse. Luther Luttersworth is a talented human not only skilled enough to be granted the title of Marshal but worthy enough for me to call a partner.

"Come with me we got a mission from the king."

Arata's Perspective

"Stop being picky just eat the whole thing!" I exclaimed while looking at how Hanna picked off various vegetables from her sandwich. "Not even Mia is doing that."

Right now we are having a picnic in our backyard. The maids prepared us a basket full of sandwiches that Hanna is wasting. "Shut up, Arata!" Hanna replied. "Mind your own business!"

"Well okay, you must be having one of those days," I mumbled. In turn, I received a death stare from Hanna which made me go stiff. "N-Nothing!" I said quickly while grabbing a wrapped-up sandwich.

Looking around I saw Theodore, Nina, Hanna, and Mia. All of us were outside hanging out together. Knowing this, I kind of felt at peace as a smile formed on my face.

Then, unwrapping my sandwich, I took a bite. In that single bite, my expression turned from happiness to disgust. "Bleh," I let out. As I examined my food I noticed something. "Eww, are these. . . Onions?" I said out loud as I picked them off and threw them away. "How could such a horrendous thing pass as food?"

"Aha! And you're telling me not to pick out my food!" Hanna mocked. "But look at you!"

"Well, I'm sorry, I'll eat any other thing as long as it's not onions," I replied. "I'll just get a different one," I said, setting down my old one and reaching for a new one.

"Arata doesn't like onions, noted," I heard Nina mumble.

Looking down at the new sandwich that I grabbed I noticed it was unusually long. This must be a bread roll. I thought as I opened it and took a bite. "Hmm, crunchy. . . I like it!" I said.

"Arata likes crunchy, noted," mumbled Nina, again.

"Ohh! Lemme try!" said Hanna before quickly leaning her head down to take a bite. "Mmm! It really is good. Give me more!" she said taking another bite and another.

"Whoa! Whoa! Leave some for me!" I said, moving my hand away. "I'm hungry too," I told her to which she only pouted in response. Switching my attention to Theodore I asked, "Is yours good?"

"Hm," he let out with a shrug of his shoulders. "I like it," he answered before continuing to eat.

"What about you Nina?" I asked as I noticed hers had a different bread.

"Well, mine has this sweet taste to it. It's almost as if the bread was covered in honey," she explained.

"That. . . Sounds quite good actually," I replied, looking at her intently at her food. I do like sweet food.

Noticing my stare Nina spoke again, "If you want. . . You can have some," she said awkwardly, looking away from me as she raised it.

"I mean, sure. . . If you don't mind," I replied finding the urge hard to resist.

"I. . . Don't mind," she spoke then held it out in front of my face. "Please, take a bite."

"Alright. . ." I said as I swallowed my own drool. Leaning my head forward I took a bite. Feeling the soft bread against my lips as well as the contents in between I realized that it really was sweet. "Hm! It's good," I mumbled, looking back up at Nina whose face grew bright red. "Thanks."

Without another word, she quickly nodded before taking her seat. As she did, I noticed her looking closely at the part which I bit. Did I soil her food with my boy germs? Well, whatever, it's her own fault for offering to begin with. "Arata likes sweet, noted," she mumbled once more.

Having finished our little picnic we headed back inside. Passing through the back door we entered the living room where our parents as well as Brian and his wife rested. "Yoo, Arata," said Leon. "What's up?"

"Arata," I repeated slowly.

"What's wrong?" asked Leon with a tilt of his head as he waited for me to answer.

"It's been on my mind for some time now but I never really got the chance to ask. . ." I began to say. "Why did you name me Arata?" I asked. In turn, he just stayed silent. "I-I mean, don't get me wrong I like my name it's just that. . . It's so different from others, you know," I added, thinking my words might have offended him.

"Yeah, I get why you'd be curious," Leon said, waving off my words. "I first heard the name back when I traveled to the Azriel kingdom. . . It was a story I heard about some legendary hero and. . . I don't know, the name just kind of stuck with me," he answered.

"Really?" I said. The Azriel kingdom. It is located on a giant island east of this continent. "Well, that's all I wanted to ask-"

As I finished my sentence my words got interrupted by the loud noise of some kind of glass breaking. "Atticus!" Brian, his father, exclaimed.

Looking in his direction I notices little baby Atticus had dropped a glass cup. He is three years old if I'm not mistaken. Back when we first moved into this house he was just a baby but now he seems to be walking around just fine.

As both Brian and his wife made sure he wasn't hurt Nina walked up to them. "Can I watch him for a little while?" she asked.

"Go right ahead," replied Brian with a simple, glad to leave his child in someone else care. It's not that he hates his kid or anything he's just probably a little tired.

At that, Nina reached down and picked him up from the ground. "Is he okay?" I asked, nearing Nina.

"Huh!" she let out, startled as I snuck up behind her. "Y-Yeah," she answered, seeing it was me.

Just then, Nina must have held Atticus in an uncomfortable manner as he wiggled in her arms. "Careful!" I exclaimed, reaching out and catching both Atticus and Nina's fall.

"You okay?" I asked. Having turned her head up we locked eyes, our faces being a little too close. We just stood there neither of us saying anything as we stared at each other.

"Aww, you guys look like a married couple," joked Creon. By the way we stood, both Nina and I holding the baby together, he came to that conclusion.

At his words, Nina's face boiled up completely. Turning red as she then left running. "Wait! Nina!" I called out. "Take the baby with you!" I said while holding Atticus in my arms. Letting out a sigh I stared at Creon. "Did you really feel the need to say that?" I asked, my tone implying that he should know better.

"I just call it as I see it," he replied, showing a smirk while shrugging.

Walking over to him I spoke, "Here, hold him for a second," and then placed the baby in his lap. Unaware of my intentions he didn't question my actions. "Bye, bye, uncle!" I said and immediately took off running.

"Damn you, boy!" he cursed. "Come back!"