The capital city was alive.
Glowing lanterns floated in the sky, each carrying a soft blue flame that shimmered like a star. Music from lutes and flutes filled the air, while food stalls lined the streets, selling roasted meat, sweet candied fruits, and sparkling drinks infused with mana. It was the one time of year when nobles and commoners mingled without boundaries, their laughter rising together under enchanted lights.
In the middle of this chaos walked a simple family of three—at least, that was what they looked like.
King Leon Leonhart pulled the hood of his dark cloak lower, hiding his golden hair that could outshine the festival lanterns. Beside him, Queen Celestia, with her silver hair covered by a pale scarf, carried their baby in her arms. Baby Adrian, swaddled in soft cloth, blinked his big crimson-gold eyes at the sights above.
"Are you sure about this, Leon?" Celestia whispered, clutching Adrian closer. "The rumors about Adrian have only grown worse these past days. If someone recognizes us—"
Leon chuckled softly, his red eyes glinting even beneath the hood. "That's why we're wearing these, my dear. For one night, let's not be the king and queen. Let's just be a family enjoying the festival."
Celestia sighed. "You and your reckless ideas…"
Adrian's tiny hand suddenly reached up, grabbing at the floating lanterns. Celestia looked down and softened. "But I suppose… for his sake, we should try."
Adrian's POV
So this is the capital's festival. I'd read about things like this in fantasy novels, but experiencing it with my own eyes… it's breathtaking.
People laughing, children running around with wooden swords, couples releasing enchanted butterflies into the night sky—it feels alive in a way my old world never was.
Father looks relaxed, Mother looks nervous, but me? I'm just trying not to drool while staring at a skewer of roasted meat.
Leon pointed toward a food stall. "Celestia, let's try that one. Smells delicious."
Celestia frowned. "You'll give us away if you act too casually."
Leon smirked. "Who would suspect the king of lining up for grilled chicken skewers?"
Celestia rolled her eyes but followed. Soon, Leon handed her a stick of juicy, steaming meat.
"Here, try it."
Celestia hesitated, then took a small bite. Her eyes widened. "Oh… it's… actually very good."
Leon grinned. "See? Trust me more often."
Meanwhile, Adrian squirmed in Celestia's arms, eyes glued to the food.
"Ah, look at him. He's practically begging," Leon said.
Celestia gasped. "He's only eight months, Leon! He can't—"
Before she finished, Leon tore off the tiniest piece of soft meat and waved it near Adrian's mouth. "Here, champ. Just a taste."
Adrian leaned forward eagerly. Finally. Food that isn't just mush. He gummed it happily, his baby face lighting up.
Celestia sighed. "You're spoiling him already."
Leon puffed his chest. "That's my job as a father."
As they continued through the festival, laughter surrounded them. Adrian stared at jugglers tossing fire, children releasing mana-balloons that floated into the night, and performers creating illusions of dragons in the sky. His small body wriggled with excitement.
So this is the world I've been reborn into… A kingdom with magic, nobility, and danger lurking in the shadows. But right now, I can almost forget the assassination attempt. Almost.
Near a fountain lit by glowing crystals, voices caught their ears.
"Did you hear?" a man whispered. "The Golden Fang appeared in the palace. They say the prince himself unleashed it."
"Nonsense," scoffed another. "He's just a baby. How could an infant wield such power?"
"But I heard from a servant's cousin that the fangs shone brighter than gold!"
Celestia stiffened, clutching Adrian closer. Leon put a hand on her shoulder. "Ignore it. Rumors spread faster than wildfire. That's all they are—rumors."
Celestia's lips pressed into a thin line, but she stayed silent.
Adrian, however, was listening intently. So the Golden Fang is already a topic among the people… That attack wasn't supposed to happen, but now my existence is even more dangerous.
They moved to a quieter street where magical lanterns drifted low. Celestia finally let Adrian sit on Leon's broad shoulder, hiding his golden-red eyes under a little hood.
"Careful," she warned. "If someone sees his eyes—"
Leon chuckled. "Relax. He's enjoying himself."
Adrian squealed softly, his tiny hands reaching for a glowing lantern drifting above. The moment his fingers brushed the air, the lantern's flame suddenly flared brighter, shining like a small star.
People nearby gasped.
"Did you see that?" someone whispered.
"The baby touched it and—"
Leon quickly plucked Adrian down, holding him tight. "He's just excited. Children do strange things around magic." His tone was casual, but his eyes were sharp.
Celestia hurried them away from the small crowd. "Leon… that wasn't normal."
Leon gave a wry smile. "He really is your son and mine, Celestia. Born to shake the world, whether he knows it or not."
Later, they found a quiet corner of the festival, away from prying eyes. Celestia held Adrian close again, kissing his forehead.
"Adrian… please, grow strong enough to protect yourself," she whispered. "This world is cruel."
Leon wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "He will. With us by his side, he will. Right, champ?"
Adrian looked up at them with wide eyes. You don't know the half of it, Father, Mother. I will survive this world. And one day… I'll protect you, too.