It had been five days since our shopping trip, and today, I found myself sitting in a luxurious carriage, making my way toward the castle once again—this time for the prince's birthday party.
The night air was cool, carrying the distant sounds of music and chatter from the city as we approached the grand castle. I sat inside the carriage with Master, Dad, Mom, and Elvina, while Liam and his family were in another carriage.
I looked out the window, and my breath caught for a moment. The castle stood like a beacon, glowing under the night sky. Powerful artifacts embedded in its structure radiated a soft, mystical light, illuminating the grand towers and golden rooftops. Every corner of the castle shimmered as if the darkness itself had been pushed away, leaving only light and splendor.
As we passed through the castle's outer gates, the gardens came into view. Even the vast royal gardens had been decorated with glowing orbs, creating an ethereal scene where trees seemed dusted with golden fireflies. Despite the night's darkness, the castle grounds gleamed with an otherworldly radiance.
The carriage slowed as we neared the grand entrance. I sighed and straightened my formal attire. The moment I stepped out, I knew I would have to play my part in this noble gathering.
The carriage came to a smooth stop before the grand entrance of the castle's outer building. The gates, crafted of silver and imbued with runes, loomed tall before us. Beyond them, the grand hall awaited—a place where nobles, merchants, and important figures from across the kingdom had gathered for the celebration.
Stepping out of the carriage, I adjusted my cuffs. Nobles from all over the empire were arriving, their extravagant carriages lining up behind ours, each adorned with their family crests. Their guards and attendants moved with purpose, ensuring their lords and ladies entered with grace.
Suddenly, another carriage pulled up behind ours, its insignia immediately catching my attention.
A golden emblem of a phoenix intertwined with an open book—the mark of Ester Magic Academy. It was the most prestigious and expensive magic academy on the entire continent.
I turned my gaze toward the carriage, my curiosity piqued. The academy rarely involved itself in social gatherings unless someone of great significance was present. The door swung open, and from within, a figure emerged.
An old woman stepped out gracefully, a long wooden wand in her hand. Her presence alone commanded respect, and the air around her felt thick with mana. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, shining like moonlight, while her piercing purple eyes scanned the surroundings with an unsettling sharpness.
The moment she stepped onto the castle grounds, a hush fell over the nearby nobles. Every head bowed slightly in respect.
I followed suit, bowing my head just enough to acknowledge her presence. Her gaze locked onto mine. A strange, calculating look crossed her face before she took a few slow steps toward me. Her heavy, layered robes barely made a sound as she moved, but her presence was impossible to ignore. Stopping directly in front of me, she studied me for a moment before speaking.
"I am Calis Senur."
Her voice was calm but held an undeniable authority. Then, without warning, she reached out and gently patted my head. Her touch sent a small pulse of energy through me—not hostile, but definitely probing. "Oh, what do we have here?" she murmured, almost to herself, "A magnificent child."
I met her gaze without flinching. There was something strange about this woman. She smiled, a rare warmth flickering across her otherwise impassive face, "Child, what's your name?" I straightened and replied, "My name is Rayon Krator." Calis's expression didn't change, but something behind her eyes sharpened.
"Tell me more about yourself, Rayon," she said. At that moment, she turned slightly toward my family and Liam's, addressing them with a wave of her hand. "You may proceed to the hall. I'll bring this boy with me." There was no room for protest in her tone.
I turned toward Master, silently asking for permission. He simply smirked and gave me a slight nod, as if amused by the situation. With no other choice, I watched as my family, Master, Aur who was on master shoulder and Liam's group continued toward the hall, leaving me alone with Calis Senur. She smiled, "Now then, can you tell me more about yourself?"
I nodded, already knowing she wouldn't settle for vague answers. "I am both a Conjuror and an Augmentor," I said.
Her eyebrows lifted slightly, "Oh? A dual-path practitioner?" I smirked, "That's just the beginning, ma'am." Her curiosity deepened, and she gestured for us to walk as we spoke. We strolled through the garden paths, the soft glow of artifacts casting shifting shadows around us.
"Go on."
I continued, lowering my voice slightly. "I can control all elements. And, on top of that, I am an integrator—Sound, Lightning, Ice, and Blue Flames." Calis came to an abrupt stop. She turned to fully face me now, studying me as though I were some kind of rare artifact. Her purple eyes seemed to glow faintly, a spark of intrigue shining in them.
"You have an unusually large and dense core for a human," she finally said, her voice slow and deliberate, "I could sense it the moment I saw you, but I did not expect this level of mastery."
I remained silent, neither confirming nor denying anything beyond what I had already revealed. She let out a quiet chuckle, "You truly are an interesting one, Rayon Krator." Then, as if deciding something, she turned and motioned toward the grand hall. "Come, let us not keep the others waiting."
As we approached the castle's main hall, a new figure joined us—her personal guard. He walked beside me now, a silent shadow watching over his master. The main hall was even grander than I had expected.
Inside, hundreds of glowing artifacts illuminated the massive space. Crystal chandeliers lined with enchanted gems and crystals hovered above, their magic-infused lights casting a dazzling display over the sea of nobility. Every noble house of importance was present, along with a few well-known merchants who had secured invitations.
As we made our way through the hall, I caught sight of Liam standing near my Dad.
Liam's gaze landed on us immediately. He subtly nodded toward Calis before pulling my Dad aside. The three of them stepped toward the corner of the hall, engaged in a conversation I couldn't hear.
I frowned slightly. 'What's going on?'