The rain was pouring hard that night. I was sitting with my mum and dad, gathered around the fireplace in our home. Dad was reading an old-looking book with a cup of hot coffee beside him, while Mum was busy preparing dinner.
I sat at the dining table, right across from Dad, feeling extremely bored. I couldn't play outside because of the rain, and with the power out, I couldn't even run around the house or play my usual games inside.
Mum suddenly looked at me, and from the way she smiled, I could tell she knew her only child was bored out of his mind. Her voice came soft and warm.
"Bintang, can you help me set the plates on the table?"
I quickly agreed and climbed down from my chair. With my small body, it took me a bit of effort just to get off the seat, and even more to reach the plates in the cupboard. Mum had to help me take them down. Honestly, I was more of a burden than a help, but she always smiled when I helped her. That's why I loved helping her, no matter what.
Dad looked up from his book and coffee for a moment, glancing at us. He smiled, probably thinking how peaceful and happy his little family was.
Once everything was ready plates, food, and all Mom and I joined Dad at the table. Dad put his old book aside and pushed his coffee away. As we ate, he suddenly started a conversation with a simple question.
"How was your training today, Bintang?"
I perked up immediately. I told him I could now channel my inner energy more smoothly, and that I'd even managed to defeat one of my teachers someone famous for his sword skills.
Hearing that, both Mum and Dad smiled, pride written all over their faces. Dad had guessed from the start that in just the first week, I'd surprise a lot of people at the academy's elementary division. Usually, being able to control inner energy calmly and having strong physical abilities was something only the high division students could do.
Seeing my parents happy made me feel even prouder, so I started showing off more talking about how I beat my swordsmanship teacher, how I was better at using elemental magic than my classmates, and so on.
Time passed quickly in the warmth of that conversation. Before I knew it, it was getting late and I had to sleep. Tomorrow was a big day for me I had just been promoted to a higher class ahead of schedule.
Mum carried me to my room. I said goodnight to Dad, and he replied the same. After she set me down, I climbed into my bed, which was more like a little wooden cabinet, and asked Mum to continue the story of The Wanderer from the East.
It was a famous children's tale about a traveller who roamed the world and found a priceless treasure. I'd heard it countless times, but I never got tired of it.
Mum couldn't say no. She sat beside my bed while I lay under my warm blanket. She opened the thick storybook, flipping to where we'd last left off.
In the newest chapter, the wanderer faced a giant dragon that demanded yearly sacrifices from a village. If the offering wasn't made, the dragon would attack.
The wanderer arrived just in time for the sacrifice and decided it was wrong. He stopped it, which angered the dragon. It attacked, but luckily, the villagers had already been evacuated to safety. Only the wanderer remained, ready to face it one-on-one.
They struck a deal the wanderer would fight the dragon. If he won, the dragon would obey all his commands. If he lost, he'd become the sacrifice. The dragon agreed.
The battle was fierce. The dragon could release lightning from its whole body, making it almost impossible for the wanderer to get close. Feeling cornered, he abandoned his plan to kill it and instead managed to seal it inside a clay jar.
He threw the jar deep into an unknown part of the ocean. From that day on, the village was safe and didn't need to give sacrifices anymore. With his mission complete, the wanderer set off again, looking forward to new adventures and challenges.
I listened to every word, completely drawn in. I couldn't wait to hear the next part of the wanderer's journey. But it was too late now I'd have to wait until tomorrow.
Mum kissed my forehead, turned off the lamp, and left the room. I fell asleep in my little cabinet bed.
Mum and Dad's POV
Mum went back to the dining table, where Dad had returned to reading his old book. She refilled his coffee, and after a few quiet sips, she asked about Bintang's future.
Dad understood her worry. He reassured her, saying that even though they were no longer nobles, his influence still existed. She didn't need to worry too much.
But she couldn't help it. Many nobles in this region were proud and petty, unwilling to lose to commoners. With Bintang's above-average abilities, trouble was almost certain.
Still, no matter what happened, they would protect their son—even if it meant showing the kingdom a side of themselves no one expected.