The sun had climbed high into the sky, bathing the village of Ralia in warm, golden light. Laughter and chatter filled the open field as Julius, Rika, and Alice ran and played together, their small feet kicking up dust and grass with each sprint, dodge, and leap. For Julius, it was a whole new world beyond the courtyard of his home—one filled with people, sounds, and colors he had never truly explored.
At last, Alice glanced toward the sun, her expression suddenly serious. "It's getting late… we should go home," she said, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.
Rika pouted, kicking at the dirt. "Already? I was just starting to have fun!"
Julius nodded reluctantly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah… I guess it's time," he said. He felt a pang of disappointment—he had never realized how quickly the hours could pass when having fun.
The three of them began walking toward the village, their voices full of chatter. Rika spoke about her life near the plains, her mother, and her little brother. Alice shared stories of her home on the lower steppe, her father's hunting trips, and the small pond where she liked to watch frogs. Julius listened carefully, intrigued by every detail, while sharing small stories of his own, careful to keep his magical abilities a secret for now.
As they neared the residential area, Julius pointed toward the hill. "That's my home," he said proudly, gesturing toward the solitary house perched atop the rise, its courtyard faintly visible from below.
Alice's eyes followed his gesture before pointing toward her own home. "Mine is over there," she said, motioning to a house at the lower steppe, surrounded by grazing cattle and a glimmering pond. "My father's a hunter. He hunts wild beasts. He uses a bow and arrow." She smiled shyly. "I sometimes try to guess what he's hunting before he comes back."
Julius's eyes widened. "That's amazing! I can't even imagine chasing magical beasts like that!"
Rika then pointed toward her home in the plains, nestled among other houses near the village's small community hall and marketplace. "That's where I live! My father is a soldier in the Vlamorian army. He's away most of the time, so it's usually just me, my mother, and my little brother at home."
Julius tilted his head thoughtfully. "A soldier, huh? That must be dangerous… and really exciting too!"
Rika puffed out her chest with pride. "He's really strong and skilled. One day, I want to be just like him."
Alice chimed in softly, her voice almost wistful. "I have an older sister… she studies magic in Styvia, one of the biggest cities in the kingdom. She says it's full of towers that touch the sky, streets lined with magic shops, and academies where people from all over Vlamoria learn."
Julius's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Styvia…? That sounds incredible! I want to see it one day too!"
Alice smiled. "Maybe one day we can all go… when we're older."
Rika leaned closer, her eyes shining. "They say mages in Styvia can light up the whole city at night with magical lamps… I wish I could see that someday."
For a moment, Julius imagined himself walking through the bustling streets, learning alongside powerful mages, feeling his excitement and ambition swelling. Then, a small sigh escaped his lips, and he said softly, "I wish… if I had a sibling too… like a little sister."
Alice giggled. "A little sister? Why not a brother?"
Julius puffed his cheeks playfully. "Because a little sister would be cuter!"
Rika burst into laughter, while Alice smiled warmly. In that moment, under the golden sun, their bond strengthened—not just as friends, but as children sharing dreams, wishes, and the little secrets of their hearts.
Eventually, Julius reached the point where he would part ways with Alice and Rika. He waved energetically, his small hand fluttering in the air. "Bye, Alice! Bye, Rika! See you tomorrow!"
Alice waved back cheerfully. "Bye, Julius! See you tomorrow!"
Rika bounced lightly on her toes, giving a small salute. "Bye, Julius! Don't forget to come play again!"
Once Julius turned to head home up the hill, the girls continued walking together, their voices low but excited.
Rika's small blush spread across her cheeks as she whispered, "Julius is really cool, isn't he?"
Alice nodded, a faint pink coloring her own cheeks. "Mm… he's amazing. I've never seen anyone our age use magic like that."
Rika's gaze dropped, her voice soft. "I… I wish Julius becomes my boyfriend one day…"
Alice's eyes widened, forming a faint pout. "W-what are you saying, Rika? I like Julius too!"
The two girls stopped walking, facing each other with cheeks flushed, glaring in a mix of embarrassment and stubborn determination.
Rika stomped her foot lightly, puffing out her cheeks. "No way! I said it first—so Julius will be my boyfriend!"
Alice frowned, her voice rising. "That's not fair! Just because you said it first doesn't mean it'll happen. I like him too, and Julius will choose me!"
Rika leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with childish defiance. "Hmph! He'll definitely pick me, because I'm cuter!"
Alice's face turned red. "N-no, I'm cuter! And I'm kinder too!"
The two girls stood on the path, stubborn and flushed, their innocent rivalry for Julius beginning. After a moment, both huffed and turned away, secretly smiling, their hearts thumping with the strange, new feelings of a first crush.
Suddenly, Alice's eyes lit up with a bright, naive idea. "Wait… why don't we both just become Julius's girlfriend?" she suggested, her voice full of excitement.
Rika's frown melted instantly into a wide grin. "Really? That… that could work! Then no one will feel left out!"
Alice nodded eagerly, cheeks still pink. "Yes! And then we can play with him every day, together!"
The two girls giggled, skipping along the path side by side, their earlier bickering forgotten as they dreamed up the innocent plan. Their hearts were light, and their imaginations ran wild with the idea of sharing their new friend Julius, unaware of how complicated feelings could become in the future.
---
The sun was slowly descending behind the hill, casting long, warm shadows across the courtyard. The soft golden light painted the house in a cozy glow, as if the world itself was smiling upon it. Julius's small feet crunched eagerly along the gravel path, his heart racing with excitement. Today had been unlike any other—he had stepped beyond the walls of his home, into a world he had only glimpsed in stories and books.
Bursting through the door, he called out before even taking off his shoes. "Father! Mother!"
Nicholas, who had been polishing his sword by the hearth, looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Ah, Julius. You look… remarkably energetic. What has you in such a hurry?"
Juliette, coming from the kitchen with a tray of fresh bread and a steaming bowl of stew, smiled softly. "Julius, my dear… you seem absolutely radiant. Did something exciting happen today?"
Julius practically bounced into the room, his wooden sword clattering against the wall. His tiny hands waved in the air as he spoke, words tumbling out in an unstoppable torrent. "I… I went outside today! Just like you said, Father! And… and… I met so many people! And… I made not one, but TWO new friends!!"
Nicholas's eyes softened, a mixture of pride and mild amusement crossing his face. "Two friends, you say? That is excellent, son. Who are these friends? Tell me all about them."
Julius's grin widened to the point where his cheeks nearly scrunched up. "Their names are Rika and Alice! They are so kind and fun! They taught me how to play tag… and we ran and laughed… and I never knew there could be so much to see outside!"
Juliette motioned for him to sit at the table, her smile warm and inviting. "Well, it seems we need to hear every little detail over lunch. Come, sit, and tell us everything while we eat."
The family gathered around the wooden table, the scent of roasted vegetables and warm bread filling the room. Julius eagerly took his seat, his small hands wrapping around a piece of bread as he recounted every moment of his morning.
"They showed me their homes!" he exclaimed, eyes sparkling. "Alice lives near a pond with lots of cattle! Her father is a hunter, He even wild animals and even magical beasts sometimes, and he's really good with a bow and arrow!" Julius's voice rose with excitement.
Nicholas nodded thoughtfully, appreciating the detail. "A hunter, you say? That is impressive. She must have grown up learning much about the forest and its creatures."
"And Rika!" Julius continued, nearly bouncing in his seat. "She lives closer to the market and community hall. Her father is a soldier in the Vlamorian army! But he's away most of the time… so she lives with her mother and little brother. Her father is really fast with a dagger!"
Juliette's eyes softened as she listened. "Both families sound strong and kind. I am glad you met children who can help you see the world beyond our courtyard, Julius."
Julius leaned forward, his little hands gesturing wildly. "And… and guess what? Alice has an older sister! She studies magic in Styvia! It's one of the biggest cities in Vlamoria! She told Alice about towers that reach the sky, streets full of magic shops, and academies where children from all over the kingdom come to learn magic!"
Nicholas raised an impressed eyebrow. "Styvia… so she has already seen a city of magic. That is a rare opportunity, indeed."
Julius paused, his expression turning serious. His small fists clenched, with the memory. "But… something else happened too. Some older boys came and told us to play somewhere else… they said it was their field! They even threatened us!"
Nicholas's brow furrowed slightly, concern flickering across his face. "Older boys… threatening you? Were you in any danger?"
Julius's chest puffed with pride, his eyes gleaming with determination. "No, Father! I didn't let them scare us! I… I used magic! I made balls of water and… and I drenched them! They ran away! Rika and Alice… they were so surprised… now they think I'm their hero!"
Juliette paused mid-bite, a soft gasp escaping her lips. Nicholas let out a low chuckle, shaking his head in amazement. "By the gods… Julius, at five years old… you used magic to defend your friends? That is… extraordinary. But always remember, magic is not just for fighting. It is a gift… use it wisely and with care."
Julius nodded eagerly, finishing his bite with a small, determined nod. "I did, Father! I only used it to protect them! I promise I'll always use my magic to help and protect my friends!"
Nicholas's expression softened, a warm smile tugging at his lips. "That is good, son. Courage, kindness, and wisdom—these are the truest powers one can possess. Magic and swords alone do not make a hero."
Juliette placed a gentle hand on Julius's shoulder. "And never forget to enjoy your childhood, Julius. Friendship, laughter, and play… these are just as important as the most powerful magic."
Julius's small chest swelled with pride, his eyes glowing with a mix of excitement and determination. "I understand, Mother! I'll always protect my friends and be careful with my magic! And… I'll play and laugh too!"
As the family shared their meal, the room filled with warmth and laughter. The sun's golden rays fell gently on the table, illuminating a boy who had taken his first steps into the wider world—discovering friendship, courage, and the responsibility that comes with power. Julius felt his heart swelling with joy, knowing that the world outside the courtyard was vast, welcoming, and full of promise.
Today, he had discovered more than friends; he had begun learning the lessons that would shape him not only into a powerful mage, but into a wise and courageous soul.