In the capital city of Lugnica, sunlight streamed down the streets, reflecting a warm glow. Along both sides of the street, shops stood in rows, their signs gently swaying in the breeze, emitting faint creaking sounds.
The air was filled with the aroma of fresh bread, the fragrance drifting from the flower market, and the scent of charcoal from a distant blacksmith's shop. Pedestrians came and went, the shouts of vendors and the laughter of children intertwined, like a melodious street symphony.
A young man in a white knight's uniform walked slowly through the crowd, his figure as tall and straight as a pine tree, his epaulets glinting in the sunlight.
The knight's features were exquisitely sculpted, with a heroic presence surrounding him and a handsome look. It was as if every line had been carefully carved, possessing both the steadfastness of a warrior and the elegance of a nobleman.
However, what was most striking was not his appearance, but his short, sky-blue hair, which shimmered faintly in the sunlight. His eyes were even more unforgettable, a pair of clear, sapphire-like pupils, deep and bright, as if they could reflect the deepest emotions of one's heart.
His gaze swept around, taking in the prosperity and tranquility of the city—an artist on the street corner played a lively tune, drawing passersby to stop and listen; vendors enthusiastically promoted their goods to customers, smiles on their faces; a mother and daughter walked hand-in-hand, softly whispering as they selected fabric, their eyes full of happiness.
A warmth spread through his heart, and his steps unconsciously slowed. He truly wanted to stop and soak in the city's peacefulness. But his fingertips brushed against the cold sword hilt, immediately bringing him back to reality—he had a mission, and there was no time for delay.
The young man let out a soft sigh, withdrew his gaze, and was about to quicken his pace when he was interrupted by a series of warm greetings.
"Good morning, Lord Carlisle!" a fruit vendor called out, waving at him, the apples in his hand gleaming enticingly in the sunlight.
"Lord Carlisle, what a beautiful day it is today!" The grilled meat stall owner next to him wiped his hands, a wide smile on his face. The skewers of meat on the charcoal sizzled, and their aroma filled the air.
"Lord Carlisle, would you like to try some freshly baked bread?" A bakery owner pulled back a curtain, and the warm, steaming aroma of bread instantly spread, drawing the attention of passersby.
The people on the street also stopped, casting respectful glances at him. Children excitedly gathered around, their eyes full of admiration, yet too shy to get too close, only timidly calling out: "Lord Carlisle!"
Carlisle paused slightly, then offered a gentle smile. He nodded, greeting everyone, his voice low yet clear: "Good morning, everyone. May your businesses prosper and your day be peaceful."
The young man, named "Carlisle Elseran," was a member of the Lugnica Knight Order. However, he also had another identity: he was a transmigrator from Earth. One day, he went out to pick up a special effects toy he ordered online, and in the blink of an eye, he found himself reincarnated into this world.
It was strange, though, how did he die? He didn't recall seeing a large truck in his memories; he truly just blinked and was reborn as a baby in this world.
His memories of his past life were like a distant dream, a dream where he was all alone, with no attachments. His only regret, perhaps, was that he would never again see those thrilling special effects shows. The figures of those heroes, the passionate battles, and those inspiring lines of dialogue were once the few bright spots in his ordinary life. Now, even this faint light had vanished with his transmigration, becoming an unreachable past.
What was even more frustrating was that even in this other world, he was still an orphan, with no family or parents to rely on.
However, fate did not seem to have completely forgotten him. When Carlisle was young, by chance, he displayed astonishing talent in a classroom at the orphanage—he had a natural affinity for both swordsmanship and magic. After only a few practices, his sword moves were sharp and precise, as if they had been honed for a thousand years, and his magical talent was even more terrifying. He had an aptitude for all six types of magic attributes, possessing the ability to master any kind of magic. The orphanage director witnessed all of this.
Not long after, the director made a decision. He sent Carlisle to the Royal Knight Order of the Kingdom of Lugnica to be trained as a squire. For Carlisle, this was undoubtedly a life-changing opportunity. He remembered that day, standing on the magnificent training grounds of the Knight Order, a surge of indescribable excitement and anticipation in his heart.
At that moment, he saw his past life's dreams shining before him. He had fantasized countless times about being like the heroes in special effects shows, fighting for justice and belief. Now, that dream seemed within reach. He clenched his fists, secretly vowing that no matter how difficult the road ahead, he would become a true hero, protecting this land and those who needed help.
From that day on, Carlisle began his knight's life. He trained diligently, day after day, swinging his sword and practicing magic, even harder than others. He knew this was fate's second chance for him, and he would not let it slip through his fingers.
Now, he had lived in this world for 19 years, found reliable friends, and forged convictions he was determined to uphold, along with a mission he had recently been given.
Currently, Lugnica is a country without a "King." The previous Emperor passed away due to unknown reasons, and only five "Dragon Priestesses" acknowledged by the Dragon are qualified to possess the emblem with the dragon crest and participate in the royal selection.
And his mission was to become the guardian knight of the fourth "Dragon Candidate," Lady Emilia!
It was strange, though, that he would become the guardian knight of a Dragon Priestess. This was due to a deal between the kingdom's strongest mage, "Roswaal L. Mathers," and the Sage Council.
Roswaal, the mage rumored to be unfathomably powerful and almost invincible, surprisingly made an unexpected request to the Sage Council after finding the fourth Dragon Priestess—he specifically asked for Carlisle to become Emilia's guardian knight. This request surprised everyone, including Carlisle himself. He considered himself just an ordinary knight, and though talented, he wasn't particularly outstanding compared to the kingdom's renowned strong individuals.
However, Roswaal seemed to hold him in exceptionally high regard.
Today was supposed to be the day Carlisle, as Emilia's guardian knight, would meet her for the first time and pledge his allegiance. However, news arrived—Emilia was missing.
The Dragon Priestess had become separated from Roswaal's people after arriving in the capital. When Carlisle heard this news, he felt a mix of helplessness and worry. While the capital was prosperous, it also harbored countless unknown dangers, and Emilia's status was so special. If she were targeted by someone with ill intentions, the consequences would be unimaginable. Carlisle's task was to find this "Lady Emilia" in the capital.
(The MC looks like Himmel from Frieren's beyond journey's End)
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