I sat in my room, fully dressed and ready for the long night ahead. The heavy silk of my gown pooled around me on the vanity stool, a constant weight that reminded me of the crown I would one day influence. Outside, the sky was turning a deep, royal violet as the sun dipped below the horizon.
(Inner thought)
Finally… I turned 13 today.
A small, triumphant smile appeared on my face as I stared at my reflection. This wasn't just another birthday; it was a threshold, the point where I could finally begin making my own moves.
(Inner thought)
Maybe… I should try for admission into the Magic Academy now.
I leaned back slightly against the velvet chair, my mind spinning with possibilities. Why wait two more years to start my real life? If I was going to change this world, I needed to be where the power was.
(Inner thought)
I'll talk to Mom. She always listens to me… and understands me. I really love my mom.
And honestly—I deserved this. I had earned the right to ask for the impossible after the decade I had just endured.
(Inner thought)
It's been ten years… ten whole years. That's not a joke. Since the day I got my memories back… I've done nothing but work on myself. Magic. Swordsmanship. Control. Discipline. Everything.
(Inner thought)
I don't know exactly how high my level is… but I know one thing—It's high.
And it wasn't just magic—even my swordsmanship had improved a lot through years of grueling sessions under the midday sun. My callouses were hidden under silk gloves today, but the strength remained. Then—a familiar name crossed my mind, sending a spark of competitive heat through my chest.
(Inner thought)
Neria Elowen…
The girl I met when I was only five years old. Over the years, she had become something like… a rival. Not officially. Not spoken. But very, very real. She was the yardstick I used to measure my own growth.
(Inner thought)
Every time I enter a competition… she's there. She was talented. Very talented. …and annoyingly cute. I don't want to admit it… but she really is. Most of the time—we end up tying. Sometimes—I win.
(Inner thought)
Maybe because I started earlier… But still—I can't underestimate her. She's the only one who can actually keep up with me.
A faint smirk formed on my lips as I planned my next move.
(Inner thought)
If I enter the academy before her… I'll get ahead.
Knock knock.
The sound of knuckles against the heavy oak door broke my concentration.
Princess, may I come in?
Come in.
The door opened and Rosa stepped inside, holding a set of finishing jewels. She looked at me with pride, her eyes misting over slightly at how much I had grown.
Princess, are you ready? The Empress has already arrived. You should go as well.
Mom is already there? I'm coming.
We walked through the long, echoing corridor toward the private chambers. The walls were lined with portraits of ancestors who seemed to watch me with judging eyes. This was a place where only I and Mom were allowed—our secret sanctuary away from the prying eyes and wagging tongues of the court. No one else could enter while we were inside. As soon as I entered—I saw her standing by the window, the evening light catching the silver in her hair. But before I could reach her—she reached me first. She hugged me tightly, her warmth surrounding me like a protective shield against the rest of the world.
Happy Birthday, my dear Auri… you're finally 13. Time really flies…
I smiled softly into the embrace, letting the "Princess" mask slip for just a moment.
Thank you, Mom.
We sat down on the sofa, which was tucked away in a cozy corner near a crackling hearth. In front of us—cakes, desserts, tea… juice—everything was prepared with the meticulous care she only showed for me. She looked at me warmly, her eyes searching my face for any sign of the sickness that used to plague me.
Tell me… what does my precious princess want today? I'll give you anything.
I shook my head, my expression becoming serious as I set my tea down on the low table.
I'm not interested in jewelry or things like that… but yes—there is something I want.
She smiled, leaning in as if we were sharing a conspiratorial secret that could topple kingdoms.
Tell me.
I looked straight at her, my voice unwavering and filled with the conviction of my past and present lives.
I want admission into the Magic Academy.
She froze for a moment, her fingers tightening around her porcelain saucer until I thought it might crack.
…Admission requires you to be 15. You still have two years.
I didn't back down. I met her gaze with a determination she had seen many times before—the look of someone who had already decided their path.
Don't you think I'm capable enough?
(Inner thought)
Okay… that sounded a little like emotional pressure. But it should work. She knows how hard I've worked.
She sighed softly, the conflict clear in the lines of her face. She wanted me safe, but she knew I was born for more.
I know you're capable… but early admission could cause problems for you. The nobles will talk, and the pressure will be immense.
I leaned forward slightly, lowering my voice so the shadows themselves couldn't carry the words away.
Did you forget what happened two years ago… when my element was tested?
Before I could continue—she quickly reached out and covered my mouth with her hand, her eyes wide with a sudden, sharp fear.
We agreed not to talk about that… especially not here.
I blinked, watching her worried eyes until she finally released me and let out a shaky breath.
…Okay, I understand. But at least let go—I can't even talk properly.
She looked at me for a beat, seeing my indignant expression… then laughed softly, the tension breaking like a glass ornament falling on stone.
You're still talking just fine.
We both laughed a little, the shared secret binding us closer than any royal blood could. Then I said again, making sure she knew I wasn't joking—
But I really want this.
She smiled, her resistance finally crumbling under the weight of my gaze.
Alright… after tonight's party, we'll talk about it again. And… I have a surprise for you.
My eyes lit up, my mind racing with what it could be. A new sword? A rare mana stone?
Really? Thank you, Mom.
After talking for a while—she left to prepare for the grand entrance. I walked toward the garden, seeking the silence of the trees before the noise of the party began. There—Kael was already standing by the stone fountain, his hand resting habitually on the hilt of his blade.
Do you want to train… or rest?
I frowned at his eternal lack of festive spirit. He was like a living statue sometimes.
…Do you even remember what day it is?
He replied calmly, his posture as rigid as the marble pillars surrounding us.
I remember. Happy Birthday. Now answer—training or rest?
Tch… no training today.
Suddenly—another voice, lighter and more cheerful, drifted through the evening air.
Did you miss me, Princess Aurelia?
I turned—it was Cassian. He was standing there with a broad, genuine smile that reached his eyes. He looked older, more confident.
I really did miss you.
Then my eyes shifted to the girl standing quietly beside him. She looked noble and elegant, but her fingers were interlaced nervously against her skirt.
(Inner thought)
Is she scared… because she's meeting a princess? Or is it something else?
Cassian spoke, stepping forward to introduce her properly, a proud light in his eyes.
First, happy birthday… and this is… my… my—
I raised a brow, crossing my arms in mock impatience to hide my curiosity.
My what?
He took a deep breath, looking at the girl with a softness I hadn't seen him show to anyone before.
…my girlfriend.
…What?
My eyes widened in genuine, unscripted shock. I nearly forgot how to breathe for a second.
Girl… girlfriend!?
The girl beside him blushed deeply, looking as if she wanted the garden floor to open up and swallow her whole. Even Kael looked slightly surprised by the revelation, his eyebrows twitching for a fraction of a second.
Cassian said, trying to help her find her voice—
Introduce yourself.
She stepped forward slightly, executing a perfect, graceful curtsy that spoke of high-quality tutoring.
My name is Aveline Morcant… daughter of Marquess Alistair Morcant of the Western Territories. It's a pleasure to meet you.
I nodded, recovering my royal poise and smoothing out my expression.
I'm Princess Aurelia Valencrest. Nice to meet you too.
Silence fell over the small group as we took each other in. Aveline seemed to be searching for any sign of disapproval on my face. Then she said softly,
You can call me Aveline… Princess.
I smiled, seeing the kindness and the genuine nerves in her eyes. I didn't want my friend's partner to be terrified of me.
Then you can call me Aurelia.
She looked shocked, her mouth parting slightly as if she couldn't believe a royal would be so casual.
…Really? I… I didn't expect to meet a princess like this… Even though my family is high-ranking… this is still an honor…
I chuckled lightly, finding her reaction quite endearing and refreshing compared to the fake smiles of the court.
Hehe…
Oh! And… happy birthday.
Thank you.
Then I asked the question that had been forming in my mind the moment I saw her—
Do you want to be friends?
Her eyes sparkled instantly, her nervousness replaced by pure, unadulterated joy.
Really? Am I… worthy of that?
Cassian quietly stepped aside with Kael, giving the two of us space to talk. He knew me well enough to know I was being sincere. I smiled at her.
Of course.
And just like that—we became friends. We moved over to the tea area where the staff had set up a small table for the guests.
Cassian spoke from a few feet away, his voice carrying over the sound of the fountain—
Just one more year… then I'll return here permanently.
That's good. I'll be happy.
Then I asked casually, my eyes darting between the two of them to see how they reacted—
So… since when are you two together?
Aveline blushed immediately, her eyes dropping to the table. Cassian said,
I proposed to her recently… I wanted to introduce her earlier, but your birthday felt like the right time.
Ohh… I see.
(Inner thought)
That's… nice. He found someone he cares about while he was away.
I'm glad.
After some time had passed and the sky had turned to ink—I stood up, knowing the heralds would soon be looking for me.
I should go now. Evening party preparations take forever.
We said our goodbyes and they watched as I left the garden. I returned to my room, where a special dress was waiting for me on the mannequin. It was a masterpiece of gold and silver thread, shimmering like a fallen star. But before wearing it—there were so many things to do, from the lavender-scented bath to the intricate braiding of my silver hair.
Time passed in a blur of activity. Preparations continued all throughout the palace as the music began to swell in the ballroom below. And before I realized—evening arrived.
The party began. The entire palace was glowing with thousands of magic lanterns—lights, decorations, fireworks bursting in the sky—everything looked beautiful. Princes, princesses, and powerful nobles from nearby kingdoms were filing into the hall, their jewelry sparkling like a second galaxy.
(Inner thought)
Tonight… will be important. This is the night I show them I am no longer a child.
I sat in my room—fully prepared. My heart beat with a steady, rhythmic thrum of excitement. Waiting. For the moment—I step into that hall and claim the future I have worked ten years to build.