Daerin, a vast city nestled beside a lake and flanked by two towering mountains, stretched its influence far beyond its stone walls. To the north, east, and west, the city was securely enclosed, with only the southern half left open to the world. In place of a wall, a mysterious structure pierced the sky, standing tall at the edge of a sheer cliff that plummeted into an endless sea of white mist.

As the first rays of sunlight crested the eastern wall, they bathed the main road in golden light. A wide strip of stone pavement, adorned with colorful flags, lanterns, and the hum of lively music, wound through the city. The air thrummed with excitement.

Today was the Harvest Festival.

"Today's the day!" Urie exclaimed, leaping from his bed.

With ashen-gray hair tousled from sleep and blue eyes sparkling with anticipation, he sprinted down the corridors of his family’s mansion, a bit of drool still clinging to his cheek. His excitement carried him straight to the dining room.

"Good morning, Mother!" he called out. "Today's finally the day I get to use magic!"

The gentle morning light filtered through flowing white curtains, illuminating the dining room's refined decor. At the table sat a woman in a simple yet elegant gown, sipping her tea with practiced grace. Her golden hair framed a serene face, her features delicate yet carrying an unmistakable strength. She was Rivelle Vinney, matriarch of House Loeth and a figure of quiet authority within the city. Known for her keen intellect and... unshakable composure, she had earned the admiration of many, not just as the lady of the house but as a respected presence in Daerin. Yet despite the weight of her responsibilities, she retained an air of warmth and wit that put others at ease.

As she turned her gaze toward Urie, a knowing smile formed on her lips. "Ah! Urie, dear! You're making trouble for those two again." She gestured toward the two maids who had scrambled after him. "Go back and get dressed before you have breakfast."

Urie grinned, saluted playfully, and dashed back to his room, one of the maids following close behind. Minutes later, properly dressed, he returned and took his seat beside his mother, loading his plate with food.

"Mother, today's the Harvest Festival! Will Father and my brothers be coming back?"

Rivelle chuckled at his enthusiasm and gently flicked his forehead. "Good morning to you too, dear. Your father won't be able to come, but both of your brothers wrote that they'd return today."

Urie's excitement dimmed slightly. "Father isn't coming home?" he murmured.

His father had always been there for his older brothers’ ceremonies. It had been a long time since Urie last saw him, and he'd hoped today would be different. But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside.

—I’ll see Father again. Once I can use magic, I’ll help at the wall, just like my brothers!

He turned back to his mother with renewed determination. "What time will they be back? Will they make it in time for the ceremony?"

"I'm not sure, dear. If they don’t make it, I hope at least they'll arrive in time for dinner."

Sensing his lingering disappointment, Rivelle placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don’t worry, dear. Mother is enough to cheer you on! And Patty and Ersha will be right there with me!" She gestured to the two maids, who offered forced smiles in response.

Urie laughed, feeling a little lighter. "Alright, Mother."

As he ate, he peppered his mother with questions about the festival. After breakfast, they all prepared to leave.

In his bedroom, Urie stood before a large, wood-framed mirror. He placed a hand on his chest, recalling something his mother had let slip during breakfast. Closing his eyes, he concentrated.

Within him, not visible to the eye but sensed through his consciousness, was a tiny, glowing seed. A seed of mana. His mother had said it should be white, changing color only when its roots formed. But Urie’s seed was not white.

—Red? It looks like a ball of fire…

His heart pounded. Did his parents know? He had no answers, only rising anxiety.

Shaking off his thoughts, he dressed quickly. He frowned at the elaborate red coat and white shirt laid out for him.

“Wah... Patty really likes it when she has the chance to dress me up.”

Still, he had to admit the outfit suited him.

Downstairs, he found his mother and the maids in the lounge, decorating a large piece of cloth.

"Urie, dear," Rivelle called, "Come help us tie this up before we leave for the parade."

Urie approached and saw the fabric rolled halfway. He wondered what it was for—surely they wouldn’t carry something so cumbersome around during the parade? But he dismissed the thought. They had a reservation at a tea house with a perfect view of the festivities.

After securing the knots, the maids hoisted the cloth. Ersha, at the front, bore most of the weight, while Patty, behind, appeared to merely support it.

"Well then, off we go!" Rivelle declared as they stepped outside, where a carriage awaited them.

On their way to the city gates, Urie peeked out the window, taking in the bustling streets. Vendors lined the roads, eager spectators claimed spots along the sidewalks, and groups of children dressed in white all headed toward the parade's starting point.

"Ah... There are so many people, Mother," Urie murmured.

"Don't be nervous, dear." Rivelle ruffled his hair. "You'll be with the other children. Stand tall so I can see you, alright?"

Urie chuckled. "Yes mother. Although, I don’t think you’ll have trouble spotting me in this outfit."

Rivelle gave him an appraising look, then flashed a thumbs-up toward Patty. The maid grinned and returned the gesture with both hands. Laughter filled the carriage as they continued through the crowded streets.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the city gates.