“Today is the Stardrop Gala. Kanon, are you ready?”

Mother smiled warmly as she spoke.

The Stardrop Gala—a formal event where noble children make their debut into society. The adults here call it a child’s “first campaign.”

I’m three years old now. My steps are still unsteady, but I’ve started to speak clearly, and after winning my first real battle alongside Rabbichu, even the villagers have begun to treat me like I’m something special.

And today, today, I’m in formal attire.

“Kyu?”

In front of the mirror, Rabbichu tilted his head in confusion.

Heh. Prepare to be amazed.

“Here’s your outfit.”

With a dramatic ta-da, I opened the box to reveal a miniature cape styled like wings, sparkling ribbons for the ankles, and a tiny bowtie. It was an outrageously adorable monster-dress set that made full use of his plushy, doll-like appearance.

“Kyu!!”

Rabbichu’s excitement hit maximum instantly. Once dressed, he twirled in place, proudly showing off his new look before striking a pose at my feet.

As for me, I wasn’t in pajamas today either. I wore a royal-tailored ceremonial outfit.
Gold embroidery shimmered on my shoulders, and a family crest gleamed on my chest.

“Today’s our big reveal—to the world. Let’s show them what we’ve got.”

“Kyu!”

The banquet hall was dazzling.

Crystal chandeliers, star-shaped lights, nobles in glittering rows…
The moment Rabbichu and I entered, a wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.

“Is that… the ‘Child of the Stars’ from the frontier?”

“They dressed a Rabbichu in formal wear… who thinks of that!?”

“Too cute to handle…”

The reactions were beyond favorable—borderline legendary.
Some in the crowd seemed to pick up on Rabbichu’s “enhanced aura,” and I noticed several young mages keeping a cautious distance.

Then, some familiar faces appeared.

“Kanon! You made it too!”

It was Dill and Neel. Both were dressed for the occasion, but somehow, I was getting the “main character” treatment.

“Hey. We’re not here to play today, though.”

Just then, Rabbichu nudged me with a small pouch.

Huh? What’s this?

Inside was a shimmering shard—radiant and glowing faintly.

—A Star Fragment of Awakening.

A familiar item from the game, used to push certain monsters past their limits.

“…Why do you have this?”

Rabbichu lightly tapped his chest with one of his winged ears.

—He produced it himself.

This wasn’t a loot drop. It was the result of growth—of evolution—from within.

“…I see. It didn’t drop, it bloomed. Your power really isn’t normal…”

I held the small shard tightly in my hand. I wouldn’t use it yet. It wasn’t time.
But I knew now—this was our weapon.

That night, Rabbichu and I became the stars of high society.
And soon, the rumors would reach even the Adventurers’ Guild and Magic Academy in the Royal Capital.

But that… is a story for another day.