Mika Aoyama

It has been sixteen years since Aren’s miraculous birth.

Sometimes, it feels like just yesterday.

Other times, I look at him running around the house—taller now, shoulders broad and straight, those familiar blue eyes always thoughtful—and I wonder where all that time went.

He has grown into such a fine, handsome young boy.

Yet, I can still remember him clearly from those early days. A round, meaty little cutie pie, far too serious for his age. He couldn’t talk. He couldn’t walk. But he looked at the world as if it were something endlessly fascinating, something to be understood rather than feared.

Even then, he was curious.

Although Aren wasn’t our first child, the love he brought into this house slowly made him the center of our lives. The way he inspires his sister, the way he watches his father and tries to work just as proudly as him—it still amazes me.

His bond with Misa is something I cherish deeply.

I remember how she used to drag him around by his sleeve, forcing him into all sorts of games. Dressing him up. Making him sit still while she declared him her royal companion.

I will never forget Princess Arenette.

He used to get annoyed, cheeks puffed in frustration—but he always smiled back at her in the end.

Yes… there were times when he worried me.

He took on responsibility far too early. Maybe he inherited that from his father. Both of them are like that—hardworking to a fault, always caring more for others than themselves.

Sometimes, when I watch Aren and Naoki standing together, I see too many similarities.

I still remember when Naoki proposed to me.

I remember thinking such a life could never be mine.

Yet he rejected everything—his position, his comforts—and ran away with me. He promised he would always love me.

And he kept that promise.

We haven’t told Aren everything yet. Naoki doesn’t want him to feel burdened. Pressured.

One day, when the time is right we will.

For now, I simply wish I could freeze time and keep watching Aren’s face in this house just a little longer.

But that is not how life works.

It is time for him to go on a new journey as I am packing his things.

And as much as I love him, I refuse to become an obstacle to his growth.

He is talented. He is hardworking. I know he will make it through.

He even fought in the goblin attack four years ago—what an adventure that was. But that is another story.

Now, it is time to bid him farewell, with all my blessings.

Misa left for the prestigious Sayran Academy last year.

And now… it is his turn.

Chief Elden is also sending Lise along with him.

He has grown quite close to her. Sometimes I catch myself wondering how sweet they look together. But every time I mention anything like that, Aren turns bright red and runs away shyly because of a sudden unheard call from his father.

Guess he is still a child.

Naoki and I couldn’t have asked for a better life.

I thanked god as I placed his belongings neatly by the door and finished preparing his favorite chicken soup. He truly is a great meat lover.

“Aren,” I called gently, “it’s time. Let’s go.”

Aren Aoyama

It has been seven years since my awakening.

Since then, I’ve worked harder than ever.

This world is deeper, more dangerous, and more complex than I once imagined. The goblin attack four years ago proved that clearly.

If I want to live a peaceful life with my family—if I want to protect them—I must grow stronger. If I don't want to loose the people I love again like last time I must become powerful.

Just like my father.

He always says he was “just an adventurer,” but his power tells a different story. He remains a big, smiling mystery to me.

Nonetheless, I know what I must do.

That is why Lise and I are heading to the Sayran Academy of Magic.

The most prestigious academy in the kingdom.

Located in the royal capital, Seccar.

It has produced some of the finest mages and knights in history. An academy reserved for exceptional talent—mostly nobles and royalty. Though they claim to believe in merit, not just anyone can enter.

Yet Father got us in quite easily.

That… worries me a little.

Is he secretly an exiled prince of Sayra or something?

Misa entered last year.

Now it’s my turn.

“Aren! The cart has arrived!” my father called.

“Coming!”

I picked up my things and stepped outside.

My mother stood there, Chief Elden beside her, along with many townsfolk.

If someone graduates from the academy as an honor student, it benefits not only them—but their homeland as well. Government support, recognition… opportunity. So that is why it was a big deal for the people too.

“Please take good care of yourself,” my mother said softly, kissing my forehead.

Lise stood nearby in a white-and-blue dress, waving shyly.

“I hope you will take good care of him,” my father said to her.

“I will,” she replied confidently.

I’m not a baby anymore.

But their concern is understandable.

We boarded the cart sent directly from the academy. It was built for four passengers—two more students would be picked up from the next town.

The driver sat calmly at the front.

Yet the moment I focused, I felt it.

An immense amount of magic.

Even the cart drivers of Sayran were powerful.

Unbelievable.

We settled in.

My father rested a hand on my shoulder.

“I know you’re strong,” he said quietly. “And you’ll grow even stronger. But remember—no matter where you go, you have us. We will always be there for you.”

“Make us proud.”

The cart began to move.

And just like that—

Our journey began.

We moved on not knowing what awaited us.