When I was younger, I used to wonder why my family disliked me, but as I grew older I realised the only thing I could do about it was to accept it. But on days like today, my birthday, that question kept crawling back into my mind, making me miss my late mother even more than I already did. She was the only person in my family who treated me like we were actually related, she'd go out with me, take care of me when I was sick, she even taught me the basics of how to wield a sword and mana manipulation and so much more.
The time I spent with her, was the best in my life. While she was still alive, my other family members also treated me well, albeit a bit reluctant whenever I approached them. I really miss those times.
But I would never admit that "Aghh! I don't need my family I'm better off on my own," I burst out, throwing away the blanket that covered my body and got out of bed "I don't need them" I repeated a bit quieter.
Walking over to my mirror, to get my hair fixed, I let out a sigh 'who am I fooling?' I thought, not believing a single word I said. As I looked into the mirror I used a hair tie, to tie my shoulder long dark brown hair into a ponytail. Right after I went to the wardrobe, which was right next to my bed and got dressed. I put on black pants and a green tunic, nothing too fancy really. If I were to go out dressed like this, people would never assume that I was a noble.
I didn't really care about my appearance, nor did I ever care about being a noble; it never meant much to me. The only thing I ever got from being a noble was awkward stares from the townspeople. It never really bothered me that much, but getting stared at as if I were a caged mana beast did get annoying from time to time.
To be honest, I never even knew why my family was granted nobility by the king himself. We weren't rich by any means, we didn't own any land nor did we have knights serving under our banner. Even more surprising was that King Elric started to support us financially, allowing us to buy a mansion and live in luxury. For the mansion I was especially thankful, it allowed me to avoid my family for most of the time.
Though I knew that all of this wasn't out of king Elric's goodwill, he had to gain something from helping us, that I was sure of. But I didn't know what; when I confronted my brother and asked him about it, he said it was none of my concern. If even he, who treated me at least decent, wouldn't tell me; my father and step mother wouldn't tell me either.
Anyway, I've got plans today, it was my birthday and I intended to celebrate it, I didn't have time to keep dwelling in my thoughts. Just as I was about to open the door and take my leave, it already sprung wide open revealing a little girl. She wore a white knee long dress wihich was decorated with gray jewels and our families crest, a dragon. "Happy Birthday Airon!" she practically screamed at me and tackled me down with a hug, a bit surprised I hugged her back and thanked her.
"Thanks, Liria".
When I said that my mother was the only one who treated me well, that wasn't quite right. Because right after her death my little sister took her place, as the only family member that was kind to me.
She's also the only one I spent time with, from time to time and the only one I, really, considered as family.
"Come on now, everyone's waiting for you," she smiled, and took me by the arm, pulling me out of my room with ridiculous strength. 'She's way too strong for a 8 year old girl!' I thought , as she dragged me through our way too wide and fancy hallway, in which even a wagon could fit in.
The hallway was decorated with portraits of our ancestors, each one having a golden frame engraved with different kind of animals, next to each portrait was a statue holding a weapon, 'must be the weapons they once used' I assumed.
"Who's waiting for me, and where are we even going?" I asked her, regaining my composure, she suddenly came to a halt, let go of my arm and turned around looking me directly in the eyes.
"Your family, today's your birthday and your family wants to celebrate it with you," she answered emphasizing, her smile growing even wider. As great as it may have sounded, my family having a change of heart and trying to get along with me, I couldn't believe it. For years they've treated me like I didn't exist, done me wrong so many times and now they wanted to reconcile?
Bullshit.
Did my sister pester them, until they agreed to celebrate my birthday or did they come up with some kind of scheme to get rid of me? I pondered, but ultimately decided to go along with whatever they had planned.
"Alright, lead the way," I said, a bit unsure and held out my hand, which Liria gladly took and walked ahead.
As I followed her, for the first time, I noticed how similar she and our late mother look like. She had the same spring-green eyes as my mother, as well as the same ash-blond hair, witch she even tied the same way our mother used to, two pigtails, their features were also the same, with the exception of their lips Lirias are fuller compared to my mothers almost petite lips.
Slowly, after a steady bit of walking, we arrived at our destination, our living room. In the center, there was a table with a cake on top of it, adorned with twelve candles. Around the table were two sofas and a single armchair in-between them, seating the remaining three members of my family. All in all, while not being too chic, to me, it looked lovely. Until I took a closer look at 'my' cake, and realised where this was going.
My step mother locked her scarlet eyes with mine, and smiled devilishly with her chapped lips. "Happy birthday Airon". She had very long pitch-black wavy hair, which she twirled around her finger in a playful manner, her skin was pale which made her look frail.
Follow Airon Burnadotte, a young boy who was forced to leave his home, embark on a journey. And watch him travel to distant countries, form new friendships and face enemies he yet has to encounter.
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