The next morning, Kaizel woke up in rare peace. No crazed aunt bursting through the door, no father breathing down his neck like a dragon guarding its treasure. Just quiet sunlight slipping through the window curtains, brushing his face with its warmth. For once, it was calm.
He stretched like a lazy cat, messy silver hair sticking in every direction, and muttered in a drowsy voice, "Ahhh… no explosions, no lectures… maybe the world finally ended."
Two soft knocks interrupted his bliss.
Before he could even groan in protest, the door opened to reveal Sophia, his ever-serene personal maid. Her every movement was calm and graceful, her long dark hair tied neatly behind her as she carried herself with the composure of someone who had long since accepted that her young master was chaos incarnate.
"Good morning, Young Master," she greeted, bowing slightly, a faint motherly smile curling on her lips.
Kaizel rubbed his sleepy eyes and replied mid-yawn, "Good morning, Sophi…"
Sophia's smile deepened as she continued in her patient, melodic tone, "Breakfast will be served soon, Young Master. Lady Elara has requested your presence. She wishes for everyone to attend breakfast together today."
Kaizel immediately tensed, a chill running down his spine. "A family breakfast? Oh no, not again. I refuse to take part in another cringy family drama where everyone bombards me with questions about my life and how much trouble I caused yesterday! No, Sophia. No!"
He crossed his arms dramatically in an 'X', like a samurai rejecting a duel.
But Sophia, ever the calm strategist, only smiled knowingly. "I anticipated such a response. That's why I saved the best part for last." Her tone turned faintly amused. "Lady Elara also mentioned that after breakfast, the family will be attending an event together. A royal invitation arrived yesterday—while you were, let's see…" she paused with a subtle grin, "…causing havoc and destruction with your aunt."
Kaizel froze. "…The royal family?"
Sophia nodded with amusement dancing in her eyes. "The princess's birthday celebration. A rather grand affair."
And just like that, his sleepiness vanished. He leapt from bed with the reflexes of a startled cat, his silver hair bouncing as he scrambled to the washbasin. "Why didn't you say that first, Sophia!? You're telling me I get to meet the royal princess? Maybe steal the spotlight? Maybe make history today?"
Sophia simply sighed, setting out his clothes. "You plan to attend a royal banquet… and your first thought is to steal the spotlight. Truly, you are your mother's son."
Within minutes, Kaizel stood before the mirror, transformed. His outfit was an elegant blend of arrogance and grace — a dark trench coat trimmed with intricate silver designs draped over a black shirt embroidered with golden patterns, baggy dark trousers tucked into silver boots that gleamed like moonlight.
He adjusted the black round glasses perched on his nose — a custom request he'd once begged his mother to have made. His reflection smirked back at him. "Oh, you magnificent being… even gods might fall for you," he muttered proudly.
Turning toward Sophia, he struck a heroic pose. "Well? Don't hold back. Shower me with the praise I deserve."
Sophia, used to this ritual, clapped her hands softly and smiled warmly. "You look incredibly handsome, Young Master. Truly, the most dashing man in the world."
That did it. Kaizel's ego inflated instantly. He raised his chin like a peacock showing off its feathers. "Of course I am. But thank you for recognizing greatness when you see it."
When they entered the grand dining hall, the golden morning light poured through tall glass windows, dancing across the polished marble floor. The air smelled of baked bread and fresh fruit, with the faint aroma of coffee drifting in the background.
His family was already gathered — an elegant scene, each member distinct yet harmoniously chaotic in their own way.
Lady Elara, his mother, wore a dark green sleeveless dress with a thigh-high slit, a soft white shawl draped gracefully around her arms. She looked like the very image of composed mischief — regal yet undeniably playful.
Beside her sat Elizabeth, the tomboy sister who usually refused dresses but today, shockingly, wore one — a short, battle-ready design that almost reminded Kaizel she was indeed a girl.
Then there was Seris, the eldest sister, refined and elegant as ever. Her white dress with golden accents matched her flowing blonde hair, now braided with delicate golden pins.
And at the end of the table sat Duke Kaelen Igniseros, their father — stern, powerful, dressed in his usual black coat and crimson cape that practically screamed "I wrestle dragons for breakfast."
As soon as Kaizel entered, Elara's eyes lit up. She stood instantly, practically gliding over to him, her shawl fluttering like a cape. "Ohhh, my baby! You look so handsome and cute I could die of joy!" she squealed, pulling him into a suffocating hug, rubbing her cheeks against his.
Kaizel, chest puffed with pride, grinned under her praise. "Tell me something I don't know, Mother! Huhuhuhu!"
That strange, overly confident laugh of his earned him a room full of stifled chuckles. The maids covered their mouths, and even the butlers struggled to keep straight faces.
"Don't fill his head with lies," Duke Kaelen grumbled from the table, pretending to focus on his food. "He'll start believing he's prettier than the gods."
Kaizel immediately pointed a finger at him, scandalized. "You're just jealous because you look like a red fiery chicken every day! Look at that cape! You're a walking torch!"
Elara gasped dramatically, "Oh, he's got you there, dear!" and clapped gleefully. "Tell him, baby! Show him who's the boss!"
Kaelen's eye twitched violently as he muttered under his breath, "He is my son. He is my son. He is my son…"
Eventually, Kaizel plopped down beside his mother, slumping in the chair. "So… what's the occasion?"
Seris, ever the voice of reason, answered calmly from across the table. "It's Princess Aurora's birthday. We're attending as the Duke's family."
Kaizel groaned dramatically, slumping further. "Haaaaa… So it's just a birthday. And if we're already going, why are we having breakfast here first? Is the king that poor he can't afford to feed us there? I'm telling you, it's boring."
Everyone froze for a second — then collectively sweatdropped.
"Listen, idiot," Seris snapped, glaring. "Don't say things like that in the banquet, or we'll all get executed before dessert!"
The Duke nodded solemnly. "For once, your sister speaks wisdom."
Kaizel just stuck his tongue out. "Blehhh."
"You little punk, I'll kill you!" Seris shouted, her magic flaring slightly.
But Elara's calm yet dangerous voice sliced through the air. "No fighting inside the house."
Both siblings immediately froze. Even the Duke looked cautious.
After a moment, the Duke cleared his throat. "Listen, children. Your mother and I will accompany you to the banquet, but we'll join later. We have business with the royal council. For the first half, only you kids will represent our family — along with the heirs of other noble houses."
His tone sharpened as he turned toward the girls. "You two are the responsible ones. Keep him on a leash until your mother arrives. It won't be easy, but I promise a handsome reward."
Both girls straightened with a solemn nod as if accepting a holy mission.
Kaizel just scoffed, stretching lazily across the table. "As if anyone can handle me. No one in this world can."
That's when Elara's voice, deceptively soft, chimed in: "You will behave."
Every trace of rebellion vanished. Kaizel instantly sat upright, saluting her like a soldier before his general. "Yes, ma'am! Sir, yes sir!"
The entire family — even the stoic Duke — burst into laughter. The maids couldn't hold it anymore and giggled freely, the warm morning filling with echoes of joy and mischief.
The journey to the capital was instant.
A ripple of light flared beneath their feet as the royal teleportation circle activated — a spell so intricate it shimmered with threads of gold and azure runes spinning like tiny constellations. With a soft flash, the Igniseros family vanished from their mansion's courtyard.
The next instant, they stood upon polished white stone engraved with royal insignias, the outer courtyard of Solaris Palace spreading before them.
The capital city of Solaris was breathtaking — golden towers rising like spears toward the heavens, their peaks glittering in the sunlight. The royal palace itself stood in the heart of it all, an enormous citadel of marble and crystal that caught and refracted the morning light into a hundred radiant hues. Intricate banners bearing the sigil of the Solar Lion waved proudly in the breeze. The faint sound of music and laughter drifted from within, a reminder that the day belonged to celebration.
Kaizel whistled low, hands in his coat pockets. "Damn… the royals sure know how to flex."
"Language," Seris muttered immediately.
"Fine, fine," Kaizel replied, rolling his eyes but grinning. "But admit it, it's impressive."
Elizabeth nodded with a small smile. "It really is."
Just then, the palace guards approached in perfect formation — every step synchronized, their armor gleaming like molten sunlight. The captain of the royal guard, a tall man with stern eyes and a composed demeanor, stepped forward. He placed his fist to his chest and bowed slightly.
"Welcome, Duke Kaelen Igniseros. Duchess Elara," he greeted formally, his deep voice carrying the disciplined edge of a man trained in service. "His Majesty the King awaits you in the Main Council Chamber." He gestured respectfully toward the great gates. "The young masters and ladies will be escorted to the banquet hall."
The Duke nodded curtly. "Understood." Then, turning toward his children, his expression hardened. His crimson eyes locked on Kaizel like a warning shot. "Behave."
Kaizel gave a lazy nod, pushing up his glasses with an indifferent hum. "Yeah, yeah. I'll be a saint, old man."
Kaelen's brow twitched — but he only sighed, muttering under his breath, "I'll believe that when the world stops spinning."
Lady Elara chuckled softly and linked her arm with her husband's. "Come now, dear. He'll be fine… probably." With a graceful wave, she followed the guard captain toward the towering palace gates.
As soon as their parents disappeared from view, Kaizel stretched his arms wide, letting out a yawn so exaggerated it almost echoed. "Aaaahhh, finally. Freedom." His tone dropped into a mischievous murmur. "Now… let's have some fun."
Elizabeth gave him a warning glance. "Don't even start."
He waved dismissively, feigning innocence. "Oh, please. I'm just curious."
His eyes drifted toward the group of armored guards waiting to escort them. Their armor bore the golden lion of Solaris — each soldier disciplined and straight-backed, the very picture of royal pride.
Kaizel's grin turned wolfish. "Hey, Mr. Guard," he called out, walking toward the front lines with that casual confidence that somehow demanded attention. "Where exactly is this banquet happening?"
One of the guards — a bulky man with a shaved head and the presence of someone used to command — stepped forward. Likely the sub-captain. He bowed slightly, though his eyes studied the young man carefully.
"Young Master Kaizel, the banquet is held in the Sunlight Hall. We'll escort you there immediately, if you'd please follow."
Kaizel waved a hand lazily. "No, no. Just tell me where it is, I'll go on my own. I like exploring."
The man stiffened. There was a moment of silence. "I'm afraid that's not possible, young master," the guard said quickly, voice steady but respectful. "You must be formally announced before entering the hall. It is royal protocol."
Kaizel's smirk vanished.
He lowered his glasses ever so slightly, revealing eyes that gleamed like twin galaxies — deep blue with threads of silver swirling like cosmic storms. The air shifted subtly; even the faint breeze seemed to stop for a heartbeat.
Every instinct in the captain's body screamed danger.
Cold sweat prickled the back of his neck. Those eyes… he thought, heart hammering. They aren't normal. That's not a boy's gaze — it's like being stared through by something ancient.
He swallowed hard, unable to move. Kaizel tilted his head, voice low and curious. "Protocol, huh? You sure that's worth it?"
The captain couldn't respond. He was a Platinum Core Warrior, a man who had survived battlefields and monsters — yet in that instant, facing a ten-year-old boy, he felt utterly powerless.
Then the realization hit him. Ten years old… Silver Core already? His blood ran cold. That's not a prodigy… that's a monster.
The tension hung in the air — until smack!
A sharp pain hit the back of Kaizel's head — twice.
"Don't bully the guards," Seris scolded, withdrawing her hand and crossing her arms with a glare that could freeze magma. "They're just doing their jobs, you menace."
Elizabeth sighed, flicking his forehead lightly. "This is why you always get punished every time we leave the house."
Kaizel rubbed the back of his head, feigning a wounded expression. "Ow! What was that for? I was just teasing him a little."
"Your 'little' is what starts wars," Seris muttered.
Kaizel turned back to the captain, giving a sheepish grin and placing a hand over his chest in mock sincerity. "Sorry, mister. I was just messing around. Your reaction was too good to resist."
The captain blinked, still processing what just happened — then to his utter shock, both noble daughters bowed slightly in apology as well.
Elizabeth added softly, "Please forgive our brother. He means no harm."
The guards exchanged surprised glances. In all their years serving noble families, they had rarely — if ever — been genuinely apologized to by aristocrats. But these three… they felt different.
One of the younger soldiers whispered under his breath, "They're… not like the others."
The captain straightened and saluted sharply, his earlier fear fading into newfound respect. "Young masters, my ladies — I will personally escort you to the banquet hall."
Kaizel smirked again but this time softer, genuine. "Lead the way, captain."
As they began their walk toward the grand marble steps of the Sunlight Hall, golden light streamed through the stained glass windows, painting the corridor in shifting hues of amber and sapphire.
Kaizel's footsteps echoed lazily beside his sisters, but his mind was already racing — curiosity burning behind his calm expression.
The royal palace… the heart of the kingdom. Power, politics, secrets — all waiting to be unraveled.
He couldn't help but grin."Let's see what kind of fun today has to offer."