Under a large oak tree sat a boy who looked to be about five years old. He had silvery-white hair, red eyes, slightly chubby cheeks he had low nose bridge. At the moment, he was happily eating chocolates.
It has been five years since I came to this world. During that time, there have been a few things I've come to understand.
The young boy with white hair, Ian Illuot, thought to himself.
First of all, my new name in this world is Ian Illuot. I was born into a wealthy family—the royal family of the Merloc Empire.
Ian continued his train of thought.
Secondly, I know this world very well. After all, the world I'm currently living in is the setting of a novel I wrote back on Earth.
He paused for a moment before continuing.
Thirdly, I don't remember the events of the novel very well.
Ian sighed inwardly.
I regret not reading my own novel. I thought it would be boring since I already knew all the major events that had happened or would happen.
He shook his head.
Well, there's no point crying over spilled milk.
The only things Ian could recall were the magic system he had created and a few minor events that would take place in the novel.
One thing he clearly remembered was the premise of the story.
The novel followed seven different protagonists, each embarking on their own journey. Through the threads of fate, their lives would eventually converge, opening the door to a grand adventure filled with love, suffering, and the many complexities of life.
To Ian, the funny thing was that he had been reincarnated as a character named Ian Illuot.
After all, Ian Illuot was merely a named side character in his novel. He hadn't even bothered to describe the character's appearance or abilities. All he had written was that Ian Illuot was the older brother of one of the important characters.
Well, whatever happens in this world is none of my business.
For the time being, Ian had no intention of interfering with the events of the novel. He would let everything unfold as it was supposed to. After all, the main characters would handle everything, wouldn't they?
As for him, he would simply enjoy his life as the crown prince.
Having finished his chocolates, Ian got to his feet and left the shade of the oak tree.
---
One Hour Later — Ian's Chambers
Ian lay on his bed, wearing a white T-shirt, short blue pants that reached his knees, and a pair of white socks.
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.
"Your Highness, may I enter?" a voice asked.
"Yes, Douglas. You may come in," Ian replied calmly.
As soon as Ian finished speaking, the door opened, and an old man entered the room.
He had a receding hairline that was visible even from a distance, white hair that came with age, and blue eyes. He wore a black suit accompanied by a pair of black gloves. Wrinkles covered his face, a testament to his years.
He was Sir Douglas Dell Branc, the head butler of the Illuot family. He appeared to be somewhere between fifty and sixty years old.
Douglas bowed respectfully.
"Your Highness, His Majesty has summoned you to his study."
Ian sat up on his bed.
"For what reason, Douglas?"
"I do not know, Your Highness," Douglas replied. He paused briefly before continuing, "However, His Majesty has ordered you to meet him in his study within the next ten minutes."
"I see. All right, Douglas."
Ian got off the bed and began preparing to meet his father.
---
The Emperor's Study
The emperor was not alone in his study.
Standing before him was a man dressed in black armor. He had long black hair, brown eyes, and a muscular build and he had an overall a handsome face. A long black sword was strapped to his back.
The man knelt before the emperor.
"Young Master, you must attempt your apotheosis ritual within this year. This is the perfect window of opportunity for you to attempt it."
The emperor continued writing on the papers spread across his desk as he listened.
"I know, Rijjin. However, I intend to attempt it after Ian's fifth birthday celebration, which is only a week away."
The emperor had brown hair and purple eyes, with a small black mole on his left cheek. He wore a white shirt and sat behind his desk, seemingly unbothered as he continued writing.
"But, Young Master, the leader is growing old. He is already on the verge of death, yet he continues to hold on. But how much longer can he last?"
Rijjin raised his head slightly.
"Please, Your Majesty, I strongly suggest that you perform the ritual tomorrow. The full moon will be out, and I believe it will help prevent you from being corrupted during the process."
He bowed his head again.
"Please reconsider, Young Master."
Before the emperor could respond, a knock came from the door.
"Your Majesty, the young prince is here," Douglas announced from outside.
"Let him in," the emperor replied.
The door opened, and a girl with brown hair and red eyes entered the study.
The moment she stepped inside, the imposing figure of Rijjin suddenly vanished.
The emperor acted as though nothing unusual had happened, and the girl seemed equally unconcerned.
Ian entered the study behind her and bowed respectfully to his father.
However, the girl paid no attention to formalities. She rushed toward the emperor and wrapped her arms around his leg.
The emperor stopped writing, looked down at her, and smiled faintly before lifting her into his arms.
"Fiona, what are you doing here?" he asked.
Fiona looked up at him cheerfully.
"I saw Elder Brother and Uncle Douglas walking here, so I decided to come along!"
That energetic girl is my younger sister, Fiona Illuot.
Ian watched her from the side.
And she's one of the seven main protagonists of my novel.