When everyone had nearly finished their breakfast, Saphy suddenly spoke up, her voice carrying a rare tone of seriousness.
"Dad… I have a favor to ask. Could you… agree to it?"
Charles glanced at his daughter, his sharp ice-blue eyes softening as he saw the pleading in her gaze. Instinctively, he wanted to agree immediately, to grant her request without hesitation. But he paused, knowing he had to at least hear what she wanted first.
"It depends on what favor you're asking for. So, what is it that you want, Saphy?"
Tsk. I thought acting cute would work… Saphy thought to herself, sighing silently. Guess I still have a lot to learn about this whole "adorable daughter" routine.
"Dad… I want to go out."
Charles' brow furrowed in confusion. "Go out? You can go outside whenever you want — the garden, the courtyard… there's no need to ask for that."
"No, Dad. You misunderstand. I don't mean just the garden. I mean… I want to walk around in the city."
Charles' face stiffened. "Absolutely not."
"Why not?" Saphy tilted her head, her big sapphire eyes narrowing slightly.
"For several reasons," he began firmly. "First, it's dangerous in the city. You're still very young. And in a few days, you'll turn five — an extremely important day in your life. That day marks your awakening ceremony. Many people will attend… perhaps even the King himself. We cannot risk any unforeseen accidents. So, no. You cannot go into the city."
Saphy pouted, crossing her arms and leaning slightly forward. "How long am I supposed to be stuck inside? Am I some kind of prisoner? And don't forget, I'll take the knights with me. What could possibly happen? Besides, I can use magic. I'm more than capable of protecting myself."
Charles' lips pressed into a firm line, his arms folding across his chest. "Still no. Just because you know a little magic doesn't mean you can defend yourself fully. You never know what kind of dangers await outside."
Saphy's eyes narrowed mischievously. "Dad… then let me rephrase it for you. Should I walk around the city with guards escorting me, or should I sneak out alone?"
Charles' mouth dropped open in astonishment. Is this what they call the rebellious phase? he thought, his heart beating faster. But before he could respond, Saphy leaned closer, her gaze steady and unwavering.
"And what do you mean by 'a little magic'? I am perfectly capable of protecting myself. Do you want to make a bet?"
"A bet? What do you mean by that?" Charles asked warily, already feeling a twinge of concern.
"Simple," Saphy said confidently, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "Ask one of the soldiers to try attacking me."
Charles' eyes widened. "Saphy, that's going too far! It's extremely dangerous! You could get seriously hurt!"
Saphy shook her head, unwavering. "Dad, this is the safest way to prove that I can defend myself. If you're worried, have them use wooden swords. Even if I get brushed, I can heal it immediately."
Charles blinked. There was… nothing he could argue against. She had a point — albeit a terrifying one. After a long pause, he finally exhaled. "…Fine."
After breakfast, they all made their way to the family training ground. The crisp morning air whistled faintly through the trees, carrying the distant sounds of soldiers training and horses whinnying. The vast field had been sectioned off for household members' practice, far from the main knightly grounds. Only Saphy's family, the maids, butler, four knights, and a handful of soldiers were present.
Charles glanced at his daughter one last time. "Saphy… are you absolutely sure about this? Even if it's just a wooden sword, it could still hurt."
"I know the risks, Dad," Saphy replied, her voice calm and steady. "I'm fully committed. You have my word."
She stepped into the center of the training ground, small but poised, her flowing white hair catching the morning light. Her sapphire eyes sparkled with a confident glint, far beyond what anyone would expect from a five-year-old child.
With a signal from Charles, Soldier A stepped forward, gripping a wooden sword in his small hands. He adopted a defensive stance.
"Miss… I am ready. I will strike," he said, voice steady but betraying a hint of caution.
Saphy simply nodded, signaling that she was prepared. Soldier A, holding back with all his might, swung the wooden sword in a sideways arc — a heavy strike that would certainly bruise or sting any child. Everyone held their breath. Lisa, Saphy's mother, instinctively rose from her position, ready to rush to her daughter's side should anything happen.
The sword swung through the air, poised to strike… and then stopped. Mid-swing. A transparent, glimmering light barrier hovered before Saphy, halting the wooden blade effortlessly.
The hall of witnesses went silent, breath caught in throats. There was no dramatic sound, no clanging of steel — only awe. They had expected the little girl to cry, to stumble, perhaps even to get hurt. Instead, she stood perfectly still, unshaken, her tiny hands folded calmly before her. The light curtain shimmered faintly, a barrier of pure, unyielding magic.
Saphy's father narrowed his eyes, trying to find any flaw, any weakness — but there was none. Charles' fingers twitched with surprise, but he maintained a stoic facade. Even if I tried, I couldn't break it… The thought made his chest tighten.
Not content with a single soldier, Saphy called forth the other three, standing ready to attack simultaneously. The soldiers glanced nervously at Charles, who gave them a subtle nod. Without hesitation, they lunged from all four directions, wooden swords aimed at the seemingly vulnerable child.
The barrier did not waver. Strike after strike, the soldiers increased their speed and force, but the magical shield held firm. Light magic, perfectly crafted and entirely unbreakable. Even the combined strength of four trained soldiers could not penetrate it.
"Enough!" Charles barked, voice booming across the training field. The soldiers immediately ceased, stepping back with visible relief.
Saphy smiled confidently, her small arms folded. ᕙ( ~ . ~ )ᕗ
Charles' face was a mixture of shock and disbelief. (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
"So… Dad. May I go out now?" Saphy asked sweetly, tilting her head with an innocent grin.
Charles exhaled deeply, unable to deny her request. "You may," he said at last, still shaken by the sheer power he had just witnessed. He had personally tested the barrier with his own magic — and even he could not break through it. Light Magic at that level, perfectly executed by a five-year-old… it was nothing short of terrifying.
Charles muttered under his breath, almost to himself, "My daughter… she's a genius."
William, ever dramatic, muttered rhetorically, "No, she's a monster."
Lisa, unable to contain her maternal pride, scooped Saphy into her arms and hugged her tightly. "No… she's an angel," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth and awe.
Saphy giggled, feeling the mixture of respect, fear, and love surrounding her. This was her world now — a world where even a little girl could stand as powerful, smart, and fearless. And she intended to make every moment of it hers.