When Vale reached the entrance where guests were greeted, he saw his grandfather, his mother, Rodric, and Sebastian waiting. I heard my grandfather grumbling, "What does that old fool think he's doing, coming late? Does he think this is his party?"
Even as he complained, he waved me over. I approached him and asked, "Grandfather, who is the guest?"
Before he could respond, I noticed a carriage coming toward us, its doors marked with a griffin sigil a creature I had learned about in my little research. A griffin has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. It can use wind magic. I figured this must be the symbol of the noble family visiting today.
The carriage was guarded by at least ten knights on horseback. They were heavily armored, their polished helmets gleaming, and their chestplates engraved with the griffin crest and gold accents on the shoulders. Each knight wore a deep red cloak and carried a sword sheathed at their sides.
As I watched the scene unfold, my grandfather muttered again, "What is that fool thinking, showing off like this? Is he coming to war?" Aeris offered a hesitant smile and tried to calm him.
When the carriage stopped, an old man about my grandfather's age stepped out with a playful smile and bright red hair. He wore dark, elegant clothing that identified him as a noble. He greeted my grandfather cheerfully, but Grandfather only scowled in return. My mother moved forward to welcome him politely.
Then an older woman, likely his wife, stepped down beside him. But what really caught my eye was the next person to emerge a girl with wavy red hair and smooth skin, possibly my age or a bit older. She wore a vibrant red dress and moved gracefully beside another woman who appeared to be around my mother's age. This woman had silver hair, dressed in a green gown patterned with emerald designs, and carried herself with elegance.
As the mothers exchanged friendly greetings and the two old men began to argue, Rodric quietly followed the knights and the carriage as they headed toward the courtyard.
After realizing who the old man was, I figured out the identity of the visiting family. His name was Jedric Blackwyn, the former Lord of Theymisis. The current lord, his son Julian Blackwyn, didn't seem to be here today. Julian was the son of Jedric and Nina Blackwyn. My grandfather and Jedric looked to be old acquaintances, perhaps even close friends at one time.
The elderly woman stepping from the carriage must have been Lady Nina Blackwyn. The elegant middle aged woman beside her was likely Talia Blackwyn, Julian's wife. The girl around my age who followed them, dressed in a bright red gown, was surely their daughter. I had heard she was quite pretty, and though I tried not to stare, I found myself sneaking small glances when she wasn't looking.
The Blackwyns were a powerful family. Jedric, once known as the Black Knight of Hallow Mountain, was said to be an exceptional swordsman. I had read only bits about him in books details were limited and my grandfather rarely spoke of him he was a clever man who revealed little.
Once the main guests arrived, the birthday gathering began. A few other guests came as well. Mother brought them over to meet me, and Grandfather did the same. It was a small party, but everyone present held power or influence.
I knew Grandfather was a mythical rank, but I didn't know Mother's or the knights' ranks. I didn't dare reveal how much I had secretly learned from the library. After all, I was only six years old, and it was best to act my age for now.
Still, I couldn't shake my curiosity about the Blackwyn girl. She was beautiful, but I hesitated to approach her. What would others think if I, a child, tried to talk to her so boldly?
As guests congratulated me on my sixth birthday, Lucy quietly collected their gifts for later. Most of them were polite but forgettable except for one. His name was Silas Wren, a Rune Mage Professor from the Royal Academy of Sorin. He looked far too young for such a title.
After Mother introduced us and walked away, I felt drawn to him and asked, "Sir Silas, what is your rank? And what kind of power is rune magic?"
He studied me curiously and said, "You're more knowledgeable and polite than most boys your age. In that case," he smiled, "I'm an Early Stage Ascendant."
"Oh, really? You seem so young, Sir Silas. How old are you?"
"I'm twenty-eight," he replied. "I'm called a genius the youngest professor at the Royal Academy. My rune magic comes from my bloodline it awakened when I was eight. Rune magic isn't like elemental magic. We use formulas to cast our spells."
"Formulas?" I asked, intrigued. "Can others learn it? Since it's not elemental, does it require affinity?"
"Good question," he said, surprised. "Rune magic can be learned by anyone, but it's tough to master because it's based on ancient formulas. Families with rune bloodlines have unique formulas they never share with outsiders. That's why their rune magic is stronger than the ordinary kind."
"I see… but how does that work without affinity? Elemental mages need affinity to cast spell. Does rune magic use something similar?"
Silas blinked, then chuckled softly. "Are you really six years old? That's a question even new students at the Academy struggle with but it's an excellent one."
He held out his hand. "Let me explain. Around us flows natural energy we call it mana. Mages breathe it in and store it within their bodies, using it as fuel when casting spells. Elemental mages mix mana with their affinity to create spell. Rune mages also breathe in mana, but when they cast, they gather external mana around their hands and reshape it with runic formulas. The power and range depend on the formula's design. Elemental mages depend on affinity rune mages depend on the purity of mana and the accuracy of their formulas."
I listened carefully, memorizing every word. "Then, Sir Silas," I asked, "how can I improve my mana breathing and mana sense?"
He smiled. "That's something you can only refine after awakening. But you've piqued my curiosity. Let me give you a few tips anyway…"
He explained patiently, and we chatted a while longer before I excused myself to greet other guests and try the snacks. Before I left, Silas said, "When you turn twelve, come to the Royal Academy and find me."
As I walked away, I saw him watching me thoughtfully. Did that boy really understand everything I said? he wondered. He's only six, yet his grasp of theory is impressive. When he joins the Academy, professors will compete to make him their student… perhaps I should act early to win his favor.
After I said goodbye to Sir Silas, more guests came to wish me well on turning six and gave me gifts. Some people left early, and Grandfather walked with them to their carriages. Silas also left sooner than expected before he went, he said farewell to me and spoke briefly with Mother.
I stayed behind to enjoy the food. There were many kinds of snacks and meats, and a gentle melody played by a musician in the corner of the main hall.
After a little while, I looked around for Grandfather and Mother. I spotted them talking with the Blackwyns, their faces serious. Whatever they were discussing, it didn't seem like a good idea to interrupt.
As I turned back, I saw the Blackwyn girl again. She stood alone near the window at the far side of the hall, the soft light touching her wavy red hair. There was no doubt she was beautiful. I couldn't help wondering how she might look when she grew younger.
I found myself watching her quietly for a while until I suddenly felt a gentle warmth behind me. It wasn't alarming, just a soft heat brushing against my back. When I turned around, I saw a mature woman standing there.
She had long silver gray hair and a calm, confident presence. Her dark cloak, trimmed with fur and patterned with intricate designs, gave her an air of quiet authority.
I knew instantly who she was the grandmother of the Blackwyn girl.
A chill ran down my spine as she gave me a cool, knowing smile and walked toward me.