The morning sun rose slowly above the sprawling city of Gizana, its golden rays piercing through the mist that blanketed the streets. Light crept across the rooftops until it reached the grand estate of House Pierce, spilling into every corner like a promise of renewal.
Inside one of the upper rooms, Aaron lay asleep, wrapped in a rare peace he hadn't felt in years. The gentle warmth of sunlight brushed his face, coaxing his eyes open. He blinked, momentarily disoriented, then sat up with a soft groan.
The room was dim—thick curtains still drawn. He shuffled toward the window, pulled the drapes open—and instantly squinted.
> "Ah—too bright! I can't see a thing…"
He rubbed his eyes until his vision cleared, then laughed softly to himself. For the first time in days, he felt almost… human. Clean water. A bed. Four walls. These simple luxuries made the world seem less cruel.
But soon, reality returned. He needed to get ready for work.
Aaron slipped into the bathroom, washed his face, brushed his teeth, and combed his dark blue hair back. When he looked into the mirror, droplets of water still clung to his lashes, reflecting the faint blue of his eyes. He looked tired, but alive.
After changing into the servant uniform Kain had left for him, Aaron stepped out into the hall. The mansion was quiet, save for the distant hum of morning wind outside.
> "Where could Kain be…?" he muttered to himself.
Following faint sounds of energy crackling through the air, Aaron found his way to the training hall.
There stood Kain, eyes closed, surrounded by a shimmering spiral of wind. Ethereal currents coiled around his body, pulsing with rhythm. The ground beneath him glowed faintly with runes, and Aaron could feel the power in the air—the mana.
Moments later, Kain's aura burst outward, then vanished in an instant. He opened his eyes. A glowing mark on his left hand shone for a second before stabilizing—symbols of wind magic intertwined, and beneath them, the number 70 appeared.
Kain exhaled and smiled faintly.
> "Good. I've reached Level Seventy."
Aaron, frozen by awe, could only whisper,
> "That… was incredible…"
Kain turned, finally noticing him.
> "Ah, you're awake. What you saw, Aaron, is how a mage advances. The mark you saw—it represents one's affinity and growth. Every time a mage cultivates, their level increases, strengthening their magic. From Level 0 to 100, the stronger you grow, the more abilities you awaken."
Aaron listened intently, absorbing every word like scripture.
> "When your mark appears," Kain continued, "I'll personally train you to reach your potential. Who knows—maybe Lord Pierce will even recommend you to one of Gizana's academies."
Aaron's heart skipped a beat. An academy…? For a moment, he allowed himself to dream.
But Kain suddenly snapped his fingers as though remembering something urgent.
> "Ah! I almost forgot—Lord Frankfurt Pierce returned late last night. He won't wake for another few hours, but we have much to do before he does. Prepare yourself—we'll clean the mansion and the training hall."
> "Understood, sir!"
The two began their tasks. Kain handled the larger areas—the kitchen, main hall, and outer corridors—while Aaron focused on cleaning his room, bathroom, and the surrounding chambers.
But Kain's warning echoed in his mind:
> "Two rooms are strictly off limits—the freezer chamber and Lord Pierce's quarters."
Aaron nodded back then, and now avoided them carefully.
By noon, exhaustion weighed on him. He'd scrubbed floors, polished furniture, and washed windows until his arms ached. When he returned to the lounge, Kain noticed his fatigue.
> "Sit down, take a breather. You've earned it."
Aaron smiled faintly and sank into a chair. His stomach growled. Before he could say anything, faint footsteps echoed from the marble corridor.
Both turned.
A tall man entered the hall—broad-shouldered, graceful, and draped in a fine crimson coat. His long brown hair framed sharp golden eyes that seemed to hold command in their gaze.
Frankfurt Pierce had awakened.
Kain rose immediately and bowed. Aaron followed, uncertain but respectful.
> "So," Frankfurt said as his eyes lingered on the young man, "you must be Aaron."
> "Yes, sir."
> "Kain told me about you—how he found you, and that you possess no magic mark yet. I am Frankfurt Pierce, master of this house. It's a pleasure to meet you."
He extended a hand. Aaron hesitated for a moment before shaking it.
> "I… it's an honor to meet you, Lord Pierce."
Frankfurt smiled faintly, then turned to Kain.
> "We'll speak privately in my study soon."
As Kain nodded, Frankfurt reached into his coat pocket, retrieving a folded note and a small pouch of gold coins. He handed both to Aaron.
> "There are a few things I'll need for tonight. Everything is listed in that note. Buy them from the proper places, and return before midnight. Understood?"
> "Yes, Lord Pierce."
Aaron bowed, took the pouch and note, and quickly set off.
---
Outside, the streets of Gizana shimmered under the afternoon sun. Aaron unfolded the note and read carefully:
> Buy a box of sweets and cakes from Droby's Confectionery.
Then purchase a medium-sized blue bowl from the shop beside the blacksmith.
Return before midnight.
At the bottom of the paper, an additional line caught his eye:
> Turn right from the main square.
He tucked the note into his pocket and followed the direction.
---
Droby's shop was small but lively, filled with the sweet aroma of sugar and cream. Behind the counter stood an elderly man with kind eyes.
> "Welcome, lad! I'm Droby. What can I get you today?"
> "A box—half sweets, half cakes, please."
> "Fine choice."
Droby packed the order neatly and smiled.
> "Thirty gold coins, please."
Aaron paid, thanked him, and continued on his way to the pottery shop.
> "A medium blue bowl, please."
"That'll be twenty gold."
Another transaction complete. Aaron left the shop, clutching the bag carefully.
When he looked up, the sky had already turned orange.
> "I'd better hurry…"
He ran most of the way back, reaching the Pierce estate just as twilight settled. Inside, he handed the items to Kain, who praised his efficiency.
> "Good work. Rest a bit—Lord Pierce will call for us soon."
Aaron nodded and sat down, relief flooding his tired limbs.
But an hour later, the doorbell rang.
A man in a refined black uniform stood outside beside an ornate carriage.
> "Pardon me," he said, "but is this the residence of Lord Frankfurt Pierce—the western wing?"
> "Yes, sir. You must be looking for Lord Pierce."
> "Indeed. I bring an invitation."
Aaron led the man inside. Moments later, Frankfurt appeared, expression unreadable.
> "Aaron, fetch Kain."
The moment Kain arrived, the messenger delivered his message:
> "Her Majesty, Queen Lora of Maro, cordially invites you and your attendants to a private royal banquet—held tonight in your honor."
Kain's eyes widened slightly. Frankfurt's lips curved into a knowing smile.
> "So, the Queen decided to host the meeting herself," he murmured. "Very well. Prepare yourselves. We leave immediately."
Aaron's jaw dropped.
> "T-The Queen…?"
Kain chuckled quietly.
> "You'll get used to surprises, Aaron. Working for Lord Pierce means living among them."
---
Moments later, the grand carriage departed through the gates, the horses' hooves echoing against the cobblestone streets.
Aaron stared out the window, the city lights reflecting in his blue eyes.
> "My first day of work," he thought. "And I'm already on my way to meet the Queen… what kind of place is this?"
As the carriage rolled into the heart of Maro's capital, the moon rose high—and the true story of his fate began to unfold.