The following morning after the Royal Banquet ended. I found myself subconsciously cycling mana throughout my body as I watched Mia meditate comfortably atop my bed.

Somehow watching her relax made me relax as well. "That's good enough for today," I said aloud, breaking her concentration.

Letting out a deep breath she slowly opened her eyes and stretched her body. "Alright I'm gonna go get ready now," she said, hopping off the bed. As she opened the door to leave, Leon was on the other side. "Oh? Morning father."

"Good morning, Mia," Leon said patting her head. "Are you going now?" he asked her.

"Yup," Mia said then walked past him. "Goodbye."

Looking at Hanna's back for a second he showed a smile. Then, turning his attention back to me he spoke, "Hey, Arata. I'm going to the Royal Palace again and was wondering if you wanted to come along." he said. "Since you're close to the princess and all," he joked.

"Why?" I asked, ignoring his teasing.

"Since I helped set up the banquet I also need to help with taking it down," he explained. "So, you want to go?"

"Yes," I finally answered. It's not every day that you get the chance to visit the Royal Palace. Even though I've gone there every day for more than a week now.

"Of course you do," he joked again.

"Ah! Just let me get dressed!" I said removing my clothes. I get why he teases me. I'm a little noble boy and Asia is a beautiful princess. He might think that I have a thing for her but there's no way. Asia is a little girl. Sure, I look like a little kid on the outside but I'm in my mid-30s. What kind of sick person would I be if I took advantage of her?

After I finished getting dressed I asked Nina to look after Flare and met Leon in the front yard. After getting on the carriage we continued on our way to the castle. As we made our way through the city, Leon mentioned that this was the last time he was going to the castle.

So this was the last chance I'd get to spend time with Asia until another celebration like the Royal Banquet happens again or if she somehow gets permission to visit the Arumani estate. Even though the castle is all big and fancy I wouldn't want to spend too much time there.

Once we got to the castle I broke away from Leon. While he went off to do his own thing I went around looking for Asia. It might sound weird but even though I am in my mid-30s I still consider her a friend. Throughout these past few days that I spend time teaching her and telling her stories, we grew close. In just a short amount of time too.

As I walked through the large garden I couldn't see Asia anywhere. She would usually wait for me at the front gate but yesterday we said our goodbyes thinking we wouldn't see each other for some time. And yet here I am, looking for one person in this huge castle. Maybe she's not even outside. I guess I'll just have to go inside the castle.

As I walked through the wide halls of the castle I realized my luck hadn't gotten any better. I couldn't find her anywhere. I could try to ask around, there were guards as well as maids and Butlers that I'd seen passing by. But they don't know me, what if by asking around for the princess, it makes them wary of me?

After being tired of looking I ended up on a wide terrace that overlooked the entire kingdom. The view was beautiful, truly. That I could spend hours just sitting here, staring out there. At all the houses, large buildings, and people who go about their daily lives.

As I looked around for a place to sit, I found a young boy doing just that. Looking at him as he stared out at everything the kingdom was made up of I quickly recognized the boy.

Having noticed me he turned his head and we locked eyes. Due to this, I knew I had no choice now so I walked closer to the boy and bowed.

"Greetings, Prince Hansel," I said. The boy who stared out at the kingdom was none other than Prince Hansel himself. He's about Hanna's age and they're also in the same grade. If I had known it was him who was up here I would've left him alone. I don't know the Prince very well, in fact, I don't know him at all.

"You're Arata, Correct, from the Arumani house?" he asked. At my nod, he continued speaking, "It seems you have made a huge impact on my little sister, she never stops talking about you."

"Is that so?" I said, sounding a bit confused. So Asia talks about me to other people. "What did she say about me?" I asked out of curiosity.

"She mentioned your peculiar magic along with your unbelievable adventures," he spoke out with a hint of doubt. It's only natural he wouldn't believe what I can do and the things I've been through. "If it's all true then show me," he said. "Asia trusts you and enjoys your company but I need to know if you are truly worth trusting."

Oh? I get it. This is some kind of test. Asia is Hansel's little sister. He wants to know what kind of person I am and if his sister is hanging around the right crowd. Anyone would do the same.

How would I feel if Hanna or Mia came home one day nonstop talking about some shady guy with unusual magic and weird adventures? Especially the ones I told Asia. I only told her funny stories to lighten up the mood.

"Alright, what do you want to see?" I asked, the confidence in my voice pushing away his doubt.

"You're lightning magic," he answered. I never showed Asia my gravity magic so I guess that is the only thing I can show him.

"Alright. . ." closing my eyes I focused my magic until tendrils of lightning raced around me. "Here it goes," raising my hand I concentrated it into one spot and shot out.

"Wow," he let out, examining closely as the stream of lightning traveled through the air. Turning his attention back to me, he straightened himself. "Is that all," he said. Putting up a cool act as if my display of magic wasn't impressive.

While I took his words as a challenge, "Oh, you wanna see more?" at my words, the prince tilted his head in confusion.

Having felt the change in the air his eyes widened. As for everything that rested on the floor began to levitate in the air. Chairs, sofas, tables, cushions, and every other thing that decorated this beautiful terrace began to flow in a circle around me like a raging tornado. I think I even saw a few plants in the mix.

"How's this?" I spoke, looking down at Hansel as he had fallen with his back to the floor. "Impressive enough to win my prince's approval?"

Witnessing the scene before him a smile formed on his face. "Heh!" he chuckled. "You really are crazy," he said. However, he didn't make it sound like a bad thing, it was more like praise.

Having gently put down all the things I picked up I recalled my mana. Then stretched my hand out to the prince. Without saying a word he took it and I pulled him back up to his feet.

Locking eyes with me for a second he then looked around. "Wow, you really trashed the place," he pointed out. At this realization, I grew a bit embarrassed. "Nothing that a few maids can fix," he added.

"S-Sorry," I said, feeling guilty. Hearing my apology he just let out a small laugh.

After that, he asked to see more of my magic which I obediently demonstrated. It wasn't like I could refuse him either. I didn't want him to have a bad opinion of me.

He asked me questions about my adventures. More specifically, the monsters. For example, what kind of monsters I battled and how I was able to take them down. He seemed more interested when I talked in detail about my battles.

"I wish I could be more like you," he said. "I'm a prince already entitled to the throne yet I have no talents. To be honest, I don't even know if I'll make it far as a king," his expression turned from excitement as I told him my stories, to sadness, as he touched on this subject.

I can't even begin to imagine how much weight that is to carry.

"You don't have to be like me," I told him. "I'm not that great, I've made a lot of mistakes," I said trying to console him. "And you. . . You're already enduring having to take on a great responsibility which is something even I wouldn't be able to handle. That, in and of itself, is quite impressive."

"Thank you," he replied with a faint smile. Maybe what I said really did put him at ease. "Based on what Asia said you're not what I imagined you'd be like," he said turning to me.

"Where is Asia anyway?" I asked, finally getting the chance to. "I've been looking for some time now and I can't find her anywhere."

"She's either in her room or with our mother," he said. "I can take you to her if you want."

"Please do," I said immediately as it felt a bit awkward just being here alone with this prince.

Getting up from his seat he looked at me and signaled for me to go with him. "Follow me then," he said, spinning around to lead the way.

-----

"Do you also train your sword skills as well as magic?" I asked, noticing he had a sword on his waist as we walked together through the hallway.

"Yes, I'm a fire mage and I'm currently practicing the Euros style," he explained. "I'm training hard in school to be able to achieve internal mana control." Taking one glance back at me he asked, "Do you practice any sword styles?"

"Yes," I replied, nodding. "Like you, I also practice the Euros style."

"Really? I'd like to see your sword skills one of these days," he said.

"I'd be happy to show you anytime," I told him. Then as we walked he pointed to a door that was up ahead. "That's Asia's room. Let's see if she's there."

Before we got close enough to the door, it opened revealing Asia as she walked out. She must have seen us coming from the corner of her eye as she quickly turned our way. With a loud gasp, her face lit up immediately and she started making her way to us.

"Arata! I didn't know you were here!" she said with excitement while fiddling around. "Come on, let's go have fun," grabbing ahold of my arm she began dragging me away.

"Alright! Slow down!" I exclaimed, trying to keep pace with her as she sprinted away.

"H-Hey! Wait for me!" said the prince as he chased after us.

Asia led us back to the terrace where the prince and I were hanging around earlier. "Wow, what happened here?" she spoke, noticing the mess I had created. "No, that's not important," quickly shaking her head from side to side she disregarded it and turned her attention back to the beautiful scenery. "Look! Isn't the view here great?"

"Yes, I was here earlier with your brother," I pointed out, signaling to Hansel who was standing behind me.

"Go away, brother! I want to be here with Arata, not you!" Asia told Hansel who seemed a little hurt by her words.

"C-Come now, don't make him leave," I said a bit nervous while stopping Hansel from leaving. "I enjoy the prince's company."

"Oh? So you're saying that you'd rather play with him than me?" Asia said, crossing her arms and turning her head away from me with a pout. "Hmph!"

"No, that's not what I. . . Hm?" why does Asia have to make things so difficult? "Listen, since we're all here now, let's just spend this time together."

"Fine!" she finally agreed, having her head still turned while Hansel showed an awkward smile. "Anyway, finish the story you were telling me yesterday."

"Where did I leave off?" I asked just to see if she actually paid attention and I was also uncertain of where I left off.

"Hm?" Asia let out, deep in thought while placing a finger on her chin. "You said you were sneaking up on a pig-looking beast!"

"Oh, right! The pig!" I said, recalling where I had left off. "Oh, right. . . The pig," I repeated sounding annoyed as I remembered what happened that day. Before I started telling the story we picked up a few chairs in order to sit down comfortably.

"So. . ." I began. "There I was out in the middle of the forest. The angry boy, Felix, and I were placed on hunting duties, supervised by my father. We were hunting a pig-looking beast. At the time, we were both pretty irritated since we had been chasing it for a long time having made no progress.

"Then as I snuck up on it I finally got the chance to attack. But before I did I accidentally stepped on a twig. Since the pig was already on guard around us it got startled at how close I was. And. . . The damn pig farted on my face," Asia began giggling and Hansel seemed taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.

"The smell was so horrendous that it caused me to gag and almost vomit. From the sudden noise that I had made the pig being frightened pooped all over me," I continued. Asia began to laugh and even Hansel looked amused.

"The smell of the poo was even worse. I started vomiting all over the place. Then the pig ran away leaving a trail of poop behind. The angry boy then started to laugh at me. Even my own father found it funny as he laughed alongside him. But I was very annoyed more than anything.

"And so, I called it a day and left to wash myself up at a nearby river. As the small waterfall washed my stinky body I swore that the next time I saw that pig I'd get my revenge.

"Just then, my wish must've been heard because there it was. Next to the river trying to get a sip of water was the same pig that I cursed. 'This is my chance' I thought to myself. And then. . ." I trailed off leaving the words hanging in the air

"What did you do?" Asked Hansel a bit intrigued after my long moment of silence.

"I kicked off the ground. As fast as I could, I gave Chase. . ." I answered. "Butt naked too," at my words Asia began laughing again while Hansel chuckled.

"But I didn't care. Not at that moment. All that mattered was me and the pig. Finally, through sheer willpower, I caught up. With all my strength I was able to tackle it. And after its pointless struggle, I came out on top and carried the pig back to camp.

When I got there I noticed everyone was looking at me funny. That's when I realized I was dirty, stinky, wet, and completely naked.

"Realizing this, I got completely embarrassed and ran away. I made my way back to the river and washed myself again along with my clothes. Afterward, I dried them up with wind magic and made my way back to camp where I ate that pig. I'll tell ya, never in my life have I ever felt so satisfied to eat my prey," I finished. "The End."

"Hehe!" Asia giggled with a hand up to cover her mouth. "I'd say that was the funniest story yet."

"I agree, it was very entertaining to hear," Hansel said, nodding his head in agreement.

"That was quite the story," An old croaky voice said from behind me. I quickly recognized that voice. It was the same strong and authoritative-sounding voice that I had heard before.

"Grandpa!" Both Hansel and Asia said at the same time with a bit of surprise in their voice.

Although I panicked and quickly dropped to one knee. "K-King Morgen," I said my voice shaky.

"Come now you don't have to be so formal," he said dismissively with a wave of his hand.

"How long have you been standing there?" I asked, turning my head up to look at him. "And Why are you here?"

"From the very beginning," He answered. "I saw you kids come up here and got curious, so I followed you. I didn't expect to hear such an amusing story though," he added with a small chuckle.

"Hm?" close behind him, I noticed the second queen, Mary, I believe her name was. She was the wife of the previous king, King Morgan's son, but he died of an illness two years ago. Morgan took the throne after that and Mary kept her title as queen.

"Mother!" Asia said running up to her as Hansel also did the same.

Now it was just me alone with the king. Awkward. I thought as I hesitated to look at him. "Thank you," the king spoke first. Finally getting the courage to, I looked up at him and noticed him with a smile as he watched his grandkids running up to their mother.

"Huh? For what?" I said confused, unsure of what I had done. To be honest, I was kind of nervous. I didn't want to be left alone with the king. I'm not the best at making conversations so I'm afraid he'll get a poor opinion of me. Also, I have no idea what the king is like or what kind of hobbies he enjoys and I'm afraid to ask because I might offend him without knowing. Talking to a king sure is difficult.

"For humoring them." He replied. "The death of my son has been hard for all of us, especially them. Having lost their father at an early age they both grew sad and distant. The time that Asia spent with you made her truly happy.

"Speaking of you was the only way she opened up to us. And I can see why. . . I saw it the first time we met too," He said. Raising his hand he patted my head while showing a warm smile on his face. "The way you act. The way you speak. And the way you present yourself resembles that of my son. In a way, you remind Asia of her father and how things used to be, yet she's not aware.

"I'm sure Hansel became interested in you when he saw the way Asia talked about you. I'm just glad they can smile and laugh as they used to," he explained.

I didn't know they had it that rough, in a way I can also relate. When I came into this world I grew very sad at having lost all my family and friends and the thought of never seeing them again haunted me for years.

I didn't suffer the pain of having them die while I was with them. But me having died myself and never being able to see them again hurt.

But I got better, happier. As my ties with my current family keeps me happy. I can't imagine what I'd do or how I'd feel if Leon or Emma died. It almost happened once and it did not have me in the best of moods.

And also me, like the king? No, no. Even if our personalities are similar I'm sure the previous king was a more professional and sophisticated man.

"Asia and I are friends so I'm glad I was able to help her," I finally responded. "I also hope to become closer friends with prince Hansel," I said, turning my attention toward Hansel who was talking with his mother.

"I do so too," the king agreed, looking his way too. "Not only for his sake but also for the future of this kingdom. I'm sure you've heard that once he's of age he'll inherit the throne. So not only is he going through a tough time he also has a huge responsibility forced upon his shoulders. I hope that through you, his burden will lessen."

Locking eyes with King Morgen I said, "I will do my best." Then bowed down respectfully once more.

"Thanks again, child," He replied, and with one final smile, he began to walk away. As he did everything got quiet and I was able to hear Asia's voice.

"Then he chased the pig while being completely naked- haha!" she laughed while telling her mother the story. Well, that's embarrassing. I appreciate that Asia enjoys talking about me to other people but come on, that's just embarrassing. As I was lost in my thoughts, Asia's mother turned my way and smiled before walking away.

"Come on tell us another story!" Asia said as both Hansel and she walked back to me.

"You really want to hear another?" I asked. How does she not grow tired of just listening to me speaking? The stories I tell her aren't even that interesting. . . And I'm running out.

"Uh-huh!" She exclaimed, rapidly nodding her head.

"What about you?" I asked turning to Hansel hoping he'd suggest we do some other thing.

"I don't have anything else to do so why not listen to another," he replied.

Well, I guess I have no choice. I thought. I then began to tell them another story which they happily listened to. Until I heard Leon calling for me.

"That's my father," I said, turning my head toward the familiar voice. "Sorry, gotta go," I told both Hansel and Asia.

"Already?!?!" she exclaimed, sounding a bit annoyed at the way Leon always called for me in the middle of my stories.

"Don't worry, this just means that I'll have to finish the story next time," I told her.

"Well. . . Bye, Arata," Asia said. Why does she always sound sad when I leave?

"Farewell, Arata. I enjoyed talking to you and listening to your story," Hansel said. "If you happen to be back here for another visit, I also hope to hear the rest of the story."

"Will do," I told him. "Until next time. See ya," I said with a wave of my hand. Walking out of the castle I made my way toward Leon who was waiting in front of the carriage close by the front gate.

"Wait! Arata!" I stopped immediately and turned around as I heard Asia call out to me. "I forgot to give you this," she said handing me some kind of wooden frame.

As I looked at it I saw that it was the picture that one butler took of me and Asia during the Royal Banquet. Asia even decorated the frame.

Wow, I look pretty stupid. I thought while looking at the picture. "Hehe," I giggled to myself. "Are you sure I can have this?" I asked.

"Don't worry! I have my own copy in my room!" She said with her thumbs up while showing a smile.

"Well. . . Thank you for this," I told her, lowering my upper body into a bow. As I straightened myself, Asia came in close and wrapped her arms around me.

"Goodbye, Arata," she mumbled then pulled away from me. And with a final wave of her hand, she took off running back inside the castle.

I didn't expect a hug so I just stood there again, like an idiot. As I walked closer to Leon I could already see him smirking as he leaned on the side of the carriage.

"Did I see that correctly?" he spoke, not even trying to hide the mockery in his voice.

"Let's just go," I said getting inside the carriage not even bothering to look at him as I ignored his teasing.