Alkandash, a small kingdom with a civilization slightly more advanced than other kingdoms on the Eastern Continent.
There, lies a region named Merell. This area is rich in natural resources, encompassing forests, hills, mountains, and a harbor.
Near the mountains stands the residence of the Pryspilyette Clan. A clan instrumental in the wars of the past—thanks to their hereditary martial prowess, Alkandash won many battles against other kingdoms. For this, the Pryspilyette Clan was granted a noble title.
Now, the Pryspilyette Clan resides in the farthest region, Merell. A territory governed by the Pryspilyette Clan as its nobles.
….
In the plantation area, a rustling sound could be heard. Hakken was the source, gathering some spices and fruits for dinner later—with a nearly full basket, Hakken rested briefly under a large tree, gazing at the valley and the beautiful scenery of Merell. As he recovered his energy, Hakken read a Geography book he had brought as a weight for the basket lid.
He opened the book and began to read.
Hakken wasn't too interested in strange theories about world development; he was more focused on finding out just how vast the world was.
Chapter I — Page 5
It described the Elven continent named"Lawviere."
"Lawviere, the Elven continent that doesn't care about the outside world... but it's strange, why do they so love worshipping trees and interacting with plants.." Hakken thought to himself, full of curiosity.
Chapter II — Page 50
It described the Eastern Continent named"B'hamen."
"B'hamen, one of the continents that's somewhat advanced due to its abundant natural resources. Alkandash is on this continent, in the north near the Lawviere Continent."
Hakken grew even more curious about the largest continent, "Gallantiere."
Chapter IV — Page 121
"Gallantiere is the Continent of Civilization, where all its kingdoms and regions are highly prosperous, home to many famous academies and the primary source of military and technological power."
"The rest of the chapter just explains how that civilization was created. This weird book only summarizes history, not geography.."
With disappointment, Hakken finally stood up, unknowingly dropping his book, which fell open.
Chapter IV Page 140
As Hakken went to pick it up, he accidentally read one of his clan's names listed there.
"Hoevand, one of the great kingdoms that serves as the dwelling of Magistrates, Cardinals, and Lords. There is one name listed: Gran Pryspilyette as Magistrate of Intelligence."
His eyes widened. All this time, his father was just a 'dad' who liked to drink and taught him how to fight. But 'Magistrate of Intelligence'? That sounded like a title from another world.
Hakken exclaimed in utter shock upon learning this fact,and he tried to find out more about his father.
"Gran Pryspilyette, the General who led the troops in the war against the Kingdom of Graham. He was appointed Magistrate of Intelligence thanks to his brilliant tactics and strategies."
Seeing this news made Hakken feel proud that a member of his family was recognized by the world.
After resting and reading to his satisfaction, Hakken then prepared to return to the Mansion Dojo of his clan, the Pryspilyettes.
On his way home, Hakken passed through the rural area of Miste Village, where he was warmly greeted by its residents.
"Hakken, take these spices for your mother. Grandma Chi just picked them from her field."
"Hey Hakken, your father lost a bet yesterday, don't forget to remind him to bring us a good bottle of Rum! Hahaha."
"Hakken, take this (a shawl) for your sister, she'll love it!"
And so on, until before he knew it, the sun had begun to set. Hakken waved his hand to the villagers as a farewell.
…
Hakken returned to his residence.
"Welcome back! Sara, please take the basket from our hardworking, clever boy here.." greeted his mother, Shera, with an expression full of affection.
Hakken protested a little, his face slightly flushed..
"I could have carried it myself though.."
"Hey, don't be like that.. You look tired, your body seems about to collapse, so let me take it before you end up dropping it," said Sara, his older sister, with a slightly teasing expression, while ruffling Hakken's hair.
"Oh right, one of the villagers gave this to you, it seems to be a shawl," Hakken said to Sara, handing her the cloth.
"Wow, it's so pretty! The pattern is truly beautiful!"
Sara was amazed seeing the shawl.
"Don't forget to thank them later. And also for Mom, here are some spices from Grandma Chi."
"Ah, thank you! Tomorrow I'll go there to thank her and bring some sweets."
After the brief conversation, Hakken went to clean himself up while Shera, his mother, and Sara began preparing dinner before his father arrived.
…
Seven in the evening. Gran, his father, returned with a slightly flushed face.
"Dear! You're drunk again!?" Shera said in a firm tone but with a worried expression.
"Yeah.. uhm, just a little.."
"The smell of alcohol is strong, Dad you're bad at lying!" said Sara.
"Ehhh!?? It's because I was surrounded by people who reeked of beer you know!.. Anyway, Hakken, how was your day? Did you get any training in?"
Said Gran to Hakken, trying to change the subject.
"I was busy picking fruits for Mom, so I didn't have time to train today,"
Hakken said with a tired face.
"Alright, I didn't going to work tomorrow, we'll train together later,"
Gran replied with an enthusiastic expression.
"Really!?"
Hakken's spirits lifted upon hearing his father's words.
"Hello!! The foods is ready!!"
Shera brought a pot of meat stew and Sara brought a pot of fruit soup.
They sat at the dining table and began eating together.
"Dad, is it true that Elves like to talk to trees?" Hakken asked curiously while enjoying the delicious meat stew.
Gran, his father, took a drink and finished a gulp of water before speaking.
"Yes, they have a different language from us, allowing them to communicate with plants and animals. Did you read that in a book?"
"Yeah! I read it in a geography book, and I also saw your name there! Magistrate of Intelligence!"
Hakken answered happily seeing his family name recorded in a book.
"Hahaha, do you know what a Magistrate is, son?"
Gran laughed proudly,hearing himself acknowledged by his own child.
"Of course!.. not!"
Hakken said with full confidence.
Sara choked a little from laughing at Hakken's answer. Shera wiped Sara's mouth while handing her a glass of water to calm her down.
Gran chewed his fruit soup first before finally answering.
"A Magistrate is a special title; there are only five seats for it. As you read, Dad received that title Magistrate of Intelligence because I could lead troops and provide strategies the enemy couldn't anticipate."
Hearing his father's answer, Hakken felt motivated to become a Magistrate like his father.
"Dad, can I become a Magistrate?"
Hakken asked with great curiosity about his own resolve.
"Of course! You will definitely become a great figure, replacing me!"
After the father-son conversation ended, it was Sara's turn to ask her mother.
"Can you teach me about making herbal remedies tomorrow?"
Sara asked a bit awkwardly.
"Of course! I'll teach you everything!"
Shera answered in a soothing tone.
Sara's eyes sparkled! Signifying her joyful emotion, as Sara dreamed of becoming an Apothecary, just like her mother.
They shared information and happiness late into the night.
…
Midnight, when everyone was already asleep. Sara woke up and couldn't fall back asleep.
As a result, she went to the balcony to look at the starry scenery to calm her heart.
At that moment, faint footsteps were heard; it was Gran, her father.
"Can't sleep, sweetheart?" Gran said in a low, calming voice.
While looking at the sky, Sara answered,
"I had the dream, the same one again.."
Gran stood beside her, accompanying Sara as she gazed at the stars.
"That dream,huh.. as a descendant of Arcane, isn't that dream a blessing?"
Sara sighed briefly before finally answering.
"I think it's not a blessing..but a curse. It's like I'm being forced to hold so much information about that power."
While looking at the stars, Gran began to speak.
"From what I know, that phase will stop when you turn seventeen years. Just hold it a little longer."
"You are a cocoon not yet ready to hatch. Even though it's torturous, when you have spread your beautiful wings—then you might thank what you now call a curse."
Sara didn't fully understand what her father said,but she grasped the gist.
"Thank you,Dad.. because of you, I can feel this warmth."
Gran held Sara's shoulder while looking at the stars.
"Don't see what on the past, just focus on planning the future."
After that conversation, Sara returned to her room to rest.