"I know not everyone has ever felt what it's like to hold so much power in their hands that they don't even know what to do with it."
"…r!…"
"You may ask, what does that have to do with this story? Well, it's simple—because that's exactly what this story is about."
"…ir!…"
"When I was young, I dreamed of having that kind of power. Power so vast it could alter the very course of the world I lived in. Power so great that even the smallest misuse of it could destroy countless lives. That… was the kind of power I longed for."
Bang! Bang! Brrrt!
"SIR! Please wake up! Guards! Call an ambulance! The president's been shot!"
Bang! Ptss!
"Alpha-1 to command, we need an ambulance and immediate backup!"
Boom! Brrrt!
|Bzzt! This is Delta-2, we copy! Bzzt!|
'Mmm… so noisy… where was I again? Ah, that's right… I…'
"Please, hang in there, Presid—!"
…
"—was shot!"
"Ah! Ah! Ah… huh?!"
My chest heaved as I gasped for breath. I looked around in confusion.
A luxurious bed. An ornate room, filled with elegant furniture and decorations so refined it looked as if an architect and an interior designer had worked together to create a masterpiece.
Before I could take in more, the door at the foot of the bed creaked open. A maid in a classic European-style uniform walked in, pushing a cart topped with a steaming soup covered by a glass dome.
I froze, staring at her in disbelief.
"Wa—wa—"
Hearing my voice, she looked up. Her eyes widened.
"Se—Second Prince! You're awake!"
Her expression softened with relief. She hurried over, placed her hand gently on my forehead, and sighed before bowing slightly.
"Thank the heavens. You've finally recovered from your illness, Your Highness."
I blinked, her words sinking in.
"What illness? Where am I? And… who are you?"
I tried to sit up, but my body felt weak. My legs gave out, and I nearly collapsed before the maid caught me in her arms.
"Careful, Your Highness!"
She steadied me until I could stand. I quickly stepped back, embarrassed.
"Tha—thank you…"
But then I froze.
'Wait… that voice—that's not mine!'
My trembling hands shot to my throat.
'No… no, that's definitely not my voice! What the hell is happening?!'
Panic surged through me. I stumbled toward the maid.
"A mirror! Bring me a mirror—now!"
Startled, she rushed to fetch one.
I grabbed it the moment she returned, my chest tight with dread.
'No way…'
One year later…
The grand ballroom glimmered with light and laughter. Nobles dressed in extravagant gowns and embroidered suits mingled, their jewels sparkling as they exchanged pleasantries. The air buzzed with music and conversation, a perfect picture of harmony.
Then suddenly, the guards at the towering doors stepped aside and began to push them open.
The metallic groan of hinges and the heavy thud of boots against marble silenced the hall.
"His Highness, Jonathan Vuis Sacruiz, now enters!"
Murmurs rippled across the crowd.
The grand doors opened wide, revealing a boy no older than eight. His golden hair shimmered under the chandelier, his delicate features so flawless he could easily be mistaken for a girl.
Excited, he dashed forward, weaving past the nobles until he reached the center of the hall.
"Mother! Look! Look!"
He shouted joyfully, a wide smile lighting up his face.
A woman in her thirties, with flowing blonde hair and a beauty so refined she looked like a porcelain doll, turned at the sound of his voice. Her lips curved into a gentle smile, and she opened her arms.
Jonathan ran into her embrace, earning soft chuckles from the crowd.
"Mother, stop! You're embarrassing me!"
The boy squirmed until she released him with a small laugh.
"Now, now, Jonathan. What has you so excited?"
"Ah, that's right, Mother! Look!"
He raised his small hand high. A soft glow shimmered in his palm, then a spark appeared—until a flame flickered to life.
Gasps spread through the hall. Nobles rushed closer, whispering in awe at how the prince had conjured fire without so much as an incantation.
Jonathan's mother's smile faltered. Her brows drew together as she stared at the flame.
"How—no, who taught you this?"
Jonathan only grinned smugly.
"No one!"
The words cracked through the hall like thunder. Silence followed, heavy and stunned.
"..what?!"
"How can His Highness perform such magic?!"
"But that's impossible!"
Confusion and disbelief rippled among the nobles. Their whispers grew louder, filling the room with unease.
Then, before anyone could say more, a commanding voice echoed from the entrance.
"King Lawrence Vuis Sacruiz!"
Instantly, the hall fell silent. The nobles dropped to one knee, pressing their right hands to their hearts.
"We greet His Majesty!"