Year 107, New Calendar — Central Continent
~Babylonia, Federation of Gaïa
Babylonia was this amazing city where magic and technology came together, kind of like a medieval wonderland with high-tech vibes. And tucked away on its far western side, away from all the hustle and bustle, was the Roschild family's place.
Their estate felt like its own little world, surrounded by a strong, fortress-like wall. In the center was a huge mansion, backed by mountains and set against a sprawling, well-kept forest. The only way in was through a black iron gate decorated with the family crest: a bright red phoenix with its wings spread, almost like it was about to soar into the sky.
Welcome to the House of Flame, a well-known family that has produced powerful flame-wielders for generations.
°°°
On a sunlit mountainside behind the mansion, a young man lay sprawled in the shade of a great tree. A piece of straw danced on his lips as he rocked it idly. He was dressed simply in light gray pants and a white shirt, a silver ring glinting in his right ear. His hair, a striking mix of gray and white, shone like silver in the light. With smooth skin and handsome, not overly so, well-defined features, he was Leo Roschild—the second son of the main family.
Eyes closed, he basked in the day, the summer breeze a gentle caress on his skin.
"Ah, what a perfect day," Leo sighed to himself. "All it's missing is a lap pillow from a buxom older sister in tiny shorts as I rub myself against those plump tights... Hah! Just the thought is enough to make me melt."
He was someone who, without any shame, embraced his quirky interests and openly expressed his unique views about life.
His fantasy was shattered by a voice cutting through the calm.
"Leoooo!Where are you?"
The call resonated like a delightful melody, a sweet and whimsical sound that danced through the air, hinting at the presence of a truly enchanting face that would surely captivate all who beheld it.
Leo jolted upright. "Guh!" he exclaimed as he spat out the straw, his dazzling azure eyes flashing for a brief moment before a playful idea sparked in his mind.
He flopped back down, arranging himself in a carefully casual, then deliberately dramatic, pose.
"Let's play a little prank on her shall we?"
Moments later, a girl with vibrant pink hair stumbled into the clearing, panting heavily.
"Huff… huff… There you are, you jerk!" she exclaimed, sweat glistening on her brow.
However, her anger faded instantly when she saw him. His head hung to the side, and his arms lay limply by his sides.
"L-Leo?!" Her heart raced as she rushed over, dropping to her knees and gently lifting his head onto her lap. "Speak to me! What's wrong? Don't scare me like this!"
The response wasn't just a last gasp; it felt like coming back to life. His eyes flew open, and without missing a beat, he reached up to flip the edge of her skirt.
"Kyaaaah!" she squealed, caught off guard.
"Oho! Blue lace today, huh?" Leo said, a smug grin on his face as he enjoyed the moment.
"You perv, just die!" She jumped into the air, ready to slam a dropkick right into his head.
Leo rolled away without a hitch, a goofy grin on his face. "Oi, Rina—trying to take out your future husband?"
Her move froze at his words, and her cheeks turned bright red.
"W-Who would want to marry you?" she shot back, puffing up her cheeks in annoyance.
"Heh. You're all blushy and looking away… No one's buying it. The Easterners have a term for this—' Tsundere!'"
"W-W-W-Whattt—!" Her embarrassment quickly turned into pure rage, and she lunged at him again, ready to teach him a lesson.
And just like that, the field filled with their laughter and playful hits, a familiar game of tag and teasing.
To anyone watching, the lively scene around them seemed to be just another day in their world.
After a while, they sank down, panting slightly, beneath the large tree. Resting against its sturdy trunk, they enjoyed the gentle summer breeze that rustled the leaves overhead.
"You've got so much energy today," Leo said with a playful smile.
"Don't talk to me, you creep," Rina shot back with an exaggerated huff.
She looked stunning, the picture of young beauty. Her crisp white blouse, adorned with a ruffled collar and shiny golden buttons, was paired with a bright red bow tie. A high-waisted black skirt flowed down to her thighs, creating a striking contrast with her fair skin. Her modest build hinted at the young woman she was growing into, and her soft pink eyes, the same color as her hair, sparkled with both warmth and determination.
Rina Ellis was Leo's closest childhood friend, his usual partner in mischief, and although he would never say it out loud, she was the girl he cared about the most.