Inside the duke's private room, Duke Kazuhiko Amamiya smiled warmly as he spoke to his wife.
I'm truly happy," he said. "Our daughter is engaged to Prince Shiro.
Duchess Emiko Amamiya returned his smile, her eyes gentle. "Yes, dear. I'm happy as well for our Hina, my love. She will become the future queen of this kingdom.
She paused, as if recalling a distant memory. I still can't believe it. On the day Hina was born, during that grand celebration… the king himself announced her engagement to Prince Shiro. From that moment on, it was decided that they would marry.
Just then
Knock.
The door opened, and the butler hurried in, lowering his head deeply.
I apologize for the interruption, my lord, he said respectfully. But Prince Shiro has arrived.
The atmosphere in the room subtly changed, signaling that an important moment was about to begin.
Outside the duke's residence, a royal vintage carriage slowly came to a halt before the grand gates.
From one side, two maids of the prince stepped down first, their movements graceful and perfectly synchronized. At once, the soldiers of the duke family moved forward and opened the carriage door with practiced respect.
The door swung open.
Two royal maids stood to the side as Prince Shiro stepped out, his presence calm yet commanding. His white uniform reflected the afternoon light, and the royal emblem on his chest marked his status unmistakably.
The surrounding soldiers and maids bowed their heads deeply, a unified gesture of loyalty and respect.
Silence followed for a brief moment
the kind that only appears when royalty arrives.
On the peaceful banks of the river in Butwal Riverside Village, seven-year-old Haruto sat cross-legged on the grass, tossing small stones into the sparkling water. Beside him, Mio also seven laughed as she did the same, splashing water lightly with each throw.
"You know, Haruto," Mio said excitedly, "next year we'll be eight! I can't wait! That means it's finally time to visit the temple!"
Haruto glanced at her, tilting his head. "Temple… huh?"
"Yes!" Mio jumped up slightly, her eyes shining. "When we turn eight, everyone goes to the temple! And you get to see which magic power you'll have. I hope I get Water Magic!" She clapped her hands happily.
Haruto frowned slightly, picking up another stone. "Magic… huh. Who needs that? I'm just a background character anyway. And… my power is… negative."
Mio stopped mid-throw and stared at him, tilting her head. "Negative? What do you mean?"
Haruto shrugged, tossing the stone lazily. "I don't really care about magic. I can survive without it."
Mio pouted, her hands on her hips. "Haruto! Don't just say that. You have to at least choose something. If you get strong enough, you could become a Royal Knight… or join adventurers and level up! You know, go on real quests!"
Haruto blinked, considering her words. "Quests…? Adventure…? Nah… I'm fine with being quiet. I just want to live my life peacefully."
Mio tilted her head, frowning. "But… if we grow up as commoners, we can't even go to the academy in the capital. Only the rare few are chosen or if someone gets special power, then they can attend. You'd be missing out!"
Haruto's lips curved into a small, lazy smile as he skipped another stone across the river. "Then I guess I'll just watch you get all the fun, Mio. I'm happy being a background character… but hey, maybe I'll surprise you someday."
Mio grinned mischievously, splashing water at him. "Hah! Don't even think about underestimating me, Haruto! By the time we grow up, I'll be stronger than you, mark my words!"
Haruto lay back on the soft grass, staring up at the sky. His thoughts were heavy. My power… it's -100. I don't understand why. I checked my status again this morning, and nothing has changed. If anyone finds out… I'll be in serious trouble.
He clenched his fists. In this world, people with negative stats are called "Children of the Devil." But mine… mine is -100. That's extreme.
Despite that, he couldn't deny the life he had now. He had a happy family, friends like Mio, and a quiet, peaceful life. Maybe being a background character isn't so bad. I don't need fame, glory, or adventure. I just… want to live quietly.
Haruto sighed, thinking about the old man God who had given him this strange fate. He's planning something. I know it. But… I don't care. I'm not a hero, I'm not a side character, and I'm definitely not a villain. This is my life, and I'll live it on my terms.
Mio lay down beside him, her tiny head resting on the grass. She looked at him with a gentle smile.
I know you, Haruto, she said softly. You don't want to fight, and you don't want to become strong…but me? I want to live like the nobles do. I want to travel, see the world, go on adventures. And don't worry," she added, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, "if I get power and get chosen, I'll take you to the capital with me. You can rely on me I've got your back."
Haruto turned his head slightly and met her gaze. A small smile tugged at his lips. Maybe… I don't need to chase power after all. As long as Mio is by my side, I can face whatever this world throws at me.
The river flowed quietly beside them, reflecting the fading sunlight. Two friends, dreaming of the future, unaware of the challenges that fate had already set in motion.