Vol.0 Ch.151 Quinus’s Fifth Birthday Party


    <span ss="userText">Quinus walked out of the room dressed in the most ridiculous-looking<span ss="aiText"> outfit. <span ss="aiText">It was a ck doublet with a <span ss="editText">red<span ss="aiText"> undershirt and a silver vest. And to top it all off, the pants had a <span ss="editText">gold<span ss="aiText"> stripe and a <span ss="editText">red<span ss="aiText"> belt.


    <span ss="aiText">''Dam<span ss="userText">mit! I feel like I''m going to a Renaissance festival<span ss="aiText">, and I''m one of the lords. Why do nobles wear this ridiculous shit?!'' <span ss="aiText">He didn''t look happy.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, <span ss="editText">your Highness<span ss="aiText">. How nice. You look handsome," <span ss="editText">Lady Wina<span ss="aiText"> said<span ss="userText"> with a smirk as she helped dress the Prince up.


    <span ss="userText">"You don''t have to lie to me, Lady Wina.<span ss="aiText"> We both know that my mother forced me into this," Quinus said.


    <span ss="userText">Wina wanted to hold back herughter<span ss="aiText">, but she couldn''t help herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hahaha! That''s the truth. Her Majesty has quite the taste. <span ss="userText">I don''t know why you nobles<span ss="aiText"> wear such strange clothing. In my country, we would never dress like that."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yeah, I''m going to abolish this stupid<span ss="aiText"> tradition. <span ss="userText">That''s if I don''t die from embarrassment first<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina chuckled and then fixed the clothes.


    <span ss="aiText">"There, now, you''re ready," Wina said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Lady Wina. At least, you can have a sense of humor.<span ss="editText"> Well, I better face the music<span ss="userText"> and get this<span ss="aiText"> over with," Quinus said and headed out the door.


    <span ss="aiText">"Have fun, Your Highness<span ss="editText">. I''ll be there watching over the party<span ss="aiText">," Wina said, watching the prince walk away.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus entered the banquet hall where arge crowd of people had gathered. The whole pce hade together for the fifth birthday of their prince.


    <span ss="aiText">"Happy Birthday, your Highness," some of the people said, greeting the prince as he passed.


    <span ss="userText">''Goddess dammit... How the hell does anyone remember<span ss="aiText"> all these names and faces? There''s like 100 nobles here, and it''s driving me crazy.<span ss="userText">''


    <span ss="userText">That was when Quinus spotted his father''s council<span ss="aiText"> members.


    <span ss="userText">''Yeah, I bet Father just uses Lord Brice<span ss="aiText"> to help him remember <span ss="userText">who everyone is<span ss="aiText">. But if I do that, I''m just going to look like a dumbass. <span ss="editText">At least I have the excuse of being a <span ss="aiText">five<span ss="editText">-year-<span ss="aiText">old<span ss="editText">. <span ss="editText">N<span ss="aiText">o one would expect me to know everyone''s name<span ss="userText"> right now.''


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Quinus? What are you doing walking around in the crowd? Come on, we need you to sit by me and your father<span ss="aiText">," Queen <span ss="editText">Rianna <span ss="aiText">said as she pulled him out of the crowd.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Dammit! I hate being the center of attention<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> I just wanted to make one quick pass and run to the library with Percy and rx.<span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText"> Quinus thought as his mother dragged him up<span ss="aiText"> to the stage where his parents were sitting.


    <span ss="aiText">King Cyndre was sitting on arge wooden chair with arge table full of food in front of him. Queen Rianna had arge chair <span ss="userText">to the left of her husband and Quinus had a smaller chair<span ss="aiText"> next to his mother.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Mother, I know it''s my birthday but why do we have to go through all of this mess<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Now, now, Quinus. You''re royalty. The people of Fiafyr want to show you their respect and their loyalty," King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Father, do the other kings have to go through all this hassle? I would think that the other kingdoms have more important things to worry about than a birthday party."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You are very important<span ss="aiText">, and a prince''s fifth birthday is a big deal," Queen Rianna exined.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus looked confused.


    <span ss="aiText">"Really? Why?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Because it''s a sign that a child is starting their mana vein growth<span ss="editText">. Soon you will begin your journey to bing a man<span ss="aiText">," Queen Rianna answered.


    <span ss="userText">''I must have missed that in<span ss="aiText"> my studies,'' Quinus thought and looked at his father for help.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your mother is right, my son. It''s the start of your journey and you''ll never forget this day."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus<span ss="editText"> reluctantly <span ss="aiText">nodded his head and sat down.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good," Queen Rianna said and gave Quinus a kiss on the cheek.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="userText">sighed but enjoyed his mother''s<span ss="aiText"> affection.


    <span ss="aiText">"Now, let''s enjoy the party," King Cyndre said and a group of musicians began ying.


    <span ss="aiText">


    <span ss="aiText">The party started and everyone was having a good time.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus tried not to show it but he was bored.<span ss="userText"> There were some entertainers juggling<span ss="aiText"> or performing magic. And what made the magical performance so boring was the fact that the performer wasn''t a mage. He was an old-school illusionist that you would find back on Earth.


    <span ss="aiText">''I guess real magicians don''t do shows?... How disappointing.'' Quinus thought as the performer was doing a card trick.


    He wasn''t bad. It just didn''t have the same impact when there were real mages out in the world that could put ''Criss Angel'' to shame.


    <span ss="userText">After a half hour of entertainment<span ss="aiText">, the guests were invited to<span ss="userText"> greet the King and Queen. Then the<span ss="aiText"> children were told to greet the Prince.


    <span ss="aiText">The noble children were the only ones that Quinus feltfortable around.


    <span ss="aiText">''Well, they''re the only ones that don''t suck up to me.<span ss="userText">Even though their parents are another story. And if some do suck up to me then at least I know who''s faking it<span ss="aiText">.''


    <span ss="aiText">"Hello, Prince Quinus," the first group of kids said.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus nodded to a boy who was a part of House Dule. His father, Johnathan Dule, was close friends with Quinus''s father. He was Twelve years old and looked like he was bored.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hello, Lord Jo<span ss="editText">han Dule<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> Did your father tell you to be the first to greet me again?<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText"> Quinus asked with an amused look.


    <span ss="userText">Johan<span ss="aiText"> looked at the prince and shrugged.


    <span ss="aiText">"My father thinks I should be the first to greet you every time," Johan replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yeah, nothing better than a father forcing a son<span ss="aiText"> to do something," Quinus said, looking over to his father.


    <span ss="aiText">"Right. Well, have a nice birthday, Your Highness. Sorry that I''m<span ss="userText"> not interested in children''s stuff<span ss="aiText"> anymore," Johan said.


    <span ss="userText">''Well someone is transitioning into a teen. It''s such a stupid age. I remember pulling simr crap<span ss="aiText"> back then. I<span ss="userText"> guess I should enjoy it before I''m an adult again<span ss="aiText">,'' Quinus thought<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"I can understand that, Johan. But take this advice from me, bing an adult isn''t what it''s all cracked up to be<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="userText">Johan just raised an eyebrow<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Haah... You don''t believe me, do you? Well, that doesn''t surprise me<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said<span ss="userText"> with a shake of his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well, I''m older than you, Your Highness<span ss="aiText">, so I have a lot more experience than you."


    <span ss="userText">''Yeah, I''ve been getting a lot of thattely. I better change the subject.''


    <span ss="userText">Quinus repositioned himself on his chair.


    <span ss="userText">"So, any luck with bing a Maja<span ss="aiText">?" Quinus asked.


    <span ss="userText">Johan looked upset. He wished he was a mage but failed to pass the test. It crushed him that he didn''t have<span ss="aiText"> the talent.<span ss="userText"> His father tried<span ss="aiText"> tofort him but it was hard to make him feel better.<span ss="userText"> His only hope was casting magic through a catalyst like a magical sword or a shield like a Maja Warrior but he wasn''t able to do that either. He had a low-grade mana vein and barely absorbed any mana from ying monsters<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> He was asmon as<span ss="aiText"> one could be in terms of magic <span ss="editText">or fighting <span ss="aiText">talent.


    <span ss="userText">"No. I haven''t. They say that I have a low-grade vein and will need to work hard just to be able to use my mana to enhance my strength," Johan said, trying to hold back his emotions.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus caught on to this and felt bad about asking Johan the question in the first ce.


    <span ss="userText">"I didn''t know... I''m sorry<span ss="aiText">, Johan," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, it''s fine, Your Highness. My father says that there are other ways to serve our kingdom and <span ss="editText">I''ll keep trying to grow my mana vein to the best of my ability<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">''Yeah, that''s bullshit.<span ss="userText"> Well, hopefully, he isn''t the jealous type.''


    <span ss="userText">Just as Quinus was finishing his thought. There was amotion between all of the Royal Guards and Knights. And Sir Dous whispered something in his father''s ear. And his warm smile faded for a moment before looking at the Knight with a perplexed look. He thought for a moment before he reluctantly nodded his head and motioned for the guards to open the door at the end of the main hall. That was when his Uncle, Aunt, and Cousin walked into the party. Which made the atmosphere of the room cold all of a sudden and Quinus didn''t know what was the cause of it.


    <span ss="userText">Johan saw Marcus and got excited, "Marcus is here!? I thought he was still at the academy! I''m sorry your Highness, but I want to talk to Marcus about what it''s like to live as a mage<span ss="aiText">. I''m sure you understand."


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, of course. Go ahead," Quinus said as he motioned with his hand to leave and Johan rushed over to his cousin.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">I haven''t seen my uncle or cousin in years. What the hell did they do to get everyone''s<span ss="aiText"> attention<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText"> My mother looks angry, and my father doesn''t look happy. What''s going on here?''


    <span ss="aiText">ric and his family made their way through the crowd of<span ss="userText"> High Nobles as well as a few Knights who were all staring at them<span ss="aiText"> like they were <span ss="editText">unwee<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus wanted to pay attention but a few more kids greeted the Prince. There was a girl and a boy who walked up to him.


    <span ss="userText">"Your Highness, I hope that you have a great birthday.<span ss="aiText"> My mother said that you should<span ss="editText">. Anyway, you should open my gift first<span ss="aiText">," <span ss="editText">the<span ss="aiText"> boy said<span ss="editText"> who looked like he was seven years old<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus looked off to the side to see gifts being ced on the table<span ss="aiText"> next to him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah, yes. Thank you<span ss="editText">. Your <span ss="aiText">Baron Thaddeus Windermere<span ss="editText">''s son<span ss="aiText">, right?" Quinus said.


    <span ss="userText">The boy was pleased that the crown prince<span ss="aiText"> knew <span ss="editText">his father <span ss="aiText">and quickly bowed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Your Highness," he said with a smile.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, I can''t guarantee that I will open yours first. It''s tough to keep track of all the gifts. But I believe I will enjoy <span ss="aiText">it," Quinus said, hoping that would satisfy the <span ss="editText">Baron''s <span ss="aiText">young <span ss="editText">son<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, you will, your Highness. My father said that the present I picked out was perfect. I can''t wait for you to see it.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">"What is your name again? I''ll make sure not to forget it<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">The boy beamed with joy, "My name is Tarrin."


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright. Have a good time, Lord Tarrin."


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Your Highness," Tarrin said and hurried over to his mother.


    <span ss="userText">Then a girl who looked to be six years old stepped forward.


    <span ss="userText">"Hello, Prince Quinus. Happy birthday. It''s good to see that you''re doing well," The girl said as she curtsied<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">''Well, this is going to be a longer day than I hoped. I better get through this.<span ss="aiText"> Hopefully, I can <span ss="userText">sneak out at some point?''


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, young Miss. Um. You''re Baron Eamon Stirling''s daughter?"


    <span ss="aiText">The girl smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, your Highness.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">While Quinus was being greeted by a long line of noble children. ric was walking with his family. He wanted to show them that his son wasn''t a threat to Quinus. And needed to make a show of it.


    <span ss="aiText">ric didn''t care what anyone said, but his son was his son. And the Kingdom of Fiafyr would just have to deal with it.


    <span ss="aiText">As they walked past some of the High Nobles and knights, ric could feel the stares and heard the whispers.


    <span ss="userText">"Was there something you wish to say to me, Baron Eamon?<span ss="aiText"> Because it feels like you want to <span ss="editText">tell me something<span ss="aiText">," ric said<span ss="userText"> with a joyful smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"My, my. I was just <span ss="editText">noticing how lovely your<span ss="aiText"> wife is," the Baron said.


    <span ss="aiText">''Yeah, I don''t fucking believe that for a second. You''re not going to win this, asshole. You''re a pawn in the game and that''s all you''ll ever be.''<span ss="userText"> ric thought.


    <span ss="userText">"I know she appreciates thepliment<span ss="aiText">. Thank you, Baron."


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, thank you," Duchess <span ss="editText">Leandra<span ss="aiText"> said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">The Baron nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">''Yeah, fuck off,'' ric thought.


    <span ss="aiText">ric''s gaze turned to <span ss="userText">Marquess Duval. Who looked unamused<span ss="aiText"> by ric''s performance.


    <span ss="editText">Duval was hoping ric would have lost his support with the lower nobles. But no matter how hard he tried he was barely able to get<span ss="aiText"> any of the nobles on his side.


    <span ss="editText">It was almost five years since ric''s punishment and Duval estimated that ric lost only three percent of<span ss="aiText"> his support.<span ss="editText"> He didn''t know how he was pulling it off. But it<span ss="aiText"> was a problem.


    <span ss="aiText">"Marquess Duval," ric said in a greeting tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"Duke Revelia," Duval said, not hiding his disgust.


    <span ss="aiText">"I hope you don''t mind that I brought my family," ric said.


    <span ss="userText">"I don''t know... Your son seems to like getting our future mages killed. Was it wise to bring him to the prince''s party?<span ss="aiText"> We wouldn''t want something bad to happen to Prince Quinus. After all, <span ss="editText">we would have to bring Sara Revelia back to be the next heir, if something did<span ss="aiText">."<span ss="userText"> Duval said while looking at Marcus with a re.


    <span ss="userText">Marcus clenched his fists but didn''t let it show on his face<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can assure you that Marcus had nothing to do with what happened<span ss="editText">. It was regrettable, yes. But he learned a valuable lesson. And is remorseful for the deaths of such promising mages<span ss="aiText">," ric said, not backing down.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Remorseful? I didn''t know a Revelia could feel remorseful... Otherwise, you wouldn''t have insulted me and my friends all those years ago<span ss="aiText">," Marquess Duval said.


    <span ss="aiText">ric''s smile faded and his gaze narrowed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Come now Duval... Don''t make a scene in front of the Prince. It''s his fifth birthday. And we shouldn''t take the spotlight away from him<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Duval''s eyes twitched, "Fine... <span ss="editText">But we are watching you and your son, ric... Good afternoon.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"You too, Duval," ric replied.


    <span ss="aiText">And with that<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> Duval <span ss="editText">stepped aside and let the Revelias walk by him<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus was relieved that his father was able to deal with <span ss="userText">the Marquess. He was starting to understand what his father meant<span ss="aiText"> about his actions being the reason that he couldn''t rx.<span ss="userText"> He needed to be sharp. Plus he was hoping Albert woulde through for him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Marcus, don''t worry. I''ll never let that <span ss="editText">chatan <span ss="aiText">take you away," Leandra whispered into Marcus''s ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"I know<span ss="userText">, mother<span ss="aiText">. I''ll make sure of it, that he doesn''t get the chance," Marcus replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t be too hard on yourself. Your father and I are the ones that failed. <span ss="userText">And we will make it right<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus just nodded his head.


    <span ss="aiText">''I will make sure I learn from my father''s mistakes. And I''ll be able to defend myself.''


    <span ss="aiText">ric, Leandra<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> and Marcus finally reached the King and Queen.


    <span ss="userText">"ric... I see you chose to show up... You really didn''t have to-" Cyndre couldn''t finish his sentence before his brother cut him off.


    <span ss="aiText">"Brother, you''re right. But I''m here anyway. I would have thought you would be thankful that I''m here and not letting our differences get in the way of our friendship. Especially today.<span ss="editText"> I wish to see my nephew''s fifth birthday. It was too important to miss.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="userText">Cyndre closed his eyes holding back his displeasure with his brother and he could feel the death staresing from his wife.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I see you want to get in our good graces ric. But there is a time and ce to<span ss="aiText"> do that," <span ss="editText">Cyndre<span ss="aiText"> said with <span ss="userText">an annoyed voice. At the same time, Rianna was staring daggers at him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Queen <span ss="aiText">Rianna," ric said in a stern tone<span ss="editText"> but kept his smile<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna then looked at her husband<span ss="userText">. Cyndre held his hand up to signal that he understood her displeasure.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Make it quick, ric... I don''t like it when you pull stunts like this... and my wife hates them more<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, I know she does. I will apologize to the Queen until the day I die... All <span ss="editText">I wish to do is make <span ss="userText">amends for everything I''ve done<span ss="editText">, but this is the only way I know how<span ss="aiText">," ric said and bowed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Try anything and you will wish you had never been born.<span ss="aiText"> Do I make myself clear?" Rianna said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Perfectly, <span ss="editText">Your M<span ss="aiText">ajesty.<span ss="userText"> Once we greet the prince we will be on our way<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Good."


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus wasn''t sure if he should be worried about the conversation that his parents were having with the King and Queen. It seemed like he wasn''t included in whatever the adults were talking about. Even though he was standing right there.<span ss="userText"> Then ric turned to Marcus and motioned to his son to go wait in line so he could greet his cousin and give him his birthday gift<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Father."


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus walked away from his parents and the Royal Couple. His parents had their eyes on him, and he felt the weight of their gaze.


    <span ss="aiText">''I need to find Albert.<span ss="userText">.. He better not fail<span ss="aiText"> me.''


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus stood <span ss="userText">in the back of the line and was waiting for six other noble children to<span ss="aiText"> get out of the way.


    <span ss="aiText">He looked around and noticed a familiar face. It was a<span ss="editText">n <span ss="userText">annoying nobleboy who was only a few years younger than him.


    <span ss="userText">''Johan... Is this loser<span ss="aiText"> still trying to be my friend?<span ss="editText"> He won''t shut up about wanting to be a mage...<span ss="userText"> He''s such a wannabe and obsessed with magic and mages that I wish I could have brought him to thebyrinth. But Father would probably jump down my throat.<span ss="aiText">'' Marcus thought with an annoyed look<span ss="userText"> as Johan walked up to<span ss="aiText"> him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Marcus! You have no idea how excited I am to see you.<span ss="aiText"> I didn''t think you would get an invitation," Johan said.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus just rolled his eyes and tried his best to hide his disgust.


    <span ss="userText">''This is good practice. I need to show that<span ss="aiText"> I''m <span ss="editText">the true <span ss="aiText">prince, not some stuck<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">up kid. Father said I need to get used to it. But I''m not like him<span ss="aiText">. I''m not a fan of politics<span ss="editText"> and putting up with fake fronts. But I have to do this to show the other nobles that I''m worthy of their respect and regain the right to be a possible heir.<span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText"> Marcus thought as he<span ss="aiText"> tried to hide his true feelings.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, well, my parents thought it was a good idea to show our support for the crown<span ss="editText"> and my cousin<span ss="aiText">," Marcus said.


    <span ss="aiText">Johan just stared at him for a moment and <span ss="userText">nodded, "<span ss="aiText">Yeah, that makes sense.<span ss="userText">.. I still can''t believe that you''re in Fairchild''s Arcane Institute of Magic! Oh, what I would give to be a mage<span ss="aiText">. You''re so lucky."


    <span ss="aiText">''God<span ss="editText">dess<span ss="aiText">, this is fucking torture. He''s<span ss="editText"> like a<span ss="aiText">moner<span ss="editText"> instead of a major noble. I don''t know how such a weakling<span ss="aiText"> ended up as the heir of the Barony of Dule.<span ss="userText">.. Pathetic!'' Marcus thought as he forced a smile, "Well, we all have to work hard to get the things we want. It''s a little more remote than I would prefer<span ss="aiText">. And it''s not that easy either. There are many different kinds of mana beasts in thebyrinths around the academy. I''m not a natural fighter. So it''s tough. But I''m learning<span ss="userText"> a lot."


    <span ss="userText">Johan''s eyes were sparkling<span ss="aiText"> with stars, "I wish I could go there. It must be a magical ce."


    <span ss="aiText">''This is why I can''t stand this kid. He''s like a kid who is dreaming of grand adventures and thinking he''s going to be the hero and y dragons.<span ss="userText"> Just like those four fools I suckered into thebyrinth<span ss="aiText">.'' Marcus thought, "Yeah, I would have to agree. It''s very magical. But dangerous too. You can''t let your guard down or else you''ll die. That''s why I''ve been training<span ss="userText"> to be the greatest windmage of them all<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Johan<span ss="userText"> looked at his idol in awe, then it switched to envy as he wished he had a better mana vein.


    <span ss="userText">"Haah... Well, enjoy having a mana vein that can actually growpared to the trash that I have... I know that not everyone can be a Mage but I at least hoped I could be a Maja and have a magical sword to throw fire, lightning, or anything... The Fates can be cruel..."


    <span ss="userText">Marcus looked at him with respect for the first time.


    <span ss="userText">''Yeah, the Fates are cruel<span ss="aiText">. I should be the one being the next heir. Not this pathetic weakling.<span ss="editText">.. If by some miracle he survives the Crystal Pyphon. Then I will need to pivot and somehow use him to<span ss="aiText"> further my ambitions...<span ss="userText"> I''ll just have to endure and use him as a pawn.'' Marcus thought.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus looked over at the prince who was smiling andughing as he was opening some of the gifts.


    <span ss="aiText">''He''s happy and innocent. But not for long. When I have the chance, I will snuff out his life.<span ss="userText"> You weakl-''


    <span ss="userText">"Hey Marcus? What''s the gift you''re<span ss="aiText"> going to give to the prince?" Johan asked, snapping Marcus back into reality.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus had a sinister smile, "Oh, <span ss="userText">I am giving him our family''s magical sword. It was created by an elven smith<span ss="aiText"> named Efkini<span ss="editText"> about a century ago<span ss="aiText">. And it was created with a unique material. It has a powerful enchantment on it. And it can create a <span ss="userText">me as powerful as the sun<span ss="aiText">. The fire is white in color."


    <span ss="aiText">Johan''s mouth gaped open in awe, "That''s so <span ss="editText">amazing<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">And you don<span ss="userText">''t mind parting with it? I know you''re a mage but wouldn''t it be useful for you?"


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus shook his head, "Nope. <span ss="userText">Mages don''t need such crude<span ss="aiText"> weapons. The only reason we even use weapons is <span ss="editText">if we are low on mana<span ss="aiText">. I have my Wind st spell. And that''s enough."


    <span ss="userText">Marcus was lying about why he was parting with their family heirloom. The first reason was no one had enough mana to use the sword''s me Smite. And second, Marcus thought he would get the sword back after his cousin<span ss="aiText">''s untimely death.


    <span ss="aiText">The sword would be returned <span ss="userText">and no one would be the wiser.


    <span ss="userText">Johan nodded his head, "Ah, I see... Do you think your cousin will like it<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="userText">Marcus shrugged his shoulders, "He''s a five-year-old. Five-year-olds love<span ss="aiText"> anything. It''s not like he''s a big boy and knows the difference between a good or bad weapon.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">Johan gave Marcus a look like he wasn''t convinced. "Yeah, I suppose you''re right. Under normal circumstances."


    <span ss="userText">Marcus looked at him quizzingly<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"What are you implying, Johan?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t mean any offense but, the Prince<span ss="userText"> doesn''t act like a five-year-old. I mean my cousin is six years old and I can''t stand being around him. But the prince feels like I''m talking to an adult. It kinda creeps me out<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText">.. I could be overthinking things or <span ss="aiText">maybe he''s a prodigy. Either way. It''s creepy," Johan replied.


    <span ss="userText">Marcus wanted to roll his eyes<span ss="aiText"> at Johan. But held back, "I think you''re overthinking things."


    <span ss="aiText">"I hope so. It would be weird if he could speak to me like a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> adult. I just don''t want him to think badly of me," Johan said.


    <span ss="userText">"Just give him candy and he''ll<span ss="aiText"> forget about it."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I hope you''re right. Anyway, I think my father is summoning me. I''ll talk to youter, Lord Marcus<span ss="aiText">," Johan said.


    <span ss="userText">And with that Marcus was left alone waiting in line.