A month had passed since Louis began his magic lessons with Appoline Delacour. During this time, the young boy had made remarkable progress. He had learned to channel his mana, use it with more precision, and respect the fundamental rules of magic. Appoline had guided him patiently, ensuring he did not skip steps, despite his natural inclination to move faster.
Today, as the lesson came to an end, his mother, Mary, was present as usual for the final part of the session.
"Louis is progressing at an incredible pace," Appoline observed, closing the grimoire they had been studying. "But magic isn't just about theory and strict practice. It's also important that he interacts with other young wizards."
Mary raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"
Appoline smiled gently. "I would like Louis to meet my daughter, Fleur. They are almost the same age. She is very lively, and I am sure they could get along well."
Louis, who had remained silent, furrowed his brows slightly. The idea of spending time with a child his age seemed... pointless. He wasn't a child. At least, not entirely. He opened his mouth to protest, but his mother spoke before him.
"When would you like this meeting to take place?" Mary asked.
"Tomorrow, if that works for you," Appoline replied with an encouraging smile. "Fleur will be delighted."
Louis suppressed an annoyed sigh and shot a glance at his mother. "You're agreeing without asking my opinion?" he asked, crossing his arms.
Mary placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and gave him a knowing look. "Louis, socializing is also part of your learning."
He said nothing more, though inwardly, he grumbled about this decision being made without him.
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The next day, Louis stood in front of the Delacour residence with his mother. The manor, perched on a small hill, was an elegant and refined home, bathed in soft light that gave it a unique charm. He held in his hands a small carved wooden box, a gift he had crafted himself for Fleur using his newfound magical skills. Inside was a small enchanted mirror, its frame finely decorated with floral motifs. When looking into it, the user would see stars shimmering around their reflection—a simple spell, but aesthetically pleasing.
Mary placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Don't be too distant, Louis. Have fun."
He simply nodded. "I will do my best, Mother."
The door opened, and Appoline warmly welcomed them. "Welcome! Fleur has been very eager to meet you, Louis."
Louis was led into the garden, where a little girl with silver hair awaited, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She seemed to be his complete opposite—full of energy, carefree, with a radiant smile. He immediately felt a strange sensation upon looking at her—an odd warmth, a pull he couldn't quite define.
Fleur was part Veela, like her mother. The magic in her bloodline gave her an almost ethereal beauty, even at a young age. Though her charm wasn't fully developed yet, there was something naturally mesmerizing about her presence.
"Hello, I'm Fleur!" she said cheerfully.
Louis gave a small nod. "Nice to meet you, Fleur. I brought you a gift."
He handed her the box. Fleur opened it and gasped in surprise upon discovering the enchanted mirror.
"Oh! It's beautiful! Did you make this?"
Louis nodded. "Yes. It's a fairly simple spell, but I hope you like it."
Fleur looked at him with admiration. "You're really talented! Thank you so much, Louis!" Without warning, she stepped forward and gave him a quick hug before pulling back with a laugh.
Louis, caught off guard, felt a slight blush rise to his cheeks. He wasn't used to such spontaneity.
"I... uh... you're welcome," he stammered.
Fleur giggled again and grabbed his hand. "Come on, let's play!"
He could have refused. He should have refused. But something inside him—perhaps this child's body he inhabited—pushed him to follow Fleur without resistance. She led him into the garden, where they ran, jumped, and played hide-and-seek. Little by little, Louis found himself laughing sincerely.
His mind told him he was a king, a strategist, an adult in a child's body. But at this moment, as he narrowly dodged a harmless spell from Fleur in their improvised game, he was just... a boy.
After an hour of running around, they sat on the grass, breathless. Fleur turned to him, her eyes shining with joy.
"You're fun, Louis. I want us to be friends!"
He looked at her, hesitating. Friend. It had been a long time since he had a friend.
After a moment of silence, he offered a small smile and murmured:
"Alright, Fleur. Friends."
Fleur clapped her hands excitedly before leaning in slightly, her expression curious. "You know, you acted very serious when we first see, but when you play, you actually seem happy. Why did you look so thoughtful?"
Louis hesitated. He couldn't exactly tell her the truth—that his soul was that of a former ruler, burdened with knowledge and experience far beyond his years. So instead, he shrugged. "I guess I just think a lot."
Fleur tilted her head before grinning. "Well, thinking is good, but playing is fun too! We should play more often."
Louis felt a warmth in his chest at her words, something unfamiliar yet comforting. He wasn't sure what it was, but he found himself nodding. "Maybe you're right."
As they sat together, the last rays of the afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the garden. Louis found himself relaxing in a way he hadn't since his rebirth into this new life. Perhaps, he thought, just perhaps, allowing himself to enjoy childhood—at least a little—wouldn't be such a terrible thing.