The morning sun cast its golden glow over the Grand Dukedom's training grounds, bathing the vast courtyard in soft light. The rhythmic clang of metal against metal echoed through the crisp air as Leonhardt Valerian Everhart sparred against his father, Grand Duke Reinhardt Everhart. His ashen black hair, tinged with deep red when caught by the sunlight, stuck to his forehead with sweat, but his fiery red eyes, flecked with gold, remained cold and calculating.
Each of his father's strikes was swift, powerful, and precise—enough to shatter the bones of an ordinary knight. Yet, Leonhardt met each blow with his own blade, his arms steady, his stance unwavering. To an outsider, the battle between father and son would appear brutal, but to the Everhart lineage, this was the standard of training.
"Good," Reinhardt said between strikes, his voice devoid of unnecessary praise. "But you're still relying too much on anticipation rather than instinct."
Leonhardt didn't respond. He never did. He had no need for validation, no interest in compliments. To him, this was simply another step in his never-ending pursuit of strength. He adjusted his grip and surged forward, forcing his father onto the defensive.
A sharp gust of wind rustled the banners hanging from the castle walls, carrying with it the sound of the steel grinding together. The knights observing the match barely breathed. Even though Leonhardt was only ten, his skill surpassed that of seasoned warriors.
The match ended abruptly when Reinhardt's blade stopped an inch from his son's throat. Leonhardt had parried a moment too late, his sword just shy of making contact with his father's ribs. A mere second, a single hesitation, and he had lost.
"That's enough for today," Reinhardt said, lowering his weapon. "Your form is exceptional, but hesitation will cost you your life in real combat."
Leonhardt stepped back, his expression unreadable. He bowed slightly, then turned to leave, ignoring the lingering stares of the knights who had been watching. He knew what they were thinking—how terrifying it was that a mere boy could challenge the Grand Duke himself. But he didn't care about their awe or admiration.
His only concern was that he had hesitated.
That hesitation meant weakness. And weakness was unacceptable.
---
The halls of the Everhart estate were grand and imposing, lined with towering columns and golden chandeliers. As Leonhardt made his way toward his chambers, he sensed the presence of someone waiting for him. When he rounded the corner, he found his mother standing there, watching him with piercing golden eyes that shone like molten sunlight.
"Your grandfather has arrived," Lady Selene Everhart said, her tone calm yet firm.
Leonhardt gave a slow nod. He had expected this. His maternal grandfather, the High Magus Aldric von Aurelius, was not a man who visited without reason. If he had come all the way to the Grand Dukedom, it meant there was something of importance to be discussed.
He followed his mother to the main hall, where an elderly man in flowing robes of deep blue and gold sat waiting. Aldric von Aurelius was a man of immense magical power, the strongest human magician in existence next to Selene herself. Though he was advanced in years, his presence remained formidable, his aura commanding respect.
"Leonhardt," Aldric greeted, his sharp gaze studying him. "It seems you've grown stronger since the last time we met."
Leonhardt inclined his head slightly but said nothing.
Aldric chuckled. "Still as silent as ever, I see." Then his expression turned serious as he shifted his attention to Reinhardt and Selene. "There is a matter of great importance that we must discuss."
Reinhardt leaned forward. "What is it?"
"The Imperial Ball," Aldric said, folding his hands together. "According to the Empire's tradition, every noble household is required to hold a grand ball on their heir's tenth birthday. This event serves to officially present the heir to the world and solidify their status."
Leonhardt remained expressionless, but internally, he felt only mild irritation. A ball? A meaningless gathering of nobles and sycophants? He had no interest in such trivialities. It would do nothing to further his goal of breaking the ancient seal.
"Leonhardt's tenth birthday is in two months," Aldric continued. "The Everhart family is the most powerful noble house in the Empire. His debut will be scrutinized by every noble faction, every royal court."
Reinhardt nodded, understanding the weight of the situation. "It must be done."
Selene's expression was unreadable, but her gaze flickered toward Leonhardt, studying his reaction. "Leonhardt, what are your thoughts?"
For a brief moment, he considered refusing outright. But that would raise suspicion. Instead, he answered evenly, "I will attend and do as required."
His parents exchanged a glance. To them, this was merely another duty as the heir. But to Leonhardt, it was nothing more than a waste of time. While others would see this as an opportunity to forge alliances or rivals, his mind would remain elsewhere—calculating, planning, searching for a way to break the seal.
Aldric studied his grandson closely, sensing something beneath the surface, but chose not to press further. "Very well. The preparations must begin immediately."
As the discussion continued, Leonhardt's thoughts drifted elsewhere. He had no interest in noble politics, nor did he care for social niceties.
He had a far greater purpose than anyone in this room could ever comprehend.
---
That night, long after the halls had fallen silent and the candles had burned low, Leonhardt stood in the shadows of the palace garden. His ashen black hair shimmered faintly under the moonlight, the deep red strands catching the glow like embers in the dark. His crimson-gold eyes gleamed as he whispered an incantation, summoning tendrils of ancient magic that swirled around his fingertips.
This was the magic of old, the kind long forgotten by the world. The kind that held secrets even the gods had feared.
And he would master it.
For he had no intention of waiting.
He would break the seal. No matter the cost.