In the heart of the boundless sea stood the Kingdom of Vineta, a small but proud country made up of just six districts. Despite its size, Vineta was renowned for its strength and its sovereigns—King Karl Morningstar and Queen Luna Morningstar. Both were not just rulers, but S-rank heroes, celebrated throughout the continent for their strength and valor.
They had two sons. The eldest, Liam Morningstar, and the younger, Alex Morningstar. But tragedy had marked their family since the day Liam was born.
Though Liam had entered the world breathing, he had never opened his eyes. Many thought he had died that day. But to the astonishment of priests and physicians alike, the newborn clung to life—silent, unmoving, caught in a sleep that stretched on for seven long years.
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A few hours before Liam awoke…
Within the marble-clad palace of Vineta, morning sunlight streamed through high-arched windows. In one of the eastern chambers, a young boy of about five was being dressed by a group of palace maids. His name was Alex Morningstar, the second prince of Vineta. He fidgeted as the maids fixed his sleeves and combed his unruly hair.
Once dressed, he stepped out of the room with short, quick steps, his little legs eager to take him to his mother. But upon arriving at Queen Luna's chambers, he found the room empty.
He paused in the doorway, tilting his head in thought. Then, with a knowing look, he turned and started down the long corridor. The head maid followed close behind, watching over the tiny prince as he wandered the palace.
Eventually, Alex came to a familiar door. He pushed it open and stepped quietly inside.
The room was dim, and the scent of fresh flowers hung in the air. There, seated beside a large bed draped in silk, was his mother—Queen Luna. Her delicate hand gently rested on the chest of the boy who lay asleep in the bed.
Liam Morningstar, his elder brother, lay just as he had for the last seven years—silent, motionless, as if the world itself had passed him by. He was three years older than Alex, but had never once spoken to him. Never once played with him. He simply slept.
Alex approached quietly. As he drew closer, he noticed his mother's eyes were wet with tears.
"Mother…" he said softly, his tiny voice filled with concern.
Queen Luna turned toward him, quickly wiping away her tears. She gave him a gentle smile and held out her hand.
"Come here, Alex," she said, her voice warm but trembling. "Look—today is your brother Liam's birthday. Wish him a happy birthday."
Alex's eyes lit up. He stepped closer to the bedside and beamed.
"Happy birthday, big brother!" he said cheerfully, his innocent voice echoing in the silent room.
Luna's heart ached at the sound. Happy and sad all at once, she placed her hand gently on Alex's head.
Suddenly, her expression changed. She sensed someone approaching from the hallway behind her. Without turning around, she spoke in a stern, commanding voice.
"You were supposed to return yesterday, before our son's birthday. And now, only now, you come back?"
The door creaked open, and the man who entered paused in the doorway.
It was King Karl Morningstar, her husband, and the ruler of Vineta. He looked disheveled, still in his blood-stained armor, his gloves and cloak smelling of battle.
A sheepish expression spread across his face.
"I'm sorry, dear," he said. "The S-rank monster was stronger than we thought. We had to finish the mission carefully. But see? I came back as quickly as I could. I didn't even stop to wash—I just wanted to see our son on his birthday."
From beside the bed, Alex wrinkled his nose and covered it with his small hand.
"Dad, you stink!" he exclaimed.
Karl gave a theatrical sigh. "Oh, my sweet Alex… don't say that to your poor father."
Luna didn't laugh. Her voice was calm, but cold. "Go wash yourself. We're expected at the church."
Karl nodded, stepping forward to get one last look at Liam. He reached out to touch his son's face—but before his hand could make contact, a wave of chilling aura surged through the room.
"Don't even think of touching Liam with those filthy hands," Luna said icily. "They're still stained with the blood of monsters."
Karl immediately froze. Then, with a guilty smile, he slipped off his gloves and gently brushed Liam's cheek with clean hands. His expression softened, a flicker of pain showing in his eyes. After a moment, he left the room without a word.
Queen Luna then began preparing Liam for his daily time in the garden. Because he could not walk, she carefully lifted him into a specially crafted wheelchair, designed to support his frail body. Alongside Alex, she wheeled Liam out into the royal gardens, where sunlight danced across flowerbeds and the laughter of children echoed.
Today was a tea party—a gathering of noble children from wealthy families. The little ones played together, laughing and running, while Queen Luna stood quietly in the shade of a tree, watching.
She looked toward Liam, seated in silence, and then at the children who should have been his peers. Her chest tightened.
If only he were cured… If only he could run and laugh like the others.
A maid approached her. "Your Majesty," she said with a bow. "The High Priest from the Church has arrived. He has come personally to offer greetings."
Luna's eyes widened slightly. "The High Priest himself?" she murmured, then nodded. "Watch over the children—and keep a special eye on Prince Liam and Prince Alex. I'll return soon."
She left the garden and entered the palace, meeting the High Priest in the reception hall. The old man greeted her with reverence.
"You didn't have to come all this way," Luna said kindly. "We were on our way to the church for blessings from the God of Light."
The priest smiled. "Your Majesty, how could I allow the King and Queen to travel themselves? It is our honor to come to you."
After exchanging the usual pleasantries, Luna's expression turned serious.
"Tell me," she said quietly. "Has the church… found a cure?"
The room fell into heavy silence.
No one spoke for a long moment.
Then one of the priests stepped forward hesitantly. "There… may be one hope. If we ask the Lovehood family to offer their Soul Art…"
Before he could finish, Luna's gaze sharpened.
"My son has a soul," she said sharply. "He is alive. I will not take someone else's soul for my child."
The priest bowed his head, realizing his error.
"I… I meant no offense, Your Majesty," he murmured.
Luna was about to respond when suddenly the door burst open. A maid rushed in, breathless.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" she cried. "The young master Liam—he's awake!"