Charlotte Dragonia

Inside a dense forest, nestled away from prying eyes, stood a magnificent mansion that seemed to defy detection. Not a single animal or insect could be found within a 10-kilometer radius of the mansion, an eerie stillness surrounding its grounds.

Within the opulent halls of the mansion, a young boy followed a girl who led him on a detailed tour.

"And this will be the library, with the toilet just next door. Any questions?" Charlotte asked with a hint of sarcasm, her tone laced with provocation.

"Hmph... Do you really have everything imaginable in this mansion?" Danial retorted, irritated by Charlotte's persistent jabs.

"Oh dear, does your family not even have a reading room for their son? No wonder you're so ignorant. Please, don't mind me," Charlotte replied with a smirk, clearly enjoying needling Danial.

What's wrong with this girl!? Is her head filled with too much water, causing her to short-circuit? Danial thought, struggling to maintain his composure.

"Well, unfortunately, not all families can afford to build such luxuries wherever they please," Danial retorted, trying to match Charlotte's tone.

In Charlotte's mind, she reveled in her own superiority, nurtured by the adoration of her parents and the deference of those around her. She had awakened her mana sense early, displaying exceptional aptitude for magic, which only amplified her sense of entitlement.

This boy managed to hold in his anger? Perhaps he's not as base as he seems. But still, without proper manners, he's little better than trash, Charlotte mused, her arrogance showing.

Raised in a life akin to that of a fairy tale princess, Charlotte had grown accustomed to being praised and catered to. Her father rarely spoke highly of anyone other than her, making his recent commendations of Danial all the more irritating and intriguing.

Unbeknownst to Danial, his quiet demeanor and mature responses unsettled Charlotte. She felt as though she were conversing with an adult, reminiscent of those her father introduced her to in the outside world. This unease gnawed at her, sensing that something was amiss.

Meanwhile, as they walked through the mansion's corridors, they finally emerged into the expansive backyard. It resembled something straight out of the aristocratic novels Charlotte had read, where tea parties and noble gatherings unfolded beneath the shade of grand trees.

"We've arrived at the backyard. You must be thirsty after all that walking. Considering your condition, I'm sure it was a struggle to keep up with me. Don't worry, I'm feeling generous today. I'll have the maid bring us some tea," Charlotte remarked, her tone oscillating between kindness and underlying sarcasm.

"Uh, okay. Thank you," Danial replied cautiously, unsure of Charlotte's intentions.

I can't tell if she's being nice or just messing with me. Women are complicated, Danial mused inwardly, his thoughts drifting to his father's sage advice about dealing with women.

Meanwhile, in the meeting room where Hassan and Alex conversed, Hassan suddenly sneezed, causing a brief interruption.

At this point, Danial had exhausted his patience with Charlotte's antics. Despite his youth, his mind, molded by memories of his previous life, far surpassed his physical age. Engaging in a verbal spat with a six-year-old girl would only reflect poorly on his maturity.

Observing Danial's straightforward response, Charlotte couldn't help but feel a twinge of dissatisfaction. It seemed as though she was facing an adult trapped in a child's body, someone who could match her wit and temper. This realization unsettled her deeply.

meanwhile in Danial's mind :

Her instincts are sharp. If this continues, she might gain the upper hand in our conversations. But how dids he notice that... or rather, sense it? Women's intuition is... scary. Note to self: never underestimate women's instincts, especially not mom.

Danial concluded, his respect for Charlotte's perceptiveness growing despite their verbal sparring.

Their encounter in the mansion's grounds marked the beginning of an unexpected relationship, one fraught with challenges and revelations that would reshape their perceptions of each other and the world around them.

pting her to give him a kick while sitting elegantly, as if nothing had happened.

"OUCH! What was that for?"

"NOTHING! Well, the device isn't broken. Let me ask you this: do you love me?"

"Of course not!"

Silence fell between them. Danial sweated profusely, silently praying, though Charlotte couldn't hear him, and her attention remained fixed on the beeping device that detected lies.

Finally, no sound came from the device, much to Danial's immense relief.

"HOORAY!"

Then, unexpectedly, a second kick landed on him.

"I said, what was that for?!"

"NOTHING!"

Charlotte got up from her chair and left without showing Danial his room.

"Hey, wait, Charlotte! You haven't shown me my room yet! Hey!"

While Danial wondered why Charlotte was angry, little did he know that a smile was blossoming on her face, one she would never show to anyone else.

Later that night, father and daughter sat down to dinner together.

"Ahem... So, Charlotte, how was the young boy to you?"

"Well, he's not bad, at least."

"Sigh... I see. That bad, huh? Charlotte, I know not many people can match you, but... Wait a minute! What... What did you say?"

"I said, he's not bad, at the very least."

At that moment, Alex's brain short-circuited.

"No, no, no! Charlotte said someone isn't bad? How could this be? The girl who never acknowledges anyone finally found someone she respects? What kind of talent does this young boy Danial possess?"

That night, father and daughter enjoyed a long and pleasant chat together.

...............................................

15 January 2033

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

"HOORAY!"

In the mansion's backyard, where tea parties were usually held, everyone was gathered. Yet, two people were in a serious mood.

"Alex, did you get any information about the terrorists?"

"Not yet. I don't know when they'll attack us. Considering the recent attacks on mage family households, I fear it won't be long. Sorry to involve you in this, Hassan."

Alex gave his friend an apologetic smile. Hassan shook his head.

"No need for apologies. We've faced many trials this past year. A terrorist threat isn't enough to harm me."

"The thing is, considering they've targeted even Duke-rank families, they must have substantial backing, and their combat abilities shouldn't be underestimated."

KAABOOOOOOM!

An explosion reverberated through the air, followed by the appearance of a translucent barrier surrounding the mansion, preventing the impact and fire from breaching its walls.

Alex and Hassan shouted simultaneously, "Enemy attack!"

"Hurry and retreat inside the mansion!"

Panic ensued among the gathered guests and servants. Only a few servants remained calm, standing behind Alex, armed and vigilant.

"Charlotte! What are you doing?"

In the midst of the chaos, Danial noticed Charlotte sitting in shock, trembling. It was her first experience of something like this.

Suddenly feeling a hand grabbing hers and pulling her to her feet, Charlotte turned to see the boy she had mocked earlier.

Caught off guard by Danial's quick action, he pulled her away from her seat and started running. Then, a second explosion rocked the ground, causing them to stumble and fall.

Looking up, Danial saw a massive wave of fire raging above them, cracking the previously impenetrable barrier.

"What in the world is happening here!?" Danial exclaimed incredulously, dusting himself off as they managed to regain their footing.

"Of all the days for terrorists to crash my birthday party," Danial muttered sarcastically, "thanks a lot, world. Couldn't you have waited until after cake and presents?"

Charlotte, now slightly shaken but with a hint of amusement, couldn't help but chuckle at Danial's absurd comment amidst the chaos.