Chapter 13 Disguise

(Arthur PoV)

It's been a day since my ascension to the 2nd stage of Magic, but my sensory abilities have expanded tremendously. Now, I can clearly perceive everything within a 16-meter radius if I focus hard enough. And the best part? My elemental affinity is dual—Fire and Earth! So cool! According to Ginny, dual affinities are extremely rare. Even she only has a single affinity, which is Wind.

From what she taught me, magic spells are categorized into tiers. At the first stage of Magic, everyone can learn and use basic low-tier spells related to the four natural elements: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. However, upon reaching the 2nd stage—also known as the Expert level—a person's affinity shifts to a single element. Sometimes, it can manifest as a rare variant like Ice or Thunder, or even a unique one like Gravity. Dual affinities, though, are exceedingly uncommon. Fortunately for me, I belong to this rare category.

My dual elements allow me to merge mid-tier spells and use them in a fusion manner. For instance, I can combine Earth's mid-tier spell 'Crack' with Fire's 'Flammable Arrow' to create a fusion spell I named 'Flaming Cracks.' It shatters the ground before me and launches flaming arrows from the fissures. Cool, right?!

Anyway, today is the day—I'm finally leaving the palace to see the Imperial Capital from a commoner's perspective! You might be wondering how I convinced Ginny. Well, the answer is simple: my adorable face and irresistible puppy eyes! Hmph!

Ginny told me that the Harvest Festival begins today, an event primarily celebrated in the Commoner District and the nearby slum areas. For the nobility, these two districts are considered untouchable and unworthy of interaction. But as the future ruler, it is my duty to understand the people and their thoughts about me. That reasoning convinced Ginny. Since she'll be accompanying me along with a 'friend' of hers, I doubt anything will go wrong. Right?

"Let's get ready, Ginny! I can't wait to see the outside world!" I said excitedly.

"Alright, alright. But don't get too excited, Arthur. And please don't leave my sight. Besides, we need to be back before midnight, as the spies from both factions will likely make their routine visit near your chambers." She frowned, almost exuding killing intent.

She can be really protective of me. I'm grateful for that.

—POV Ends—

Over the years, Ginny had managed to decipher the precise timing of the spies from the two factions who routinely monitored Arthur for any suspicious activities—especially after his recent engagement with the princess of the Belmont Kingdom. Unfortunately, all she could do was structure a magic training schedule for Arthur that wouldn't raise suspicions.

Just as they were about to leave, Arthur's thoughts drifted to his little fiancée.

That morning, he and Rosaline had a minor disagreement regarding their respective countries. He had been rude to her over a petty matter, and he now acknowledged his mistake. As a 'gentleman' and a 'responsible' individual, he decided to make amends.

"Ginny, how about we bring another person along for this trip?" Arthur asked, flashing his signature puppy eyes.

Sensing something was off, Ginny immediately rejected his request. "No. Taking care of you is already a handful. I don't want to add another person, at least not if it risks drawing suspicion—"

Before she could finish, Arthur began gathering mana and propelled himself toward the balcony.

"Ginny! We're going to Rosaline's room. Now!" he declared, leaping down before she could react.

Thanks to his rank-up in magic, he swiftly used a basic-tier flame spell to cushion his landing. Without attracting attention, he quickly altered his trajectory toward Rosaline's guest room in the Imperial Palace. However, due to his inexperience in high-speed movement magic, he was making quite a bit of noise—drawing unnecessary attention.

Sigh 'Why do boys become idiots when it comes to these matters?' Ginny sighed, resigning herself to his antics.

Nevertheless, she felt a sense of relief knowing Arthur cared enough about someone to change his plans for them. It showed his capacity for love and responsibility, even at his young age. However, given his excitable nature—typical for children—he was prone to mistakes. As his adoptive mother and nanny, it was her duty to guide him.

Without wasting time, Ginny used a mid-tier wind spell and caught up with Arthur effortlessly.

"Noisy," she muttered coldly before dispelling the flames on his legs and gently lifting him into her arms.

"Sorry," Arthur pouted cutely.

"It's okay, but next time, talk to me first," she said with a small smile. "Now, let's go get your princess."

"Hehehe." Arthur giggled.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Ginny eyed him suspiciously but decided against pressing further. They arrived at the guest room's balcony, where Arthur spotted Rosaline combing her hair.

Startled by the sudden movement, she went on high alert. Since Arthur was in disguise, she didn't recognize him at first.

But after carefully observing him in the moonlight, realization struck—this was the boy who had charmed her heart.

'Why was he here? Was he here for me?! But I'm not ready yet! We're not even married! What should I do?!'

Her inner turmoil grew until Arthur spoke in a soft and gentle tone.

"Sorry for barging in like this, Rosa. How about I make it up to you by taking you on a sightseeing trip around Eldora?" He tried to appear as charming as possible.

It worked instantly. Charmed, Rosaline shyly nodded. "But let me change first."

"Okay," Arthur agreed, excited to explore the capital with his adorable fiancée.

"Umm, could you please wait outside?" she asked shyly.

For the first time, Arthur found himself flustered. He complied, stepping onto the balcony and closing the curtains behind him.

After changing, Rosaline emerged, wearing a simple yet elegant blue dress that made her look like a middle-class commoner. The outfit, designed in Eldorion fashion, ensured she wouldn't stand out.

Before they left, Arthur used a basic low-tier spell to turn Rosaline's blonde hair brown.

"Now that your little couple's talk is over, can we leave? If we linger any longer, we might get caught," Ginny interrupted, appearing stealthily beside them.

"Uwaa…" Rosaline yelped cutely. She had envisioned a romantic escape with Arthur alone, but her dream was crushed.

Using her wind magic, Ginny gently lifted both children, carrying them through a secret escape route—one Count Volfor had previously told her about. In case of danger, they could use this path to reach the Commoner District. Tonight, they would use it to blend in with the commoners and experience their way of life.

'He did say he would meet us once we left the castle…' Imagining the person she was thinking about 'Idiot.'

Ginny—Luna—sighed inwardly.

Arthur sensed the sudden shift in her demeanor but chose to ignore it.

As they reached the end of the passage, they encountered a large door.

"Arthur, channel mana into your palm and touch it," Ginny instructed.

Arthur complied, infusing his palm with mana and pressing it against the door. Instantly, ancient runes glowed in the air and on the ground.

The spell activated—a teleportation rune, accessible only to direct descendants of the Imperial Family.

The trio was teleported to a secluded valley in the Commoner District.

—

Stepping into the district, the two children excitedly ran around, taking in the lively festival atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Ginny remained vigilant, ensuring no harm befell her godson—the Emperor—and his fiancée.

As they exited the alley, the moon shone brightly among the stars. Amidst the serene night, a gentle yet firm voice echoed around them.

"The moon's beautiful, isn't it? ...Luna."

_ _ _ _

AN:-

I'll be uploading my remaining draft this month and taking hiatus to update and build up more drafts, while also updating the old chapters that I had uploaded year back. This time my content will be more original writing