The Young Prince and the Crimson Heir

Before Ray could reply to the prince's question, the young boy interrupted him, his eyes widening with realization. "Are you… Ray Rein?"

Ray's gaze remained steady as he answered with his usual calm, "Yes, I am Ray Rein."

The prince's face lit up, his excitement almost palpable in the quiet night air. "You're Ray Rein!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "I've heard stories of how you conquered Count Froy's territory when you were only eight years old!"

Ray's expression stayed composed, his red eyes betraying none of the emotions the prince expected from someone who had achieved such incredible feats.

"I want to be like you," the prince added fervently, his admiration clear in every word. "A great ruler whom people look up to and respect."

Ray tilted his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Is that so?" he said, his tone tinged with subtle amusement. "Then I hope you grow into such a ruler—one who cares for the citizens who place their trust in the emperor."

The prince's enthusiasm didn't waver. His curiosity flared once again, fueled by something his mother—the head of the Arsia Magic Academy—had told him. "Why did you reject the Academy's offer?" he asked eagerly. "The Arsia Magic Academy is a dream for so many! I hope to study there someday."

Ray leaned back slightly, his crimson eyes glimmering in the soft moonlight. "Let's see," he began, his tone measured. "While it is a great institution, what I wish to learn isn't there."

The young prince furrowed his brows in confusion. "Something you want to learn? What is it?"

Ray's gaze seemed to deepen, as though he were looking far beyond the prince, into realms unknown. "Something related to the past and the future," he replied cryptically.

The prince frowned, struggling to grasp Ray's meaning. "I don't understand what you mean. But… couldn't the Academy's library have what you're looking for?"

Ray's expression softened as he shook his head. "No, it isn't there," he said simply, his voice carrying a quiet certainty.

Though the young prince didn't fully comprehend, he sensed that whatever Ray sought must be something extraordinary—something far beyond the scope of the Academy. Deciding to change the subject, he piped up, "My mother told me you're the strongest among people your age. How did you become so strong?"

Ray regarded him thoughtfully, letting the question hang in the air for a moment before responding. "Do you want to become strong?" he asked, his voice steady and probing.

"Yes!" the prince exclaimed without hesitation. "I want to be strong."

Ray studied him carefully. "And what do you hope to achieve by becoming strong?" he asked.

The prince blinked, momentarily stumped. The question was simple, yet its depth was far greater than he anticipated. As a child, he hadn't thought much about the implications of strength. After a moment of hesitation, he turned the question back on Ray. "Why did you become strong?" he asked.

Ray's answer came quietly, as though it were both obvious and profound. "I was just curious," he said, his voice carrying a hint of detachment.

"Curious…" the young prince whispered, astonished by the simplicity of the response. He stared at Ray, as though trying to understand how mere curiosity could drive someone to such heights.

The night seemed to grow stiller around them, the hum of distant voices from the banquet hall fading into the background. The gardens below shimmered with moonlight, the silvery leaves rustling softly in the breeze. In that moment, the young prince realized there was far more to Ray Rein than strength or stories—something intangible and enigmatic that set him apart from the rest.