Vanaxyss

As the third prince of the Dussier Empire, Ren Dussier has grown up without the weight of the crown on his shoulders, but also without true freedom. As omega of the imperial family, his future seems reduced to a convenient political marriage. Rebellious and strong-willed, Ren refuses to accept her fate without a fight.

Everything gets worse (or better, depending on how you look at it) when his father assigns him a new butler, Ashiya, an alpha of imposing presence and impeccable manners. At first glance, he is serious and professional, but Ren soon discovers that Ashiya has a wicked sense of humor and a tendency to spout off witty remarks that leave him completely flushed. With every joke, with every provocation disguised as formality, Ren feels more and more trapped in a dangerous game of looks and words that he shouldn't allow himself to play.

However, when conspiracies at court begin to surround the third prince, Ashiya proves that he is not only his mocking shadow, but also his most loyal protector. Between duty, desire and hidden secrets, Ren must decide whether to defy his destiny... or fall into the hands of that ill-tempered butler who seems to know him better than anyone else.

The Prince and the Moody Butler

"Have a safe journey, Prince-sama!" the castle maids said in unison.

They had served the third prince for years. For them, watching him depart was like bidding farewell to a family member embarking on an uncertain journey.

Ren gave them one last look before responding with a faint smile:

With steady steps, he boarded the imperial carriage, followed by Ashiya, his butler.

Minutes later, the escort commander gave the signal to depart. The horses neighed, and the carriage wheels began to turn.

Thus, Ren's journey into the unknown began.

But it soon became clear that this would not be a peaceful trip.

The group stopped to eat lunch and let the horses rest.

The mercenaries hired to protect the prince shared battle stories around the campfire.

Ren and Ashiya listened with interest until an unusual whisper emerged from the nearby bushes.

The crackling of branches and the thudding of multiple footsteps put everyone on alert.

From the shadows, twenty kobolds appeared.

"To your positions!" the mercenary leader ordered.

The warriors formed a defensive line, while the archers and the mage prepared in the rear.

A glow enveloped the warriors. Their bodies were strengthened with reinforcement magic.

The kobolds attacked chaotically, but the mercenaries responded efficiently.

But then, a voice rang out across the battlefield:

The mercenaries stopped immediately upon hearing Ren's command.

"Is something wrong, Prince-sama?" the leader asked, puzzled by the interruption.

"Leave the last ten to us. If we're going to be near the Demon Territory, we need a warm-up."

The mercenary leader nodded with respect.

Ren and Ashiya reinforced their bodies with magic.

Ashiya unsheathed his sword, though inwardly he hesitated.

Why would Ren want to fight? Someone raised in a castle shouldn't know how to battle…

A mana spear materialized in Ren's hand.

Ashiya's eyes widened in astonishment.

"Let's begin." Ren smiled and charged into the fray.

With a hum, his silhouette vanished.

Three kobolds fell before they could even react.

With a single motion, he took down three more.

"Let's make this quick," Ren whispered.

Four mana projectiles shot through the air. The kobolds dropped instantly.

Silence blanketed the battlefield.

Ashiya looked at him with a mix of surprise and respect before replying sincerely:

"No, you did almost all of it, Ren. I didn't think you were this strong."

"Let's pack up and move on. I don't want night to catch us in this forest."

Ashiya nodded, but inside, a new spark of admiration for his prince had ignited.

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The world of this novel features several types of magic, classified by elements:

Each spell requires mana, a limited resource.

Talent and Magic Circles

Not everyone has the same magical capacity or affinity. Mages are classified based on their mastery level:

High Class Mage (7th to 9th Circle)

Mid Class Mage (4th to 6th Circle)

Low Class Mage (1st to 3rd Circle)

Magic is used both in everyday life and in combat and wars. Its power varies depending on the mage casting it.

Chapter 4: New Adventures Part 1