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“Why?”
Curious, I asked, and brother immediately explained.
“The imperial family, Baratheum of Resurrection, is deeply tied to fire. To become an emperor, one must be chosen by the phoenix.”
I knew what a phoenix was since I’d read about it in many fairy tales.
It’s said to stay with its master until the end of their life, die with them, and then be reborn from ashes, living eternally.
“When you become the phoenix’s master, your blood boils throughout your body. That’s why, well… the empress’s life becomes endangered.”
“Yup.”
“Because of this, many past empresses were fire spirit masters. That’s why it’s said the name of the Fire Spirit King was passed down along with them.”
As soon as brother finished speaking, the Fire Spirit King confirmed it enthusiastically. It must be true!
“Other than that, the names are said to remain in each duke’s household. As for the Water Spirit King’s name being in Pashayen, even I didn’t know that.”
“Should I ask Grandfather about it?”
“That’s a good idea. But as for the Earth Spirit King’s true name, the Air Spirit King’s true name, and the Fate Spirit King’s true name… we don’t even know if they exist, so let’s put that aside for now. Anyway, there are no records of those three within the country.”
Honestly, if I only needed to contract with one Spirit King, I already had a plan.
Even if I couldn’t figure out their name, I could just fill up the grape board!
I wanted to tell him about it, but all that came out when I opened my mouth were little chirps.
“So cute. If the Water Spirit King’s name is hidden somewhere, it would naturally be in Pashayen. There’s no family more deeply connected to water than ours.”
Well, the name itself is Pashayen of the Horizon, after all.
Even though I’m not a biological daughter, since they called me family, I guess I can take pride in it.
‘But one day, I’ll leave.’
Then again, wouldn’t that mean it doesn’t matter whether Grandfather likes me or not?
That thought suddenly crossed my mind.
I’ll leave.
I’m sure I’ll have to leave someday.
It was as if someone whispered it softly in my ear.
I shut my eyes tightly and shook my head.
‘If Grandfather dislikes me, I’ll be sent far away. I don’t want that.’
But you’ll have to leave again.
You did before, didn’t you?
‘Before?’
When was that?
I’m only four years old.
As my mind swirled in confusion, something happened.
Union of Spirit Kings Quest!
Discover the Names of the Spirit Kings!
All the Spirit Kings in the room have given you this task.
✔ The true names of the eight Spirit Kings are hidden throughout the world. Find the true names of the Spirit Kings.
Reward: One ★Well Done★ stamp per name.
Deadline: Age 30.
At least there’s no condition of failing this time!
Plus, they’re willing to wait until I’m all grown up—how fortunate!
[Wow, you’re really a beloved child! (◍•◇•◍)]
As the glittering text disappeared, Yupyrhos appeared.
[Do you remember the main quest about becoming the Kings’ favorite?]
Of course! I haven’t forgotten.
[To encourage our young star to keep up the good work, the Spirit Kings have added amazing items to the Eden Shop. Check it out later! (づ￣ ³￣)づ]
Oh, I’m so curious now.
Because of Yupyrhos’s words, I returned to my bedroom earlier than planned.
All I needed to do was kiss my palm and shout ‘Eden Shop!’ loudly.
“……….!”
A moment later.
I opened my eyes wide at the first sparkling item that appeared.
A one-of-a-kind companion? Half of Bijou?
The Spirit King of Emotion personally finds it for you.
Cost: 2 stamps for finding a Bijou match.
Effect: Creates a situation where you can meet your match.
Warning: Unpredictable events may occur. Not responsible for outcomes!
Although there was a suspicious warning at the end, it barely registered in my mind.
Because! Because!
‘With this, I can find brother Elzen’s match!’
Excited, I exhaled rapidly.
Brother might not like it, but I see things differently.
What if brother’s match…
‘If it were me, I’d give them a chance. Then I’d invite them to live with me.’
So, I just want brother to meet them at least once.
‘I need to collect stamps diligently!’
I made this resolution as I fell asleep.
For the next few days, peace prevailed.
During that time, I earned another stamp and worked hard as the vice-class representative, making friends with my classmates.
“He’s back! Master Mikard has returned!”
“What, really?”
“Wait, is Master Leviwood coming with him?!”
One afternoon, as class was ending…
Mikard.
My eldest brother had returned.
And he was with Leviwood, the class president.
Chapter 3. Meeting the Older Brothers!
Mikard Pashayen.
The sea demon born of the horizon.
It’s a grand title to bestow upon a boy who’s only 13 years old.
Yet, no one questioned this title for Mikard.
The reason was his unique ability, Colosseum, and the natural combat talents he inherited from his father, Diegon.
Mikard’s ability, Colosseum, allows him to designate an area and turn it into an arena.
Within that space, his physical speed and strength increase by over 30%.
For his enemies trapped inside, the outcome is annihilation.
This talent is invaluable for both offense and defense in territorial wars.
“Ah, finally home.”
“You’ve worked hard, haven’t you?”
“Yeah.”
Enjoying the salty breeze blowing in from the open sea, Mikard squinted his eyes.
Beside him stood Leviwood.
Mikard returned with the troops, while Leviwood erased his tracks before making his own return.
“By the way, I heard we have a youngest sibling now. I’m curious.”
“A little sister, right? Congratulations on the addition to the family. She must be adorable.”
The two boys both had deep ocean-blue hair.
Leviwood’s was darker, as if it could swallow sunlight, while Mikard’s was a brighter shade.
Though there were subtle differences in tone, they looked nearly identical in shadow.
Their eye colors, however, were distinct.
Leviwood’s eyes were a piercing blue, like the sea, exuding a cold, sharp light.
Though they seemed gentle at first glance, they were chillingly cold.
In reality, Leviwood was calm and rational, though he masked it well.
Mikard, on the other hand, had eyes of a vivid magenta hue.
Unlike Leviwood, his gaze burned with the fervor of an undersea volcano.
Though their personalities were quite different, the two shared a close bond.
After all, they were destined to lead Pashayen together in the future, so it was only natural for them to maintain a strong relationship.
They didn’t follow the strained relationship between their parents as an example.
“Well, having a youngest sibling is nice, but I’m more worried about Elzen. I’ve heard his condition is worsening, and it’s concerning.”
Mikard furrowed his brow as he made this casual remark while stepping into the mansion’s entrance hall.
“Welcome home, young masters.”
The butler, who had been waiting, greeted Pashayen’s esteemed heirs.
At the same time, all the staff present in the hall bowed deeply.
Leviwood surveyed the unchanged interior of the house since his departure and smiled faintly.
“Mikard, lower your aura.”
“Oh, right.”
At Leviwood’s gentle reminder, Mikard reined in his intimidating presence.
Having just returned from a battlefield where it was necessary to project his strength, he had momentarily forgotten to consider the ordinary people around him.
“We’ll head directly to see the family head. Attend to your tasks.”
“Yes, Master Leviwood.”
The aged butler only sighed in relief once the two young masters were out of sight.
The rest of the staff felt the same way.
“Ugh, Mikard’s aura has become even more frightening, hasn’t it?”
“Yeah, it was terrifying.”
“I got goosebumps.”
“But the scariest one is the eldest young master…”
To suppress their aura so completely—was such a feat even possible for a child?
Normally, such control was something only adults could achieve.
For a 15-year-old like Leviwood to manage it so perfectly was extraordinary.
“Stop gossiping and return to your posts.”
Though cold sweat trickled down his back, the butler didn’t neglect his duties.
The future of the family had returned.
There was much work to be done.
“But is the rumor true?”
