Yuecheng walked through the small garden, his steps slow and thoughtful. His gaze lingered on the statue of a woman standing in the center of the courtyard, wondering what it really ant. He’d asked his mother once, but she hadn’t known. His father would always shrug it off, saying he was too busy.
Yuecheng had inherited his mother’s golden hair, his father’s sharp black eyes, and his noble, masculine features. Combined with his calm, reflective nature, people of the court often called him "The Golden Angel."
He didn’t mind the title – but sotis it felt too flattering, maybe even a little overpraising.
He liked quiet walks like this. The silence brought him peace.
Unfortunately, his mind was never quiet. Since birth, he’d heard a voice in his head – a presence he called the voice from the stars.
Ughhh. The sound of frustrated sighing echoed in his thoughts.
That idiot. I told her she couldn’t stop the fourth one alone. And now we’ve lost awareness of one of our strongest allies.
Perfect. Just perfect.
Yuecheng knelt beside the flowerbed surrounding the statue, brushing his fingers along the row of yellow tulips.
Listen to carefully, kid...
Like I have a choice, he thought bitterly and sighed. You’re impossible to ignore.
Though only ten years old, Yuecheng spoke, thought, and acted far older than his age – thanks to that voice. People around him praised his maturity, calling it a virtue.
Only his mother seed suspicious of it. She’d noticed how rarely he behaved like a normal child anymore. The voice had once told him that she knew – she knew who it had been in its previous life.
Cut the whining. You’re stuck with just as much as I’m stuck with you. Your cousin Yuri lost her access to awakening her primordial awareness because the second one insisted on stopping the Fourth no matter what. That ans you’ll need a teacher.
and Yuri? he thought, doubtful.
And Asahi. As for Shion the Second... he’s useless for now. Let him just train to be a halfway decent ruler – that’s the only thing he’s good for. Maybe he’ll help you soday, but I wouldn’t count on it.
I still don’t get it... what’s the point of all this?
It ans we’ll be much weaker when facing the fourth one than I expected. You’ll need a teacher, or Yuri won’t unlock her power at all.
And who’s supposed to teach us?
How the hell should I know? You think I’m so all-knowing oracle? I’ve been around fifty tis longer than your kingdom, sure – but my sight into the future is blurry, especially now that I’m part of you.
Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just stop talking. My head’s starting to hurt.
That’s the least of your damn worries right now.
Instead of giving unclear, ssy hints about the future, maybe tell when I’ll have access to my magic? So far I can only do basic magic tricks.
In two years, the abilities of the three who inherited the might of the Primordial Beings will shake the heavens themselves.
Yuecheng wanted to ask what kind of ability he’d receive, but the voice went silent, as if it sensed soone approaching. From the sound of wooden and tal wheels on the stone path, he imdiately knew it was his mother.
Behind her, a half-lioness maid nad Rouhuo pushed the wheelchair. Yuecheng only knew her for two things: her na, and how close she was to his mother.
Rouhuo was tall, nearly two ters, with strong, sculpted arms, broad shoulders, and a figure that was a little chubby but still slim. Her wavy golden hair frad a face marked by a row of lion claw scars on her right cheek, and her red eyes were both warm and sharp.
"Yue," Aya called out to him. She wore a pink gown with ornate lace and frills. As queen, she couldn’t dress like she used to, but even after ten years, she still wasn’t used to it. "Yue, what are you doing here? Don’t you want to play? I’ve got so free ti."
"I’m just out for a walk, Mom. Wanted so fresh air", he said, in a distant tone.
"Prince, you could at least speak a little more warmly to your mother," the lioness said sharply, eyeing him with suspicion.
Yuecheng felt a shiver run through him. He really couldn’t stand those feline, piercing eyes – and the voice from the stars felt the sa.
"I’m deeply sorry, Mother," Yuecheng said, bowing deeply.
"Yue, you don’t need court manners out here," Aya said with a gentle smile. "We’re alone. Just be yourself with ."
"O-okay," he mumbled shyly. "M-maybe we could play checkers? I feel like playing."
Aya nodded, and Rouhuo went off to get the board.
"And bring so pillows too. There’s no table here, so we’ll play on the floor."
"As you wish, my lady," the maid replied softly.
As Rouhuo disappeared through the archway leading from the garden into the palace, Aya sighed.
"Are you sure everything’s alright, Yue? You’ve been acting... strange lately. I know your dad expects a lot from you, but you don’t have to act all serious and obedient all the ti, especially now.."
"It’s... it’s not like that, Mom," he said, glancing away.
Tell her. Tell her the truth, the voice insisted.
Won’t she be scared of ?
No. She hates , sure – but that just ans she’ll try to separate us. Eventually, she’ll understand we’re one. Don’t hide it. Being honest will help more than it hurts.
So it’s just a calculated move, huh?
Calculated or not, I just can’t guide you well while you’re torn apart and afraid of your parents. Trust – she’ll support you
"Hm? You want to tell sothing, don’t you?" Aya asked gently, keeping her eyes on him.
Yuecheng looked straight into her eyes.
The emotions he’d been holding in since birth finally broke free. Tears stread down his cheeks as he sniffled.
"The voice... I keep hearing it. It keeps telling what to do..." he said, his voice trembling.
He expected shock, maybe anger, but Aya simply t his eyes with quiet understanding and care.
So it’s true, she thought. Hoshizuma really is part of my child. Will I ever be able to give my son a normal life?
"Co here, sweetheart," Aya said, opening her arms.
He didn’t hesitate. He climbed onto her wheelchair and sat beside her, and she wrapped him in a soft, loving embrace.
When Rouhuo returned with the checkerboard and two soft, fluffy purple pillows, she saw Aya holding her son close. The boy’s shoulders still shook from crying, but the storm inside him was already fading.
Rouhuo didn’t want to interrupt. Instead, she lifted her gaze to the bright sun above and the butterflies fluttering among the flowers.
What a beautiful day, she thought.
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