Lost Child from Another World

Ice Cream

Edited by: Piamo

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After breakfast, the group of people, which now included Atlas and Sir Walter, headed out of the forest. They had already marked the way to the center of the forest, so it was easy for them to exit.

One of the knights in the group was erasing their tracks while the rest traveled with ease. It was to make sure that others didn't use the tracks to get through the Great Dragon Forest. The forest was incredibly dangerous, so it was best if people did not trend deep into the Great Dragon Forest.

Cyrus gave a detailed explanation of life in the Hirean Empire. Though he wasn't allowed to go to social events like normal kids, as a member of the nobility, he knew what was going on in high society at any given moment. He also explored the capital on his days off and was allowed to travel outside of the capital.

"Though my parents are worried about the Holy Kingdom learning of my existence, we will also have to hide your existence from the Imperial Family and the main Dragon's Temple for a while."

The Dragon's Temple and the Imperial Family of the Hirean Empire would no doubt scramble to bring Atlas into the Imperial Family or Dragon's Temple's clutches...

Atlas nodded. "That's fine. I want to learn about this world... in peace."

Cyrus couldn't help but agree with that. If he had everyone's eyes on him, it would be... a pain in the ass. He couldn't even imagine what would happen if the Holy Kingdom found out about his existence.

Wallace decided to dump cold water on these two. "Well, the both of you still have to debut in four years, so you better cherish that peace while it lasts."

"Don't remind me, Master. I really don't want to."

"Is it really required?"

Cyrus explained to Atlas, "Yes, as long as you don't have a contagious illness, you must attend, even if you need mobility help. When they come of age, all noble teens must debut to become part of high society. This will also allow them to attend the Royal Balls that happen a couple of times a year. Kids can only go to informal gatherings to get used to high society, but once you debut, that narrative will change. The first Emperor made it a rule that you must attend at least one Royal Ball per year. Most people will go to all the Royal Balls though."

The Royal Balls were used as a place for nobles to gain new connections or continue to maintain those connections. Also, the Royal Balls dictated what fashion trends would be in season. This was important for merchants who were able to attend the Royal Balls.

"Well, that's annoying." Atlas knew that he would probably have to learn etiquette. Having lived in a forest for almost two years, running amok with leaves for shoes, he knew he was probably a lost cause...

*****

It took several days of traveling to leave the Great Dragon Forest and enter the Hirean Empire. The nearest town was an hour's walking distance from the forest, so Atlas and Cyrus put on hooded cloaks for the rest of their travels.

The hoods were enchanted, so that when the user put it on, it changed their hair and eye color. It would allow Atlas and Cyrus to travel around without drawing attention to their coveted blessings.

Sir Walter had already shrunk down to the size of a puppy. He was nestled in Atlas' arms, curious about the world outside of the forest.

"Since we are almost to the first town, here's your ID card," Wallace said while handing Atlas a white, blank slate about the size of a smartphone. "All you need to do is put some magic into it and it will show you your status. You can change what is shown by putting more magic into it while thinking about what you want shown to other people."