My sunshine

birthday 4

I looked at my parents, their faces etched with concern, and felt the weight of their worries press down on me. This wasn't the carefree childhood I had imagined. My innocent choice had inadvertently thrust us into a web of intrigue and danger.

Dad took a deep breath before explaining. "In theory, only the Royal Family can rule directly. But the Four Guardians, the highest-ranking noble families, have a unique position. If a member of a noble family marries into the Royal Family, they can gain significant influence. Though they don't become royalty themselves, their status is elevated, and they can wield considerable power."

Mom nodded, adding, "It's not about them becoming kings directly. It's more about their ability to influence and control significant aspects of the kingdom through their association with the Royal Family. The political landscape is complicated, and alliances through marriage can shift the balance of power."

I absorbed their words, realizing that the choice of the scepter had implications far beyond my initial understanding. It wasn't just a symbolic object—it was a potential signal of future power and influence, something that could attract attention and possibly danger.

. 

Dad continued, "When a noble marries into the Royal Family, they don't technically become royalty, but they gain a significant amount of influence and prestige. However, it's not just any noble who can marry into the Royal Family; it has to be one of the Four Guardians, the highest-ranking noble families. Even then, it's a treacherous path. Living within the Royal Court is akin to navigating a battlefield—there's constant intrigue, alliances, and rivalries. It's a place where any misstep can lead to disaster, and the stakes are incredibly high."

His voice grew more serious. "It's like being in a constant state of war, where you need to be vigilant at all times. If you aren't careful, you could lose everything, including your life. The political games and power struggles can be ruthless. That's why this choice is so alarming—it's not just about the symbol; it's about the potential consequences."

Mom's eyes were filled with concern, and she added, "The last part of what he said... it's not just about being careful; it's about survival. This world is unforgiving, and the higher you climb, the more dangerous it becomes. We just want to keep you safe, no matter what."

The mention of the Four Guardians sparked a deep curiosity in me, but as I tried to ask more questions, my parents became evasive, their concern growing more apparent. They gently guided me to bed, their attempt to avoid further discussion clear. It was late, and they seemed eager to end the conversation and regain a semblance of normalcy, despite their underlying worry.

As I lay in bed, my thoughts raced. The snippets I had heard about the Royal Family, the Four Guardians, and the implications of my choice left me with a myriad of questions. The life of a Royal, or even someone connected to them, was fraught with intrigue and danger—far more than I had anticipated.

It's clear that what seemed like a simple tradition has now unfolded into a complex and potentially dangerous situation. The choice of the scepter, a symbol of rulership, combined with the mysterious appearance of the philosopher's stone, has created a situation that's anything but ordinary.

The fact that the scepter was not part of the original selection and the stone's presence suggest that someone—or something—might be watching or manipulating events behind the scenes. Even though we are in a remote village, the impact of these choices is reverberating in ways I hadn't expected.

The stone, in particular, is a significant concern. It's not just any gem; it's a philosopher's stone, known for its rarity and magical properties. The implications of its appearance are troubling, especially since it's supposed to be sealed away. Its presence could be a sign of deeper, more dangerous forces at play.

For now, my priority should be to stay vigilant and continue to seek understanding. Keep observing my surroundings and the reactions of those around me. It might also be wise to try to gather more information about the stone and its significance, while also being cautious about who I share my concerns with.

In the meantime,Ishould focus on supporting my parents and maintaining a sense of normalcy as much as possible. Their safety and my own are paramount, and understanding the full scope of the situation will take time and careful investigation.

As they settled me into bed, my mother softly murmured, "Choosing the Scepter is not always a negative sign." I couldn't be certain if her words were meant to comfort me or simply to disguise her own unease. "My dear, you can become anything you wish," she continued, her voice laced with a hopeful tone. "No one can predict what the future holds. Perhaps one day you'll find yourself married into a distant kingdom."

Her words hinted at a future far beyond our own kingdom, subtly acknowledging our strained relations with other realms. This prospect seemed remote, yet given my mysterious origins, nothing was truly certain.

My father chimed in, his voice light and teasing, "Or perhaps my son will forge a new kingdom and ascend as its king." They both chuckled, sharing a moment of levity. "And we will proudly be the parents of a king."

We shared a laugh as they continued to entertain these whimsical possibilities, their lighthearted chatter a clear effort to ease their own anxieties. I remained silent, appreciating their attempt to find comfort in imagining an optimistic future.

"Who knows," my father mused with a grin, "maybe when you grow up, you'll decide to be a librarian or something. You're already so engrossed in books; I don't recall ever reading as much as you do at your age."

My mother interjected with a playful tone, "Don't compare yourself to our brilliant child. He's not a troublemaker like you were."

"We call that being an active boy," my father retorted, attempting to defend his youthful reputation. "He's just lazy," he added with a smirk.

"I'm not lazy; I just love reading," I protested.

"Yeah, lazy—same thing," my dad quipped, clearly trying to provoke me. He was met with a gentle but firm slap from Mom, which made me smile inwardly. Good one, Mom.

Mom then reassured me with a soft smile, "So, sweetheart, what we want you to understand is that only the future will reveal what you truly want to be. When you grow up, you'll figure it out."

"Okay," I murmured, my eyes growing heavy. Before I knew it, sleep had claimed me, and I missed their final words.

"We will protect whatever you choose," they declared with unwavering determination. "No one will be able to destroy our family; we will not run ever again."

At that moment, they felt a gentle pressure as their hands were squeezed. They looked down to see their child, peacefully asleep, holding onto their hands. The small gesture was a reminder of their bond, reinforcing their resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead together.

Hello sunshine ☀️

I noticed that our family is getting bigger and bigger, and this cute author is saying thank you sooooo so much for your support. 🌟