Era of Arcane: The Journey Beyond Worlds

Chapter Ten: The Journey of Trials Begins

     Time seems to fly by especially fast when people are focused on their tasks. In the blink of an eye, I have turned fifteen. Standing in front of a large dressing mirror, I can't help but marvel once again at the incredible genes I inherited from my handsome father and beautiful mother. Otherwise, how could this body be so stunning? At fifteen, I've grown quite a bit taller, finally free from the inconvenience of short limbs. People no longer casually pat my head, and I thought to myself, delighted, "At last, I've grown up." With my current abilities, I can easily sneak out whenever I want to play, though I still occasionally spot Ao following me from a distance.

     Ao is no longer the frail boy he once was. Now seventeen, he's grown rapidly, and while he used to be no taller than me, he now towers over me by a head. According to my father, his martial skills have reached the level of a high-ranking warrior, making him quite formidable. Clad in lightweight armor, he shines even brighter than before. The once fearful servants in the duke's mansion have, after three years of living with him and my strategic "promotion" of his character, gradually warmed up to him. I even noticed a few younger maids sneaking glances at him from behind. I teased him about it for days.

     However, what frustrates me is that Ao remains as expressionless as ever. No matter how I try to amuse or mock him, he only gives me a casual glance before resuming his post behind me. I can't help but sigh at my limited success in transforming him into a charming, sunny young man. I really don't get him—would it kill him to smile? His face has been stuck in that stern expression for so long, it's as if smiling might actually harm him. It seems I'm already experiencing a generation gap with today's kids (Wait, I'm not that old either!).

     Whenever I manage to slip past all the guards and smugly sneak out, I always end up spotting Ao trailing just a few steps behind me. No matter what tricks I use, I can't seem to shake him off. In the end, I simply resort to using a spatial spell to teleport home, but Ao inevitably follows. I must admit, Father, you've trained him well—so well, in fact, that my freedom is now stifled. I'd love to tell you, "Well done, Father!"

     People outside are often fearful or repulsed by Ao's eyes, so I crafted an alchemical potion that could change the color of his irises. The effect only lasts for a few days before his eyes revert to their original hue, but as long as he reapplies the potion, it works fine. When I gave it to him, he simply said, "Thank you," and walked away.

     I thought that from now on, Ao wouldn't need to cover his eyes with cloth when he went out. Sure enough, the next time he left the house, his eyes were a striking shade of blue. When girls on the street saw him, they blushed and covered their faces in embarrassment. I, of course, watched from the sidelines, laughing quietly as Ao's expression darkened, before I made a quick escape.

     Since then, his sighs have noticeably increased. With him by my side, anyone on the street who thought of harassing me was swiftly dealt with. My father even gifted his treasured sword to Ao.

     I still remember that moment when Father handed the sword to him. "Ao, I give you the Sword of Sun and Moon. If anyone dares to harbor ill intentions toward Lisa, you may use this blade to deal with them. Show no mercy." Father said this with utmost seriousness as he handed the sword to Ao.

     "Understood," Ao responded coldly, his face stern as he raised the sword with both hands.

     Mother, watching nearby, chimed in, "Lisa, your father speaks the truth—he's practically reading my mind. And Ao's reply? So firm! What a lovely child!"

     I stood there speechless, watching the scene unfold. What should have been a solemn sword-giving ceremony felt like a comedic performance. Still, it's clear that my parents care deeply for me. As for Ao, he's not even remotely adorable. These days, I've been content listening to Emma's tales about the world outside, having lost interest in venturing out myself.