The morning sun cast a golden hue across the ocean, its light dancing on the gentle waves as they lapped against the shore. The harbor was alive with activity, a bustling center where both humans and demi-humans mingled in the early light. The demi-humans varied in appearance—some with feline ears and tails, others with scales or feathers, and a few with horns or elongated limbs. They moved with ease among the humans, their exotic features blending into the vibrant, fantasy world of commerce and trade.

The harbor itself was a sprawling maze of wooden docks, creaking under the weight of anchored ships. Vendors called out from their stalls, hawking wares ranging from fresh seafood to mystical trinkets. Blacksmiths hammered away at glowing metal, while alchemists sold potions in vibrant glass bottles. The air was thick with the scent of salt, fish, and spices, a heady mixture that spoke of distant lands and untold stories.

At the edge of the harbor, a massive ship was anchored, its dark wood gleaming under the morning sun. The ship's size and intricate carvings of mythical creatures along its hull marked it as a vessel of great importance. Inside the ship, the captain's quarters were a stark contrast to the lively harbor outside. The room was dimly lit by a single lantern, casting long shadows over the maps and charts that adorned the walls. A large oak desk stood in the center, cluttered with navigational instruments, old parchment, and quills. The room exuded an air of authority and control, the domain of a man accustomed to command.

Seated behind the desk was a man in his late forties, wearing a captain's hat adorned with silver trimmings. His face was weathered, with a neatly trimmed beard and piercing eyes that hinted at a life spent at sea. His attire was typical of a fantasy sea captain: a long coat of deep blue, lined with gold embroidery, with a sword hanging at his side. He rested his hands on the desk, his expression a mix of cunning and amusement as he regarded the man before him.

The man standing opposite the captain was Duke Yuzuru, a noble of considerable stature. The duke was a portly man, his chubby stomach straining against the fabric of his luxurious clothing. He had blonde hair, slicked back to reveal a high forehead, and his green eyes were filled with anger as he slammed his hands onto the desk.

"It is a pleasure to have you here, Duke Yuzuru," the captain said with a sly smile, his voice smooth and unruffled by the duke's rage.

"What is happening with the products I asked you to deliver?" Duke Yuzuru fumed, his voice trembling with barely contained fury. "I paid you to deliver the goods, and you have yet to do so!"

The captain remained calm, leaning back in his chair. "I apologize, Duke Yuzuru, but my crew and I have encountered some... issues. The king’s influence has made things difficult."

Before the captain could finish his explanation, the duke slammed his hands on the desk again. "I don’t care about your issues! I want those goods delivered, or else—"

The captain held up a hand, cutting the duke off. "Please, Duke Yuzuru, you know how I run my business. The king's interference is not something I can simply ignore."

The duke's fury subsided slightly, his mind racing as he considered his next move. The tension in the room was palpable when a knock on the door interrupted their heated exchange.

"Come in," the captain called, his gaze shifting to the door.

The door opened to reveal a man with black hair and piercing eyes, dressed in the simple yet elegant garb of a merchant. He wore a long, dark coat over a tailored vest, with a silk cravat tucked neatly at his throat. His demeanor was one of quiet confidence, and his smile was that of someone who knew more than he let on.

The captain stood up, his demeanor shifting to one of warmth. "Ah, my good friend Alex," he said, walking over to shake the man's hand. The duke watched silently, his anger giving way to curiosity.

"It’s been a while," Alex said, returning the captain's handshake with a firm grip. His eyes flicked to the duke, a polite smile on his lips.

The captain gestured to Duke Yuzuru. "Duke, this is my friend Alex. He can help ease your worries."

Alex bowed slightly, his smile never faltering. "It is a pleasure to meet the great Duke Yuzuru."

The duke, still wary, returned the nod. "How can you help with my problem, Alex?"

Alex’s smile widened slightly. "Forgive me, Duke Yuzuru, but I cannot reveal all my secrets. However, I assure you, your goods will reach their destination safely and without delay."

The duke glanced at the captain, his distrust evident. The captain, sensing the duke's hesitation, laughed lightly. "You have my word, Duke Yuzuru. Alex is the best in the business."

The duke sighed, his anger finally subsiding. "Very well. But understand this, Captain—I will hold you accountable for any funny business."

Alex quickly interjected, "I promise, Duke Yuzuru, nothing will go wrong." He reached into his coat and produced an emerald diamond rune, handing it to the duke. "This is a token of my worth."

The duke frowned as he examined the stone. "How can this be your worth?" he asked, skeptical.

Alex’s eyes twinkled with mischief. "This is no ordinary stone, Duke Yuzuru. It is a diamond magic stone, capable of bringing wealth and riches beyond imagination."

The duke laughed, dismissing the claim. "There is no such thing."

The captain, who had been observing quietly, spoke up. "Duke, trust in Alex. He knows what he’s doing."

The duke looked back at Alex, his expression still doubtful. "If this stone is truly as powerful as you claim, then I will need more than one."

Alex, sensing the duke’s growing frustration, raised a hand in a placating gesture. "It is a rare stone, Duke Yuzuru. But test it for yourself. If it does not bring you the wealth you desire, then I will find a way to make it right."

The duke, mollified, pocketed the stone and turned to leave. "Don’t fail me, Captain," he said before exiting the room, leaving the captain and Alex alone.

As soon as the door closed, the captain’s demeanor changed. He quickly bowed deeply to Alex, his voice trembling. "I am deeply sorry for tapping you, Master."

Alex’s playful smile returned as he placed a hand on the captain’s shoulder. "All is well," he said, though his grip tightened painfully, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "But remember—tell no one of what transpired here."

The captain winced in pain, nodding fervently. "Yes, Master."

Alex released his grip, his smile returning as he sat down in the captain’s chair. "Now, about Duke Yuzuru’s products…"

The captain, still reeling from the pain, stammered, "I-I’ve already delivered them to the neighboring kingdom, but there were... complications."

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Alex sighed, leaning back in the chair. "No matter. If the duke asks for more stones, give him one. But make sure he understands the stone's true power."

The captain, still fearful, nodded. "Yes, Master."

As Alex gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distant shore, a sly smile played on his lips. The rune he had given to Duke Yuzuru was no ordinary stone—it was a cursed object, one that would bring misery to the duke and any noble who sought its power. The captain, sensing Alex’s thoughts, shivered, knowing that the future held nothing but trouble for Duke Yuzuru and those who crossed paths with the mysterious merchant.

In the morning, Inside the Satoru mansion's grand dining room, a serene yet tense atmosphere pervaded the space. The room was adorned with elegant tapestries that depicted the rich history of the Satoru family, stretching back generations. A long, polished mahogany table stood at the center, surrounded by high-backed chairs, each carved with intricate designs. Above the table, a magnificent chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the room, adding an air of regality.

Four maids and a butler stood by, attending to the family's needs. The maids were dressed in traditional black and white uniforms, their hair neatly tied back, revealing youthful faces marked by professionalism. The butler, an older man with a distinguished look, wore a perfectly pressed black suit with a white shirt, a silver tie, and a pair of polished shoes. His hair was graying at the temples, and his expression was one of composed efficiency, as he supervised the maids and ensured everything was in order.

At the head of the table sat Ryuu Satoru, his white hair and emerald eyes reflecting the legacy of his lineage. He wore a noble's attire, a deep green tunic embroidered with gold patterns, matched with dark trousers and a formal coat that emphasized his status. Beside him, on his left, was Luna Satoru, her blonde hair cascading down her back, her blue eyes sparkling with a gentle warmth despite the underlying tension. She was dressed in an elegant, sapphire-blue gown that perfectly matched her eyes, the fabric flowing gracefully around her as she attended to her son.

Opposite Luna sat Ryuu’s father, a man who, despite his commoner’s attire, carried an aura of quiet authority. His white hair mirrored Ryuu’s, and his emerald eyes were a reflection of the family’s legacy. He wore simple clothing—a plain tunic and trousers, the kind worn by those who live away from the luxuries of noble life. Yet, even in his modest garments, there was something about him that commanded respect.

Beside Luna, Kibo sat, a smaller version of Ryuu, with his pure white hair and blue eyes, dressed in a noble's outfit. His clothes were simpler than his father's, a blue tunic with silver embroidery, paired with trousers that allowed him the freedom to move—clothing that hinted at both his youth and his noble heritage.

The family ate in silence, a palpable tension hanging in the air. Luna, however, seemed unbothered by it, focusing on feeding Kibo with a smile. As she gently coaxed him to eat, Kibo’s mind drifted back to the previous night, recalling the moment when he had tried to use mana to amplify his speed, only to crash into a wall and fall unconscious. The memory made him shudder slightly, but he was quickly brought back to the present by his mother’s gentle voice.

“Kibo open wide,” Luna said softly, about to feed him.

As Luna continued feeding Kibo, Ryuu finally broke the silence. “Kibo, how is your food?”

Kibo, looking between his father and mother, responded cheerfully, “The food is good, Papa. I love it!”

Ryuu smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. Kibo, sensing that he might have said something wrong, began to worry. His grandfather, however, remained silent, focused on his meal.

Ryuu cleared his throat and spoke again, this time more serious. “Kibo, I have something to tell you.”

He signaled the maids and the butler to leave the room. Kibo’s curiosity and anxiety grew as he watched them exit, his thoughts racing. Is he going to tell me something about an engagement? But I’m too young!

Once the room was empty, Ryuu turned to Kibo and said, “Your grandfather is here to take care of you.”

Luna’s expression grew sadder as Ryuu spoke. Kibo glanced at his grandfather, his thoughts swirling. Don’t they love me? His past trauma resurfaced, and his heart began to race.

Noticing Kibo’s distress, Luna quickly held him tightly, whispering, “Papa and Mama love you so much, Kibo.”

Kibo, on the verge of tears, saw his mother holding back her own and slowly began to calm down. His father, seeing that Kibo was a bit more composed, continued, “Your grandfather wants to make you stronger. I don’t fully understand his reasons, but he believes it’s important.”

Kibo looked at his grandfather, then back at his father. Ryuu added, “If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”

Kibo thought for a moment, weighing his options. If I stay with Mama and Papa, I won’t be able to learn anything. He then asked, “Will I be able to see Papa and Mama again?”

Ryuu nodded, his expression stern but sad. “Yes.”

Kibo looked at both his parents and said, “You’ll visit me, right?”

Luna smiled and hugged him tightly. “Yes, we will always visit you.”

As Ryuu watched his wife embrace their son, he glanced at his father, noticing the sad look on his face. Ryuu’s anger simmered, but he held it back, focusing on the moment with his family.

Outside the mansion, a polished black carriage stood ready, its surface reflecting the morning light. Two powerful black horses, their coats shining, were harnessed to the carriage, their breath visible in the cool morning air. The driver, clad in a dark, formal uniform, sat at the front, reins in hand, patiently awaiting the signal to depart. Nearby, two maids, Sylvie and Tanaka, stood with somber expressions, their hands folded in front of them as they prepared to bid farewell to their young master.

Lady Luna, dressed in a flowing gown of light blue that matched her piercing blue eyes, held Kibo tightly in her arms. Her golden blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her face was a mixture of sadness and resolve. Kibo, dressed in a noble's outfit of deep blue with silver embroidery, clung to his mother, his white hair tousled and his blue eyes filled with emotion.

Ryuu, standing beside his father, spoke with a mix of determination and desperation. "Please, take care of my son and don't abandon him," he implored, his voice tight with emotion.

His father, a stern man with white hair and emerald eyes, dressed in simple, unadorned clothing, nodded firmly. "I would never," he began, but Ryuu cut him off.

"I hate and despise you, but please, don't die," Ryuu added, his voice cracking slightly.

His father offered a stern smile, understanding the weight of his son's words. "Don't forget about the spies, and be careful about the king," he advised, before turning away and moving toward where Luna and the others waited by the carriage.

Kibo, still in his mother's embrace, thought to himself how much he would miss her. The maids, Sylvie and Tanaka, watched with sadness in their eyes as their young master was about to leave, knowing the mansion would feel emptier without him.

The grandfather reached Luna and Kibo, his presence commanding yet gentle as he said to Luna, "I'll take care of him."

Luna, with a sad yet hopeful smile, released Kibo and turned to face the grandfather. "Teach him well, and make sure he always eats his vegetables," she said, her voice tender with motherly concern.

Kibo, with a puzzled expression, wondered why his mother would mention something like that at a time like this. The grandfather chuckled, responding, "I will," before lifting Kibo into his arms. As he held his grandson, he noticed Ryuu approaching, his hand resting on Luna's shoulder as they both looked at Kibo with sorrowful eyes.

Luna leaned in to kiss Kibo on the forehead, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I will always love you, son," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

The grandfather carefully placed Kibo inside the carriage, setting him down on the plush seat. He sat beside him, placing a reassuring hand on Kibo's head. "I'll take care of you, kiddo," he said softly, his voice full of warmth.

Kibo, managing a small smile despite the tears welling in his eyes, replied, "Okay, Grandpa." The grandfather smiled back and gently patted his head before the carriage started to move.

As the carriage rolled forward, Kibo looked out the window, watching as his mother waved, her eyes glistening with tears, while his father stood beside her, a sad, stern expression on his face. The maids, Sylvie and Tanaka, also waved, their expressions filled with sorrow. Kibo, determined to change his fate, vowed silently to himself, "I won't be that weak boy again in my past life. I will become the strongest."

Just as the carriage passed through the mansion gates, barely 5 meters away, a deafening explosion erupted. The carriage was engulfed in flames, the force of the blast sending shockwaves through the air. Ryuu, Luna, and the maids stood frozen in shock, their faces pale as the horror of the scene unfolded. Luna screamed, "Kibo!" and started running toward the explosion, her heart shattering with fear.

In a dense forest far from the mansion, a woman clad in dark, tight-fitting clothing designed for stealth—resembling the attire of a master spy —stood amidst the shadows. Her outfit was adorned with various belts and pouches, filled with tools of her trade. Her face was partially obscured by a mask, revealing only her cold, calculating eyes.

She held a small, glowing communication orb in her gloved hand, speaking softly into it. "The mission has been accomplished, Master," she reported, her voice steady and devoid of emotion.

A deep, commanding voice responded from the orb, "That's good." After a brief pause, the voice added, "Return."

"Understood, Master," she replied, before the orb's glow faded, the transmission ending.

With a swift, practiced movement, she tucked the orb away and melted into the shadows, her presence vanishing as if she were never there, leaving only the silence of the forest behind.