She awoke in the darkness.

In her hazy consciousness, she wondered:

Where am I?

She had witnessed the beginning of the world.

She had watched as humans built civilizations and grew.

She saw how they moved with incredible speed, built homes, created settlements that became villages, towns, and eventually nations. She had been moved by how humans and demi-humans joined forces to dispel the darkness, and her heart ached when she saw villages and cities succumbing to plague and decay.

The world was changing at a dizzying pace.

Mountains were carved into valleys by rain, rivers flowed across plains, creating fertile forests. These forests teemed with life and were filled with vitality.

As she observed all this from above, her consciousness became muddled once again.

Slowly wrapped in a warm light, she continued to dream.

"...sama..."

In her dream, she heard a voice.

"O...sama..."

A familiar voice whispered in her ear.

"Ojou-sama."

Someone shook her gently. Half-asleep, she slowly opened her eyes.

The first thing she saw was black hair and pale skin. Dark, clear eyes gazed intently into hers.

"Wah!?"

She jumped up with a shout. She felt like she had been having a pleasant dream just moments before, but that feeling was quickly blown away.

"Ojou-sama, is something wrong?"

Vel tilted her head, looking at her curiously. Vel had been taking care of her since she was a child.

"Good morning, Vel. I had the strangest dream."

She began telling Vel about her dream. Vel listened carefully, savoring every word.

"I see..."

When she finished her story, Vel nodded as if satisfied.

Before she could ask what Vel was thinking, she quickly said, "Well then, let's have breakfast," and began helping her get dressed.

"Hey, listen to me properly!"

She puffed out her cheeks in protest.

"Of course. I was listening carefully."

Vel smiled as she led her to the breakfast table.

After finishing her dressing, she stepped outside, her footsteps echoing as she opened the door.

No sooner had she stepped outside than a small white bird swooped down onto her shoulder as if it had been waiting for her.

"Hey, Pii-chan, we can't play yet!"

She giggled as the white bird, which she called Pii-chan, pecked at her earlobe, tickling her.

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A breeze blew by, gently brushing her silver hair, and the sunlight reflected in her golden eyes.

She was a girl with silver hair and golden eyes. From just above her ears, two silver horns extended backward.

When she grew up, neither the artists nor the nobles would leave her alone. Even now, despite her young age, she radiated a dazzling charm that captivated those around her.

“Lady Yuna, please take your seat.”

Before her, a vast grassy plain stretched out. In the middle of it stood a table covered with a white tablecloth. On the table were glasses of fruit juice, a plate of bread, and some fruit.

“Okay!”

Yuna cheerfully responded and took her seat. The morning sun and gentle breeze felt delightful. Savoring the cool wind, Yuna joined her hands together.

“I thank the wind and the fruits of the earth!”

There was no particular denomination. This was a habit she had practiced since she was little.

“Well then, let’s eat.”

Yuna took a hearty bite of the bread. She tore off a small piece of the bread's edge and placed it on the table. As Pi-chan landed on the table, it pecked at the bread crumbs.

“How is it? Tasty?”

In response to Yuna’s question, Pi-chan chirped, “Pii!” Satisfied by Pi-chan’s call, Yuna nodded and began eating the bread again.

“Lady Yuna, this is strawberry jam.”

Vel spread the jam on Yuna's bread.

“Lady Yuna, you have some jam on your cheek.”

Vel wiped the jam off Yuna’s cheek.

“I can do it myself.”

Receiving a towel from Vel, Yuna scrubbed her cheek vigorously.

“If you wipe it so roughly, you might hurt your cheek.”

Seeing Vel’s worried expression, Yuna replied, “I’m fine,” and then took a bite of the fruit. Even when Vel reminded her, “Please use a knife,” Yuna chewed on the fruit without concern.

“You’re being so messy… It’s not proper.”

Vel sighed with a hint of a smile.

“It’s fine, it’s fine!”

Yuna said, laughing happily.

“Such behavior will make the ancient dragon laugh at you.”

At Vel’s gentle voice, Yuna turned and smiled. Her gaze drifted to the back of the house where she lived with Vel; there stood a massive rock, quietly towering. However, upon closer inspection, it was clear that it was no ordinary rock. From a distance, it resembled the shape of a gigantic dragon. It was said to be the legendary ancient dragon that created the world long ago. Known as the “Chronicle of World Creation,” it is regarded as the oldest and first dragon—called the progenitor of magic, the god of wisdom, and the source of life. Vel always talked about how the ancient dragon still slept there.

Yuna loved the stories of the ancient dragon. More than anything, Vel seemed genuinely happy when telling them. Her expression sparkled, and warmth and reverence were always felt in her words. Just watching her made Yuna feel joyful.

However, Yuna’s fondness wasn’t limited to that. She was also captivated by stories of adventurers—tales of unnamed young swordsmen who, after rigorous training, defeated monsters and eventually vanquished demon lords. Those stories gripped Yuna’s heart. She listened to them with excitement, dreaming of becoming an adventurer herself one day. A world yet unseen, and unknown adventures—there was so much about the world that Yuna had yet to discover.

“Does the ancient dragon dislike badly-behaved children?”

Yuna asked, slightly worried. She didn’t know what kind of personality the ancient dragon had, but she thought it might be strict given its immense power.

“Well, it probably wouldn’t dislike you, Lady Yuna, but you might get a bit of a displeased look.”

Vel replied, smiling as if reminiscing about old times. However, Yuna sensed a hint of sadness behind that smile.

Vel always spoke joyfully, but sometimes her expression seemed to drift towards a distant past. It was as if she was nostalgic for something lost. Noticing that small sadness, Yuna could do nothing but continue to listen to Vel’s stories.

“Now, please eat quickly. We’re going to the village today.”

At Vel’s words, Yuna’s eyes sparkled.

“That’s right!”

Today was a special day that came only a few times a year—a day when they could visit the human village. For Yuna, it was the most anticipated time. Merchants gathered in the village, and villagers came to show their faces, creating a lively atmosphere like a small festival. Though her days were usually filled with studying history, etiquette, and dance practice, on this day, all of that was exempted, granting her free time.

Yuna quickly finished her meal and hurried into the house.

“I’ve got to hurry!”