The morning sun rose over the sprawling estate of the House of Darknorth, setting its marble spires ablaze in molten gold. The banners bearing the family crest—a sword with one edge burning in crimson fire and the other shimmering with frost—fluttered dramatically in the wind, as if the heavens themselves were performing a farewell for the great "young master" of the house.
Too bad the young master in question was currently arguing with his luggage.
"Lira," I groaned, staring at the literal mountain of bags stacked neatly beside my bed, "why in the hell's name are we bringing half the kitchen?"
My oh-so-loyal maid-slash-protector, Lira, stood nearby, pristine as ever, with that elegant calm that made it impossible to tell whether she was suppressing laughter or just genuinely emotionless. Her silver hair was tied in a neat braid, and her amber eyes didn't even twitch as she replied, "You mentioned last night, young master, that you cannot function without your morning tea."
"Yes," I said slowly, rubbing my temple, "but I didn't mean that as a bloody command! There's a difference between 'I need tea to survive' and 'Pack three chests of it like we're opening a café in the wilderness!'"
She blinked. "Noted. I shall bring only one chest."
"…You know what, forget it. Let's just hope the monsters appreciate Darjeeling."
I sighed and glanced out the window. The courtyard below was bustling—knights tightening saddle straps, stable boys running about, and maids whispering behind fans. Everyone was far too cheerful for someone else's impending doom.
The grand oak doors to my room creaked open, and in darted Lilia, my ten-year-old sister, eyes wide and brimming with excitement. She flung herself at me like a projectile of love and chaos.
"Brother Rishi! You're really leaving today?"
"Yes," I said, picking her up and spinning her once before setting her down, "off to become strong, wise, and slightly less lazy."
She giggled. "You'll trip before you even reach the gate."
"That's the spirit," I said dryly. "Confidence in your brother's survival is vital."
Her little pout made something tighten in my chest—a warmth that didn't belong entirely to me. Every time I see Lilia, something stirs in my heart. It's probably the leftover feelings of the original Rishi, I thought, but if there's anyone in this world I can truly call family, it's her.
"Don't forget to write!" she chirped, bouncing on her toes.
"I'll try," I said, ruffling her hair. "Assuming the wolves have decent postal services."
Behind her came Serenya, elegant as ever, dressed in a light lavender gown that fluttered as she walked. Even the sunlight seemed to soften for her. She smiled faintly. "You seem… unusually cheerful for someone about to be mauled by wild beasts."
"That's my secret," I said, smirking. "I'm always panicking on the inside."
She gave an amused sigh. "Father said you wanted to train outside for 'experience.' That sounds suspiciously like you're running away from something."
I placed a hand dramatically on my chest. "How dare you, dear cousin! I'm merely going to broaden my horizons, build character, and find creative ways not to die."
Lira coughed softly behind me. "Statistically improbable."
"Stop interrupting," I hissed.
Serenya giggled behind her hand. "Just… be careful, alright? You may not admit it, but we'll all miss you."
I tilted my head. "You sure it's not because I'm the only one brave enough to prank the elders?"
"That too," she said with a grin.
As we walked down the gilded halls, servants stopped to bow, knights saluted, and maids whispered. I swear half of them were placing bets on whether I'd return with all my limbs intact. Honestly, I'd bet against me too.
When we reached the massive gate, the sight of the outside world stretched before me—the dense emerald forest at the horizon, the gleam of sunlight on distant lakes, and the faint smell of adventure mixed with existential dread.
I turned to Lira. "Alright, trusty companion, have you prepared everything we need for our glorious expedition?"
"Yes," she said plainly. "Weapons, rations, potions, medical supplies, camping gear, extra rope, flintstones, maps, a weather charm, and your favorite pillow."
"…You brought my pillow?"
She nodded seriously. "It aids your mental stability."
I blinked. "You know what? Keep it. You win this round."
Lilia ran up again, eyes teary now. "Promise you'll come back soon?"
I smiled, squatting down to her level. "I promise. Besides, who else will keep these old nobles on their toes while I'm gone?"
Serenya stepped forward, her expression soft. "Good luck, Rishi. Try not to start any wars."
"I'll make no promises," I said with a grin, "but I'll definitely make history… or at least a scandal."
As I climbed into the carriage, Lira following silently behind me, I looked back one last time. The grand palace of the Darknorths shimmered in the morning light—beautiful, powerful, and honestly a little suffocating.
Well, I thought, there goes my peaceful life. Time to embrace chaos like the responsible idiot I am.
The carriage rolled forward, the wheels creaking on cobblestone. I leaned back in my seat, staring out the window as the estate slowly disappeared behind us.
"Lira," I muttered, "remind me again why I'm doing this?"
She glanced at me with calm detachment. "You said you wished to 'train, explore, and maybe accidentally become overpowered.'"
"…That sounds like me."
As the forest swallowed the path ahead, I smirked to myself. "Alright then, world. Let's see how much trouble an 'extra' can really cause."
And thus began the not-so-legendary, definitely chaotic journey of Rishi Lux Darknorth—armed with sarcasm, tea, and sheer refusal to follow the damn script.