Five years had passed since Jimmy Welton was born.
Five quiet years.
And today, that silence ended.
Jimmy Welton — POV
Today was my ceremony.
From early morning, the Welton palace buzzed with life. My room was filled with maids moving in practiced harmony, adjusting my clothes, brushing my hair, and ensuring every detail was flawless.
I stood still, letting them work.
My mother watched from nearby.
Her eyes were gentle—but proud.
"Today is a big day, Jimmy," she said softly. "You'll meet many people. You'll make friends. And the world will finally see you."
She approached, holding a robe.
It was blue—deep and calm, like the evening sky before nightfall. Threads of gold traced elegant patterns along its edges, subtle yet unmistakably noble. The fabric felt light, yet carried weight.
When she placed it over my shoulders, something stirred inside me.
A strange feeling.
Pride.
Belonging.
I never felt this way on Earth.
Not once.
She knelt and met my eyes.
"Stand tall," she said. "You are a Welton."
I nodded.
POV Ends
The ceremony began at noon.
The Great Hall of House Welton had never looked more magnificent. Crystal chandeliers glowed softly above, banners bearing the Welton crest lined the walls, and magic-infused pillars shimmered with restrained brilliance.
Nobles from every corner of the kingdom filled the hall.
Laughter.
Polite greetings.
Measured smiles.
At the center stood Jimmy Welton, five years old—the heir of one of the kingdom's greatest houses.
One by one, nobles stepped forward.
Some bowed deeply.
Some praised excessively.
Some smiled too carefully.
Gifts piled high—gold, jewels, enchanted accessories, rare materials.
Jimmy accepted them calmly.
But his sharp eyes noticed something many missed.
Not all smiles were sincere.
Those Who Stood Apart
Algar Windsor — House Windsor
A man dressed modestly stepped forward.
"This is Algar Windsor," announced the herald, "one of the kingdom's most respected merchants."
Algar bowed—not as an obligation, but with genuine respect.
"My Lord Jimmy," he said warmly, "may your path be prosperous."
His gift was simple yet meaningful—a finely crafted storage ring.
"A merchant's blessing," Algar said with a smile.
Beside him stood a girl with silver-brown hair.
"My daughter," he added. "Selene."
Selene hesitated, then spoke quietly.
"…Hello."
Jimmy smiled.
"Hello."
No flattery.
No calculation.
Just two children meeting for the first time.
Erox Flamesworth — House Flamesworth
Next came a man clad in ceremonial knight armor.
"Erox Flamesworth," the herald announced, "leader of House Flamesworth and personal knight of the King."
Erox knelt on one knee.
"House Flamesworth remains loyal," he declared.
His gift was a fire-resistant cloak, light yet reinforced with enchantments.
"May it protect you," he said.
Jimmy nodded respectfully.
More nobles followed.
Then—
The atmosphere shifted.
The Arrival of the Great Families
The Ragnar Family — Dragon-Blessed Bloodline
"House Ragnar approaches!"
The hall fell quiet.
A towering man with crimson eyes stepped forward.
"Draken Ragnar," the herald announced, "patriarch of the Dragon-Blessed Ragnar Family."
Draken laughed heartily as he embraced Duke Halfthōr.
"Well met, my friend," he said. "Still standing strong."
Beside him stood Lady Lisa Ragnar, elegant and composed.
Their son stepped forward.
"This artifact," Draken said proudly, "protects against hostile spirits."
Theo Ragnar grinned.
"You're pretty small," he said. "Hehehe."
Jimmy frowned slightly.
"We're the same size. And I think I look bigger."
Theo blinked.
"…Let's see.
Then he laughed loudly.
"Friends?"
"Yes," Jimmy replied.
And just like that, it was settled.
The Hamhelton Family — Crimson Magic
"House Hamhelton approaches!"
A man radiating calm yet dangerous mana stepped forward.
"Lord Earl Hamhelton," announced the herald, "Crimson Mage and patriarch of House Hamhelton."
He greeted Duke Halfthōr warmly.
"We have swordsmen like you," Earl said, "who stabilize the balance between humans and dragons."
Their gift was a Crimson Mana Stabilization Pendant, designed to aid safe mana circulation.
Jimmy met their children.
One stood out.
Leo Hamhelton — four years old.
A prodigy.
Two magical aptitudes.
One of them… special.
Leo studied Jimmy carefully.
"…You feel different," he said.
Jimmy only smiled.
The Yamazaki Family — Pure Martial Path
"House Yamazaki approaches!"
A stern man in traditional attire stepped forward.
"Shingen Yamazaki," the herald announced.
Their gift was a Body-Tempering Manual, sealed for future use.
"For when your body is ready," Shingen said.
Jimmy met Gun Yamazaki.
A prodigy.
Their eyes met.
No words.
Only understanding.
The Wimbledon Family — Hammermanship
"House Wimbledon approaches!"
A broad man laughed loudly.
"Granth Wimbledon," announced the herald.
Their gift was a growth-type forging hammer, small now—but destined to grow.
"A craftsman's blessing," Granth said proudly.
The Reinhard Family — Legacy of a Savior
Finally—
"House Reinhard approaches!"
The hall grew respectful.
"Lord Bekham Reinhard," the herald announced.
Descendants of Alexander the Great, the man who once saved the world.
Their gift was priceless.
A glowing Mana Ore, extremely rare.
Jimmy met their children.
A teenage daughter smiled kindly.
Then—
Lucus Reinhard.
Same age.
Calm eyes.
Divine blood.
The only one since Alexander.
The two boys looked at each other.
Something unspoken passed between them.
The ceremony ended with music and laughter.
But something else had begun.
Friendships.
Rivalries.
Fates intertwining.
End of Chapter 11