Two days passed.
And at last, the day of the Sirocco Awakening Magic Ceremony arrived.
Morning slowly spread across the Kingdom of Ravelle.
The darkness of night faded beneath a pale orange horizon as the sun began climbing above distant mountains. Warm golden light rolled across forests, farms, stone roads, villages, and the enormous estates belonging to Ravelle's noble houses.
Around the Sirocco territory, the morning was unusually peaceful.
Birds chirped from tree branches.
A gentle breeze moved through gardens covered in fresh flowers.
Servants were already rushing through the enormous Sirocco estate, carrying decorations, polished silverware, magical lanterns, banners, tables, flowers, wine, food, and ceremonial equipment.
Today was no ordinary day.
House Sirocco was holding another awakening ceremony.
And everyone important knew about it.
Inside the main mansion, however, the guest of honor was still asleep.
Warm sunlight slipped between the curtains of a large bedroom.
A thin golden beam slowly moved across the carpet.
It traveled up the side of an enormous bed before finally reaching the sleeping face of a five-year-old boy.
Bell Sirocco.
His raven-black hair was messy from sleep.
Several silver-white strands rested over his forehead.
Bell shifted beneath the blankets.
For several peaceful seconds, he remained asleep.
Then—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
A gentle feminine voice came through the door.
"Young Master Bell?"
Bell groaned quietly.
His small eyebrows tightened.
The voice came again.
"Young Master Bell, it is time to wake up."
Bell slowly opened his golden eyes.
For a few moments, he simply stared at the wall.
His mind was empty.
Then everything returned.
Ravelle.
House Sirocco.
Magic.
Reincarnation.
And—
Bell's golden eyes widened.
"Today…"
He pushed himself upright.
"Today is the day I awaken my magic."
Suddenly, any remaining sleep disappeared.
Another knock came from the door.
"Young Master Bell?"
Bell looked toward it.
"Yes. You can come in, Heather."
The door opened quietly.
A young woman stepped inside.
Her name was Heather Black, Bell's personal maid.
Heather was a beautiful young woman with long straight black hair normally tied into a neat low ponytail. A small silver hairpin rested above one ear, keeping several strands away from her soft gray-blue eyes.
Her fair skin and calm features gave her a gentle appearance.
She had a slender but healthy build and wore the traditional black-and-white uniform of House Sirocco's personal servants. The outfit was perfectly maintained from the white apron to the polished black shoes.
Heather almost always carried herself with composed professionalism.
But around Bell, her expression became noticeably softer.
"Good morning, Young Master Bell."
Bell rubbed one eye.
"Oh. It's you, Heather."
A little smile appeared on his face.
"Good morning."
Heather returned the smile.
"Did you sleep well?"
Bell looked toward the bright window.
"Sort of."
"Sort of?"
Bell stretched his arms above his head.
"I guess today is the day for my big event, isn't it?"
Heather nodded.
"It certainly is."
She walked toward the curtains and pulled them completely open.
Sunlight flooded the room.
Bell squinted.
Heather glanced back at him.
"There is already considerable activity throughout the estate. The servants have been preparing since before sunrise."
"That early?"
"Your awakening ceremony is one of House Sirocco's major events."
Bell sighed.
"No pressure or anything."
Heather covered a small laugh behind her hand.
Bell looked at her suspiciously.
"You're enjoying this."
"Of course not, Young Master."
"That smile says otherwise."
Heather quickly returned to her composed expression.
"I have no idea what you mean."
Bell narrowed his eyes.
Secretly playful.
He was beginning to understand that part of Heather very well.
She walked toward the wardrobe.
"There will be many guests tonight."
"How many?"
"Enough that additional servants were brought in to assist."
Bell stared.
"That many?"
Heather nodded.
"Noble families, military officers, court magicians, academy representatives, members of the royal court…"
Bell's expression slowly changed.
"…Great."
"And I heard your extended family will be arriving this morning."
Bell blinked.
"My extended family?"
"Your grandparents, your uncle and aunt, and your cousin."
Bell went still.
Something moved inside his memories.
Not Max Carter's memories.
Bell Sirocco's.
Faces.
Voices.
Places.
Fragments of childhood.
And then—
Memory
A younger Bell stood in the mansion courtyard.
An imposing elderly man rested one hand on an ancient wooden staff.
Wind moved around him despite the air otherwise being completely still.
Beside him stood an elegant elderly woman wearing a violet dress.
"My, my," she said warmly. "Look at this little one."
Young Bell hid behind Natalie's dress.
The elderly woman laughed.
"Oh? Bell is shy today?"
The elderly man studied him.
His golden-brown eyes were sharp.
Very sharp.
"Come here, boy."
Bell hesitated.
Natalie gently encouraged him forward.
"He will not eat you."
The elderly man lifted one eyebrow.
"That depends."
"Regonald."
"I am joking."
The memory shifted.
A large man wearing green armor trained soldiers in the courtyard.
"Again!"
A knight charged.
Thick wooden roots erupted from the ground.
The knight screamed as his feet were pulled away from underneath him.
The large man frowned.
"Your stance was terrible."
Another memory.
A beautiful auburn-haired woman crouched in front of Bell.
A small flame danced above her palm.
Then stone appeared beneath it.
The stone melted.
Bell stared with enormous eyes.
She smiled.
"Magic doesn't always have to follow ordinary rules, little Bell."
And finally—
A boy slightly older than Bell leaned against a tree.
Dark violet wisps curled around his shoes.
"You still collect weird rocks?"
Young Bell puffed his cheeks.
"They're not weird."
"They're rocks."
"They're interesting."
The older boy smirked.
"That is exactly what someone who collects weird rocks would say."
Present
Bell blinked several times.
The memories settled.
His grandfather.
Grand Duke Regonald Sirocco — The Desert Sage.
The previous head of House Sirocco.
A retired Grand Duke.
Former Continental Archmage.
Family elder.
Wind and Earth Mage.
Bell remembered an imposing elderly noble who still looked frighteningly powerful despite his age.
Regonald stood straight, with broad shoulders and the posture of someone who had spent decades commanding battlefields.
Long silver-white hair swept backward to just below his shoulders. A short, neatly trimmed beard matched it.
His golden-brown eyes were the most memorable feature.
They never seemed to merely look at someone.
They studied them.
Bell remembered feeling as though his grandfather could understand an entire person just by watching them walk across a room.
Regonald usually wore dark tan and deep green robes decorated with golden patterns representing mountains and flowing wind.
And he carried an old wooden staff containing an amber Earth crystal.
Bell's memories made one thing extremely obvious.
The old man was terrifyingly powerful.
Then there was Bell's grandmother.
Lady Marabella Sirocco — The Prism Duchess.
Former Grand Duchess.
Noble matriarch.
A Fire and Lightning Mage.
Long silver hair with subtle lavender undertones.
Brilliant violet eyes.
Elegant dresses.
A rainbow crystal brooch given to her by Regonald many years ago.
And a smile that somehow managed to look loving and dangerous simultaneously.
Marabella spoiled her grandchildren shamelessly.
Especially Bell.
Bell remembered sweets appearing in his room after his parents said he had already eaten too many.
Books mysteriously arriving after he mentioned wanting one.
Small gifts.
Stories.
Hugs.
And extremely polite verbal destruction whenever another noble said something Marabella disliked.
Then came Viktor's younger brother.
Sir Allen Sirocco — The Wood Vanguard.
A Wood Mage.
House Sirocco's military commander.
A large, powerfully built knight standing nearly as tall as Viktor.
Dark brown hair.
Forest-green eyes.
A permanent stern expression.
Traditional.
Disciplined.
Proud.
And extremely serious about House Sirocco's reputation.
Bell remembered immediately thinking:
Yeah… Uncle Allen definitely looks like the kind of man who gives children military lectures during breakfast.
His wife was almost his complete opposite.
Lady Vivien Sirocco — The Lava Queen.
A Lava Mage.
Former high-ranking adventurer.
Strong.
Warm.
Independent.
Adventure-loving.
Her long dark auburn hair contained crimson-orange highlights that brightened whenever she used magic.
Her eyes looked like molten amber.
Bell remembered her showing him magic several times when he was younger.
She was fascinated by strange magical abilities.
Which made sense.
Lava itself was hardly an ordinary element.
And then there was their son.
Bell's cousin.
Zane Sirocco — The Shadow Prince.
Six years old.
Only one year older than Bell.
A young Shadow Mage prodigy.
Messy midnight-black hair.
Dark violet eyes.
Sharp features.
A confident little half-smile that almost always meant he was planning something annoying.
Zane was clever.
Competitive.
Sarcastic.
Mischievous.
And absolutely loved teasing Bell.
Bell leaned backward against his pillow.
"So Grandpa Regonald and Grandma Marabella are coming…"
Heather nodded.
"Yes."
Bell scratched his cheek.
"And Uncle Allen."
"Yes."
"Aunt Vivien."
"Yes."
"And Zane."
"Yes."
Bell sighed.
"Of course Zane is coming."
Heather tilted her head.
"You do not sound pleased."
"No, no. I'm thrilled."
Heather stared.
Bell stared back.
"…Okay, maybe not thrilled."
His thoughts returned to his grandfather.
Former Continental Archmage…
Bell swallowed.
And Grandma apparently uses Fire and Lightning together.
He remembered the strange pressure both of them naturally radiated.
Even as Max Carter, someone with twenty-four years of memories, Bell felt nervous.
Those two aren't just powerful nobles.
They're monsters wearing expensive clothes.
Heather continued speaking.
"Young Master Bell?"
No response.
"Young master?"
Bell remained lost in thought.
Heather leaned slightly closer.
"Young Master Bell."
Bell suddenly looked up.
"Huh?"
Heather smiled.
"Were you listening?"
Bell blinked.
"…Definitely."
"What did I say?"
Bell paused.
Heather waited.
Bell admitted defeat.
"Not a word."
Heather quietly laughed.
"Breakfast is ready, and your family is waiting."
"Oh."
Bell climbed out of bed.
"Right."
"I will allow you a few minutes."
"Thanks, Heather."
She bowed.
"I will wait outside."
After Heather left, Bell stretched.
His little arms reached high above his head.
"Okay."
He walked toward the window.
Outside stretched the enormous Sirocco estate.
Green gardens surrounded fountains sparkling beneath the morning sun.
Servants moved throughout the grounds.
Large blue-and-silver banners carrying House Sirocco's crest had been raised everywhere.
Carriages entered through the estate gates.
Bell could already see unfamiliar visitors.
Guards.
Nobles.
Workers.
Magicians.
Tonight, all of them would be watching him.
Bell rested one hand against the glass.
"Magic awakening ceremony…"
His golden eyes reflected the morning sunlight.
"Let's see what this world gives me."
A little grin appeared.
"Let this day begin."
After dressing in ordinary morning clothes, Bell followed Heather toward the dining room.
When the doors opened—
Bell stopped.
Someone else was sitting at the head of the table.
Not Viktor.
An elderly man with silver-white hair sat comfortably in Viktor's usual position.
An old wooden staff rested nearby.
His golden-brown eyes turned toward Bell.
Bell immediately felt it.
Pressure.
Not threatening.
Not hostile.
But enormous.
It felt like standing before a mountain.
Beside him sat a graceful elderly woman in an elegant violet dress.
She smiled instantly.
Regonald's stern face relaxed slightly.
"Well."
He leaned back.
"Look who finally decided to eat with us."
Marabella giggled.
"Oh, leave him alone."
She opened her arms slightly.
"There is my youngest grandson."
Bell stood motionless for half a second.
Yep.
Definitely monsters.
Even without understanding mana completely, he could feel something surrounding his grandparents.
Regonald's presence felt heavy and ancient.
Like mountains beneath a desert storm.
Marabella's felt bright and dangerous.
Like lightning hidden behind beautiful stained glass.
Bell thought:
How powerful were these people in their prime?
Then a scarier thought came.
Wait.
Are they even that far past their prime?
Natalie's amused voice interrupted him.
"Bell."
Bell looked toward his mother.
She smiled.
"How do you greet your grandparents, young man?"
Bell regained himself.
He walked forward and bowed politely.
"Good morning, Grandfather. Grandmother. It's a pleasure to see you."
Marabella's eyes widened pleasantly.
"My goodness."
She looked toward Natalie.
"He has become so polite."
Regonald stroked his beard.
"Either that or he wants something."
Bell looked up.
"I don't want anything."
Regonald nodded.
"That makes it more suspicious."
Bell stared at him.
Then Regonald's lips moved very slightly.
He was joking.
Bell nearly laughed.
Marabella reached toward him.
"Come here."
Bell approached.
She immediately hugged him.
"My little Bell."
"Grandma…"
"You have gotten bigger."
"I'm five."
"Exactly. Practically ancient."
Bell laughed.
Regonald watched them.
"Do not suffocate the boy before his awakening."
"Oh, quiet."
She released Bell.
"We have been waiting years for another awakening ceremony."
Bell took his place.
Regonald looked toward Viktor.
"How long has it been since the last one?"
Natalie answered.
"Lucas was the last. He is eight now, so about three years."
Lucas quietly continued eating.
Marabella sighed dramatically.
"Three years already."
Her eyes passed over all the children.
"They grow far too quickly."
Then she looked directly at Viktor.
"I remember when Viktor was small enough that he used to run through this mansion without trousers."
Viktor froze.
Alexander choked on his drink.
Danny immediately looked toward his father.
Terra covered her mouth.
Serenity blinked.
Bell's eyes widened.
Viktor slowly put down his cup.
"Mother."
Marabella smiled sweetly.
"Yes, dear?"
"I am the head of House Sirocco."
"I know."
"I am thirty-seven years old."
"Yes."
"I command thousands of soldiers."
"How impressive."
"Please stop telling my children stories about me running around without trousers."
Regonald suddenly laughed.
A deep, genuine laugh.
Marabella looked delighted.
"But they're excellent stories."
Alexander leaned forward.
"Grandmother, tell us more."
"No."
Viktor's answer came instantly.
Marabella laughed.
Bell looked down to hide his smile.
Okay.
Grandma is dangerous in an entirely different way.
Breakfast continued.
Eventually Marabella looked toward Bell.
"So, little one."
Bell looked up.
"Yes?"
"What kind of element are you hoping for tonight?"
Immediately, the siblings joined in.
Danny answered first.
"Fire would obviously be excellent."
Alexander shook his head.
"Lightning."
Danny looked at him.
"Fire."
"Lightning."
"Fire."
"Lightning."
Serenity sighed.
"Water or ice would be far more refined."
Terra smiled.
"Plant magic would be lovely."
Lucas calmly added:
"Earth is extremely versatile."
Alexander pointed at Bell.
"Imagine Bell using lightning!"
Danny crossed his arms.
"Imagine him setting something on fire."
Terra gave Danny a worried look.
"I would prefer he didn't."
Everyone eventually looked at Bell.
Bell thought about the question seriously.
Fire?
Lightning?
Wind?
Earth?
Water?
Ice?
Something rare?
Something powerful?
The old Max Carter would have immediately chosen the most ridiculous overpowered ability imaginable.
But Bell found himself giving another answer.
He shrugged.
"Anything that connects with me, I guess."
The table became quieter.
Bell continued.
"Something that fits who I am."
Marabella stared at him.
For just a moment, her playful expression disappeared.
That is an unusual answer for a five-year-old.
Her sharp violet eyes studied Bell.
Most children ask for Fire because it looks impressive. Lightning because it is fast. Wind because of House Sirocco's reputation.
But he wants something compatible with himself.
A slow smile returned.
"That is the spirit, Bell."
Regonald said nothing.
But his eyes remained fixed on Bell for several seconds longer.
Viktor finally spoke.
"There is another matter."
Bell looked toward him.
"Another matter?"
Viktor nodded.
"The royal family will attend tonight."
Bell paused.
"The king?"
"The king, queen, and their three children."
Bell blinked.
"The entire royal family?"
"Yes."
Bell looked down.
Okay. That's slightly terrifying.
Viktor continued as if discussing the weather.
"One of their daughters is your age."
Bell looked back up.
"Okay?"
"You will be engaged to her."
Silence.
Bell's brain stopped.
He stared at Viktor.
Viktor stared back.
Bell's mouth slowly opened.
"…"
Nothing.
Natalie looked at Bell.
Then at Viktor.
Then back at Bell.
And she started laughing.
"My goodness, Viktor. You broke him."
Alexander burst out laughing.
"Look at his face!"
Terra smiled sympathetically.
"Oh, poor Bell."
Danny smirked.
"You should have expected something like this eventually."
Serenity calmly drank her tea.
"A political engagement between major houses is hardly unusual."
Bell remained completely frozen.
Lucas waved one hand slightly in front of Bell.
"He is still conscious."
Marabella laughed.
"Oh, this is wonderful."
Regonald's shoulders moved slightly with another quiet laugh.
Bell finally managed one sound.
"…Huh?"
Viktor raised an eyebrow.
"Are you listening?"
Bell stared.
"You said… engaged?"
"Yes."
"To a princess?"
"Yes."
"The king's daughter?"
"Yes."
Bell slowly leaned backward.
Natalie looked ready to laugh again.
Viktor continued.
"Princess Madelyn Ashcroft."
Bell's eyes widened slightly.
The name entered his memory.
Princess Madelyn Ashcroft.
One of Ravelle's royal children.
Same age as Bell.
Viktor continued.
"The engagement will be formally announced tonight after the ceremony."
Bell's mind screamed.
WHAT?!
His face remained strangely calm.
I WAS A SINGLE OFFICE WORKER TWO DAYS AGO!
NOW I'M FIVE AND ENGAGED TO ROYALTY?!
Viktor looked at him.
"Understood?"
Bell's brain was still processing.
But everyone was staring.
He slowly nodded.
"…Understood."
"Good."
Viktor returned to breakfast.
"Then it is settled."
Bell stared at his father.
Settled?!
That conversation lasted thirty seconds!
Marabella leaned toward Natalie.
"He really does announce major life decisions exactly like Regonald did."
Regonald frowned.
"I provided explanations."
"No, you didn't."
"I occasionally provided explanations."
Bell lowered his face toward his plate.
What the hell just happened?
Seven Hours Later
The bright morning had disappeared.
Evening approached.
Bell lay across his bed, staring at the ceiling.
His ceremony clothes were prepared nearby.
He released a long sigh.
"Two days."
He raised one hand.
"Two days ago, I was Max Carter."
One finger.
"Office worker."
Second finger.
"Twenty-four."
Third.
"Overworked."
Fourth.
"Died."
Fifth.
"Reincarnated."
He switched hands.
"Now I'm Bell Sirocco."
One finger.
"Five years old."
Second.
"Noble."
Third.
"Magic awakening ceremony tonight."
Fourth.
"Apparently engaged."
Fifth.
"To an actual princess."
Bell dropped both arms.
"This world works fast."
He rolled onto his side.
"Whatever."
He shrugged.
"Life is life."
His thoughts returned to magic.
That was the important part.
"What am I going to get?"
Bell grinned.
"Fire would be badass."
He rolled onto his back.
"Lightning would definitely be badass."
He sat up.
"Gravity?"
His eyes widened.
"Space?"
Another thought.
"Darkness?"
He smiled.
"Dragon magic?"
He paused.
"Okay, that probably doesn't count as an element."
He fell backward again.
"What about metal? Crystal? Storm? Magma?"
His imagination kept going.
Then the room slowly darkened.
The last sunlight disappeared beneath the horizon.
Night came.
Bell finally heard it.
Knock. Knock.
He sat upright.
"Who is it?"
A familiar voice answered.
"It is me, Young Master Bell."
Bell relaxed.
"Oh. Come in, Heather."
The door opened.
Heather stepped inside.
Her uniform had been changed slightly for the ceremony. The usual maid attire remained, but a silver Sirocco crest had been attached near her collar.
She bowed.
"It is time, young master."
Bell's golden eyes shifted toward the ceremonial clothes.
"So the main event is finally here."
"Yes."
Bell climbed off the bed and stretched.
Then he suddenly stopped.
"Heather?"
"Yes?"
"Can you help me with something?"
Heather smiled gently.
"Anything, Young Master Bell."
Bell pointed toward his hair.
"I want a different haircut."
Heather blinked.
"A haircut?"
"Yeah."
"Immediately before your awakening ceremony?"
Bell nodded.
Heather stared for another second.
Then she smiled.
"Very well."
Bell grinned.
"Leave it to me?"
"Leave it to me."
A while later, Bell began putting on his ceremonial outfit.
Heather had prepared everything.
First came fitted black trousers.
Then polished dark boots.
A comfortable white undershirt.
Over that went a deep midnight-blue tunic decorated with subtle silver embroidery.
The embroidery formed tiny flowing lines representing wind currents across the cuffs and collar.
A black formal jacket followed.
It reached slightly below Bell's waist and carried the silver crest of House Sirocco over the left breast.
A small dark-blue mantle rested over one shoulder, secured by a silver clasp.
Unlike the extravagant outfits Bell expected from fantasy nobles, it was elegant without becoming ridiculous.
Bell moved his arms.
"This is surprisingly comfortable."
Heather adjusted his collar.
"Ceremonial clothes designed for young nobles are made to avoid restricting movement."
Bell looked down.
"Good. Because I was worried I wouldn't be able to breathe."
"That would make the ceremony considerably more difficult."
Bell laughed.
"You're joking again."
"I would never."
"You definitely are."
Heather finished adjusting the jacket.
"Now your hair."
Bell turned toward the mirror.
His new hairstyle was exactly what he had wanted.
The base remained deep jet-black.
But the front bangs now carried clean white highlights, naturally framing his face without covering his golden eyes.
There were no dramatic colors.
No magical glow.
Nothing flashy.
Just black hair with striking white sections near the front.
The longer upper hair had been pulled into a compact man bun.
The sides were completely faded.
The back faded upward toward the bun.
Around his ears was a clean undercut.
A few highlighted bangs rested loosely against his forehead.
It looked practical.
Rugged.
Clean.
Something that would stay away from his face while moving or fighting.
Bell stared at himself.
Warm caramel skin.
Golden eyes.
Jet-black hair.
White-highlighted bangs.
Formal Sirocco clothing.
He barely resembled Max Carter.
But strangely…
He was beginning to recognize Bell.
Heather stood behind him.
"It suits you."
Bell looked at her reflection.
"Really?"
"Yes."
She smiled.
"You look very handsome, Young Master Bell."
Bell smiled back.
"Thanks, Heather."
"You are welcome."
Heather stepped backward.
"Are you ready?"
Bell stared into his own golden eyes.
Tonight he would discover the power he possessed in this world.
After tonight, something would change.
Maybe everything.
He took a breath.
"Yeah."
Bell turned.
"Let's do it."
The two left the bedroom.
The mansion had completely transformed.
Magical lamps illuminated every hallway.
Blue-and-silver banners hung from walls.
Servants moved quickly between rooms.
Music could already be heard somewhere in the distance.
Bell passed unfamiliar nobles wearing expensive outfits.
Knights in polished armor stood guard.
Magicians carried staffs decorated with crystals.
Every few hallways Bell noticed someone glancing toward him.
Whispers followed.
"That's him."
"The youngest Sirocco."
"His awakening is tonight."
"I wonder what affinity he'll possess."
"Another Wind Mage?"
"Perhaps Lightning."
"With that bloodline? Surely something powerful."
Bell continued walking beside Heather.
His expression remained calm.
Inside—
This is insane.
He passed another group.
How many people came just to watch a five-year-old touch a magic crystal?
Heather glanced down.
"Nervous?"
Bell thought about lying.
Then sighed.
"A little."
"That is normal."
"A little might be an understatement."
Heather smiled.
Bell looked ahead.
After tonight, everybody here will know what magic I have.
Fire.
Water.
Wind.
Earth.
Lightning.
Plant.
Ice.
Shadow.
Lava.
Something else entirely.
The possibilities were endless.
Bell's excitement slowly started overpowering his nervousness.
This is it.
This is the moment every fantasy otaku dreams about.
Finding out what your power is.
They turned another corner.
Music became louder.
Voices filled the halls.
Bell could hear hundreds of people beyond the walls.
His heartbeat quickened.
Heather spoke gently.
"Whatever happens tonight…"
Bell looked at her.
"You will still be Young Master Bell."
He stared for a moment.
Then smiled.
"Thanks, Heather."
They finally reached an enormous pair of ceremonial doors.
Two armored guards stood in front of them.
Both immediately straightened when Heather and Bell approached.
Heather looked at them.
"He is ready."
The guards nodded.
"Yes, Lady Heather."
They each grabbed one door.
Bell stared forward.
His heartbeat sounded louder.
THUMP.
The guards pulled.
The giant doors began opening.
THUMP.
Bright golden light poured through the widening gap.
THUMP.
Bell heard conversation beyond them slowly disappearing.
Hundreds of faces turned toward the entrance.
Bell could see an enormous ceremonial hall.
Nobles.
Royal officials.
Adventurers.
Knights.
Magicians.
His family.
His grandparents.
And somewhere among them—
The royal family.
Bell swallowed.
A powerful voice suddenly rang throughout the chamber.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!"
The entire hall became silent.
"PLEASE WELCOME THE GUEST OF HONOR!"
Bell straightened his back.
"THE YOUNGEST SON OF THE GREAT HOUSE SIROCCO!"
The doors finished opening.
"THE CHILD FOR WHOM TONIGHT'S SIROCCO AWAKENING MAGIC CEREMONY IS HELD!"
Bell stepped toward the light.
"BELL SIROCCO!"
Bell stared into the enormous hall.
Then a confident little smile appeared across his face.
"Let's do this."
And Bell Sirocco walked inside.
TO BE CONTINUED