Kai headed towards Mara's room immediately. "I am going outside today, no matter what," he declared with unwavering resolve. That firm thought lingered in his mind as he walked through the cold, echoing corridors. His footsteps softly resonated against the marble floors, every step a gentle percussion in the quiet, like a heartbeat pounding against the hushed walls. The familiar chill brushed against his skin, a reminder of the icy world he called home.
After his training with Darius earlier that day, Kai felt something different stirring inside him. Just a faint flicker, maybe—a subtle change, like the first crack in a frozen lake that hints at spring's arrival.
Soon, he arrived at his destination—his mother's room. He paused for a moment, took a deep breath that tasted of the cold air lingering in the estate, and then knocked gently on the door.
"Mother?" he called softly.
No response came immediately. He waited patiently, not pressing further, the silence stretching between them like a fragile thread.
Then, a gentle voice responded, warm and inviting.
"Come in."
Kai pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Mara's room was always warmer than the rest of the estate—like a cozy hearth in the middle of winter. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room, but that warmth wasn't just from the sunlight. It was Mara's presence, a quiet radiance that made the space feel safe.
She was near the mirror, delicately adjusting her attire, her movements graceful, almost like a dancer preparing for a performance. The soft glow highlighted her gentle features, making her look ethereal, a beacon of calm amid the quiet hum of the household.
"Yes, my baby," she said gently. "Are you done with your training?"
Kai moved closer, a faint smile touching his lips.
"Yes, Mother." His voice carried a quiet pride. "Are you going somewhere?"
She nodded, her eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement.
"Yes, I'm going shopping. There's this new store that just opened nearby. I want to take a look. If I find something worth buying, I might treat myself."
Kai hesitated, then smiled faintly, getting straight to the point.
"Mother, can I come with you?"
The room fell silent for a moment.
"Oh, Kai... I know you're a curious boy and eager to step outside, but..." Mara's eyes softened, though worry quickly clouded her expression. "You understand the rules, especially as the heir of this family, and you're not allowed to leave until—"
Kai gently interrupted her. "I know that, but just this once, please... It's nothing dangerous. I'm not going alone. I have you and the guards with me."
Mara's gaze lingered on Kai for a moment, and in her eyes, she does not see Kai as the heir of the family, but her son—curious, sweet, innocent and full of hope.
"You've never been outside before... Have you?" she said softly. "As long as you're with me, I suppose your father won't say anything... Alright." A gentle smile spread across her face, and she pulled Kai into a warm hug.
Kai's face lit up instantly. "Thank you, Mother."
She released him, her smile tender. "Let's go."
Soon after, a carriage arrived in front of the estate. Mara and Kai stepped inside together. For the first time in his life, Kai found himself stepping out of the main gates of the estate. The massive gates slowly creaked open, revealing the world beyond. The carriage then rolled through the gates and onto the road outside.
Kai's heart raced with excitement—he had never ridden in such a luxurious vehicle before. Even in his past life, he rarely traveled by car or any other mode of transport.
As the carriage moved forward, Kai gazed out the window, taking in the scene for the very first time. Outside his home, he saw a sprawling landscape—small and large houses scattered across the land, and a place that felt vast and full of life.
Outside, Kai also spotted two guards riding alongside the carriage on horseback. They were tall and muscular, dressed in blue and white attire that marked them as members of the Glacius estate. A frost emblem of the Glacius family was proudly displayed on their shoulders. Accompanying them were two maids, one of whom was riding inside the carriage, serving as a companion and caretaker for Kai.
Finally, they arrived at the bustling market street. As the carriage rolled through, passersby paused to stare at it. Kai looked out with eager curiosity, fascinated by the sea of people outside his home—something he had never seen before. The market area appeared vibrant and well-organized. Merchants shouted loudly, advertising their goods, while stalls brimmed with everything imaginable—fresh fruits and vegetables, weapons, armor, and all the supplies one could need.
The market was alive with energy; crowds filled every corner. What Kai noticed most was that none of the people he had seen so far looked poor. They were dressed neatly, walking with dignity. It was clear that the Glacius family managed their land and their people with care and order, maintaining a proud and prosperous community.
As Kai's eyes sparkled with wonder, Mara watched her son with a soft smile, her expression filled with quiet happiness. She was pleased to see him so excited, so alive with curiosity.
"So this is what the outside looks like," Kai whispered, almost to himself, his gaze still fixed on the bustling street.
They finally came to a stop in front of a grand building. It was a large store with a signboard atop that read DANES, a recently opened shop in the Glacius region. Beside the store, there was a designated parking spot, specially reserved for nobles and high-ranking individuals—an indication of the store's prestige and the family's status.
As soon as they stepped out of the carriage, two men from the store approached, their expressions warm and respectful.
"Welcome to our store, Lady Mara," one said politely, bowing slightly. "It's an honor to have you here."
The two men were dressed in elegant, formal black and white attire, their demeanor polished and refined. Instantly recognizing Mara, they hurried forward, showing their respect with sincere gestures.
Mara offered them a gentle smile and nodded graciously. "Thank you," she replied softly.
With the guards, maids, and Kai—clinging to his mother's hand like a small, innocent child—she stepped inside the store. Kai looked around, eyes wide with curiosity, as the doors closed behind them, marking the beginning of their visit to the bustling establishment.
As soon as they stepped inside, Kai's eyes widened with wonder. The store was immense, a sprawling space resembling a grand marketplace hall, filled with countless shops selling a dazzling variety of items. The architecture was exquisite—ornate chandeliers hung from high ceilings, and polished marble floors gleamed under the soft lighting. It looked very much like the big shopping malls back on Earth, but here, every detail was more refined, more luxurious.
Kai's gaze darted from one corner to another, his fascination evident. He tugged at Mara's hand excitedly, eager to explore every inch of this grand place.
Mara, meanwhile, was guided by the two store employees who had greeted her earlier. They walked alongside her, pointing out different sections—jewelry, fabrics, exotic spices, and rare artifacts. But as Mara glanced around, her expression remained distant—her eyes didn't linger on any particular item. The goods on display, which would surely catch the attention of commoners or other nobles, seemed to pass her by without much interest.
They continued walking, ascending towards the third floor. Kai, however, suddenly paused, his curiosity piqued by something in the distance.
Without a word, he let go of Mara's hand and darted forward, his small body weaving quickly. His gaze was fixed on something that had caught his attention—