Shadows of a second life

The next day, the Voss household was alive with celebration. Lanterns hung from every beam, people walking up and around the place and the scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet berry pies filled the air. Tonight was Elara’s 13th birthday — and more importantly, her coming of age ceremony.

In this world, turning thirteen marked the transition into adulthood. Elara was now legally a noblewoman. She could be betrothed, join guilds and associations, enroll in formal academies, and even register as an adventurer if she wished. The family had poured nearly every spare coin into the event. Maria had overseen the preparations with military precision, while Elaric proudly displayed his best armor and spear.

Elias walked around the venue observing the stark difference between the place and his own home:Nice place they got here,he said as he walked over to the balcony,he immediately observed the entire villa,by this worlds standard this place was exotic he started thinking: "Damn I really miss earth,to be honest I never knew I can survive without my phone for like how many years today."

"That said I really need to get inside" he said after spotting a group of guys laughing,he immediately started feeling self conscious,"I ,I really need to get inside right now,"he immediately turned to walk away only to walk into someone,the lord's son who immediately glared daggers at him telling him " watch where your going you asswipe, this isn't your house get your ass onto a chair."

Elias didn't flinch getting ready to lecture the arrogant noble about his manners but decides against ruining his sister's party.

Elias internal monologue:"this guy's just a punk,I could lecture him a little bit, maybe punch his face in, anyways that might be unnecessary in this case, and Why'd he have to rub it in,I never told him this is my house,or could he be the lord's son.is that how all nobles are, anyways I better get inside, I've got much more important things to do."

Because the Voss home wasn’t grand enough to host such an occasion, on a big scale up to the level Elaric dreamed of for his two children,the celebration was held at the lord’s mansion. The lord of cliroad was a powerful and influential person who's domain included Willowbrook.Important traders, minor nobles, and even the lord himself had come. The main hall was packed with well-dressed guests, music playing softly in the background.

Elara looked radiant in a deep green dress that complemented her dark hair. A formal portrait of her had been drawn earlier that evening — a traditional custom so the image could be circulated among potential suitors. She had blushed furiously when the artist finished, muttering, “This is so embarrassing…”

Elias took a seat at the family table, quietly enjoying a slice of honey cake. For once, his mind wasn’t racing with magic theory or sword forms. This is nice, he thought with a small smile. Just family. Good food. Everyone happy." I could get used to more nights like this, that is minus that one guy,I could've beat him up but no problem."

A group of girls were staring at him speaking in hushed voices.

Girl 1: that boy,he must be Elias voss right?

Girl 2: I've heard a lot about him, they said he reached rare grade magic before he turned ten.

Girl 3:oh I should probably introduce myself, but my dad would be furious, his family is a low nobility family after all but my dad would be angry if I went for some intros.

Girl 2:"of course your dad would be like that but, just look at him,I swear he's meant to be a prince not a villager.

Girl 3: he'll definitely become one of the nine grand sages in the future, maybe a high ranking noble or arch mage.

Girl 4: Right? That guy's going to become the best in....

And so on."

Elias noticed they were talking about him but he had no idea what they were saying.

"Despite living for ten years in this world,he thought,I still have trust issues."

"Let's just hope this goes well."

The evening progressed smoothly until the ball began.

The chairman of the ceremony — an older gentleman with a booming voice — stepped onto the small stage. “And now, for the traditional first dance of the newly adult lady! Who among these fine gentlemen would honor Miss Elara Voss with the opening dance?”

Several young men raised their hands eagerly. But one hand shot up with particular confidence.

Kaiser Alden, the lord’s eldest son, stepped forward with a polished smile. As the son of the host, the honor naturally fell to him. He was tall, handsome in a sharp-featured way, and dressed in fine silks that screamed wealth. But his eyes held a cold glint as he looked toward the Voss family.

Elias stared at the guy thinking "and out of everybody here it's gotta be this guy, such a handful."

Elara was visibly unsettled about this guy, you could see it on her face but she immediately tried to force a smile , something kept echoing in her head, this boy might have an ulterior motive,she could clearly see it from his stance

Finally, Kaiser thought, his mind already spinning with plans. These meager Voss upstarts have been the talk of the town for too long. That prodigy child Elias… always being compared to me. He remembered his mother’s scathing words after his latest mistake: “Why can’t you be more like that Elias Voss? You always get everything wrong. So full of mistakes.” Even his apology had earned only more insults.

Tonight, he would humiliate them tenfold.

As the music swelled and Kaiser led Elara onto the dance floor, the guests clapped politely. Elias watched from his seat, a faint unease settling in his stomach. Something about the lord’s son felt… off. But for now, he pushed the feeling aside and focused on enjoying the night with his family.

This was going to be one hell of an event.