Chapter 10: Debut & A Girl
Ashborn would be turning five in just a few days. After becoming the youngest in history to gain control over natural energy, his name had already spread across the continent.
Today was a big day—his official debut as a noble. Nobles from all over the empire were coming to introduce themselves in hopes of forming good relations with the DragonHeart family, including the emperor himself. But what truly excited Ashborn was the chance to finally meet other kids his age. Maybe, just maybe, he'd make a friend today.
The banquet preparations were grand. Ashborn, not one to sit idly by, even helped the maids and butlers, going as far as building a vacuuming robot inspired by cleaning machines from his previous life. The robots were an instant hit, selling out their first batch of 2,500 units within a week and spreading throughout the empire.
As carriages arrived one by one, each more extravagant than the last, nobles stepped out in their finest attire, hoping to impress the DragonHeart family. For them, this was more than just a banquet—it was a chance to secure favor with the strongest family on the continent.
"Ashborn."
Gray DragonHeart called out to his son, who was dressed in a finely tailored suit, a silver-Black dragon emblem stitched onto the left side of his chest pocket—the proud symbol of the DragonHeart family.
"Son, today is important. Keep your head high and don't mind the stares."
"The stares?" Ashborn asked, confused.
"Not everyone comes with good intentions," Gray said, his tone serious. "You'll understand soon enough. Just trust your instincts, and don't waste time on those who don't deserve it."
Ashborn nodded, understanding the weight behind his father's words. He had already heard about the two-faced nature of nobles from the maids.
"But," Gray added with a grin, "if anyone gets too persistent, don't be afraid to slap some sense into them."