On the way to the auction, Alex was chattering enthusiastically about what he'd been learning in his magic lessons from the private tutor. I listened, pretending to be interested, even nodding at the right moments, though my thoughts were elsewhere. But, of course, Mother noticed. She always noticed.
With a soft smile and a sudden shift in tone, she said, "So, what are you children planning to buy at the auction house?"
Alex, ever the excitable one, perked up instantly. "Oh! I want to buy a tool! Something rare, maybe a mana conductor or a refined essence stone!"
While he went on about magical equipment and their uses, I noticed Father on the call, speaking in a more serious tone, his voice low and unreadable. We didn't know who he was talking to, but it was clearly something important.
Alex's excitement stirred something in me. If even he was thinking ahead, maybe I should too. Who knows? Perhaps I'd find something valuable—maybe even an item a major character like Jon or another protagonist would eventually use in the original novel. If I could get my hands on such a thing before the story really started...
Well, that's for later.
The auction we were heading to was hosted by a noble family of demi-humans—the House of Zakar, rulers of Vineta. I'd only learned this from Alex earlier while getting dressed.
Father ended his call and joined the conversation just as Alex was finishing his little speech. Then he turned to me with a calm smile and asked, "So, Liam, what about you? Any artifact or tool you're thinking of buying?"
I blinked, caught off guard. I hadn't really thought about it. But all three of them were looking at me, waiting. Not wanting to disappoint, I blurted, "I was… thinking of a sword. A good one."
Father chuckled softly. "Son, the palace already holds swords better than anything an auction house could offer. Why not choose one from there?"
I shrugged, playing it off. "Just saying… if I like one, maybe I'll buy it."
Mother gave me a knowing look and said, "So you hadn't really planned on buying anything, have you?"
Caught again. I sighed and gave up pretending.
She continued gently, "Liam, don't force anything on yourself. Don't carry burdens that aren't yours." She paused, her tone growing more serious. "I heard from Niko… you're under a lot of pressure. About not awakening yet." Her eyes softened. "Son, some things take time. Be patient. Don't push yourself too hard."
I hesitated, then finally said what I had been keeping in. "Okay, Mom. But… it's not just the pressure. I just… I don't want to stay unawakened forever. My brother's already awakened. I don't want people mocking him because his big brother is crippled. If they insult me, I can handle it—but I don't want it to hurt the three of you because of me."
Yes, that was my fear.
And the truth was—I didn't have any knowledge from the novel that could help me awaken. There were people in Gaia who stayed unawakened, and society treated them as useless. I didn't want that.
Of course, there was another method. A dark one. A forbidden path—where even a powerless human could form a contract with a demon. In return, they'd gain strength, magic… at the cost of their humanity and sanity. I remembered the arc where an event like this would happen at the academy—where the main character Jon saves Jasmine Rosewood, one of the female leads. The path is tempting… but not one to walk lightly.
Father placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "Liam, being awakened or not doesn't matter to us. You are our son. That never changes. Even the Duke of the Empire is unawakened—and he's the head of his family. He's a good friend of mine, and no one in Gaia can rival his brilliance. So stop worrying about awakening. Trust in the Lord of Light and believe in your own strength and kindness."
His words struck something deep in me. Even Mother looked surprised.
Then Alex, with a grin, said, "Mom, I think Father should give up the throne and become a motivational speaker."
We all burst out laughing.
As the car arrived at the auction house, the mood lightened. The crowd outside had already gone wild—the King and Queen themselves had come to the auction.
Our car stopped at the red carpet entrance. The guards quickly stepped out and formed a protective line, clearing a path through the sea of people. Reporters surged forward, flashes of cameras lighting up the scene.
Mother and Father stepped out, poised and graceful, and the crowd lost control. Cameras clicked furiously as the king and queen walked forward. Then Alex and I stepped out.
A sudden barrage of camera flashes blinded me for a moment. I blinked, trying to recover as the owner of the auction house rushed over to greet us personally, escorting our family to a private chamber. Our guards moved swiftly, confiscating unauthorized cameras for privacy.
Alex looked like he was enjoying the attention, waving confidently. I could hear women in the crowd shouting excitedly, some even trying to touch his hair.
"His pink hair! So shiny!"
Then another voice caught my ear. "Is that the Sleeping Prince? He's adorable. Imagine how handsome he'll be when he grows up!"
I smiled faintly at that. Cute, they said.
The word reminded me of someone…
"I know you're hiding something, so just let me touch it, John."
"Are you done having fun teasing me?"
"Okay, okay. Here. Give me your hand."
"What is it…? A necklace?"
"Yes. How is it, Sophia?"
"By touch… wearing this feels good. John… I love you when you do things like this. You're so cute, John."
She was so happy that day. Just a necklace she couldn't even see with her eyes.
And Those bastards destroyed her happiness… and they died far too peacefully. I should've been more brutal
"Liam? You alright?"
Alex's voice pulled me back to the present. I looked at him, a bit startled.
"Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"You were making a really scary face," he said, looking genuinely concerned. "It was… terrifying."
I blinked, then forced a smile. "I'm good. Go find your seat—the auction's about to start."
I turned away, trying to calm my thoughts. I need to control myself. My emotions... my memories. Not here. Not now.