"Who is that guy?" George asked.
But in an instant, the man pushed William aside and began searching the horse cart. After about three minutes, he said, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience. The king has ordered me to find the killer who escaped. I'll clean up this mess in your cart, and then you can go."
Soon, he cleaned everything up, and George and William left.
As they were walking, George asked, "Where are you going to stay, William? You don't even know the way back to your home."
William lowered his head. "I… I don't know where I'm going to stay. But I want to see my mother again."
George thought for a moment and then said, "I don't have much space in my house—just one room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. But I live alone. You can stay with me if you want."
William's eyes brightened. "I-I can live with you? Thank you! But… I'll help with household chores."
"Alright then," George smiled.
They soon reached the village. George went to his merchant, reported that he had finished the work, collected his wages, and was about to leave when the merchant noticed William and his pets.
"Who's that boy?" the merchant asked.
George replied, "Sir, I found them fainted and took them with me. I'll take care of their food and living."
The merchant nodded. "Alright. You can leave for today."
William was amazed as they entered the kingdom. It was full of magicians and beautiful people. Children laughed and played with their parents. But whenever William saw happy families, he thought of his mother—wondering if she had food, if she was safe, or what she might be doing.
On the other hand, Catherine sat in a horse cart, tears streaming down her face. She had been crying the entire time—ever since she was separated from her son. The cart was headed toward the Kingdom of Lunaria.
At last, she turned to Sir Andrew and confessed, "The boy… he's my son."
Andrew's expression didn't change. "I already knew it. So he has the blood of that commoner in him… But most probably, you won't see him again."
Catherine's voice trembled. "Yes… I may never see him again. But he's my son. I don't want him to die. I don't even know if he's eaten anything."
Andrew sighed coldly. "I already knew he was your child. But what can he do? A lost boy in the wild—he'll probably die in a few days and become food for scavengers."
"Don't say that!" Catherine cried. "He'll survive, I know it! Sir Andrew, please… please find him."
"I don't have time for this nonsense," Andrew muttered. "We're almost at the kingdom."
Meanwhile, William and George, along with William's pets, finally reached George's home.
"Go inside," George said.
As soon as William stepped in, his eyes widened. The furniture was polished, the house neat and warm.
"I'll sleep on the sofa," George said. "You can take the bed."
"Thank you…" William whispered.
The next morning, George made soup for everyone.
"It's yummy!" William said cheerfully.
"Thanks," George replied with a smile.
After finishing his soup, William went to the kitchen. Through the window, he noticed a poster pinned to a wall outside.
At the top, it read:"Royal Magic Scholarship — A chance to study alongside nobles and the finest magicians at the most prestigious magic academy of the Kingdom!"
It was a scholarship announced by the principal of the school. William's eyes sparkled with excitement—he had always dreamed of learning magic.
He rushed to tell George about it, and George agreed to help him apply. But there was an entrance test.
The Entrance Test for the Magic Academy (for children aged 4–6):
The child must place their hand on the Orb of Essence. If the orb glows faintly, it means they have magical potential.
They must guide a small floating feather across a ring using their thoughts—testing focus, emotion, and intent.
Lastly, they must answer simple moral questions like, "What would you do if someone was hurt?" or "Would you share your food with someone hungry?"
These tasks were meant not to test power—but purity of heart and the spark of magic within.
George filled out William's application and sent it. The test was scheduled to take place in ten days. But no one yet knew that this exam… would change the entire kingdom's fate.
Meanwhile, Sir Andrew and Catherine reached Lunaria.
"The kingdom has changed a lot since you left, Catherine," Andrew said.
Catherine stayed silent. She was back in the place she had never wanted to return to. The cart, covered with curtains, rolled slowly toward the main castle.
She hadn't eaten for days. Her mind was lost in worry. What if William is starving right now? she thought.
"We're almost there," Andrew said. "Be ready."
"Please," Catherine whispered, "don't tell anyone about my son. I don't want anyone to know."
The cart stopped. The castle gates loomed ahead—tall, cold, and unwelcoming. Catherine stepped down, her tears gone now, her face pale but composed.
They walked into the grand hall. Ministers and nobles whispered in shock.
"Is that really her?""Why is she here?""She came back? Sir Eddie will never forgive this…"
"Silence!" the king roared.
The hall fell quiet.
Andrew bowed. "Your Majesty, I have something to show you."
"You may proceed," the king said.
Andrew stepped aside, revealing Catherine.
The king's eyes widened in disbelief. The air grew heavy.
"Catherine…" he murmured.
And then—
From the balcony above, a voice spoke coldly,"So, the fallen lady dares to return… after all these years?"
Catherine froze. That voice—she knew it all too well.