Inside the old woman Kaina's hut, Shimoro sits on the floor, staring at his hands, which still tremble slightly. The ice he had summoned in the battle has vanished, yet the sensation of power still lingers within his body.
Kaina sits across from him, pouring a cup of steaming tea while studying him carefully, a genuine smile on her face.
"You did it, boy."
Shimoro takes the cup but doesn't drink. His mind is still reeling from what just happened.
"What… what is this power? How did I do that? The ice—it felt different… stronger than usual."
Kaina sips her tea, then exhales slowly.
"This is the power of the Ice Heir, the strength that flows in your blood since birth… the very thing those knights have been searching for."
Before she can continue, a loud growl escapes from Shimoro's stomach.
"Grrrrrrr…"
Kaina pauses, raising an eyebrow, while Shimoro's face reddens slightly.
"…Seems I used too much energy."
Kaina laughs softly, then rises and heads to the hearth.
"That's normal. After using so much ice, your body needs sustenance. I'll make you some soup."
Shimoro smiles with relief, though his stomach growls even louder this time, and he places a hand over it.
"I don't think soup alone will be enough, Grandma…"
Kaina ignores him, continuing her preparation of the food.
After finishing the meal, Kaina looks at him seriously.
"It's time for you to know the truth, Shimoro… about your past, and about this power."
Shimoro clenches his fists, ready to hear what will change his life.
"Many years ago, there was a great kingdom known as Azura, the home of the Ice Legacy. It was powerful and prosperous, the strongest kingdom. Its king was both loved and feared, but due to wars and betrayal, it fell. Everyone believed the king was gone, and the next heir lost… yet rumors persisted that the heir still lived. Now, the kingdom of Azura is under the rule of a strict king, no longer from the noble bloodline."
Shimoro stares at her, realizing the weight of her words. A flood of questions erupts in his mind: What was my father's name? How did it fall? Why don't they want the heir to rule? Yet, amid those questions, shock overwhelms him. He had been a boy of ordinary life, unaware that he was heir to a mighty kingdom, a homeland for thousands, while he had lived in obscurity and weakness.
"You're saying… I am the heir of that kingdom?"
Kaina nods slowly.
"Yes. And those who attacked you today… they want to make sure the legacy does not survive."
Shimoro thinks seriously for a moment, trying to process it… then suddenly pounds the table with his hand, his expression hardening.
"So… I'm supposed to be a prince?!"
Kaina stares at him for a moment, then taps him on the head with a wooden stick.
"This is not the time to think about titles, fool! We're talking about a kingdom with a long lineage!"
Shimoro clutches his head, groaning in pain.
"Ouch! I'm just trying to understand things more easily!"
Kaina sighs, shaking her head as if she's momentarily lost hope in him.
"In short… you were meant to be the next king of a great kingdom, but you were replaced."
After the tension settles, Shimoro looks at her with determination.
"I understand… but what should I do now? If I stay here, they'll attack again. I don't want to hurt you or anyone else… I want to leave the village."
Kaina takes the last sip of her tea, then sets the cup on the table, her gaze both realistic and tender.
"You have a kind heart, Shimoro, but I am worried for you."
Shimoro swallows, knowing this is far from over. But this time, he will not be just a powerless boy.
This time, he will be ready.
"Don't worry. I will return alive… stronger than ever! And I'll learn more about this world."
Kaina exhales deeply, then extends her pinky.
"Promise?"
Shimoro links his pinky with hers.
"Promise."