The throne room was spacious, with high ceilings adorned with frescoes of ancient victories. Sunlight bathed the queen in a golden glow, but Alex couldn't pay attention.
As always, he had stayed in a corner, trying to go unnoticed.
While his friend Emi—the main heroine of this world—enthusiastically recounted her success in the village mission, Alex just nodded silently. He didn't want to draw attention.
"We did it!" said Emi, radiant, addressing the queen.
"I'm glad everything went well," replied the sovereign in a voice soft yet full of authority. "Many will breathe easier knowing the danger has passed."
Alex averted his gaze to the other summoned heroes. With an inward sigh, he went over their abilities.
Hiroshi. Time manipulation. Absolute power, icy gaze.
Ayumi. Water control. Dangerous and carefree.
Emi. Light control. His best friend, always smiling, always at the center of everything.
And then there was him. Alex. His power was to strengthen others. A silent support from the shadows. Something he preferred not to reveal.
His reflection was interrupted by a cold voice.
"It's interesting," said the prince, his eyes fixed on Emi with a hint of disdain Alex instantly caught. "All the important heroes have missions in other kingdoms. Strange that one like you would stay here so... quietly."
The queen raised an eyebrow in disapproval.
"Everyone has a role to fulfill," she clarified patiently. "Including Emi, who will soon travel to face new challenges."
Finally, thought Alex with relief. If Emi left, there would be no complicated missions for him. He could return to his anonymity.
The thought lasted a second.
Suddenly, Emi approached him at full speed. Before he could react, her arms wrapped him in a tight hug.
"Don't worry, Alex!" she announced in her cheerful tone, but looking at the queen. "You're coming with me on this journey too! Whatever comes, we'll face it together."
Alex froze. The sigh of relief caught in his throat.
To the side, Princess Leona clenched her jaw, her perfect expression cracking with a mix of jealousy and contempt. She watched as Emi—disheveled, informal—won everyone over effortlessly.
With a teasing smile aimed at Leona, Emi added:
"Her Majesty already said it! With Alex on our side, everything will turn out fine."
The queen nodded.
"Of course. I don't doubt either of you."
Trapped in Emi's embrace, Alex could only let out a resigned sigh. His fate, once again, was sealed.
Princess Leona watched him with resentment. The prince looked at Emi with frustration and desire.
And Alex, the support hero who just wanted to stay unnoticed, understood the truth: no matter how hard he tried, his place was—and would always be—by Emi's side, in the eye of the storm.