In an age when the realm was drowned in shadow,
there arose a young Lorrenz whose light burned brighter than the rising sun.
His radiance stirred the hearts of mighty champions across the world,
for even they longed for the end of that sorrowful era.
Such was the purity of his kindness that even the most wicked souls felt the frost within their hearts begin to melt.
May God's favored one save us… for else, no one can
— from "The Tales of the Emperor Lorrenz"
---
1074 IY — Imperial Capital
Inside the grand palace of the Great Valkyros Empire, the atmosphere today was far warmer than it had been seven years ago.
Within a luxurious chamber, a young boy slept peacefully, unaware of the world around him—
Until a knock broke the silence.
"Your Imperial Highness, noble young lady Serahphine has requested your presence—"
Before the maid could finish, the doors burst open.
A little girl rushed in.
She had light brown hair, bright blue eyes, and wore a soft blue dress. Without hesitation, she ran toward the bed and threw herself onto it.
"Aaaaah!"
The boy jolted awake in shock, sitting upright.
"Why in God's name did you disturb my blissful sleep?" asked Maximillian, glaring at the intruder.
"You were sleeping till afternoon," she replied bluntly. "Dad says only bad girls sleep that long. And you aren't a bad girl, are you?"
"…I am a boy. And a prince," Maximillian said flatly. "So you should not disturb me. I have big dreams to complete in my sleep ."
"Then go complete them in real life, not in your sleep," she shot back.
Before he could respond, she stood up on the bed and began jumping.
"What are you doing now?" Maximillian asked, startled.
"I'll keep jumping until you get up."
With a sigh, Maximillian finally rose from the bed and stretched.
"I need to bathe and change. Go outside and send Mary in," he said, his tone turning princely.
"Alright, Mill. But hurry, or I'll tell Uncle Max!" she warned, before running out just as suddenly as she came.
"That brat really gets on my nerves…"
"But… she does make this boring world a little less dull."
These past seven years had been… strange.
The first few felt like living as a paralyzed patient—unable to move freely.
The years after that?
Like an unemployed waste.
"And tomorrow… I turn seven."
This world didn't use calendars like his previous one. Instead, they marked time by the moon and seasons.
His birthday fell on the first new moon of winter, Imperial Year 1067.
Over time, he had learned much about this world.
The continent was vast, yet beyond it lay unknown oceans. No one knew what existed past them.
He was the First Prince of the Lorrenz Dynasty, rulers of the Great Valkyros Empire—the direct successor of the Holy Ashborn Empire.
The empire controlled nearly 27% of the known continent.
A number that sounded might sound small on paper but was too big in reality.
In these years, he had also grown close to his two maids—Mary and Aria—who had cared for him since the beginning of his new life.
The girl from earlier—
Serahphine von Waldjäger.
Daughter of a powerful ducal house.
Though technically, it was her mother who ruled their territory.
Her father resided in the capital as a merchant.
And somehow—
She had become his childhood friend.
They had grown up together because her father happened to be a friend of his father and thus they became friends.
---
A gentle knock echoed through the chamber once more.
"Your Highness, may we enter?" came a familiar voice.
"Come in."
The door opened, and two maids stepped inside.
Mary, calm and graceful—
And Aria , carrying fresh garments with a slightly livelier expression.
"Good afternoon, Your Highness," Mary said with a bow.
"Afternoon, Your Highness!" Aria followed cheerfully.
"You're both late," Maximillian said, though without real annoyance.
Aria puffed her cheeks. "Blame The Head Maid , her lectures made us late "
"That sounds like her," Maximillian muttered.
Mary smiled faintly. "Shall we begin, Your Highness?"
Maximillian gave a small nod.
Soon, the routine began.
He moved to the bathing section of the room
Warm water was prepared, scented oils laid out, and the maids worked with practiced ease.
Aria hummed softly while Mary maintained a steady rhythm.
Maximillian, though used to it, still felt a slight
Embarrassing.
"No matter how many times this happens… it still feels strange."
Back in his previous life—
This whole thing might have been interpreted differently
"Your Highness has grown older" Aria remarked.
"And maybe he might not need us poor maids to help him now " Mary added.
" Don't worry , i never abandon my people " Maximillia said with a smirk
" Ohh our highness has indeed grown , i could feel tears of joy in my eyes " added Mary with a smile that could not be hidden .
" Mary, i could already see our highness riding a horse to lead the empire " Aria chimed in faking tears
" For God's sake , i am only about to be seven year old Tommorow " Maximillian replied
anything but calmly.
The whole chamber was soon filled with laughter .
...
After the bath, they dressed him in refined attire befitting a prince, embroidered with the most finest design anyone could find in the whole empire
"You look splendid," Mary said softly.
"Perfect!" Aria added proudly.
Maximillian adjusted his sleeve.
"Let's go."
---
The doors opened.
The warmth of his chamber gave way to the structured vastness of the imperial palace.
Endless corridors stretched ahead, lined with marble and towering pillars.
Sunlight streamed through tall windows.
Guards moved in disciplined silence.
Servants moved swiftly.
As Maximillian stepped forward—
They all bowed.
"Your Imperial Highness."
"Your Highness."
"Good afternoon," he said excitedly full of child like energy and a smile that could melt hearts.
A few maids giggled while few just smiled
Aria beamed.
Mary remained composed.
They continued walking.
Two young Servants nearly stumbled over each other upon seeing him.
"Careful," Maximillian said simply.
"Yes, Your Imperial Highness!"
He moved on offering them a reassuring smiles because who knows if they get scared thinking that they might get a huge punishment for this indiscipline in the palace.
After passing through several corridors, they arrived before massive doors.
This was the Royal Dining Hall
Two guards moved and opened the door
---
Inside stood a grand hall.
A long table stretched across the room, adorned with fine dishes and golden cutlery.
At the head sat a man whose presence dominated everything.
He was his Emperor Maximus II.
On his right sat—
A woman of refined beauty, with black hair and dark eyes.
"Empress Venica Campbell."
In her arms sat a small child—
"Erica von Lorrenz.",
Black hair like her mother.
Silver eyes of the Lorrenz bloodline.
Maximillian entered—
And without hesitation—
"Father!"
His voice echoed through the hall.
He ran straight ahead and sat on the chair to the left of the Emperor, completely ignoring noble etiquette.
The room froze.
"…You seem even more energetic today," Maximus II said with a gentle smile
"Of course," Maximillian replied.
Empress Venica spoke gently, "Max , Mill should begin learning proper etiquette soon."
Before anything else—
The Emperor responded.
"He is still a child."
A pause.
"Let him enjoy today."
Venica nodded slightly. "As you wish."
Then—
Maximus turned to Maximillian.
"Maximillian."
"Tommorow… will be a special day for you."
Maximillian blinked.
"Because of my birthday?"
The Emperor's gaze deepened.
"That too but because of the special surprise we have prepared for you …"
He left that at a cliffhanger and continued eating leaving Maximillian to ponder .
His expression right now was full of curiosity which was very difficult to contain.
---
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Maximillian image :
Map of the continent:
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