The boy glanced at them a couple of times but didn’t ask anything. He didn’t know them, after all, so he obediently stayed where he was and waited for his food.
A little while later, a fragrant roasted moonbird wing set was brought to the boy. A plate of tender white rice gave off a faint, pleasant aroma. On top of it sat two enormous moonbird wings, roasted until crisp and tempting, then sprinkled with cumin. They were deliciously spicy, and the meal also came with a small serving of cool, refreshing side dishes.
The boy’s eyes lit up. He picked up his spoon, grabbed a roasted wing with his left hand, and alternated between a bite of meat, a bite of vegetables, and a mouthful of rice. When he started to get tired of the food, he grabbed the fizzy, sweet, refreshing drink beside him and took several long swigs. He was having the time of his life!
After about ten minutes, the boy patted his belly in satisfaction. He was full, but one roasted wing was still left on the table. Moonbird wings really were huge, and he was still so young that he didn’t have much of an appetite. He truly couldn’t eat another bite.
But then the full boy noticed the two adventurers beside him discreetly swallowing. Their eyes were fixed on the enormous roasted moonbird wing on his table.
They both looked awful, their expressions pained. They must have been starving. They probably didn’t have much money, either, since all they’d ordered was a plate of side dishes and two bowls of rice—but that certainly wasn’t enough for two adults.
The boy hesitated, then asked, “Big brother, big sister, do you want this? If you don’t mind, you can have it. I can’t eat any more.”
“Oh, thank you, little brother!” The two nodded eagerly. They’d been waiting ages to hear that. If they hadn’t seen this little kid order such a big meal, they would’ve finished eating and left already. Why else would they still be sitting here?
The boy scratched his head. He didn’t really have anything to say. He’d only helped them out since it was no trouble.
“Well, I’ll be going now.” The boy waved at the two of them as they wolfed down the food.
“Mm-hmm, go ahead,” the two replied with a nod.
The boy nodded and left the restaurant. He glanced at the magnificent castle towering in the distance and smiled. That must be where Princess Elina lived. It was amazing. Too bad he wouldn’t get to see her. He was curious what Princess Elina, whom everyone here admired so much, was really like. She had to be many times prettier than Sophia from the neighboring village, right?
Never mind. Someone like him couldn’t meet her anyway. For now, he should go register with the Element Association and get his token. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to take part in the elemental awakening ceremony.
The boy sighed and walked up to a silver-white hall. Four colored emblems were set into the entrance, each representing one of the four basic elements: earth, wind, water, and fire.
Once inside the hall, he turned right and found a room specifically for arranging spots in the elemental awakening ceremony. Anyone who was at least twelve and hadn’t undergone an elemental awakening could register here. All they had to do was pay one copper coin as a registration fee. However, the room was usually only open for the few days leading up to the ceremony.
So the boy had just barely made it in time to register. It was the very last day.
Inside the room sat an old man. He spoke in a calm voice. “Here to register?”
“Mm.” The boy nodded.
“Stand on that platform.” The boy went over and stood on it, only half understanding. A few seconds later, the number twelve appeared on the platform.
“Good, just the right age. Now, fill in your information. Name?” The old man nodded and asked.
“Ryan.”
.......
