The eve of my fourteenth birthday came. However, the manor was still as quiet as usual, without the hustle-bustle that usually filled the castle during celebrations. I, melancholy, dolefully looked out my bedroom window.

"The Young Master has been like that for quite some time..." whispered one of the young maids dawdling in the hallway.

"Well, after the mistress rejected his plea, I suppose it's only natural..." replied another. Soon after, both maids were dragged away by the experienced servants and the hallway became soundless once again.

My downcast sigh seemed to break the delicate muted air. The frigid glass fogged as soon as my breath caressed its skin. I groaned and sagged onto the cold surfaces before slowly sliding down and crumpling onto the chilled, unwelcoming marble floor.

"When will Nor cooome..." I whined to no one in particular. The nasal squawking carried through the empty east wing. I want to complain to Sylvien as soon as possible. Ughhhhh... I'm so bored.

It was the eve of my fourteenth birthday, yet the halls were as still as a mouse. It was the eve of my fourteenth birthday, and yet there was no celebration. It was the eve of my fourteenth birthday, and yet my one simple dream which all other children were able to have, at their twelfth birthday, no less, was taken from my hands by none other than my beloved mother.

My debut.

Yes, normal aristocratic children had their debut into society at the ripe old age of twelve. However, I, who has parents who are as protective as armored steel reinforced ten times over, will have a debut that is delayed not one, but two years...! I grabbed the nearest pillow and screamed. The fluffy cotton stuffing muffled my moans, which made me all the more irked.

I gasped and sighed for the umpteenth time. Not only was my debut hindered by my coddling and paranoid family, so was any trip to public places. Apparently, they firmly believed that the outside world was too dangerous for their oh-so-fragile young baby. That idea was further strengthened when the assassination occurred and Aileen and I were close to death.

One day, I was so desperate that I went so far as to create a detailed presentation showing them the vast amounts of magical arrays I could easily place on myself and the vast numbers of capable knights that could protect me when I went out to the ports, it was still a firm and unshakable 'no'.

I moaned and flopped back onto the soul-sucking bed, flipping down the curtains. After my fervid presentations to try and get Mother and Father to let me out of the house, they seemed to think that this birthday in particular was dangerous, and even the slightest celebratory activity would somehow lead to catastrophic results. As a result, shadow guards were stationed to guard my door while maids continued to discreetly patrol the corridors near my room to ensure that I did not escape.

I scowled. Why did they think I couldn't handle it? Why was I someone they thought should not be exposed to the outside world? I was stuck inside the confines of the manor. When I was able to go out, which was very rare, I was heavily escorted and was blocked from all sides until I reached the safe and remote destination. Even when I escaped to the forest, I had to return.

But why did I return? It wasn't for my own security, but rather for my parents' well-being. I didn't want to return.

It's my birthday today. I thought, shifting to look at the bright starry sky. And my wish wasn't fulfilled, once again.

I scoffed. My parents always said that no matter what, my wish should be granted. Yet after countless wishes to go outside and see people, they still didn't let me.

They couldn't grant my wish.

I could, though.

----

I soundlessly slid the bedroom window open, my eyes flashing as I momentarily glanced at the doorway to see if anyone entered. After it became a large enough hole for me to roll through, I stepped away and crouched down.

Sitting at the foot of my bed, I drew out a clear white brooch, something that fit into the palm of my hand just perfectly, and pressed it to my lips. I exhaled, infusing mana in my breath, muttering a short drawn incantation.

"Begin." The amulet flushed a dim light in an instant. Gradually, I felt the pull of gravity lessen and a light, airy feeling take its place. As soon as I felt the change stop, I stood up. Walking to the frosted glass, I grabbed the edge of it and jumped out.

With the amulet still pressed to my lips, I exhaled another mana infused breath, whispering, "Glide." The descent immediately stopped and I stood there, four floors above the garden, my feet facing the earth, clutching the amulet for dear life.

My heart started to pound heavily as I realized the severity of my situation. Feeling a sense of urgency now that I wasn't hurling down to the ground, I hurriedly whispered another chant. I began to accelerate, moving towards the distant port partially hidden by forest.

----

I felt my feet press against the damp earth, harder and harder, until the buoyant feeling defying gravity completely disappeared from my body. As soon as the amulet had stopped glowing, I collapsed onto the soil, panting and relieved. The thrill of flying along with the thrill of realizing one of my designs had succeeded made my mouth stretch into an unadulterated broad smile.

The canopy of evergreen trees above me provided enough cover for me to land unimpeded. The landing spot was also quite near to the ports despite being so well-hidden. I rubbed my nose smugly. Who needed to ask for permission to go outside when they had a mana-powered air amulet that they made themselves? Who needed a stinky magic teacher who thought they were still on the basic level when they could invent everything they were lacking? Certainly not me.

I pushed myself up and began to meander toward the port city. It's time to enjoy my self-gifted birthday present to the fullest.

----

The streets were bustling with life. The smell of fish and body odor seemed to be caked in every person who passed me. To others, their raw smell was a disgusting smell, but to me, it was a breath of life that passed my way.

"Two salmon roe bags for five hundred sen! A great deal!"

"Buy two, get one free, souvenirs for your visit to the greatest port of Vires!"

"THE ROYAL FAMILY IS LYING TO YOU, WE'RE ALL SQUIRRELS! REALITY IS A HOAX, THE ONLY WAY TO ESCAPE IS TO DRINK THIS BOTTLE OF PEE!"

My eyes flitted from one shop to the other, shining with adventure. The thrill of going against Mother's wishes paired with the feeling of needing to conceal my identity as a noble rushed through me. I took out my very full wallet and decisively began to shop.

By the time I had expended half of my pocket money, I found I had four large bags full of junk food, a random person's piss that could supposedly 'send one to heaven', and some fascinating magic trinkets found in shady establishments. I sighed contentedly and slumped onto one of the wooden dock mounts. The clock struck midnight. The chiming of bells tickled my ears as I gazed at the twinkling stars reflected on the vast expanse of ocean.

----

I ventured off further into the city and stumbled on a night market. The dazzling fairy lights hanging above the open-walled shops gave the bazaar a lively and mysterious ambiance. I sauntered around, enjoying the newfound feeling of independence.

"Enter now! Fifty sen per entry!" A voice sounded.

I looked over at the girl speaking. She was standing in front of what seemed to be a makeshift fighting ring. My curiosity piqued and I couldn't help but move towards her. Then, while trying my best to conceal a calculating smirk, I said, "is magic allowed?"

The girl looked down, surprised by my question. After seeing my figure, her stunned expression morphed into a mocking one and she laughed me off. "Yes, but magic items are forbidden, so-"

"-that's fine. Please sign me up." I interrupted, handing her two large coins without bothering to explain myself.

"...ah. Alright, this way." She chuckled awkwardly and motioned for me to move behind the ring. There were a few other people already waiting there, all of them much taller and thicker. They eyed me as I obediently got in line. A few of them let out a few taunting snickers after studying my figure. I rolled my eyes at their childish actions.

A few minutes later, I was called up by the announcer. I pulled my hood up to make sure it was covering my eyes and stepped onto the ring.

I glanced up and saw a robust man facing me. He had small eyes, with generic short brown hair and a disgusting snarl. The slight bit of drool seeped out of his lips and dripped onto the dirt-encrusted floor.

I stepped back unknowingly, disgusted to the bones. He seemed to take my withdrawal as a sign of fright and guffawed, spraying saliva and mucus in the air as he did. The repulsion grew. I waved my hand, forming a heat barrier around me to burn away his bacteria-infested inner liquids.

Even the announcer seemed a little nauseated, stepping forward the tiniest bit to prevent himself from touching the brute's body. He began his speech, his actions unnoticed by the audience.

"Ladies and gentleman! Have you all placed your bets for this match? Because it's gonna be a good one!" He hollered. The audience roared in response.

"To my left! The reigning champion, winner of 12 matches so far! Give it up for the baddest wrestler in the city... ASSASSIN'S LEGENDARY PLEDGE!"

I choked on my spit. So cringy... ugh, how is he still a chuunibyou this late in life... I wailed inwardly, feeling as if I was going to fall to the floor because of second-hand embarrassment.

"And to my right... Rem! Do your best, Rem!" The audience's response was much less enthusiastic. It seems that all of them had placed their bets on the brute.

"3..."

"2..."

"1..."

"Begin!"

"Heh, sorry kid. This'll be over quick after I beat the shit outta ya." He sneered. I wasn't paying attention to his statement, preoccupied with trying not to gag from the foul odor emanating from his skin and breath.

The brute rushed towards me single-mindedly with his lips flapping around, slobber occasionally flying out of his mouth. My efforts to resist my urge to barf were nearing the brink.

Originally, I thought it would be fun to spar a little with a few townspeople and get all my pocket money back after all that spending, but now, at the moment, all I wanted to do was run away. I didn't even want my fire to touch that sad excuse for a man.

I couldn't handle it anymore.

"Blurghhh..." I lifted my head up and made sure to face the direction of the charging brute. My dinner from a few hours ago assaulted him from all sides, caking him in a brownish-gray medley. He stopped in his tracks, shocked and speechless.

I sighed and wiped my mouth. "Ewww..." I groaned, seeing his sorry figure dripping right in front of me. "Stay away, you brute!" I lifted my hand and summoned a fire hand to forcefully press him onto the floor.

"What?!" Brute said. The audience gasped at my casual display of magic. I couldn't control myself and threw up another round of vomit. Brute struggled, but to no avail. He couldn't escape the hot palm pressing him down.

After recovering from the acidic sting in my throat, I threw my head up and solemnly said, "Well. On the bright side, at least my vomit covered up your smell. It's much better now."

I nodded in satisfaction. "Actually, you should be glad to be able to touch my vomit. Do you know what I had for dinner? Something you could probably never even dream of having in your life."

"Fuck-"

I pressed him down harder. The heat of the hand was not nearly enough to burn him, but it was hot enough for him to feel pain. "Tsk, tsk, tsk, don't swear. My vomit is more luxurious than you, I'm worried it will be tainted by your abhorrent breath."

He choked out a silent sob.

----

By the end of the match, which was actually more of a verbal onslaught rather than a show of strength, I felt quite refreshed. I left the ring with three pouches full of jingling coins and glowing skin. I could faintly hear the sound of whimpers from behind, but I chose to ignore it.

The buildup of frustration from capture targets and other seemed to evaporate after the match. I must have had a lot of anger that needed to be voiced. I mused, in a good mood. Picking up the four bags I had left on the floor before the match, I pulled down my hood and left the spectacle with light steps.

I didn't even notice the amused pair of eyes following me.