chapter 7: “Hey, make a wish"
After 6 months...
During this time, Ethan spent most of his time receiving education from Mary, attending kingdom meetings with his father, and continuing to meet with Aphrodite. He made it a habit to visit Aphrodite's shop every Saturday, further developing their relationship. At least for himself, Aphrodite was seen as his best friend, but for Aphrodite, Ethan was a bit more special.
Throughout the time spent with Ethan, Aphrodite had realized his noble status, but she thought there must have been a good reason for Ethan not to have disclosed it to her. One Saturday morning, Ethan entered Aphrodite's shop and saw her smiling at him from behind the counter. He asked, "Is Aphrodite here?" The woman replied, "Yes, Leo, she's waiting for you." When Ethan approached Aphrodite, he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked once again.
Aphrodite said, "Leo! Welcome. I've prepared chocolate milk for you. Come, let's look at my new book together." They sat down together, reading the book for a while, then engaged in small talk. Eventually, Aphrodite asked Ethan something she had been thinking about for a long time.
"Leo, are you going to the Royal Academy?" she asked with a curious expression on her face.
"Yes, I was actually going to talk to you about it. I'll be joining the academy in a few months," Ethan replied. Aphrodite was a bit surprised. She knew Ethan would join the academy, but she hadn't thought it would be so soon.
A few seconds later, Aphrodite made her decision. Looking at Ethan firmly, she said, "Then I'll join too." Ethan was taken aback by these words and felt a bit concerned because he hadn't yet revealed his true identity to Aphrodite.
"It's not that easy to get into the academy. After all, only the most talented people in the kingdom can join. Besides, you're only 9 years old, and the entry age for the academy is 8. Of course, 9-year-olds can join, but they have to pass a much more challenging exam," Ethan explained.
Aphrodite had mentioned being able to use magic to Ethan before but had never demonstrated it. "Leo, I'm stronger than you think. Besides, I know how difficult it is to get into the academy, and I'm prepared for it," she said, flexing her muscles slightly. Ethan realized how determined Aphrodite was at that moment.
He knew she was someone who would do what she set her mind to. "Alright then, come with me. Let's see if you're as powerful as you say," Ethan said, and after getting permission from Aphrodite's sister, he took her to a secret place he knew. Meanwhile, several royal guards, well hidden, ensured their safety.
They arrived at a place surrounded by trees and a small waterfall, where Ethan and Mary occasionally came to watch the sky. Looking at Aphrodite, Ethan said, "Show me your power," pointing to a rock.
Aphrodite was quite skilled in using water and wind magic for her age. It took her a few seconds to cast her most powerful spell and sent a gust towards the rock. Ethan was amazed by the magic she had performed, as it was easily a high-level spell of the third tier. After casting it, Aphrodite still seemed to have plenty of energy left. Ethan thought to himself, 'I've been friends with a monster all this time.'
However, Aphrodite then used her water abilities to send another shot at the rock, this time displaying her water manipulation skills. She wasn't as proficient in water magic, but she could still easily use a skill of the upper level of the second tier. Ethan couldn't hide his surprise once again.
There were many elements of magic in this world, and there was a level system to distinguish magic users more easily. Level 1, Level 2, Level 3... up to Level 10. This level system was widely used on the continent. And here was a 9-year-old girl already at Level 3. This was enough to be considered a prodigy throughout the continent.
Realizing that Aphrodite would indeed be able to join the academy with her abilities, Ethan decided it was time to reveal his true identity before it was too late. "You can easily get into the academy with that kind of talent," he said seriously to Aphrodite. Aphrodite's smile grew rapidly upon hearing this.
Ethan continued, "Aphrodite, I have to tell you the truth. My name isn't Leonardo, and I apologize for lying to you." But Aphrodite had already figured that out, so she wasn't surprised. However, she was happy to finally learn his true identity.
Ethan trusted Aphrodite, so he felt comfortable revealing his identity. "I am Ethan Asina Lenistark, the third prince of the Asina Kingdom," he said. Aphrodite had thought Ethan might be a noble, but she had never imagined he would be a prince, not even in her wildest dreams. After a few seconds, she began to think, 'So, I fell in love with a prince... just like in the novels I've read.' She couldn't help smiling stupidly and blushing at the thought, but she shook her head a few seconds later, snapping out of her trance.
She found her earlier thoughts childish. After all, Ethan was a prince, and he would have to work hard to have a place in his life. Ethan continued, "Aphrodite, are you upset that I lied to you?" he asked.
"No, I understand why you didn't reveal your identity to me... but now that you have, can I take it as a sign that you trust me?" she asked.
"Yes, I trust you. You're my first friend, and I want to keep you as close as possible," Ethan said. Aphrodite blushed when she heard this. Ethan had realized Aphrodite had feelings for him, but he had thought it was just a childhood crush that would fade with time. However, he couldn't help but feel like her feelings were growing stronger every day.
"Thank you for trusting me then. Can we stay here a little longer? This place is quite beautiful," Aphrodite said.
Ethan agreed, and they continued to chat and explore the area. When it started to get dark, Aphrodite reminded Ethan that there might be animals around and suggested they should head back. Ethan assured her that they were accompanied by guards who would ensure their safety, but if she preferred, they could leave. However, he wanted to show her a beautiful view first.
They climbed to a slightly higher hilltop, where they could see a beautiful view of the capital city. Aphrodite exclaimed, "Wow, Ethan, it's really a beautiful view, just as you said." But Ethan replied, "This isn't the view I was talking about." He lay down on the grass and looked up at the sky. Aphrodite followed suit, and for the first time, she noticed how beautiful the sky was without the magical lamps of the city causing light pollution. Having never left the capital before, she had never seen a sky like this.
They lay there in silence, watching the sky, and at one point, a shooting star streaked across it. "Heyhey, make a wish," Aphrodite said.
Ethan made a wish to achieve his dreams, and Aphrodite seemed to have made a wish too. Ethan couldn't help but feel that Aphrodite's wish had something to do with him.
After spending a little more time there, they returned to the city. When they arrived at the shop, they saw Aphrodite's sister embracing them in a worried manner. Apparently, she had been quite worried about them not returning until evening. After calming her down and revealing his true identity to her, Ethan bid farewell to Aphrodite and returned to the palace.
As he walked back, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that his relationship with Aphrodite was about to change in ways he hadn't anticipated.