1 1. Little Cub

While fetching water by the river, Mereoleona 's ears perked up as she heard the cries of a baby, catching her attention instantly. Driven by instinct, Mereoleona immediately pursued the source of the baby's cries and discovered an infant nestled in a basket, snugly wrapped in a blanket.

"Eh? So you're abandoned, huh?"

Mereoleona, filled with concern, decided to investigate further. She carefully examined the basket and noticed a handkerchief with the name "Asher" embroidered on it, catching her attention.

"Asher... Interesting. Well, taking care of a brat is not bad, right?"

As soon as Asher caught sight of Mereoleona, his tears ceased, and a radiant smile adorned his face. It was as if he recognized her as his mother. With an endearing gesture, he reached out his tiny arms, a silent plea for Mareoleona to lift him into her embrace.

Mereoleona chuckles: "Aren't you a cute one?"

Mereoleona gently lifted Asher into her embrace, cradling the baby in her arms. As she gazed upon Asher's adorable, chubby face, a tender smile spread acrossMereoleona's lips.

In a moment of determination and protectiveness, Mereoleona made a decision. She looked at the abandoned baby and spoke with conviction, saying, "Henceforth, your name shall be Asher Vermillion. I solemnly swear that anyone who causes you harm will face the fiery wrath of my flames."

...

Time skip 15 years later

"Mother, where are we going?" Asher said curiously.

The boy possesses a striking appearance, with his dull blue eyes that hold a hint of mystery and depth. His long raven colored hair cascades down in long locks, with a captivating touch of vermillion coloring at the bottom. This unique combination of blue eyes and hair creates a captivating contrast, reflecting both his calm and fiery nature. His presence commands attention, leaving an impression on those who encounter him.

"Eh? You forgot already? You're going to get your grimiore today!" Mereoleona said with a smile on her face.

Asher's face didn't change, and he just stayed silent. He literally forgot this important day of his life. Well, he already knew what his magic was and was so sure that the grimoire that he would get was not bad.

'I would probably get fire magic or something close to that.'

Mereoleona lets out a sigh as she gazes at her son, Asher. She often feels unsettled by his apparent absence of emotions. Mereoleona yearns for him to embrace the joys of childhood like other children, to smile, make friends, and engage in playful activities. However, Asher is distinctively unique. Rather than partaking in games, he finds solace in rigorous training sessions and burying himself in books. Socializing holds little appeal for him, deeming it an unproductive use of his time. Despite her concerns, Mareoleona accepts and respects her son's individuality, understanding that he has his own path to follow.

'He most likely got these habits from me. When he was a baby, he always observed me training, and I always read him books before sleeping,' Mereoleona thought.

'Like mother, like son, I guess.'

"Asher, what do you want to be after you get your grimoire?" Mereoleona asks Asher. Whatever path Asher takes She will respect it and guide him to success.

"Hm?" Asher tilts his head in confusion.

Now I think about it. Mother is a magic knight, and not just a simple magic knight. She is one of the strongest and most respected knights. I've always wanted to be like her. Strong and dependable person.

"I wanted to be like you."

"Oh?"

"I wanted to be the strongest."

Mereoleona smiled and said, "I see... Then you need to work hard."

"I understand, mother. I will not disappoint you."

"Good, that's what I like!" Mereoleona nods in satisfaction.

"Let's go now and get your grimoire."

Now is also the moment when she must finally reveal Asher as her son to the clover kingdom. No one has any knowledge of her having a child; she has kept this truth hidden from everyone. Mereoleona has been living in seclusion for several years, concealing Asher's existence for their own protection. However, the time has come for them to emerge from hiding. It is also for Asher's well-being.

.....

Mereoleona and Asher arrive at the grimoire tower in Hage village. Their appearances earn a lot of attention, especially Mereoleona's. This is the villager's first time seeing someone so famous as Mereoleona.

The nobles surrounding them hesitated to initiate any conversation. Mereoleona's intimidating gaze renders her unapproachable, while Asher's striking appearance, resembling that of a royal, overwhelms them. Their combined presence creates an aura that deters others from approaching, leaving them in awe and intrigue.

"That boy on Mereoleona Sama's side. Who is he? What royal family did he come from?"

"Who knows? Mereoleona Sama is here because of him; he must have a powerful family background."

"He looks so handsome and cute at the same time! I have to know his name!"

Asher received blushing glances from numerous noble women, while the men expressed envy by clicking their tongues and gazing at him. They were unable to compete with Asher's undeniable charm.

"So noisy, Asher muttered silently.

Mereoleona chuckled. "You should get used to it. I'm sure you will be a lady killer once we go to the capital."

"Annoying."

Then, after a few minutes, the master of the grimoire tower finally arrives. He just let out a short speech, which made everyone who's going to get a grimoire feel excited except for Asher. He just calmly waits and doesn't even listen to the master of the grimoire tower.

"I can feel that someone has the potential to be a wizard king here... Really! I'm not joking!"

With a gesture of his outstretched hands, the elderly man caused grimoires to levitate in the air. Each grimoire, in a remarkable display, began selecting its rightful owner.

"Wow! My grimoire is so big!"

"Mine has so many pages!"

"Mine is thicker!"

Seeing this, Asher muttered, "They are so childish."

"I feel the same," Said Mereoleona, patting Asher's head.

A shiny light suddenly emerged on the scene. Most of the people started to cover or shut their eyes from being dazzled by the brightness. Mereoleona looked at the shining grimoire and was a little stunned.

"A four-leaf grimoire? I never thought I would see something like this here. The owner must have been special."

"Interesting," Asher said while looking at the guy with messy black hair.

The arrival of the four-leaf grimoire caused quite a stir. The nobles present were in disbelief, unable to fathom how a peasant could acquire such a rare and powerful grimoire.

"It's really a four-leaf grimoire! I thought it was just a legend. I didn't expect it to be true!

"I heard the first wizard king has the four-leaf grimoire. To think a peasant will have it!"

"Congratulations, Yuno," a nun said beside the guy.

"I'm going to be a Wizard King!" stated Yuno with determination written on his face.

Many people who heard Yuno were shocked by what he said. It's hard to believe such a guy has such big ambitions. Hence, he is a peasant! Nobles found him arrogant and wanted to teach him a lesson badly.

"Damn! If I were in his situation, I would probably say the same!"

"Isn't he a little arrogant? Yes, he has a 4-leaf grimoire, but that doesn't define him as a wizard king."

"Let's wait and see if he can back up his arrogant statements!"

A sudden surge in temperature startled everyone present, as the surroundings became engulfed in a blazing crimson glow. Amidst this spectacle, a resplendent grimoire radiating a vivid red hue levitated gracefully before Asher, coming to a halt.

Everyone saw the grimoire and was shocked again. It's another four-leaf grimoire!

"So this is my grimoire?" Asher said while staring at the floating grimoire in front of him.

"A four-leaf... Congratulations, Asher. I'm so proud of you. Take it, it's your grimoire," Mereoleona said.

As Asher reached out and grasped the grimoire, its luminous glow gradually faded away. Astonished, Asher never could have imagined that he would be the recipient of a four-leaf clover grimoire. He had always been content with the prospect of obtaining a three-leaf grimoire, never anticipating the sheer rarity of such a remarkable grimoire falling into his hands.

"Mother, let's go." Asher tugged Mereoleona 's sleeve.

"Sure, let's celebrate today. It's your big day!"

Asher just nodded and said, "Yeah."

When they are about to leave, a kid suddenly shouts, making them stop for a moment.

"Uhmmm, sir, my grimoire hasn't arrived yet!" Said the kid who was kneeling on the floor. His hand was raised, waiting for his grimoire.

The old man was stunned, then said, "Eh? Comeback next time, I guess."

This leaves the kid dumbfounded and in disbelief. Does that mean he wouldn't get a grimoire? He waited for so many years just for this moment!

"That kid doesn't have a grimoire?! How is that even possible?"

"What do you expect from a peasant? He should just be a farmer so that he could have any worth."

"In fact, I didn't even sense any mana from him! He's really good for nothing!"

Asher's gaze fixated on the kid before him, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. It was utterly inconceivable. There was not even a trace of mana emanating from the kid. Being naturally attuned to sensing mana, Asher possessed the ability to gauge the strength and quantity of mana within individuals, yet this kid seemed devoid of any. It defied all logic and left Asher perplexed, even those who are not blessed with mana have a little of it. He has never seen a person who has no mana!

"That kid... doesn't have any mana at all." Mereoleona shook her head. In a world where magic is everything, that kid will have a hard time.

"Yuno! Just wait for me! I will catch up to you in no time and become a wizard king! You are my rival!" said an Ash-blond kid who was pointing at Yuno.

"Did he just say that the kid who has a four-leaf clover is his rival?"

"He dares declare someone who has four leaves a rival?"

"Does he have a death wish?"

"Not a chance," said Yuno without even showing any pity. He turned around and started to walk away.

"Mother, let's go; it's none of our business."

Both Mereoleona and Asher started to leave.