A Clueless Genius Wolf

Time passed, and the Kingdom of Dusklight continued to thrive, with my guidance and rule.

Projects were approved. Laws signed. Dreams shaped into reality. I often sat high in my solar, atop the royal castle, surrounded by massive windows that flooded the room with sunlight. From here, I could hear the distant noise of the people from the city outside my castle gates. Their laughter, footsteps, shouts, and daily chatter. A comforting reminder that I wasn't alone anymore. It was far better than Lonelinees and the quiteness I suffered through for 5 years, even though the blame could be placed on me for doing so.

After spending five years in complete silence, that sound was a symphony. Music and white noise for me to hear during my work.

Now that I was 11 years old, I stood barefoot on the training field behind the castle. The sun was warm on my skin as I sparred with one of my most trusted royal guards, Zackarey Clawsmith.

A lion beast-kin standing at a towering 6'8", Zackarey looked like a living war god—ripped, broad-shouldered, and packed with muscle. His golden hair and lion's ears on top of his head shimmered in the light as he swung a wooden training sword at me, fast and hard.

I dodged under it, rolled to his side, and jabbed my wooden dagger into his flank.

"You're doing an amazing job, my liege," Zackarey praised, breathing heavily but grinning.

"Thanks, Zack," I said, panting. "It's good to have someone to train with—even if you are older, taller, and way more experienced."

He chuckled as we wiped our sweat and drank water in the shade. A thought crossed my mind.

"Zackarey."

"Yes, my king?"

"Gather a few guards. I'm heading out for a bit."

"As you command."

I just wanted a day off. Something fun to do, then the constant paperwork. I'd been working hard—and besides, I was craving pizza, maybe some Rocky Road ice cream, and a chance to watch the horse races in the city. I couldn't legally gamble (yet), but I liked the energy of it all.

After a quick shower and change, I headed out with a small escort. The city was lively—vendors called out, children played in the streets, and music played by barbs echoed from street corners. I got my pizza fix, then grabbed a double-scoop Rocky Road ice cream.

As I strolled down the busy lane, a thought hit me: I need to start organizing trade expeditions. Especially for wood. I didn't want to chop down my forests I created by hand. They were too important to the ecosystem I designed. I'd bring it up with the Ministerial Council later. Plus, more wood means more building materials for building, crafters, and for more useages.

While I walked, licking my ice cream, I saw a boy sitting alone.

The boy is about my age. He was alone, sitting near a park where families played and laughed together. He watched the other kids with quiet eyes. Human. Tall and lanky for his age. I could tell instantly he was probably an orphan and probably having trouble fitting in.

I walked up, smiling. "Hey," I said.

He blinked at me, surprised. "Oh, uh... hi."

"I'm Damon. What's your name?"

"…Kyle. Kyle Potter."

We got to talking. Turns out Kyle lived at the local orphanage and dreamed of becoming a doctor—both to help people and to make a good living. I liked that. He had ambition and heart.

When I told him I was the king, his jaw dropped.

"You're joking," he said.

I just laughed and waved it off. "Just call me Damon, no need for royal titles."

That was the day I made my first real friend.

Not a servant, not an advisor, not someone bound to me by magic or loyalty—just a boy who liked me for me and someone to talk to who was my age.

And honestly? That was enough. I didn't need dozens of friends. Just one good one. Quilty or qunity, right?

Over the next year, I invited Kyle to the castle often. We'd train together, play games, explore, and read books. I gave him full access to my personal library—the largest in the kingdom.

Bigger than the National Library.

Books on every subject from around the kingdom and newly made ones. Books from history, medicine, magical theory, rune systems, engineering, combat strategy, and even niche crafts like enchanting and potion brewing.

The look on Kyle's face when he saw the library?

Priceless. The room was so large you could fit four full restaurants inside it. And that was just one wing.

Life was good. Peaceful. Balanced.

But I knew it wouldn't stay that way forever.

As my twelfth birthday approached, it was time to make some moves. I knew it was time due to the feeling in my gut.

What it was telling was that it was time to look outward from my kingdom of paradise.

Time to think beyond Dusklight—to expand our reach, explore the world, establish alliances, and trade routes.

Because while I built a kingdom in isolation, and a hard place to get here with our ships, wards, and magic usage. The rest of Planetos was still out there—living, fighting, and burning. Whatevr happens in this world.

And whether I liked it or not… It was for the best of the kingdom.