Codextober 2025 - Day 24 : Empire
"You're welcome," Basim said, putting the salve away. "Now, boy, would you like to see a magic trick?"
Leo's eyes lit up, but he bit his lip at the same time. "Magic isn't real," he said.
Basim laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ah, you're too young to be so cynical." He bent down so he was at eye level with the boy. "I've seen wonders in this world that would make you a believer. Come, close your eyes now, and I'll prove to you that magic exists." Leo still looked skeptical, but he obediently closed his eyes. Hytham stood watching him in amusement for a few seconds, until Leo started fidgeting and said, "What's going to happen?"
"You can open your eyes now," Hytham said, and chuckled when Leo opened them to find Basim had disappeared from the training yard. [book: The Golden City]
Leo was the emperor’s son. Basil ruled a great empire but I wish he had a great heart too, so he could’ve been kinder to his son. And here it is: the calligraphy of Leo’s name! The word itself is colorful because he’s just a child but the background is dark, symbolizing his tragic story. This magic trick scene between Basim and Leo, with Hytham watching them, is one of the best moments in TGC.
