─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
I was quickly lifted by daddy and was snuggled in his arms.
"Okay imperial mage, back up. No need for introductions. Let's make this quick and simple. As my chancellor discussed with you - I can only assume all of these mages that are currently present are not only trained but responsible enough to educate the child with her mana, correct?" Daddy questioned with aggression.
His facial expression was anything but friendly.
I can only sense that these two have some dark history.
"Ahem… why yes, your Majesty. Every mage here has its own strengths and talents with mana. While some are younger than others, I can assure you that I chose the top ten trainees for the lovely Princess." The red-headed lady replied with confidence.
She looked at me once more. This time, her smile turned into a sideways smirk. One would say a smirk has a thousand meanings. Hers… was sinister.
"Move aside, your face is scary enough without the bull shit smile. Let's get this over with." Daddy walked past the red-headed lady, bumping shoulders as a sign of defense.
"Introduce yourself to them and choose a female you'd think would suit you best." Daddy spoke softly as he placed me on the ground.
I raised an eyebrow in confusion.
Why only a woman? There are clearly males and females here. Okay… okay… I get it. Daddy is clearly being the 'protective dad' type right now. But, lucky for you, none of the men here are giving me good enough vibes. They are either too old or snobby-looking.
"Make sure the child chooses a female mage, regardless of the male's qualifications. Send the child and the new mage back to the imperial office once the process is done. Make sure that 'witch' stays away from the child." Daddy commanded three guards behind us.
Guess he is leaving me alone with so many influential people. I don't think they will harm me...right?
I began my formal introductions, one mage at a time.
By the eighth mage in line, I was entirely fed up with this damn showboating situation. If one person wasn't bragging about their magic talent, another was boring me about their accomplishments. I could have sworn the old lady mage had a heart attack in the middle of our discussion.
I averted my focus onto the last mage in line. Quite a petite and fragile hooded figure. I can only imagine it's a child or a short female.
I skipped mage number nine and walked in front of the mysterious short mage with messy, wavy hair that stuck out of the hood.
'Hello, I am Princess Amara. It is a pleasure to meet you.' I introduced myself to what appeared to be a young girl with large, black eyes.
She flinched as a reaction, causing her eyes to grow twice in size.
"Greetings, Imperial Princess. My name is Faye."
"No need for the introduction. I choose you. How would you like to become my personal trainer?" I interrupted with confidence.
"But… I haven't even mentioned any of my talents in mana or what makes me qualified to train you, Princess. I am also the youngest out of everyone. I am sure more qualified mages with skills much higher than mine can easily help you!" Faye spurted out as she looked at the other mages in line.
"Really? That's a shame. I really liked you because you seem close to my age and humble. I understand if you do not want to be my personal…."
"I will do it, Princess!" Faye shouted, exposing her face clearly.
Whoa, this kid is beautiful. Porcelain skin with light freckles on her small nose, golden jeweled eyes that sparkled like a hanging chandelier. Messy hair that covered her forehead. Overall, she could pass as a child model with such delicate features.
I smiled and nodded.
"It truly was a pleasure to meet all of you. Thank you all for sharing your talents with me. I choose Faye as my personal mage, and thank you - imperial mage for allowing me to choose from one of your best mages this country has to offer." I announced loudly.
"Let's go. My daddy is waiting for us at the imperial office."
As we followed the palace guards back to the imperial palace, I occasionally glanced at the timid mage who still had her cloak's hood over her head.
"Umm... So… how old are you, Faye?"I questioned as I tried to catch another look at her face.
"I'm ten years old, Princess. Happy late birthday, by the way."
"Oh, thank you. So.. what do you like to do for fun, Faye?"
"I like to read books about magic and practice teleportation spells since it's my mana ability." Faye explained in a low, shy voice.
My eyes grew large at the word 'teleportation.'
"That's amazing! Teleportation?! How far have you teleported to?! For how long?! How does it work?!" I questioned with excitement.
Faye displayed an uncomfortable facial expression as she bit her lip, looking away.
"Princess, we have arrived. The imperial guards will escort you into the imperial palace now."One of the guards announced.
I exhaled lightly and nodded.
"Sorry for startling you… let's go in, okay?" I apologized.
"Your Majesty, the imperial princess, and her personal mage have arrived."
"Let them in." A deep voice went through the french doors.