"Zaria, answer me. When did you become an elementalist?"
I knew he was going to confront me anytime soon but I didn't know that he would do it with other people listening.
Regardless of whether it's my brother or his nephew, having a second ability is still a controversial thing at the empire just like he said.
No. Not just at the empire, but the whole continent.
Some say it's god's grace, and the others speculated it as the work of dark magic.
"Headmaster, are you for real?" Disbelief swept my brother's face. I can sense that he's getting angry at the old man's words.
Still.. Ignis said that back then an Erebius' descendant have two abilities as well. So why is it such a hot topic?
"I'm asking your sister, Killian."
"You're speaking nonsense."
The Grand Duke sighed but also didn't say anything and just waited for me to answer while checking the papers.
Closing my eyes tightly, I breathed a long exhale before opening them again. "Ignis." I muttered in the air.
Soon, a light appeared and the flapping of wings was heard inside.
A bird wrapped with fire, elegantly went to my shoulder. He positioned one his wings as if bowing.
[ It's a pleasure to meet the blood of Trovis and Lavrins. ]
The three people's eyes widened. My brother gasp was heard that he can't help but just cover his mouth.
A rustling of papers also resounded. The Grand Duke's eyes being reflected by Ignis' light, trembled.
[ Is it not a nice greeting, Zaria? ]
"They're just surprised, Ignis." I petted his head to reassure him. "It is 'that', Ignis."
[ Ah. I can understand now. ]
"I'm sorry Headmaster, I kept this from you." I leaned my head apologetically.
At this time, it's better to just admit it. I can also sympathize with the Headmaster as it will also affect me in the end.
If the Emperor later on finds out about this on his own, I'll be a goner.
I will be punish for deception of imperial family and will be accuse of using dark magic.
Dark magic is powerful to the point it's banned. From history texts and books up to the researches, it showed how much dark magic can do.
It's like making the impossible, possible.
So having two abilities—which is a rare thing happened only means… the usage of dark magic in the eyes of public.
"No way.." Brother mumbled as he slowly sat again, covering his mouth in incredulity.
"Do you two now understand why I fabricated that report?" Headmaster also sat down. His eyes were fixed towards Ignis.
"It's mysterious.. just like Callice's spirit."
[ Ah, Callice Trovis. The genius of Trovis clan and holder Spirit King of Fire. ]
What? Really? Spirit King… that's amazing!
'But if he's so strong… then something stronger than his spirit must've made him like that.'
"Since when?"
"…From the very start." I shortly replied to Headmaster's question.
Technically, it's not a lie. I regressed so it's been there from the very start.
"You mean to say two of your abilities awakened at the same time?" The Grand Duke asked in doubt.
"Well.. like that. When I woke up, there's a crest on my chest—"
"Crest?!" Brother suddenly exclaimed.
"Yes, like this." I showed him my right hand. His eyes began to shook as he stared at the symbol slightly glowing.
How come he didn't see it? And also, Headmaster did not even tell him?
It's probably because our position while walking earlier forbids him from seeing it. I'm on his right, after all.
But… why did the old man stayed silent about it?
"Uncle, what do you plan on doing while keeping your mouth shut like this?" A different tension was felt the moment the Grand Duke spoke.
"I would've proudly announced Zaria's existence and not only let rumors about her sway."
"Then why?"
Headmaster stared to both my brother and I. "Two steorras in one generation. It would be lucky if the empire only threw dirty remarks. But… if it escalated, it's your ruin."
"No, you made just the right choice." Brother brushed his hair and turned to me. "You said that the crest was there the moment you woke up, is it the same for that one?"
I shook my head, "No. I accidentally awakened it during my birthday. That's why I ran away."
"What a mess." The Grand Duke simply muttered.
"For now… get an audience with His Majesty, Killian." Headmaster turned to brother who only nodded.
I didn't say anything more to their talks. I'm supposed to be clueless about all of, right?
It's a political mess and it's really hard to interfere on that sense. And also, despite knowing quite a lot, I didn't know much about politics.
Especially at the Empire. I heard news, but the roots of issues were unknown.
Still, I think it'll work out just fine.
★
"Zaria, are you really alright going at this hour?" Brother asked worriedly. I giggled at his expression.
It took us hours talking and chatting more at the office. Mostly, they talked about business and work. I've only been watching them.
"I'm fine. Besides, aren't we using a teleportation something?"
"It's a teleportation magic circle. Of course, we would. It's already late, Zaria."
"Rich folks." I heard Headmaster muttered while walking.
The Grand Duke already went first to his room because of Kiel. After our talk, Vincent relay Kiel's condition to him.
He apologized and hurriedly went to his room where Kiel is.
'I thought he'd be a really cold guy base from his rumors.'
"We're going home first, Headmaster."
The Headmaster just nodded. Brother teared the parchment containing the magic circle.
A bright light enveloped us. When I opened my eyes, a mesmerizing view appeared before me.
Water fountain on the center and the greenery soiled ground filled with small wildflowers. It was being reflected by the magic lights.
The huge frontage of the mansion in front of me is magnificent. "Let's go, Zaria." Brother lend his hand towards me.
I accepted his hand and we both walked towards the center— where the mansion is. The huge door creaked as he opened it.
Unlike outside, the inside was dim. Is it because it's late already?
"Where were you that you had to go home this hour, Killian Rocien Trovis?"
Suddenly, a woman's fierce voice was heard nearby.
Her heels, echoing through the marbled floor sounded eerie. The voice emphasizing my brother's name was even more scary.
'I'm having goosebumps.'
I hid behind brother's back, I could even hear him gulp down. "I-I.. I'm from.. t-the Imperial Palace, r-right.."
'Why did you stutter?!'
"Ah.. is that so? I'm sleeping on the other— huh?" I flinched the moment she stopped talking and our eyes met. "Oh my god."
Her pink hair swayed the second she started running towards me. The light outside pour on our faces as I got a grasp of her looks.
The pretty, big sky-blue eyes blinked with excitement. Her soft expression contrasting the intimidating feels earlier made her a completely different person.
"Oh god, set aside Killian! Go, open the lights!" She pushed off brother and started going around me with twinkling eyes.
'No, what is wrong with her?'