The father-daughter pair settled into their seats at the long dining table, elegantly set with fine china and sparkling crystal glassware. The butlers and maids moved gracefully around the room, serving an exquisite meal that filled the air with tantalizing aromas. As the clinking of silverware echoed softly, Cassandra and her father engaged in light-hearted conversation about their day, sharing anecdotes and laughter that filled the space with warmth. However, Cassandra chose to remain silent about Baxter. Instead, she deftly redirected the conversation towards her afternoon adventures, recounting her visits to various shops in town and the interesting things she had seen. She had visited them as a backup story. She felt it was best not to burden her father with this, wanting to preserve the peaceful atmosphere of their dinner. Her heart ached with the secrets she held, yet she was determined to keep them.
However, she knew that he would come to inquire about Milo and the others pretty soon. Just as she had predicted, the moment was drawing near.
"That man you brought with you—who is he?" Her father had approached her with this question, his eyes filled with a mixture of caution and curiosity as he scrutinized his daughter's demeanor. It was clear that he was not just interested in the identity of the man but also in the implications of his presence.
"He's an aspiring doctor," Cassandra responded, her voice steady as she spoke. The plate in front of her had been replaced by another, the aroma of the meal wafting through the air, but her mind was clearly elsewhere. "He doesn't have a license, so I was wondering if it would be possible to sponsor him?" She didn't hesitate upon asking him this; it was best to approach the matter directly, especially given her father's tendency to be protective.
"Sponsor him?" The Emperor grasped the stem of his wine glass, swirling the contents thoughtfully before bringing it to his lips. He seemed to ponder her request, weighing the merits and potential consequences. "What makes you think he is worthy of such a consideration?" His voice was calm, yet there was an underlying tension. Cassandra could feel the weight of his scrutiny, the unspoken expectations resting heavily between them. The moment stretched on, filled with unsaid words, and she knew that her answer would not only determine the fate of the aspiring doctor but also reveal much about her own convictions.
"Did you know that there is this condition that only seems to affect children born between a Dragonoir and another race?" Cassandra inquired, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and concern as she directed the question toward her father. She keenly observed his demeanor, searching for any hint of surprise or recognition. It seemed implausible that the Emperor, a man of such vast knowledge and experience, could be unaware of a condition that could potentially affect so many lives, even if it was rare.
"Is that so." Her father's response was measured, a stark reminder of his status as Emperor. His expression was cold and calculating, embodying the very essence of a ruler who had been shaped by years of governance and political intrigue. In moments like this, Cassandra often felt a mix of awe and apprehension, wondering how much of his emotional distance was a façade.
"He appears to have figured out the curse and a potential cure for it," Cassandra continued, her voice unwavering as she pressed on. "He had traveled extensively throughout the empire in his youth and met others who were born from a Dragonoir and another race, all afflicted by the same plight. The only exceptions seemed to be those who resided on the border of Arch-Duke Villalobos's Territory." The truth was that Milo had never disclosed these details to her, but he had confided in Baxter, in the future. "Apparently, there were several children who had grown into adulthood without suffering from the condition, and he dedicated time to uncovering the reason behind their immunity. He discovered that it was linked to a specific plant that can only thrive in cold climates." The Villalobos lands, known for their frigid temperatures, were situated in the north, where snow blanketed the ground nearly year-round.
"But since he doesn't possess a license, he can't treat anyone to verify if the cure actually works, correct?" The Emperor inquired, not even revealing any hint of emotion. That had been the essence of the conversation, a thread of hope entwined with the stark reality of bureaucracy and regulations. The notion that there might be a solution within reach, yet so far due to the constraints of law and authority.
"Yes, I believe that it would be best to sponsor him for such a reason." The statement hung in the air, a firm declaration from her lips that carried the weight of her convictions. She had come to the conclusion after much deliberation, and as she finished her reasoning, a heavy silence enveloped the room. The princess turned her gaze toward her father, who was lost in thought, his brow furrowed as he processed her words.
"I see why you brought him, but what of those children?" He broke the stillness with a question that lingered in the air, seeking clarity amidst the tension.
"I thought that it would be good to have people who would be loyal to me in the future," she replied, her tone steady as the plates and dishes in front of them were removed from the elegantly set table. "You never know who to trust when they are recommended by other nobles." Although this was partially true, she harbored a deeper concern. She understood that the servants surrounding her were not merely there to serve; they were eyes and ears for the Emperor, reporting every whispered secret and minor decision back to him.
This reality influenced her choices significantly. It had been the reason she opted for the other knights over Sir Kent to accompany her into Milo's store and the restaurant. She couldn't shake the feeling that her father was already aware of the whispers surrounding the establishment—a cover for the assassin guild. While he might not know her true intentions for entering that place, she was certain he wasn't naïve enough to believe she was simply there for a meal.
"You truly are my daughter," he remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice. He didn't press her further on this subject, perhaps recognizing the complexities that lay beneath the surface of their conversation. The silence returned, but it felt different now—an unspoken understanding settled between them, one that hinted at the intricate dance of loyalty and deception that defined their lives.
"Now that that is out of the way, I think it's best to inform you that you'll be starting your lessons." the Emperor announced, his voice carrying a weight that shifted the conversation into an entirely new direction.
"Lessons?" Cassandra echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion. The word lingered in the air, pregnant with possibilities she had never considered.
"Yes, since you have had your first Awakening, you can now embark on a journey to train your powers and discover what unique energy you possess," he explained, his tone now filled with a palpable excitement that seemed to ignite the very atmosphere around them. As he spoke, the Emperor raised his hand, and with a dramatic flourish, opened his palm. In an instant, flames erupted forth, dancing in vibrant hues of orange and red, illuminating the room. "Aura, Mana, Divinity, or Spiritual," he listed, his voice steady and authoritative. Those were the four distinct powers that individuals in this world could potentially harness. Each represented a different aspect of existence, a different way to connect with the fabric of their reality.
"You'll be starting tomorrow," he continued, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. It appeared that he had already organized everything in advance, long before Cassandra could even fathom the implications of her Awakening. Yet, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the suddenness of it all, she found herself filled with a sense of anticipation and determination. She was eager to delve deeper into her abilities and explore her potential. After all, she knew she needed to strengthen herself, not just for her own sake, but for the challenges that lay ahead in a world teeming with danger of the future she foresaw. The prospect of training was daunting, but it also sparked an ember of hope within her—a hope that she could rise to the occasion and become the person she was needed to be.