I began to step away from the doors at a slow but steady pace, heading towards the center of the room where an enormous, majestic ice throne stood on an elevated platform with icy steps leading up to it. The throne emanated an unfathomable power and authority. The temperature around it seemed much lower—I couldn't tell if it was just my imagination or the influence of the magic of the ruler of this castle.
The base of the throne was thick, but due to its transparent ice, it appeared very fragile. It gleamed like a living crystal, reflecting the light streaming through the high-arched windows. The backrest of the throne resembled an intricate snowflake, with branches extending in all directions. Despite its formidable appearance, the seat looked ergonomically designed for comfort. Around the throne, at the height of the seat, a faint blue mist hovered.
The person sitting on it was in stark contrast to the powerful throne. She was quite petite—I could tell at first glance, occupying only a small portion of the available space. From the game, I knew she stood around 170 cm tall, with a perfect figure that accentuated her waist and drew envious glances even from the most distinguished ladies of the court. Men considered her a prized catch, but she was like an unattainable deity, which they could admire from time to time yet was beyond their reach. Her snow-white hair, resembling freshly fallen snow, cascaded towards her back. She epitomized impeccable elegance and authority. Her beauty was enhanced by a stunning deep blue gown adorned with silver embroidery resembling frost. The gown accentuated all her assets, which were truly impressive and eye-catching. Even though I'm not a pervert, I must admit that not looking in her direction and not admiring this work of art felt like a Sisyphean task.
However, the most captivating and yet terrifying feature were her eyes—blue as the purest winter sky. In their depths lay an abyss that drew in anyone who stared too long and refused to release them from its icy grip. Her gaze was majestic and hypnotizing. Her eyes slowly, and with little interest, turned to me as she spoke to the maid who had previously visited my room, instructing her to leave us alone. The maid immediately bowed as low as she could and quickly exited the throne room. A hint of fear was evident from her. And it was no wonder—she was in the presence of a monster, one of the most powerful magicians and beings in the kingdom, someone who could easily match dragons, which were considered the most powerful creatures in this world.
Despite her young age, around 35 years old, she was already a being beyond the boundary of humanity, someone on the path to transcendence. In this world, there are paths and ranks for both magicians and knights. Sometimes, there are magical swordsmen, but that is quite rare, as reaching a decent level in one category is already challenging enough. While magicians receive basic training in weaponry, especially nobles, it is more a matter of tradition and a small touch rather than a truly useful skill.
As for ranks in magic, they are:
Beginner student of magic: People who have awakened their mana core, usually around 11 years old. There are those who do so before the age of 9 and are considered geniuses.Student of magic: Can use spells from levels 1 to 3. There are 15 levels that determine the difficulty scale, where level 1 covers basic spells like "luminos," illuminating the surroundings, and level 15 encompasses semi-divine spells that can destroy entire cities. In this game, there were also beings capable of using spells beyond this scale, but there were never any living witnesses who could document and classify them.Adept of magic: A person who has mastered spells up to level 5 and already has decent magic control.Wizard: Controls spells up to level 7 proficiently and can use level 8 spells to a small extent. Most people practicing magic after years of study end up at this stage.Mage: Masters spells up to level 9 and has full control over mana within themselves and their surroundings. Can influence the mana of weaker magic users. Reaching this level is considered a great achievement and allows one to find well-paid work and gain societal recognition.Archmage: An absolute genius in the field of magic, combining vast knowledge, hard work, and innate talent. In the entire kingdom of Hestia, with a population of 10 million, there were only two such wizards. In the entire world, there could be about eight, at least according to what I knew from the game and Leo's memories. Such a person is a true powerhouse who can decide the outcomes of battles, proficiently wielding spells above level 10.Transcendental: Being on the path of transcendence, entities who, in their quest for power, breached the barrier of mortality and became demigods. Such a being can single-handedly level an entire country. Fortunately, there were only three such monsters in the known world.
Unfortunately, to my misfortune, I was standing before one of them—and it was someone who hated me for as long as I could remember. Despite being my stepmother, she never showed me any care or provided any help. While my father was alive, she tolerated me somewhat, but after his death, she stopped pretending and treated me like the worst kind of trash. The plus side was that she was busy, and I rarely saw her until now. The mission became more urgent.
As for the knight's path, it's very similar, with some subtle differences. Some knights use mana, but the strength in this category is determined by mastery in handling weapons and control over aura. While mana permeates all living beings and surrounds everything, aura is a unique power to each entity. Only minds with strong will, determination, and undergoing very demanding training can unleash aura and use it to, for example, enhance their physical attacks or specific body parts. Aura masters can manifest an aura blade from their hand, which does not fall short of the best weapons and even surpasses them in many aspects.
Thinking about all this, I felt a slight numbness on my face and chills on my neck, but I quickly composed myself and focused on the present moment, waiting for the host of this room to speak to me. And finally, after a moment of tension, that moment came, and I heard a gentle but very resonant voice, which was incredibly melodious. If someone asked me what voice sirens luring sailors onto rocks had, I'd point to that very voice.
— What took you so long, Leonard? — That's what I heard.
— I apologize, Your Grace — I said quickly, almost by accident, speaking out of habit from the previous occupant of this body.
It made no sense to address her in that manner. She didn't consider me family anyway, just as I didn't consider her. I need to take this opportunity and cut ties with this family, freeing myself from one of the death flags.
— I wasn't sure which outfit would be most appropriate for meeting you — I mumbled. — I don't have much experience with that.
— Hmm, an outfit, you say? Alright, this one time I'll forgive you because I'm in a good mood today.
She, in a good mood? Did she perhaps kill another demigod or wipe out someone's family? — I thought but didn't dwell on it.
— What did I do to deserve an audience?
She looked at me seriously before saying with a slightly mocking smile:
— Can I not meet my prodigal son? Even though you're a failure, I'm still your stepmother.
Yeah, right, I'd have to have an IQ of 5 to believe that. I want this farce to end quickly so I can get out of here as fast as possible. I feel like every minute spent in this room in her presence shortens my life by at least one day. It would only take one move of her finger, and I'd be done for—no one would even utter a word, rather they would be pleased that I wouldn't stain the duchy's name anymore. They might even make a national holiday out of such a day — I thought, slightly smiling, but quickly stopped when I noticed my stepmother's icy gaze cutting through me as if surprised.
I guess I have never smiled at her before. Ah, whatever, it's probably our last meeting anyway, if everything goes according to my plan. You can admire my beauty, you icy witch.
— Why are you smiling like that? — she asked in a completely serious tone, planting a seed of unease in my heart.
— I'm happy that you found a moment of your time to devote to such a worthless being as myself. Also, I want to take this opportunity to share something with you, which I've thought about for a long time and which will surely make you happy.
— I actually have important news for you too, but you've piqued my curiosity. What could make me happy?
— Mother, what is he doing here? — Just as I was about to answer, two women burst into the room. Two beautiful nymphs, so similar to the woman in front of me. One had very similar hair color to the woman—a snow-white as well, but more delicate and lighter, like frost-covered down, gently cascading like a wave onto her shoulders, looking somewhat ethereal. Violet eyes, about 165 cm tall, making her only slightly taller than her sister. Despite her young age, 18 years, she radiated maturity and calmness. She was as beautiful as a sculpture created by the most renowned artist, just like the woman next to her. Despite being siblings, they were quite different, though both were beautiful. Margaret had golden curls, probably inherited from her father, reaching mid-back length, shining like the sun's rays, perfectly complementing her golden eyes that looked like those of a fairy. Unlike her sister, she did not emanate maturity but rather curiosity about the world and a slight sweetness. She was a year younger than me, turning 15 this year. She gazed at me with curiosity, while her older sister Leyla awaited her mother's response, looking slightly irritated by the whole situation. She probably didn't expect to see me here.
— I think I'll go now, I won't interrupt a meeting between a mother and her daughters — I thought, but of course, I didn't say it. Ha, could this situation get any worse? In one room with a lion and two lion cubs, while I'm just a defenseless gazelle they can feed on whenever they please.
— I called you all here to announce something, but before that, your brother wanted to tell me, rather us all, something.
She looked at me. A moment later, both her daughters were also looking at me. I took a deep breath, "here we go" — I thought. Whatever will be, will be.
— I wanted to talk about the inheritance of power — I said, carefully observing my stepmother's reaction. I thought I saw slight surprise painting her porcelain face.
— That's interesting because I also wanted this issue to be the main topic of the conversation. Continue.
— Alright, Your Grace — at this moment, I bowed slightly, lowering my head. — I, Leonard Ferris, son of Michael Ferris, rightful heir and successor, in the presence of your esteemed highnesses, call upon the divine beast Fenrir as my witness and pledge — my hands were slightly trembling under the tension — to renounce all rights to power, the privileges that come with it, and any claims I have to this duchy. I hand everything over to my stepmother, Althea, who from this moment is the only rightful ruler.
I lifted my head and saw her icy gaze, but I continued with one hand on my heart: — ...As I have disgraced my family with my incompetence, from now on I will no longer bear my family name.
The hall fell into a dead silence. Everyone, including my stepsisters, stared at me in shock and with a mix of emotions. Hah, you definitely didn't expect that. You wanted to strip me of all rights and humiliate me? Forget about it—I renounce everything myself, and I wouldn't want to be the ruler of this duchy having you beside me. I yearn for a peaceful life as far away from you as possible. While money and the title would surely be beneficial and helpful, they are not essential to me.
— Do you realize what you have done, boy? — Althea's voice quivered with anger. — You called our sacred beast as a witness. If you break this vow, you will die, and no one and nothing will save you. Although I did want you to renounce your claim to the throne, taking the title and surname is too much. If you kneel now and beg me, I will help you edit the terms of the vow.
— Thank you for your good intentions, milady, but I am aware of what I have done. I've thought about it for a long time. I have tarnished my family's reputation and my father's good memory. For that reason, I deserve this punishment and accept it humbly as atonement for my sins.
— And what do you intend to do now? — For a split second, I thought I saw sadness in her beautiful blue eyes. But that's impossible—I know her too well. Maybe she is worried about what people will think of my exile.
— I'm glad you are concerned for me, Your Grace, but I have not made my final decision yet. However, I promise that I will leave this castle by the end of the day and never trouble you with my presence again.
— What are you thinking?! — Leyla yelled and was about to continue when Althea interrupted her with a gesture.
— Fine — she said in an indifferent tone. — Then she added: — You are to be out of here by sunset.
She treated me like an annoying insect — I thought. It's exactly as I expected. They don't care about my fate at all. I knew that, but still, a strange feeling is growing within me. Could it be sadness? Does some part of Leo actually harbor feelings for them despite my own opinions? Well, it's irrelevant. Even if it did, this is now my body, and I will make decisions according to my judgment. This is the best possible decision — I thought, slightly bowing first to the Duchess and then to her daughters, and leaving the throne room. This chapter of my life is now closed — I told myself with a faint smile on my face, closing the door behind me.