I blinked against the sudden brightness and gradually opened my eyes."Good morning, Anya," Mother greeted cheerfully as she lifted me from my bed. "Happy birthday!" she exclaimed, twirling me around with joy.As the year went on, I slowly learned their language. Some words still sounded strange to me, but I'm slowly learning, and I'm proud of myself for learning my 2nd world language, if that's even a thing?Mom greeted me as soon as I woke up because we had started sleeping in the same bed ever since that frightening thing was discovered inside our castle. They said it was just a goblin that somehow slipped out of the magic tower near the castle, but how clumsy could the guards be to let such a creature in, right? I don't know what really happened; some say it was an assassination attempt, which is why the current sleeping arrangement was made.News flash!I am now 1-year-old! I can walk, and I can also speak and understand their language a little bit."good morning Mom, good morning Dad," I said as I stretched"Anya is growing up so fast," Dad sighed dramatically, his voice dripping with mock sorrow."Seriously? She's only one year old," Mom chimed in, her tone teasing, a playful glint in her eye.As they continue their early morning drama let me tell you what I have been doing the past few months.Well, during the last year, Every time I've been left alone with the maids and my pacifier, I've always exercised my limbs, and around 5 months old, I was able to flip, which is when I began practicing crawling and eventually walking. So now I can walk, but I still need a little assistance, which is why I can only walk with an adult as I can hang on to them if I ever lose my balance.Aside from that, during the course of the past year, I've learned a lot about the world. Such as;In our empire, my dad, Yohanne Lavemir Theodoreford, is the emperor, and my mom, Genevieve Mary Ruth, is the empress. They're the heart of the empire and their presence commands respect from everyone around them.My dad, the emperor, is strong and wise, with a leadership that feels both firm and compassionate. He's a man of few words, but when he speaks, it's with authority and deep thought. His determination and protective nature are unmatched, and it's clear that everything he does is for the good of the empire. Even though he carries so much weight on his shoulders, he always makes time to guide us, his family, with kindness.My mom, the empress, is the perfect balance to my dad. She's graceful and gentle, but there's a quiet strength in her as well. She has this warmth that makes everyone feel at ease around her. She's incredibly intelligent, and her wisdom has shaped much of the empire's culture and policies. Despite her regal nature, she has this nurturing side that makes her feel like the heart of the family. She's always there to listen, always ready with a smile or a word of encouragement.As their only princess, I feel like the entire empire's future rests on me in some way. They've raised me with love and care, but they also expect a lot from me. I'm surrounded by the legacy they've built, and I'm learning how to live up to it. I might not fully understand the weight of their roles yet, but I know they are setting an example of strength, wisdom, and love that I want to follow.My big brother, Tristan Ruth Theodoreford, is eleven years old and the crowned prince. He carries himself with the kind of seriousness that comes with being next in line for the throne. There's a quiet confidence in the way he moves, like he knows he's destined for something important. He's not as playful as Calvin, but when he speaks, everyone listens. I can tell he has a sense of responsibility, even if he doesn't always show it. He's the one who keeps things in order, with a steady hand and a calm demeanor. To me, he's someone I look up to—his presence always feels strong and reassuring. Even though he's serious, there's a warmth to him, and I know he cares about me in his own way.Then there's Calvin Ruth Theodoreford, my mischievous second brother. He's seven and looks a lot like Mom but behaves and acts oppositely, he is so funny! He's always running around, laughing, and doing funny things. He doesn't sit still like everyone else, and when he makes noise, it's always loud and exciting. Sometimes, I don't know what he's doing, but I like watching him because he makes everything feel fun. He doesn't seem like the other grown-ups; he's different, always smiling and talking to me like we're in a big game.Our last name, Theodoreford, reminds me of the book I used to write. Yeah, I'm into fantasy novels. Oh, and I love reading all kinds of books too but fantasy and sci-fi novels, manga and animes has that special place in my heart.Anyway, let's talk about my brothers. They're attending the empire's academy, which is exclusively for boys. It's kind of like Earth's old monarchy, where only boys got to go to school. Girls, on the other hand, are taught at home by private tutors. But here's the twist: noble girls with magical powers also get magic lessons at home as an extra subject.Tristan, my big brother, is really, really smart. Everyone says he's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of genius. He can do magic, like, all the time. He's really good at it! I don't really understand all the big words, but I know he's special. He can use all kinds of magic like Earth, Water, and Air. People say he's super amazing because not many people can do that.Sometimes he talks to me about magic and says words I don't understand. But I think it's about how you're born with special powers to do different kinds of magic. If you can do more magic, it's harder to get better at it, but Tristan's really good at it already.He can control the wind, and even though some people think wind magic is easy, they say it's not! But Tristan can do it better than anyone. He's also really good at fighting, with swords, and spears, and even shooting arrows! He's so fast and strong.People say his magic power is so big that even the best machines can't figure out how much power he really has. It's like he has more magic than anyone can count! That's why everyone is so amazed by him.Brother Calvin is really amazing, too, just like Tristan. He's super special and has magic like fire! Everyone says he's really, really good, and even though he doesn't have lots of magic power like Tristan, he still got super strong with his fire magic. But what's even cooler is that Calvin is really, really good at fighting with swords. He's only young, but they say he's nearing the stage of sword master! That's huge! He's the best with a sword, and even has special powers around him when he fights, like his own magic. They say that's really rare. Everyone is amazed by how good he is at sword fighting.Still, when it comes to talent, nobody can surpass my Dad!Dad is so special, too. He has a super cool power, the metal element! It's really rare, and only two people in all of the empire have had it. The first person was my grandma, the old empress, but she passed away before Tristan was born. Now, Dad is the second person to have this power, and that makes him really important.The metal element is kind of mysterious, though. Not many people know exactly what it can do or how strong Dad really is. People don't even know what magic tier he's in! But I know, just like my brothers, he's really amazing. I can feel it. He's just as incredible as them, even if we don't know everything about his magic yet.Mom's abilities are kind of a mystery to everyone. Some people think she's a genius, while others just can't stop talking about how healthy she is, which is pretty rare! She's done something amazing—she's the first person ever to reach tier 2 with the water element. People say that's really hard, especially because most people who can use water magic don't live long or get really sick. But Mom? She's totally different. She's in great shape and even knows how to use a sword, which is pretty awesome! I think she's like a mix of magic and strength, and that makes her even more incredible.As for me, I can't wait to find out what my magic ability will be. I have a feeling I might know what it is, but I don't want to get too excited just in case I'm wrong. I'm scared that if I talk about it too much, it'll jinx it or something. So, I'm just waiting, hoping that when the time comes, it'll be something amazing like my brothers' powers.Wait, what? You're asking how I knew about all this despite being a 1-year-old?Other than my brothers who tell me stories, I also like to listen in on the maids' conversations when they think I'm not paying attention. Since I haven't been able to walk for the past year, I spend a lot of time in my bedroom, and their chatter has become my little entertainment. I've learned so much from them, little things about our family, the empire, and even the magic around us.One day, everyone was shocked when I started speaking. It wasn't exactly clear or perfect, but I could speak! They were all so surprised—especially my parents and the maids. I think they didn't expect it.And then, there's Anna, my nanny, "My princess, happy birthday," and she's been with our family for so long. She was even the nanny for the previous princes when they were babies. I'm so lucky to have her."thank you, Nana" and that is me trying to talkDespite being lisped Anna smiled warmly at me."We will get you ready princess since today is the day you will get your God blessing," Anna said as she carried me to the Bathroom."Nana what is God Bwessing?" I asked."God Blessing is a special ceremony for every child on their first birthday," Anna told me while she was giving me a bath. "You'll go to the church, and they'll find out what kind of magic you can use."She smiled, adjusting the water and continuing, "Your mana is what makes your magic work, and we won't know how much you have until your coming-of-age ceremony. But right now, we'll see what kind of magic you might have, the core elements like Earth, Air, Fire, and Water."I'm so excited, though! Maybe, just maybe, I'll get to be like my big brothers and have three types of magic! Or even just one would be amazing. Magic is something everyone dreams of having. It's like being the main character in a story, and I really want to find out if I have something cool too!○○The church looms large before us, its imposing presence casting a sense of awe and wonder to the people passing by. As my mom carries me in her arms, we make our way inside. Upon entering, my eyes are immediately drawn to the ceiling, a breathtaking display of glass crafted into a concave shape reminiscent of a pyramid. Intricate images are on its surface, giving the essence of divine beauty. Despite its vastness, the interior lacks the customary rows of pews. Instead, it's an expansive open space, with walls adorned with paintings showing scenes of faith and reverence. Beneath our feet, the floor was made of marble, its polished surface reflecting the light that filters in through the glass ceiling. But the most mesmerizing sight awaits at the center—a radiant orb pulsating with energy. Its ethereal blue hue gives a gentle glow, resembling a miniature sun floating in space. Its presence fills the chamber with a sense of divine majesty."Greetings, Your Highness," said a hooded man wearing a blue graduation gown.Father waved him off with a grin. "No need to be so formal, Detemir. It's just the four of us.""You're still the Emperor, Yohanne. You should act like it," the hooded man teased, his voice laced with laughter, though his face was still hidden by his hood.Father raised an eyebrow and nudged him playfully. "Since when do you care about formalities?"Mister Detemir smirked. "Since my crazy, bastard best friend became Emperor.""Crazy? Bastard? THE AUDACITY! HOW DARE YOU CALL YOUR EMPEROR NAMES IN FRONT OF HIS FACE?!! You should be beheaded!" Father shot back, glaring at him as if he were about to start a duel.Are they going to fight?I glanced at Mom, but she was just chilling, looking at them like it was no big deal.And then..."HAHAHAHAHAHA!" They both burst out laughing. Even Mom snickered and shook her head a little."It's been a while, Yohanne, Genevieve," Mister Detemir said, finally pulling down his hood. He looked at Father, then at Mother, and finally, his eyes landed on me.Mister Detemir had these deep, dark blue eyes that almost seemed to pull you in, and his black hair was sleek and well-kept, like he stepped out of a painting. His face was sharp, almost sculpted—he looked like someone who'd been carved out of stone. Honestly, he had that perfect, handsome vibe going on that made you think he wasn't even real, like something you'd see in a fantasy story.Now, my dad's handsome, no question about it, but Mister Detemir had a whole different kind of presence. It was like the air around him changed—he had this broad, strong build that made you feel like he could take on anything—well I just assumed that cause you cant really see his body with that graduation like Gown, still even with his robe hiding most of his physique, you could still see that he was built like a mountain. The kind of guy who just stood there and made you wonder if he'd knock you over with one arm.And, well, I might have been reincarnated into a baby, but I could still feel the way he carried himself—like he was the kind of person everyone noticed the moment he entered a room. Too bad for me or I might have had a chance to make him blush with some cheeky comment. But hey, even as a baby, I could tell he had that charming kind of energy, and please Dont judge me! I'm an adult in a baby's body! "Oh who do we have here?" he said as he took me from Mom's arms, Yep, I'm sure now! He's built like a rock—a hard, sturdy rock. when he wrapped his arms around me, I can instantly feel it, I could feel it all the way through my tiny baby body! too bad really, today will be one of the days I regret being reincarnated as a baby.he then exclaimed, "Yohanne! You bastard, how can such an angel look like you?"My dad raised an eyebrow. "Is that how a priest should talk?"Mister Detemir just shrugged, smirking. "You were the one who told me to stop being reserved in front of you."Mom's smile softened as her gaze lingered on me. "Anya, darling, this is Detemir Vonheim," she said warmly, her voice carrying that comforting tone I always loved. "He's the head priest of the capital, and he's also your father's old, dear friend.""I'm not that Old Genevieve" he exclaimedI stared up at Mister Detemir, feeling a bit confused. "Is she able to understand you?" he asked, since I didn't say a word after my mother's introduction."Nice to meet chu," I said, giving a little bow. My tiny hands barely moved, but I did my best to be polite. Mister Detemir looked at me with surprise, his eyes wide, before breaking into a warm, amused smile."Well, aren't you just the cutest thing," he chuckled, clearly taken aback by my effort. I giggled a little, feeling proud of myself for making him smile.Dad felt proud watching the whole exchange. "She's a smart one, isn't she?""Seems like it," Mister Detemir agreed, gently rocking me in his arms. He was surprisingly soft and kind, and I couldn't help but giggle again, feeling a warm, fuzzy feeling from the attention.Mom laughed, looking at us with that soft, fond smile.With the sexiest smile I'd ever seen, Mister Detemir said, "What a precious little thing you are."I had to look away from that, I mean, seriously? How can someone be allowed to look like that! Sure, I may look like a cute, charming baby, but inside, I've got the brain of an adult! I cant help but blush and be shy at that."Hey, you perverted priest, that's my daughter!" My father muttered as he snatched me away from Detemir's arms.Then things took a weird turn. The two of them started a death glare competition. Seriously, it felt like I was watching two gladiators, but without the cool armor. Suddenly, it got cold. I mean, really cold. Had it always been this chilly? I looked around, and I noticed my mom wasn't just scowling anymore—she was giving off full-on "don't mess with my baby" vibes.And that's when I saw it—ice spears. Floating in the air. Around her. I swear, they looked like they were ready to start a full-on ice party."Don't PASS my daughter back and forth like she's a THING!" Mom snapped.Her hair started levitating, like she was in some frosty dance-off with the universe. Ice spears were popping up like eager party guests, and even her toes got in on the action—icicles started forming around her feet. Her voice was so dramatic, I half-expected a movie trailer to start playing. "In a world where boundaries are crossed, one mother... will not stand for it."It was like an evil version of Elsa had walked into the room, and let me tell you, I wasn't the only one who felt the chill. Daddy jumped back like he'd just been shocked by an electric fence, and Mister Detemir? He immediately scrambled behind Dad like a kid trying to dodge a game of tag."Whoa, whoa, whoa," Mister Detemir said, his voice shaky.And yes, the big man, with all his muscles and charisma, was now hiding behind my Dad like a scared little puppy. Classic.----After all the chilly reunion the ceremony started with Mister Detemir explaining to me the blue sun-like figure in the middle of the church."Look, Anya! See this pretty, glowing ball? It's magic!" Mister Detemir said. "It changes colors! If you touch it, it might turn green like grass, red like fire, yellow like the sun, or blue like the water!"I just looked at him without responding, he in return had a puzzled expression."I just showed her the colors, but I'm not sure she understands yet," Mister Detemir said, looking at my parents. "Do you think she gets the idea of green, red, yellow, and blue?""She's got it," my mom said, standing all confident and calm next to my dad, who looked like he might've just seen a ghost.I mean, it's not every day they're intimidated by my mom. But hey, it's a solid reminder that being all sweet and gentle can turn you into a force of nature when someone messes with your kid.Good luck, Dad! You did, after all, choose to marry her.After making sure I got what Mister Detemir was saying, he gently placed me into the glowing blue orb, the Sapphire. And contrary to what I expected, it wasn't hot or anything. I was just floating there, totally chill. No breeze or air, but honestly, it felt kind of nice. Like a quiet little bubble just for me."Why isn't it changing?" Dad asked, sounding a bit less panicked now, but still kind of confused.I glanced around and noticed the Sapphire was still that deep blue color. It wasn't shifting like it was supposed to. What was going on?"Maybe she's a water type like me," Mom said, her voice sounding worried."Mm, no, the Sapphire should turn light blue if that's the case," Mister Detemir replied, frowning slightly.We waited for a while, but the color didn't budge. Finally, Mister Detemir gently lifted me out of the Sapphire."It seems like the princess doesn't have an aptitude for any element," Mister Detemir said to my parents.That hit like a cold bucket of water. I couldn't use magic?"But doesn't that mean she can't use magic? She's not compatible with any element?" Dad asked, his voice a bit shaky.Mister Detemir just stared at my dad with that weird, constipated look he always gets when he's trying to think hard and didn't respond right away."But that's impossible! Detemir, she has my blood and Genevieve's blood! She has to inherit at least one aptitude! She's got the royal family's features!" Dad nearly yelled, looking desperate."I'm sorry, Yohanne," Mister Detemir said quietly, clearly not sure what to make of it either.Wait... So, I couldn't use magic?As I floated there, trying to make sense of the silence in the room, a strange thought started creeping into my mind. My parents were panicking, but I felt... strangely calm. Maybe it was the peacefulness of the Sapphire, or maybe, deep down, I was already used to feeling out of place.I blinked, and for a brief moment, my mind flashed back to a memory, one I hadn't thought of in a long time. I was back in the orphanage on Earth—alone, unwanted, just another child waiting for a chance at being adopted. The echo of distant voices from the caretakers, the sound of laughter and play outside, but never directed at me. I was always the one left behind, the one no one picked. I remembered how I'd hide in corners, wishing for some sort of magic to make me special, to give me a place where I could belong.But that was my old life, right? I shouldn't be thinking about that now. I had a new family here—one that loved me. Still, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of fear. Was I being abandoned again? If I didn't have magic, would I always feel like I didn't fit in? Would I always be the one left out, like I was back there?