Chapter 13
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Refining the Light
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I sat alone in the empty Training Hall and pulled out the paper the Old Mage had given me.
It was a set of guidelines for exploring my Unique Magic.
1. Whether it can be touched like an object or not.
2. If it can, how much destructive power does it have, and can it freely change form?
3. If not, does it apply to matter, to the mind, or some other form?
The guidelines totaled just over twenty in all.
If I tackled them one by one, I could probably check them off in a single day.
Or at least, it was easy to think that way.
The beginning was simple, but they grew harder as they went on, and it looked like they'd take a lot of time.
And in reality, they probably would.
'Good enough.'
I caught my breath for a moment, then immediately circulated my mana.
I used my Unique Magic to create light.
The light that appeared before my eyes was about the size of a tennis ball, and when I grabbed it, I could feel it in my hand.
The texture was close to soft silk.
I could freely change its shape, but for now, the limit was about the size of a pencil.
Since I still lacked training, the duration I could maintain it was short.
With steady effort, it would grow longer, no doubt.
'That's enough for today.'
I extinguished the white light I had been rolling in my hand.
The road ahead looked long, but I didn't feel anxious or desperate.
After all, I'd already acquired my Unique Magic.
So, I passed the time practicing to smooth out my mana flow.
"Your Highness. I've come to escort you."
Just as I'd circulated my mana five full cycles, Antiope knocked on the door.
Perfect timing.
"Alright. Wait outside. I'll be out soon."
I raised my voice in reply, then slowly stood and stepped outside.
Antiope was the only one waiting by the door.
"And the guests?"
"Both have returned home. The maids are seeing them off."
"I see. How was today's lesson?"
"It went smoothly. All thanks to Your Highness's grace."
It wasn't wrong, but hearing it straight from her made my face heat up.
Weirdly embarrassing.
"What have I even done? Let's talk details once we're back in the room."
Before my cheeks burned any hotter, I led Antiope down the corridor.
As we walked, my face cooled, and my mind settled.
The moment we returned to my room, I pulled out a table and chair and sat.
Antiope naturally took the seat across from me.
Having her stand on duty made her uncomfortable, and it made me uneasy too.
"Your Highness. I have something to tell you."
After a brief silence to catch our breath,
Antiope glanced sideways and spoke up hesitantly.
"What is it? Speak freely."
"Today, Lady Claudius asked me to keep tabs on Your Highness's activities. So..."
Antiope shrank her shoulders like a guilty child on the verge of tears.
She'd taken an interest in me and asked for personal info in return for some promised help, and Antiope had accepted.
"No big deal."
Once I'd heard the whole story, it really wasn't.
Not enough to call it wrongdoing.
Something even high nobles or common folk might do.
"Still, on second thought, it felt like I was selling out Your Highness's privacy without permission. I'm truly sorry."
Antiope bowed her head slightly in apology.
She trembled but didn't let out a single sob.
Most would instinctively cry in a spot like this, but maybe her harsh life had beaten that out of her? Crying probably only made things worse in her past.
Like getting beaten for being annoying.
"No. That was fine. Good judgment, even. Everyday stuff like that, you can share freely."
I comforted Antiope and laid out simple guidelines.
Guidelines were standards, and with standards, she could judge calmly.
"Thank you."
Antiope slowly lifted her head.
Her quivering lips and eyes looked like those of an abused, frightened child.
Made me pity her needlessly.
"Your call wasn't bad, and being upfront about it was good. Keep learning and acting like this from now on."
"Yes, Your Highness. I'll keep it in mind."
"Good. And only share strictly everyday matters. Ignore anything else and say nothing happened."
Ekyon genuinely likes me.
I got that, but not enough to fully trust her yet.
Antiope was my exclusive subordinate.
Ekyon was tied to the mighty ducal house.
A solid backing, sure, but it came with their values.
Even hanging out with me was part of that.
So, when she prioritizes me over her house.
When her loyalties flip, that's when I'll open my heart.
Until then, keep things friendly but moderate.
'Can't mistreat someone who likes me.'
With my thoughts sorted, everything felt clear and refreshing.
Like sucking on a mint candy while chugging a liter and a half of soda.
"Oh. And if you're idle while on standby, rest up. Or practice your magic."
"Pardon? Is that really okay?"
Antiope's eyes went wide.
Few jobs let you self-improve on company time.
"Of course. If you master magic and get stronger, that's good for me too. I'd even order you to do it."
"Thank you. I'll work hard."
Flames sparked in the blue eyes of the former slave.
So intense, it nearly set me ablaze just watching.
'She's fired up.'
Antiope promptly closed her eyes and began meditating.
The mana flow around her felt serious—no half-measures.
Should I join her?
Watching her made my hands and feet itch to cast magic.
In the end, I unfurled my magic too.
"Son. Very busy these days?"
It had been a week since I started analyzing my Unique Magic.
Orpheus visited my room.
Rare, considering she dropped by daily before.
"You're the busy one, Mother. You must be exhausted."
I glanced at her, took her hand, and guided her to a seat.
Antiope stood behind me, out of the Emperor's sight.
"I'm so grateful my son worries for me. Thanks to you, I'm not tired at all—full of energy."
"Then let me energize you more."
I conjured white light in my right hand and placed it on the Emperor's arm.
It looked like a simple hand rest, but the light and mana were being absorbed.
"Amazing. I really feel stronger? Is this your magic, son?"
Orpheus widened her eyes in surprise.
Her body was visibly recovering—impossible not to be shocked.
"Yes. Seems to have a recovery effect. I'll need more practice to check other effects."
"Magic just like my son."
Orpheus smiled happily and stroked my head.
Her joy shone plainly on her face.
"I want to learn more magic soon to help you. Studying it is fun too."
Might as well butter her up more while at it.
Way better than babbling about future dreams like becoming a jobless seed-spreader.
Her eyes welled up, apparently too touched.
"Your feelings alone are enough, but I'm so happy I could cry. Thank you."
"I'm the thankful one."
"No, Mother is more thankful. How did such a kind child come from our bloodline?"
The Emperor dabbed her tears with her sleeve and smiled.
In her current state, she might hand me the throne if I asked.
'Should I try it?'
A impulsive curiosity surged, but I quickly dismissed it.
I wasn't ready yet.
"By the way, you've been so busy training, no time for outside news? Want Mother to fill you in?"
"Something happen? You seemed swamped."
"A bit busy, yes."
Orpheus's mouth and eyes curved like crescent moons.
A face I'd never seen in the game— all the more charming.
"All good now?"
"Mm... I'd love to say yes, but my son sees through lies, so truthfully: it'll stay busy."
"Because of me?"
The words "slave reform" flashed in my mind.
Only reason for her recent busyness.
"Of course not. Even if it's for you, Mother's the one implementing it. Don't worry."
Orpheus hugged me tight and kissed my forehead.
My hunch was right.
"How much longer will it be busy?"
"Hard to say. Reviewing regional slave reports, secret investigations for lies... and punishments if caught. Lots to uncover."
"Depending on the investigations?"
"Exactly."
I averted my eyes briefly from her smile.
Sensitive topic—Antiope, standing far off, had a flickering gaze.
Excited? Or dreading false hope?
Couldn't tell yet.
'A few years, huh.'
The Sex Survivor world was fantasy-based.
Magic and items aplenty, but no instant modern comms.
And the Ion Empire was vast.
Remoter regions made cheating easier.
Central nobles any different?
No.
They'd minimize their losses too.
Who wouldn't resent losing private property?
Modern analogy: ruling and opposition parties unanimously approving pay raises—zero no votes.
Key was gauging loyals who'd turn, and the usual non-cooperators.
"Did I bring up something bad?"
"No, I thought it was good. Solid justification, potential gains. Get it?"
"A bit."
"Really? Never taught you."
Orpheus's eyes sparkled as she squeezed me tighter.
My head sank deeper into her cleavage.
First felt just happy; now even happier each time.
How was getting smothered so thrillingly new?
'Weird.'
After basking in bliss between her breasts, I slowly lifted my head.
Her rich scent clogged my nose.
"You've heard the rumors flying around."
"Listening and remembering them shows promise. You'll be so reliable when you grow up."
"I want to help soon. I hate you being busy, but hate bad stuff happening more."
"My son's all grown up."
Strangely, "all grown up" hit me in the chest.
Just those words...
While I faltered, Orpheus set me on the chair and stood.
"In short, it'll take a few years. Can't avoid thorough checks."
A few years.
Short for upending an order.
"Hope no one gets hurt. You especially, Mother."
"Thanks for worrying. I'll watch out for the workers too. Rest well."
Orpheus kissed my cheek farewell and left.
The storm had finally passed.
"Antiope. Come sit."
"Yes, Your Highness."
She approached slowly and sat across.
Her expression more animated than usual.
"You heard everything earlier? Don't rush—stay calm."
"I'm just grateful. All thanks to Your Highness's grace."
"Can't do much yet, so 'grace' feels off."
I chuckled, then sighed deeply.
Still too young for action, lots of uncertainties.
'In a few years...'
People skills matter, but power's key.
Your own strength.
Strength brings security, breakthroughs in worst cases.
Simple and clear.
So, while the empire upheaved, I'd hone strength and magic.
Physical training too.
"Antiope."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Maid duties matter, but prioritize magic training from now on."
Youthful downtime's prime for building power.
No exception for her.
"I'll remember."
Antiope nodded, eyes sparkling.
Like she'd grasped something.
Was iffy on Ekyon, thought to keep distance—but changed my mind.
Plan to make her prioritize me over family.
No guarantees it'd work, but possible.
With Antiope left dragon, Ekyon right tiger?
Even I could picture it looking good.
'No confidence, but gotta try.'
No dating experience, clueless on women, zero self-assurance.
But status was my weapon.
Plus seeds to breed healthy heirs.
I resolved to push with that weapon.
Figure it'd work out somehow.