Emperor's Alternate - Chapter 7
“…Archmage Galen, despite dedicating his entire life to reviving lost magic from the ancient kingdom, produced lackluster results.”
The Emperor’s mistress swiftly cross-referenced my response with the text. Her expression momentarily hardened. I heard the sound of her rapidly flipping through the pages. She lifted her hand.
“Guess what page this sentence is on: ‘Legend has it that there is even a spell that can turn back time’.”
“…It’s on page 59, the 36th sentence.”
The consort’s finger traversed page 59 before coming to an abrupt stop. She asked once more.
“Now, recite page 97 off the top of your head.”
“…which led to an effort to create the magic of time altogether. He insisted that this theory was more than a mere hypothesis. Evidence was mounting that magical energy could travel as fast as, or even faster than, light…”
I recited softly but without hesitation. She listened attentively, never interrupting my words. After recounting everything on page 97, I found myself slightly breathless.
The Emperor’s mistress remained silent for a while, her eyes indicating disbelief despite witnessing it. She stared at me with a cold and serious expression, clearly aware that this was no prank.
“Why did you choose me?”
“My younger brother is ill.”
I didn’t elaborate further, hoping that she would interpret the rest on her own. The more I explained, the more diluted her current emotions might become.
I saw it clearly. Her gaze landed once on my blonde hair, the same color as her son’s, and once on my blue eyes. At that moment, Lucian woke up and started crying. The usually composed consort’s expression twisted as if she felt something for Lucian, who was the same age as her own son.
“First, let’s see the child.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
In truth, I was the one who had slyly pinched my little brother’s behind through the blanket at that right time. I deliberately made him cry.
***
That’s how the Emperor’s consort became our protector.
A week later, thanks to my help in crafting a sentence that convinced the Emperor, the consort’s son was officially recognized as the Sixth Prince. Even though it was only natural for an Emperor’s son to finally be legitimized, the Emperor’s mistress was pleased with me.
“Indeed, you are well-versed in the traditions and etiquette of the imperial family.”
“I merely wanted to repay the kindness you showed. If it weren’t for Your Majesty, my siblings and I would have perished long ago.”
“One who knows gratitude… I, too, will surely repay what I’ve received. The swift appointment of the Sixth Prince was all thanks to your efforts. I’ll spare no expense for your education, for the sake of my son.”
At that time, knights with fire in their eyes were searching for us, calling us traitors. The consort hid us in an old watchtower. Abandoned in the middle of nowhere, the tower was ramshackle enough that no one bothered to look at it.
Even though we were isolated from society, the most important thing was that we had survived. With the consort’s unwavering support, I read and read countless books. Emotionally, I needed somewhere to run to. I needed something to immerse myself in. Whenever I tried to relax even for a moment, I could hear the screams of my family ringing in my ears.
Books were my sanctuary. It was my only connection to the outside world that hadn’t changed.
“I will protect you, no matter what.”
I often made that promise while cradling my burbling younger brother in my arms. I tried not to let the guilt of being the only survivor drive me insane. I wasn’t alone. I still had family to protect. And now, there was no one else but me to restore our family’s honor.
At night, I was reluctant to sleep for fear of nightmares. The sight of fire tormented me, reminding me of the burning siege. The Emperor’s mistress could see through me better than anyone else.
***
Time passed quickly.
I was now ten years old, having spent my life almost pathologically immersed in books. The Emperor’s mistress slowly read my learning report and placed it on the table. The document contained the comprehensive results of the knowledge tests I had taken.
“You show the greatest aptitude for magic. Top 0.01%, impressive.”
“…Thank you. It’s all thanks to Your Majesty’s support.”
“Of course, your mana affinity is on the average side, but…. Those who are this strong in theory are considered geniuses in academia.”
She was right. I was no mage.
However, drawing magic circles and crafting magical items were disciplines where theoretical knowledge was more crucial than mana utilization. Mixing ingredients was all it took for potion-making, and magical items are easier to develop if you know how they work.
I excelled in particular at creating new magical spells. Just as there are knights who wield swords and fight on the battlefield, there are scientists in the background who develop advanced weaponry. Similarly, though I couldn’t become a battlemage, I could unleash more destructive forces behind the scenes.
The Emperor’s mistress looked at me with her legs crossed and said, “I’m not one to easily trust people.”
“…?”
“Especially not a smart child like you. There’s no telling what you might have up your sleeve.”
She whispered in a low, hushed voice. I stared at her, startled by her unexpected words.
“Your Majesty, how can you doubt my loyalty? I have never forgotten your grace, not even for a moment.”
“It’s just that your talents are too extraordinary. Among the magical items you’ve created, there are gloves that evade mana defenses, potions that alter one’s appearance, and cards that trick imperial-sanctioned identification devices.”
She spoke decisively, as if her judgment had already been made.
“I think it’s time for you to receive the ‘Imprint of the Heart.'”
