"Yes, Grandfather!" His voice carried a mixture of pride and youthful excitement. "Just last week, I won a duel against a knight. My master said I’m ready to advance to magic swordsmanship training!"
Emperor Andrew’s gaze softened with approval. "My, my… quite the fast learner, aren’t you? I recall having to wait until I was sixteen before I was even allowed to begin magic swordsmanship."
Benric’s chest swelled slightly at the praise, his dark eyes shining with satisfaction.
The emperor smiled, nodding. "Such dedication deserves to be rewarded. I ought to present you with something fitting for your efforts."
Benric’s expression brightened further, though he remained respectfully silent, waiting to hear what his grandfather had in mind.
"I also heard that Gracie has performed exceptionally well in her Hilda language studies at the Imperial Noble Academy," he remarked.
At this, Gracie froze mid-bite, her fork hovering above her plate. A moment later, she puffed her cheeks in an indignant pout before setting down her utensils.
"Grandfather! You promised not to have spies watching over me at the academy!" she protested, her voice carrying the unmistakable tone of youthful exasperation. "I was planning to surprise Aunt Frederica by speaking in Hilda when I visited her!"
A soft chuckle rippled through the table.
The Emperor, unfazed by his granddaughter’s mock outrage, let out a deep, hearty laugh, the sound echoing warmly through the grand dining hall.
"My dear Gracie, how could I not be concerned about my beloved granddaughter’s progress?" he said, his tone rich with affection. "It is only natural that I take an interest in the accomplishments of my family. And if you truly wish to surprise Frederica, I am certain she will be delighted regardless."
Frederica, sitting beside Nolan, smiled at Gracie. "Oh? I would love to hear you speak in Hilda, dear. Perhaps you can give us a small demonstration now?" she teased lightly.
Gracie crossed her arms, still pouting, though her expression betrayed amusement. "No, Aunt Frederica! I refuse! You’ll have to wait for my surprise!"
A ripple of laughter spread around the table. Even Prince William, who had been somewhat withdrawn, allowed himself a small chuckle. The once-tense atmosphere had lifted entirely, replaced with the warmth of familial teasing and shared amusement.
With a pleased nod, Emperor Andrew leaned back slightly. "You both have shown great dedication in your pursuits—Benric with his swordsmanship and Gracie with her studies. Such efforts should not go unrewarded."
Stolen novel; please report.
His words carried the weight of a promise.
At this, both Benric and Gracie sat up straighter, anticipation glimmering in their eyes.
Though no specific rewards were mentioned yet, they knew their grandfather was a man of his word.
As the conversation drifted back to lighter topics, the atmosphere around the table settled into one of ease and warmth.
A Week Later, Street of Imperial District, Capital City of Ancorna
[ Reputation System v0.1 ]
User: Ravenna Solarius / Joy Cha Kim
Reputation Level: 61 (9390 / 9400 EXP)
Current Reputation Points: 49,000
Titles: Raven of the Sun Palace, Unruly Princess
{ View Reputation Log } { Spend Reputation Points }
Ravenna’s lips curled in satisfaction as she reviewed the numbers. Her reputation points were growing steadily, no doubt thanks to her high-profile return through the main streets. The whispers, the gazes, the hushed voices carrying her name—it all fed into the system.
[Reputation System Log]
- +9 Points: Citizen Jackson is stunned by your return to the capital and hopes everything will be fine.
- +9 Points: Citizen Delarius is stunned by your return to the capital and hopes everything will be fine.
- +9 Points: Citizen Helen is stunned by your return to the capital and hopes everything will be fine.
Just then, a burst of excitement shattered her thoughts.
"Master! Look over there! That shop is selling artifacts! And—wait! That one has caged magical beasts!"
Ravenna turned to see Marie, her ever-enthusiastic companion, practically hanging out of the carriage window, eyes wide with childish wonder. The girl’s exuberance was infectious, and for a brief moment, Ravenna almost felt amused.
The grandeur of Ancorna, the heart of the empire, stretched out before them as the imperial carriage rumbled along the cobblestone streets of the Imperial District. Banners bearing the golden insignia of the Solarius family fluttered high above the streets, marking the city's noble quarters.
Beyond the window, the marketplaces of Ancorna were alive with a vibrant display of goods—enchanted jewelry, elixirs in crystalline vials, finely crafted weapons, and magical trinkets pulsing with magic energy. There were beast merchants, their stalls lined with glowing-eyed felines, miniature drakes, and even the rare spirit-bound familiars that only the wealthiest could afford.
Marie, completely mesmerized, pressed her hands against the window as if she might leap out at any moment.
Ravenna let out a soft chuckle. "At least try to maintain some decorum, Marie. We will be meeting our enemies soon."
Marie pulled her head back inside, blinking in confusion. "You keep calling them enemies… but aren’t they your family, Master?" she asked, tilting her head.
Ravenna’s smile did not falter. If anything, it sharpened.
"Of course. That is precisely why they are the enemies."
There was a brief silence, the weight of her words sinking in.
Then, her voice took on a teaching tone, one Marie had heard many times before. "Now, tell me—what must a raven do when faced with a beast larger than itself?"
Marie straightened up, eager to recite the lesson she had memorized. "It targets its weak spots since it cannot fight head-on! Like… plucking out its eyes!"
Ravenna gave an approving nod. "That’s right. A raven does not fight for dominance—it fights for survival. It strikes where it must, and only when the time is right."
Marie clenched her small fists, determination flickering in her youthful gaze. "Then I will make sure to hold my own, Master! You don’t need to worry!"
Ravenna simply smiled, shifting her gaze back to the window.
In the distance, the imperial palace loomed, its towering spires of white marble and gilded domes gleaming under the midday sun. It stood majestic.
"The den of beasts is finally in sight," she murmured.