[7]

There are some things I have learned about magic in this world. Like I said before that this world is also thick with magic aura. Maybe in some places that I know call aura as the 'mana' that is in their bodies. But I'll call it aura because in my world, the mention of 'mana' is something slightly different from aura.

Usually, the use and level of aura strength is seen from the efficiency of the skill in consuming aura or the difficulty of a spell chant. The more difficult a spell is cast, the stronger the damage will be. That is the knowledge they believe in in this world. What's unique is that they don't concentrate their aura on the heart to pump it around the body like blood. By making use of the vibrations of the heart, they create a ball of magical aura that coils around the heart. They called it the 'magic body star'.

This also applies to seeing how much magic aura they store. The more balls of magic aura circling around the heart, the more storage containers for their magic aura. I don't think it's too bad with a method like that. Because if one of the balls is broken or damaged, then there are still other aura balls. It's just that because the balls rotate around the heart, it makes the enemy easy to immobilize them because they only need to target the part around the heart.

Some of their magic development theory, they made changes to those magic orbs. Namely by placing the balls in random parts of the body, but still being able to circle around their heart. Like the planets circling the stars in their system. And until now they still use the theory of magic to this day. At least that's what the history of magic in this world says.

I honestly don't understand why not apply the magic method that keeps rippling all over the body. Because then not many deficiencies in magic storage would occur. It's just that if you block the flow of magic aura, of course it will block your magic flow and it feels very painful. It could be said that you could instantly die just because the flow of your magic aura was blocked at the main point of the body. Yes, let's just say that there is no better among the options. One thing for sure is don't die.

"Princess, what is the princess thinking about?"

Regis' question snapped me out of my reverie. I looked at the four people who were now sitting in front of me. The three children of the Alston and Alberich families returned to visit the palace. Like Regis said yesterday before leaving, they sure did bring some gift boxes for me and Venus. Delighted, the Queen or Freya gave each of them a gift box upon their arrival. At least I don't have to bother feeling bad because Freya has taken care of everything. And now Venus is accompanying me to invite them to play in the palace library, again.

"Hmm, I have a question for all of you," I said calmly as I twirled the quill in my hand.

Now my words made the four children stare at me with a questioning expression. Somehow I feel the oldest here because William also showed a questioning expression with his innocence.

"What is it sis Val?" asked Venus curiously.

"What do you think is gravity?" my first question.

"Ah! Ah! I know! It is land!" Venus answered excitedly.

Seriously, if you look at it from the elemental magic it does have something to do with it though..

"It's a magnet!" Regis said.

"What do you mean magnets? It's different!" protested Reyna.

Ho? Look at this little girl..

"So what is it?" I asked.

"Umm, according to the book I read... it's a tug?" Reyna said hesitantly.

I nodded in understanding in response to all of them. Then I turned to look at William who was silently staring at me.

"If it's about common knowledge, then the example is planets," said William.

"Hm? Is that so? What is gravity in other sciences anyway?" I asked.

"I think if it's magic, the previous answers are correct. It has something to do with the ground and the magnetic tug-of-war effect."

"Ho.. you know a lot about magic huh."

"Maybe that's all I know."

I chuckled at that. Still with my right hand playing the quill, my left hand supporting my chin I switch to take the paper beside me.

"Then how about we play a little game."

My words succeeded in making the eyes of the twins and Venus twinkle. They chose to close the book before them and immediately rose from their seats. While William just followed quietly.

"Where are we going sis?"

"What are we going to play, princess?"

Those questions kept being cheerfully asked by the children to me. Ignoring them I put ink with my quill on the paper in front of me. I made a circle pattern and a dot in the center of the circle. It looks like an archery target board.

"We're not going anywhere. We will play here. Get away from that table a little bit," I said after finishing the pattern on the paper.

After spreading my aura in the library room, I pointed my hand towards the big table there. The big rectangular table was the table we used before. There were still books and papers on it, I focused my aura on them to fly away then landed slowly on the carpet. In contrast to the large table that I directed near the library window by turning the surface of the table to face us. And of course it made the amazed gazes of the children directed at me.

"It's a secret between us, don't tell anyone," I warned.

The children nodded in understanding. To be honest, I'm a little doubtful about what I'm doing. In my world, it is illegal for someone to use magical aura inside the library. I just wish there wasn't such a thing here. I again took out the magic aura in my hand, spawning four magic spikes. I stuck the nail on the paper I had previously drawn on. Then the nails carried the papers flying towards the table which now looked like a wooden wall. Now there are four targets lined up neatly on the table.

"Are we going to play archery?" Regis asked.

"No, but it's a bit similar," I replied.

It may look like they are going to play needle throwing like a game of darts. It's just that this time I won't give them those sharp needles, especially since there's a glass window behind the table. It's a bit like a darts bullet, except at the end it's not a needle, but a rubber that can stick to any element of the object. Maybe you could say it's a bit like glue or chewing gum. In addition, it's easy to clean, since the rubber bullets are made from my magic aura.

"Throw this and hit the target point on the paper," I said.

I ask them to stand slightly away from the table or target I mean. After I handed them ten darts each, I could see that they were very enthusiastic about this game. They may think that this is an easy thing, but because the tip of the bullet has rubber, of course it makes the bullet heavier than it actually is. As expected, all of the first shots came only half their distance from the table.

"Ah this is so hard!!" complained Venus.

"Do it right, use your strength a little," I said.

"Okay! Look at this! This is a death throw!" Regis shouted.

The kid looked like he was putting all his energy into it, but yeah, it was pretty good that it hit the edge of the target sheet a bit. And because of that he was already trying to boast himself in front of his little sister who didn't even make it halfway. While Venus was still trying hard to throw the bullets quickly. Because the bullets had run out in his hands, I snapped my fingers to pull the bullets that didn't reach it so that they returned to Venus' hands.

Yeah, do what you can..

I chose to sit in my chair and watched them from the sidelines. Unlike the others, William seemed silent and just stared at the target paper. I was a little confused and curious about what the boy was thinking. William seemed to bend his body slightly as if he was taking a swing to throw. And it seems that the two children's throws can hit the paper on the outer circle of the target.

"Wow! How did master William do it?" asked Regis who saw that as well.

"I just flew it a little higher than the target," William replied.

It is undeniable that the child's expression shows pleasure but is not satisfied with the result. William looked back at the target seriously and tried to throw it back.

I guess that kid will have very strong ambitions one day...

Throw after throw they continue to do so that their bullets hit the target. Until finally Venus and Reyna decided to give up and chose to just watch William and Regis. The two kids kept trying to hit the target point, though I'm sure it was Regis who didn't want to lose to William. This is because there are two throws by William that can hit the closest circle from the target point. Let's just say that it really almost hit the target point.

"Ugh princess! This is so hard!" Regis complained finally.

Honestly I've been waiting for the kid to complain like this. I was sure Venus and Reyna would give up first since they wouldn't be a match for ranged weapons. Why am I saying this? That's because the game aims to see what they are capable of. I think knowing their abilities sooner is better than teaching them the wrong technique in the future. Since they will always be by my side, of course they have to follow my game.

"Is it really that hard?" I asked.

"That's right princess, I also find it quite difficult," this time William joined in complaining.

"Don't say it's difficult if master William has almost hit the target, okay!" protested Regis.

I guess Regis would be really angry in a second if William answered incorrectly. But William just kept looking at me, as if asking for a little help.

"Sis Val! Let's try to throw it too!" Venus said excitedly.

Hearing that, Regis seemed interested and turned to look at me with a serious nod. I sighed and got up, walking closer to them. I stood between William and Regis by pulling up on the two bullets that had fallen on the floor.

"What do you think is speed?"

After saying that, I swung both arms simultaneously from the bottom up in a swift motion. The two bullets that I threw at once stuck into the paper tightly causing an audible impact sound. And it took the kids a little by surprise. Not meaning to be arrogant or anything, but I showed my proud smile the moment the two bullets hit the target point.

"Try to approximate the throwing power to the weight of the bullet. Speed will accompany strength to penetrate the distance. Repeat your throws."

"Beat gravity with that speed."

Whether my explanation seemed too firm or my expression looked stiff, the children stared at me blankly. But a moment after that Regis and William turned their gazes back to the target point. As if they had regained their spirits, they tried to throw him again. Good enough for William that the kid hit the target on the third throw, after the previous two had gone too far to hit a glass window.

On the fifth throw, Regis managed to hit the circle line near the target point. Even though it was close, of course it made the boy's gloomy and annoyed expression seem to just disappear. And right on the seventh throw, the bullet was right on target. And suddenly somehow the children were screaming with joy about it. Even William, who previously only received Venus and Reyna's applause, looked very happy when Regis hit the target.

"Look! I did it!" Regis exclaimed excitedly.

"Nice job y'all," I said calmly.

I clapped briefly to interrupt their excitement. I turned to stare at the large clock cupboard between the bookshelves. I guess it's time for lunch. Therefore I decided to restore the condition of the library room back to its original state. And right after the library door opened, it revealed Freya along with a few maids.

I hope Freya doesn't care too much about the remnants of my aura here..

"Kids, how about having lunch together today?" invite Freya happy.

You can see the children's bright faces, especially Venus, who immediately ran to hug Freya. After the three children greeted Freya, they were led to the palace dining hall. I, who was walking behind them, was approached by Freya who smiled warmly at me.

"Thank you for working hard, my daughter."

I stared at Freya for a moment because of the queen's words.

"I'm just playing with them, mom."

"Sure, mom knows you can take good care of them."

Freya smiled sweetly by patting my head gently. Freya walked faster than me, leaving me silent as they all walked in front of me. I don't understand but right now I feel strange inside. My mind just feels empty until I'm lazy to think about anything at this time.

✼⊷♛⊶✼

"See you princess!"

I smiled by continuing to wave my hand in the direction of the horse carriage speeding away. It's been more than two weeks, it feels like the children are going back and forth to the palace every day. Sometimes I wonder if they aren't tired of traveling from their residence to the palace and whiningly want to just stay in the castle mansion. But right after that, I was a little grateful because they didn't end up staying in my neighborhood.

Freya often tells me to keep playing like normal kids. In my heart of course I laughed out loud to hear it. Because every day I invite them to play a game of darts, but this time using real needles. Of course I didn't do it in the library like that time. I think the tree inside the castle's labyrinth is a suitable place to start.

What made me feel a little satisfied was when they, especially Regis and William, were now very proficient at playing darts. A few days ago I gave them a shooting knife, and I guess they just need a few days to train themselves. I also made it their homework when they weren't at the palace. It's just that of course I'm a little worried if the count or countess finds out about this even though I warned them.

For Venus and Reyna, I picked them suitable things to play with. Namely sitting still while closing their eyes and catching the grains of sand in their eyes. Or the cool name is meditating. Consider me a cruel big sister. But the fact was they quite liked it especially Reyna. That sweet little girl has opened up to me little by little. Quite a good development as there is no big rebellion from a small child. I guess in the future Venus will have another big sister who can keep his thriving.

"It's cold tonight, isn't it?"

I nodded in agreement at Freya who was standing right beside me.

"Isn't it always like this towards the end of the year, mom?" I asked.

"You're right, there's a lot to be done to warm everyone up."

"I think coats and firewood are selling well."

"Hahaha, you are."

Freya ruffled my hair playfully. I tried to hold my mother's hand calmly. It's just that unexpectedly Freya's strength is greater than mine. I glanced at Freya who continued to smile at me.

"Mom.."

"Why haven't you guys gone inside yet?"

Aldrich asked from behind us both. Finally Freya let go of his hand and turned to embrace me. Maybe it would be more accurate to lead me to enter the palace, because basically Freya was taller than Valencia's current body.

"Okay, here we come," Freya replied softly.

"Where's Venus?" asked Freya as we entered the palace.

"The child asked permission to return to his room immediately," replied Aldrich.

I think I know what the reason is.. haha..

I thought back to the task I gave Venus this afternoon. I asked him to keep looking at the grains of sand which had gathered a bit compared to the day they appeared. Of course the cheerful boy is very enthusiastic and will choose to carry out the tasks of his lovable older sister. Of course.

"By the way, dad, mom, me and Venus are we allowed to go around the capital again?"

Right. Since the day Aldrich and Freya banned us from going to the capital, to be honest I was quite curious about the progress of their investigation. I wanted to ask Kris this, but somehow it's been so hard to meet the old man lately. Even when I visited Carl's house, he only said that Kris still often visited his house. It's just that normally three times a week, now it's twice. Carl was only burdened with training duties by the old man and a simple mission distraction from me.

I stared silently at Aldrich who seemed to have thought of something when he heard my question. In contrast to Freya as if snapping her fingers and then smiling at me.

"Mom just remembered, I think the capital city is safe again as usual, my daughter."

Ho? Since when did that happen? Did their search bear fruit?

"So, are we finally allowed to go to the capital?"

Freya just smiled warmly in response to my question.

Alright queen, I know you are beautiful with golden eyes like Valencia and blue hair like Venus. Can't you answer yes or no?

"Well, even though the capital city is safe again, I don't think your mom will let you go out too often because it's entering winter," Aldrich finally said.

"That's right!" said Freya following.

What? We were cooped up for the winter, was that it?

"Hm okay, I get it."

Instead of questioning the obvious, I'd rather obey their words.

"If we can't make it to the capital, are we..no, I mean can I charge a fee for that?"

My question made Aldrich and Freya look at each other. Maybe they looked surprised, but I could tell from their smiles that they were quite interested in my offer.

"What is it, my daughter?" asked Aldrich.

"Let me practice witchcraft, dad, mom."

As I expected, their interested glances turned into surprised looks. Maybe Freya looked like she was thinking for a moment, but I could see Aldrich just laughing as if he was satisfied with what he heard.

"Why do you ask that? Are you bored?" asked Freya.

It's true.. but I'm lazy if I have to train my magic aura in secret all the time.. it will be troublesome if I don't ask permission like this in the future..

"No. I just want to be able to protect my little brother, mom," I replied firmly.

Freya's warm gaze turned stiff. I know that Freya is a strong person, at least that's what I believe. But feeling my body as if crushed by the power of the aura Freya gave off in front of me was something beyond my expectations. Maybe at that time I was thinking, if someone said that the queen destroyed a country by herself, I would believe it.

I want to fight this guy...

I chuckled softly and put a smile on my face. My legs are trembling to hold the weight of my body at this time, even when standing was really difficult. The swirling yet heavy aura filled the air with that gorgeous golden powder.

Maybe if I were me, I'd love to be able to fight this guy..

It may look small, but sparks of aura trickle at the tips of my fingers. Like a match that wants to light up in the pouring rain. My heart pounded at that moment. I want to immediately light the gas canister to blow up the fire in the middle of that rainstorm. However, I will endure it.

Not for me.. Not for now..

"Honey.."

Aldrich's call seemed to wake Freya up from the intimidation of her magic. Freya sighed and shook off the heavy pressure from her huge magic aura. When that happened, my body honestly wanted to just fall. Of course that's not going to happen. I have to get their approval before I decide.

"My daughter, are you sure about that?" asked Freya softly.

I wiped my smile by changing my expression to serious.

"Yes. Mom," I replied firmly.

"..perhaps you should, Master."

"Huh.. don't call me that, I'm your mom.."

Aldrich laughed loudly when he heard the call I gave Freya. In contrast to Freya who only massaged her temples. I smiled back in response to the sight I saw.

"Hey honey, I remembered one thing about you in the past."

"Shut up. Aldrich. Donovan. I don't want to argue with you."

"All right, all right, Her Majesty the queen doesn't want to be disturbed."

"I will kill you."

"Oh no, don't be so rude in front of our daughter, my love."

I stared flatly at Aldrich who chose to hide behind me. How can a father use his daughter as a shield from his wife's annoyance. Even though I admit I am the daughter who makes that annoyance.

"Magic huh? Dad will be pleased if you play sword too, little princess."

"Aldrich!!"

"Hahaha I was just kidding, jeez!"

Seeing this harmonious family... I immediately wanted to agree to Aldrich's offer before Freya screamed. Too bad..

"You have my blessing, my daughter. Do whatever you want," Aldrich said casually.

"What? Since when did you decide?" asked Freya did not accept.

"Since earlier. I am the king as well as her real father."

"Then I'm her real mother."

"Of course, my queen."

"Valencia is too young to practice magic, Aldrich."

"Then what's the problem? You also practice at the age of a child like her."

"I.. this will be too much for her."

"Too much? My daughter, how did you feel when you felt the pressure just now?"

Aldrich's question made me turn to look at him.

"That's great, one day I will be able to do that," I replied calmly.

"Look! This is my daughter, your confidence as if it will happen someday!"

I complained a little about Aldrich's behavior, which was not much different from Freya's. The two of them somehow loved to ruffle their children's hair. Don't they feel sorry for the maid who has helped tidy up her children's hair. Aldrich stopped the action of ruffling my hair. Now that person chose to bend his body and support his head on his daughter's head.

Do you feel cool like that? You're handsome but you're heavy, you know??!

"So is the answer yes or no, Your Highness the queen?" asked Aldrich.

Freya stared at us in silence for a long time. Until Freya took a deep breath and closed her eyes slowly. Then he looked back at me with an expression that was difficult to decipher.

"I will be watching over you, Valencia Esther," Freya said firmly at last.

When I heard that, for some reason I couldn't hold back my happy smile. Likewise with Aldrich who ruffled my hair more and more. This time I will choose to leave it alone because I can tidy it up again.

"Mom will train you at the beginning of winter."

This is just a start. I could indeed train myself with the method I knew long ago, back in my world. But my current mission is to become strong as soon as possible. Searching for information alone will not be enough without mature strength.

"Two more weeks? I will wait until it comes, mom."

There's nothing wrong with having someone strong become a teacher. Besides, I learn from anywhere. Everyone is my teacher. To achieve my goal, that is what I have always believed in.

"Your dad and mom will be busy taking care of winter preparations. So try to start your own magic training."

"Aldrich!"

"Why? Is something wrong? Hahaha."

Maybe it will take a long time. Starting early is another reason to save time. I'm sorry if I'm selfish about my own interests. In the future maybe I have to say a thousand apologies to all of them. Yes, I'm sure of that.

"Thank you very much for allowing me, dad, mom."

"You can ask us anything, just say it."

"Not to you, Aldrich."

"Don't hate me, honey."

Nobody knows about the future. Time will continue to spin wherever your story is painted. I know it. I just hope all will go well.

✼⊷♛⊶✼