CHAPTER 43: Kingdom of Hecate.

Another day to learn, Aunt Chan is here again to continue with our lessons. Themis went to pick up snacks for me, my Aunt, and of course---Asher. He's sitting on the couch, leaning on its back with his head on it, his arms crossed, and a book covering his face.

"You asked last time, what happened to the people of Zariah? So, let's answer that question," Aunt spoke, I nod my head repeatedly as I listen to her carefully. Even though I already know what happened.

'Aren't you bored?' I ignored the question of the magician and just focused on Aunt Chan's story.

"Based on the Zariah Book, only those evil nobles were punished. Their soul was sucked out from their body and were sent back to the Gods in order for them to repent. The people who are living there however, had their memories altered in order to erase that disaster completely. The only ones who knew about it are the priests, the Imperial Family, and the Odilia Family, I think the Astras definitely know about it too," That, they do. Although, they are not yet alive when the civilization was destroyed.

"I think you're mistaken. We're not yet created during that time, so we have no idea about it at all," Liar... is it actually okay to lie when you're an incarnation of a God? He didn't even moved to look at my Aunt!

"Oh--then, the Astra is learning here as well!" Aunt Chan smiled as she clapped her hands together. Asher finally lift his head and the book fell over his lap. He stared at my Auntie with his right eyebrow raised. Then, he turned his head to me, I tilt my head but he look back to my Auntie before he spoke.

"Yes, I guess?" Wow, he actually backed down! I'm glad he's controlling his arrogance right now and just chose to shut up.

"Then, I should do my very best to satisfy the Astra and my baby niece," but I'm not a baby, Auntie.

"However, as the time goes by, the Ciera and Odilia, along with the priests decided to let this story be known around the world, and in Year 187, it became a lesson in history subject. Now, the descendants of the Zariah nobles are living in the Kingdom of Hecate. The truth is, the Royal Family of that kingdom are descendants of the Duke who was excluded from the divine punishment. The old Duncan Empire was the one who have given him the land, and appointed him to be the King," Woah...I keep hearing this Duncan Empire, that's where our ancestor, Sullivan Ciera came from, but where is this Empire now?

Anyways, it turns out that the King of Hecate, my Mom's friend is actually a descendant of someone from Zariah. It looks like the Duke is a good guy, since the divine punishment didn't strike him. That means, Mom's friend in Hecate is actually good!

But, why is it that my family refused to communicate or interact with them? They didn't even invited them on my birthday. What's the deal with the Western Dukedom that Hecate's connection with them became a big deal for Ciera? Also, what's their connection?

"Auntie, does Duncan Empire still exist? Our ancestor, Sullivan, defeated the Emperor during his time, right?" I asked. I did read about the History of Ciera, and it's in the Odilia Book as well, although both perspective are different from each other. Still, Duncan Empire became uhh...how do I say it? It's like it became so old that not many people talks about it now.

"There's a different book for them, do you want to read it?" Wait---there's a book about the history of Duncan Empire?

"Really?" I asked, and my Auntie nodded.

"I doubt that the second prince allowed them to put it in your library. So, you should check the Imperial Library, darling," Aunt Chantelle said, raising her left index finger and giving me a wink. I slowly nod my head to give he a response.

"However, Duncan Empire perished after Sullivan have defeated the Emperor and his evil vassals. The Empire is now known as the Melinoe Empire. So if you want to look for the book, the title is 'The Origin of Melinoe Empire'," EHHH!? Seriously?

"Ohh, so Emperor Duncan had perished and another one took the throne?" I asked, which made my Auntie nod her head.

"The very first Emperor of Melinoe is the husband of his daughter," Woah. Dang it--this world is so complicated.

"Ohhh..." That's the only thing I could say wiile nodding my head slowly. Asher's listening to Auntie as if he doesn't know what she's been saying.

Anyway, the history of the world really is complicated. It's even more complicated than the ones back in my previous world. Still, I found it fascinating. Maybe because I know that my ancestors were the big ones in our history? Hehe, I find it cool.

***

"Dad. Are you friends with the Hecate Kingdom?" My father, as well as my brothers all turned to me, with their serious expression. What's with those eyes full of hatred? What the heck?

"Where is this question coming from?" Daddy asked.

"Oh, it's just...I was learning history with Aunt Chantelle, and I learned about the story of Zariah. Aunt Chan mentioned that the descendants of those nobles who lived in Zariah were sent to different places. However, a Ducal Family was able to possess a land by the help of Duncan Empire, and that the descendants of that Ducal Family are now the Royals of Hecate," I explained. Because I can't tell them that I know everything about the conflict that happened between Mom and Dad before, and when Mom used the King of Hecate's name to convince Dad that I am not his child.

"Hmm, we understand. But what makes you curious about them, Ali?" Brother Heli asked. I blinked for a couple of times before I answered his question.

"Well, I'm thinking if we're not in good terms with them. Because one time I asked about it, Brother Dae said that they are not significant and that they are close to the Western Dukedom. Plus, they weren't invited on my birthday as well, even though they're close to one of our dukedoms," I replied. The Hecate Kingdom was forgotten when I was reading the novel book, probably because Alina was never an important character, so everything about her wasn't written in the book. But, now that I am here, I want to know. Or maybe the reason why they are not mentioned in the book that much was because Alina is not their family at all.

"I don't think it is a story we can tell you in front of the food, how about you visit me later in my office?" Dad said. I smiled at him and nod my head repeatedly. At least he's willing to tell me about it.

"Is that alright, Dad?" Brother Dae asked. Our Dad chuckled and ruffled his hair. I love how Dad shows his love to everyone. Still, my brother didn't like that and pushed his hand away which made us laugh at his reaction.

"Brother Zain is worried for his baby sister, isn't he a cutie?" Brother Dae's face became annoyed and glared at Dad.

"It's only been two years since he was replaced as the youngest, and it seems like he's happy about it," Brother Aeli teased, the third prince grit his teeth and turned to Brother Aeli with fiery eyes. I wanna laugh.

"Don't worry, Zain is still a baby brother for us--"

"I DON'T want that," Brother Dae cut the Crown Prince's words, emphasizing the word 'don't' which made us laugh at him. Sometimes, I really find it amusing that my brothers are getting along well.

"Hah ~ anyway, I refused to let Ali know about our issue with the West and Hecate. She's only seven," Uhh... seriously, what's the problem? It's been two years since I've been here and I still know nothing about the Western Dukedom. Brother Dae did said that Hecate was once their ally, but then they stopped contacting them. I wonder what's happening? And what's the connection between Western Dukedom and Hecate Kingdom?

Brother Aeli snickers.

"But, Ali wants to know about it. And remember, you're only five when you were educated about the dispute between us and the Western Dukedom," Hmm, dispute? There's actually a dispute between the Central Empire and the Western Dukedom? Come to think of it, the three other dukedoms are Dad's subordinates, except the Western...I don't have much information about them. On the North, there's Uncle Clovis, on the South and East, there's Uncle Ran and Aunt Chan, but I don't know any people from the West. Did they cut ties from us?

"Yes, but Ali's different!"

"You're underestimating Ali, Zain," Brother Heli spoke which made Brother Dae to shut his mouth and stare at our first brother with glaring eyes.

Silence occupied the dinner hall and after a few minutes, my third brother sighed.

"It's not that I underestimate her. I'm just worried," Brother Dae said as he continue eating. I looked at my third brother and giggled, making him turn to me.

"Don't worry, Brother Dae! I'm confident that I'll always be safe. I'm with my family after all!" They all smiled at me without saying anything, and then Brother Dae placed his hand on top of my head.

"I understand, Ali. I'm sorry,"

"No need to apologize, big brother,"

Now, I'm even more curious about what's going on with the Western Dukedom.

***