Chapter 6. Dispute.

A few more minutes passed in a lively discussion between the nobles. Grace shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other, feeling the multitude of eyes directed at her small figure. Her pretty face twisted with a little fear and displeasure. She clung tightly to her father's hand, seeking moral support. It's a pity that Adam, with his powerful cultivation, didn't notice the change in the little girl's grip.

Don't underestimate children. Although they cannot match adults in the art of reading the atmosphere, their instincts allow them to sense the intentions of others, especially when these intentions are not too carefully hidden.

When Grace first found herself in the center of high society, her soul was filled with a lot of emotions that others were experiencing. She felt possessiveness, ambition, and even hidden lust. There was also a slight admiration and tenderness that shone in the eyes of those around her.

This motley cacophony of feelings made her feel fear and disgust. It seemed to her that she had been forcibly dragged out of her heavenly corner of the company of her mother and younger brother to be thrown directly into the den of vipers, where the slightest sign of weakness would give them an excuse to drag her into their dark lair.

In a desperate hope to find some kind of support, she cast a pleading glance in the direction of her mother, only to notice that Katerina had already lowered Gray to the ground and was walking towards her with the same gentle and soothing smile. Noticing her little angel's difficult situation, she bent down with elegant grace to whisper in her ear.

"Don't worry, honey, Mom will always protect and support you. Don't be afraid of the attention of the crowd, because only the most outstanding can earn it. If people look at you, be proud, don't show weakness. Show everyone why you deserve to be called the most beautiful princess of the Human Continent!" said Katerina, hoping to cheer and comfort her daughter.

The girl's small eyes lit up. Her figure stopped shaking, and her characteristic cheerful smile appeared on her face. Feeling the warmth and care of her mother, as well as the look of support from her brother, all her attention was focused on them. Unnecessary worries were just thrown out of the window by the child. All that remained was joyful impatience and anticipation.

"Umu," she nodded softly to her mother, indicating that she understood and calmed down a little.

Gray was the next to approach her. He took her free little hand in his, looked into her eyes, conveying feelings of support, brotherly affection and trust. He hugged her with his other arm, ignoring his father's disapproving look at such familiarities in front of everyone.

"Sis, can we bet?" he whispered with a slightly evil childish smile that foreshadowed a little prank and only a prank.

"A dispute? What kind of dispute?" the girl whispered back, a little interested.

"A dispute over who has a higher class core."

"But we're twins. Everything is the same with us. Grace retorted in her childish voice, a little confused by her brother's stupidity.

"Who knows?" the boy replied with a sly grin, resembling a little fox.

"Dear, although you were born on the same day and you should have the same talents. It is not necessary that you have the same cores. Most often, twins have the same type of core, but different bandwidth. It all depends not only on your natural talent, but also on your personality. There are even cases when twins have different types of nuclei that can complement and interact with each other. Wouldn't it be great if you always had each other's back? Fu-fu-fu," Katerina intervened in the conversation, having heard the children talking about betting.

At the moment, the children did not know about the different manifestations they caused. And their mother didn't want to tell them about it. She didn't pay any attention to it at all, although the incident at birth caused quite a stir, there was nothing special about it.

In the modern world, the appearance of a particularly talented child was no secret. This phenomenon recognized the child's talents like an invisible hand of fate. It manifested itself in different ways. In the werewolf tribe, for example, when a gifted offspring was born, the full moon lit up the sky, as if celebrating the arrival of a new member of the pack. Elven children with exceptional abilities could cause blooms around them, regardless of the time of year.

Rumor has it that five years ago, at the birth of the elven princess, the legendary Igdrassil tree of life swayed for three days and three nights, welcoming a new genius. The last century has been marked by a surge in various phenomena around the world, confirming that talent and magic always find their way into people's hearts.

In a world gripped by chaos and uncertainty, Katerina has decided not to reveal their talents to her children. Yes, this is definitely an auspicious sign. Yes, she is proud of the high talents of her children. But she is sure that it is not only and not so much talent that determines a person's future.

Katerina knew that abilities are not just luck, but the result of many years of hard work and perseverance. She believed that a person's true greatness lies not in their innate talents, but in their ability to overcome difficulties and achieve their goals.

A little lost in her thoughts, Katerina turned her attention back to the twins' conversation.

Good. We're arguing. The loser will fulfill the wishes of the winner for a whole day!" said Grace, falling for her brother's smug, sly and beautiful grin.

"I bet!" replied Gray, rubbing his hands with impatience.

"Father, when is the ceremony?" Grace asked impatiently, completely forgetting about her previous worries.

"Now, honey,– Adam said, turning away from the crowd's conversations and casting a glance full of praise at Grace.

Coming out into the center of the Acropolis, the king-viceroy raised his hand, asking for silence. After making sure that everyone was silent and all the attention of the crowd was focused on him, Adam took his word.

"Ladies and gentlemen, citizens and believers. I, the legitimate governor of the Province of Light, Adam Starlight, in the name of the great Roman Empire, welcome all of you to today's historic event. As you all know, today my two children, who awakened the phenomena at birth, are undergoing the rite of awakening the magic core. All of you have been informed about the importance of this event, as well as its significance for the entire Empire. I hope that today's ceremony will usher in a new and glorious era for our province and the entire Roman Empire. May the Roman Empire be famous! May the name of the God of Light be glorified!"

Katerina stood in the crowd, holding the hands of two children. She listened attentively to her husband's speech, trying to understand what he meant. There was a tense atmosphere in the hall, and everyone present looked focused and serious.

"Tsk, what is he talking about anyway?" thought Katerina, feeling slightly annoyed. - "Why so much pathos at the usual awakening of children? Yes, they were talented by the standards of their age, but wasn't he giving it too much importance? In this way, he will only make the children arrogant. But why are all these hypocrites wearing such serious expressions? Is there something going on that I do not know? Or am I just thinking too much?"

Katerina went over in her mind all the world news that she knew, but she could not find an explanation for what was happening. In the end, she decided to just relax and let things take their course. Meanwhile, Adam's speech continued:

"The auspicious hour is approaching, and my daughter, Grace Starlight, will be the first to ascend the altar." While the Emperor was finishing his opening speech, the novices placed the awakening stone supported by a tripod on the altar. The Awakening Stone was a crystal-like dark sphere the size of a soccer ball, with multicolored specks of light intertwined inside, resembling countless stars forming into a galaxy.

"Next, the Cardinal of the Church of Light, Eric, will assume responsibility for the ceremony." Adam said, passing the floor to his closest supporter. After saying his speech, the king walked away to the location of the royal family, directly opposite the aisle to the altar. The rest of the audience stood 20 meters away from the altar, forming a perfect circle, in accordance with the design of the acropolis.