Chapter 53

After Parta, Princess Lirika of Nara Takar's popularity soared. Everything from the clothes, accessories, shoes, to even the socks she wore on her birthday became trendy.

The story of Lirika and Raub, named 'The Oath of Pearls,' had already been adapted and was being used in songs and plays everywhere.

Everyone, regardless of age, would light up at the mention of the story.

The popularity of pearls also skyrocketed, as engagement rings with pearl pendants became fashionable.

Of course, the most popular among children was the 'Artifact Magic Girl.'

It was an interesting story even for adults.

—An artifact that lets you enjoy the feeling of being a wizard.

Everyone was talking about the artifact, speculating about it.

Can it fly in the sky?

How bright is the light it emits?

Can it cast offensive spells?

The scene where the magic circle sparkled and music flowed was also a thrilling topic of conversation.

Simple brown hair and beautiful lake-colored eyes.

The story of the adorable princess was popular everywhere.

The nobles vied to order the pannier, and girls enjoyed the soft, light pannier.

However, only the upper nobles could afford to make the pannier as intricate and luxurious as Lirika's, due to its exorbitant price.

Lirika also felt her own popularity. After Parta, letters poured in like a flood.

"Can I go play?"

Lirika asked Altears. Now, she could meet him boldly during the day, as he was going to teach her how to use the artifact.

The private garden in the daytime still had a serene atmosphere, thanks to the dense trees.

The sound of leaves rustling in the wind was the only thing heard.

Altears replied,

"Ask your mother."

Lirika glanced at Altears. The pendulum in her hand was spinning and reflecting small pieces of light.

"If Your Majesty says so..."

"I've already been scolded for giving you that artifact. For giving something dangerous to a child."

Lirika nodded helplessly. She thought her mother might oppose it because she was overprotective, so she had tried to borrow the power of the Emperor.

It seems that won't work.

"Tch."

Lirika shook the pendulum in frustration. Small lumps of light escaped from the pendant and disappeared like fireflies among the trees.

She said,

"But my pendant feels heavier than before."

"Because I put a restriction on it."

"A restriction?"

"Yes."

Altears reached out and tapped her pendant. She didn't know how he did it, but the pendant didn't move at all and a strange vibration ran up her body.

"Whoa!"

The tickling sensation spread from her hands to her entire body, making Lirika shiver. Altears chuckled.

"Beginners are dangerous."

"What is?"

Altears stood up and said,

"I'll run over from there and attack you, so try to do something."

Lirika, bewildered, watched as Altears put some distance between them. As soon as he raised his hand to signal the start, Lirika felt goosebumps all over her body.

Her breath was cut off.

"—!!"

Her mind was ringing with alarms. The intense aura made her feel as if her whole body was being pressed down.

What, what should I do? What should I do—

The distance between her and the Emperor closed in an instant. The moment he extended his hand, Lirika shouted,

"Kenta (Steel Shield)!"

She managed to say the word without biting her tongue. Altears stopped. The intense aura vanished.

Still, Lirika couldn't dispel the shield. She raised her trembling hand and faced Altears.

He smiled as if understanding and lightly tapped the round, milky translucent hemisphere that had formed in front of her. Lirika was startled.

Altears asked,

"Did you calculate and put in the power?"

Lirika panted. She had just put in a lot of power out of fear, without any calculation.

There was no time to think. Lirika weakly shook her head.

"Then let's assume you use it without controlling the power. If you try to push someone away and end up bursting them with your magic power, will you be able to use magic properly afterward?"

"!!"

Lirika's eyes widened. It was a scene she had never even imagined.

Altears nodded as if he had expected this reaction.

"Well, there are people who can do it. But you can't. If you see something like that, you might never be able to use magic again."

"That's why you put the restriction on it."

To prevent the power from exceeding a certain level, no matter how much magic power she put in.

It was a safety measure.

"I understand."

She nodded. Altears continued,

"But if you need to use a big spell in a hurry, it's simple. Just focus and say '解除限制' (解除制限, '解除限制')."

"I got it."

Lirika seriously gripped the pendant. She had never thought of using this power to harm anyone.

She hoped it would never happen.

'But I might have to use it to protect someone.'

Lirika decided she would practice the spell until it became second nature.

'Oh, right?'

Lirika suddenly felt that the answer to a question she had always had was fitting into place.

After some thought, Lirika cautiously asked,

"By the way, is Athil in the same situation?"

She had never seen Athil use his power. Athil, if he had the power of Takar, would be the type to use it proudly rather than hide it. Lirika found it strange that he didn't.

She found it strange but had never asked.

If Athil didn't have any power, it would be a very difficult thing for him.

"Yes."

Altears crossed his arms. He frowned.

"He used the power too strongly and ended up in a bad situation. Since then, he hasn't been able to use his power."

"I see."

Altears grinned.

"That guy, even if his mouth were to tear, he wouldn't tell you such a story."

Lirika nodded. Altears roughly ruffled her hair.

"So this is a safe 'toy.'"

Rudia was angry, saying it was dangerous.

"I'll take good care of it."

At Lirika's words, Altears said, "Good."

"Then let's go show it."

"Huh?"

"Show your mother. You need to show her that it's not dangerous. I think showing her what you did today will be enough."

"Your Majesty..."

"Since I made it easy for you to use magic, you should do me a favor at least once."

Lirika laughed at his words, pressing her finger against her forehead.

* * *

"セセムス (Butterfly Dance)"

Various butterflies of light flew up from the pendant.

"ケンタナ (Steel Shield)"

A translucent, milky hemisphere appeared and then disappeared. After demonstrating several spells, Lirika took off her hat and made a bowing gesture.

Rudia clapped.

"Oh, you really look like a wizard. A cute magic girl, my princess."

"Isn't that right?"

Lirika ran over. Rudia smiled broadly and hugged her daughter. She shot a sharp glance at Altears behind her back, but Altears knew best that her gaze had softened.

Rudia clapped and waved her hand.

The maids, who had been watching enthusiastically, quickly retreated.

Rudia smiled softly at Lirika and took her hand.

"Altears, can you come closer for a moment?"

"Hmm. Why?"

As he approached, Rudia grabbed his hand. She smiled brightly and said,

"You two are hiding something from me, aren't you?"

"!!"

Startled, Lirika looked at Altears. Altears calmly looked at Rudia.

"What is it?"

His question made Rudia's smile deepen. Lirika felt a chill run down her spine.

"Really not going to tell me?"

Rudia's voice turned cold. Altears maintained his composure, and Lirika felt sweat on her hands.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

As he spoke, Rudia sharply turned to Lirika.

"Did you not know what your mother was talking about? Are you going to keep lying to me?"

"That's, well."

Lirika glanced nervously at Altears. Altears clicked his tongue.

"Why are you tormenting the child?"

"!!"

Rudia jumped up and poked Altears' chest.

"Tormenting the child? You're the one tormenting her! What are you doing, using Lirika for something?"

Rudia pulled Lirika behind her. She growled,

"I don't mind being used, that's part of the contract. But keep your hands off my daughter! Get lost."

Rudia's last words were low, and her eyes looked like a burning ice lake.

Lirika, unsure of what to do, looked at the two of them. She felt she should do something to mediate, but didn't know how.

'So, so—'

Altears turned his gaze to the fumbling Lirika. He said in a low voice,

"Lirika, go out."

Rudia took a deep breath. She couldn't get angry at Lirika here.

She thought the two of them were whispering behind her back.

Altears could do that.

But Lirika, my daughter.

She betrayed me.

Usually, she would have slapped him and shouted. But Rudia was holding back with great effort. She needed someone to redirect her anger to.

That person was Altears.

He must have coerced Lirika to deceive me. Or Lirika wouldn't do something like this.

That's what she was holding on to.

Pata, when the 'Artifact Magic Girl' was showcased, she knew something was off, even if others didn't.

Lirika's surprised expression wasn't one of excitement or joy.

Moreover, it was an artifact she had never seen before the regression. If such an artifact existed, it would have been taken out of the royal treasury. The weasel who should have taken this place instead of me had ransacked the royal artifacts.

So.

So.

Rudia had to try very hard not to grab Lirika or say harsh words.

It was something that might be easy for others but not for Rudia. So she didn't look at Lirika. She could feel her daughter hesitating.

Rudia couldn't even say 'go out,' so she just waved her hand at Altears.

The sound of Lirika carefully leaving the reception room was heard.

Click

As soon as the door closed, Rudia's voice rose sharply.

"What did you do to Lirika!"

"Hold on."

"Hold on? You fraud! Trickster!"

Rudia pushed him with all her might. Her lips trembled.

"Traitor."

You said you loved me.

Tears rolled down her cheeks.

I didn't believe it. I never did. After all, the love men profess is all lies.

So.

"Rudia."

Altears frowned. As he reached out, she stepped back reflexively.

"Don't come near me."

She wiped her tears with both hands and exhaled.

What's more foolish than crying and talking?

"What did you do to Lirika?"

At her question, Altears was silent for a moment. He felt a knot in his chest. He hadn't expected such a strong reaction.

"It was my fault. She's your child, and I told her to keep it a secret."

"Of course you did."

"Can we sit down and talk calmly?"

"I'm already calm, so just tell me."

At her words, Altears sighed deeply.

"Lirika is a wizard."

"What do you mean?"

"A pure-blooded human."

Rudia's eyebrows furrowed. The next moment, her lips parted slightly. Shock and understanding flashed across her face.

"Such, such a thing is possible."

Ah, I see. That's it.

Shock and understanding clashed in her mind.

Rudia's strength drained from her body. Altears stepped forward and caught her as she swayed.

"Are you okay?"

"Not at all."

She whispered like a groan. He gently pressed his thumb to her lips to stop her from biting them.

"What did you think?"

"I thought you were sharing your power or teaching her some trick you knew."

The reality was more than she had imagined.

A wizard.

A pure-blooded human.

Rudia sighed and pushed him away, collapsing onto the sofa. Her mind was a mess. She wiped her face with both hands and asked,

"Why did you keep it a secret?"

"Secrets are better when fewer people know about them."

Rudia's eyes sharply examined Altears. Altears met her gaze confidently.

Rudia said,

"If you try to use Lirika in any way. No, wait."

Rudia closed her eyes again.

"I don't mind being used. But be transparent. And if you harm Lirika in any way, I won't forgive you."

Altears asked,

"Is it okay to use her?"

"Using someone with fair compensation is called a 'deal.' 'Being transparent' means you can't use her unilaterally. It has to be mutual consent."

"Indeed."

Altears chuckled briefly.