Chapter 123

"There are five great Empires that dominate our cosmos, namely:

Aerionis Zephyra,

Aquaris Naiadae,

Pyra Fulgur,

Elysiumis Aurora, and

Umbrionis Void.

Though they are commonly referred to as Empires, in truth, or more precisely, from a technical standpoint, they represent distinct worlds!" the Princess stated with a serious and contemplative expression.

"Oh my..." Aether exclaimed, his face a mixture of surprise and wonder.

When Aether arrived at the hotel, She guided Aether to the room designated for her at the Academy's hotel, a space allotted for today's rest before the official commencement tomorrow.

Seated regally on a cushioned chair, The Princess gestured for Aether to join her, as she wanted him to believe they were on equal terms.

Since Aether was a slave and unfamiliar with many things, the Princess decided to educate him on some matters. She knew he was unaware of most things and was prepared to impart some knowledge to his empty mind to advance her plan.

Observing Aether's eyes shimmer with childlike wonder and curiosity, the Princess couldn't suppress a smile of amusement.

"Different worlds? Could you elaborate? Are these worlds distinct entities or separated by enigmatic boundaries?" Aether inquired.

"... I'm not sure about the enigmatic boundaries you're referencing, but indeed, each world exists as a unique, individual, flat-surfaced realm," the Princess explained.

"Flat-surfaced... ah," Aether murmured, nodding in comprehension.

"Ha! I nearly forgot to mention a crucial detail... These worlds are interconnected by a fundamental entity known as..... the Mother Root!" the Princess divulged.

"Mother Root?" Aether's eyes sparked with interest. "Can you explain more, Princess?" he asked, his expression resembling a cute little puppy's.

+10 Affection

"W-Well, I don't possess an exact understanding of the Mother Root. My mother advised me to delve into this topic during my studies at the Academy," the Princess admitted with a touch of dejection.

"Tsk"

"D-Did you just click your tongue?" The Princess frowned.

"You must be imagining things, Princess," Aether said innocently.

"... Anyway, just remember, these worlds are held together and connected by the root... You must have already encountered it during your baptism, right?"

"....Kind of"

"Sigh, then you must have seen it at the Teleportation station, correct?"

"Yes,"

"Those were the same roots that extend to other empires, but they were much bigger than what you saw, and each world is held together by these roots," the Princess explained with a serious expression.

"....We are diverting from the real topic," the Princess cleared her throat and continued, "Let's discuss the chosen people, also known as Arcane Kings and Queens...

Every millennium, the Arcane choose and bless ten individuals, two from each empire—one male and one female, with no racial or age restrictions!

These chosen ones must attend the Academy to determine the Arcane Sovereign among them... That's why we, the Arcane Kings and Queens, need to attend the academy known as

The Sovereign Arcanum Academy, simply called SA Academy or SAA!" The Princess's expression turned solemn.

"OH!" Aether's expression turned thoughtful as he asked, "How do they determine the sovereign, and why is a sovereign needed? Why the Academy in this empire, and most of all, why does Arcane choose only ten people, for what reason?" He sensed there were many unanswered questions in her story.

"You're asking a lot of questions, you know," the Princess said with a dissatisfied expression. She had only outlined the basics and wasn't permitted to reveal more details to anyone.

"Pretty please~" Aether's eyes sparkled like those of a curious child but inwardly, 'Vooo' Aether vomiting himself for his pathetic act!

+10 Affection

"Sigh, I can't! And I'm not allowed to tell," the Princess said firmly.

"Tsk"

"Y-You really clicked your tongue again?" The Princess frowned and pointed at him accusingly.

"You must be imagining things again, Princess," Aether said with an innocent expression.

The Princess blankly stared at Aether's face before speaking, "But I can tell you one thing... This Academy is not as simple as you think, it holds a lot of secrets and... lots of unknown powers and also it is not stationary; it can move between Empires."

"You mean..." Aether's mind quickly pieced it together.

"Yes, the last Arcane Sovereign belonged to Aerionis Zephyra Empire" the Princess stated seriously, adding, "If you hold the title of Sovereign, then the entire SAA belongs to you until the next chosen ones arrive!"

"So?"

"That means, if I become a Sovereign, the SAA will remain in our Empire for the next 1000 years."

Still not fully grasping the implications, Aether's questioning gaze prompted further explanation.

"Ah? I'm sorry, I suppose you haven't seen the Academy. One thing I can say is, that once I become the Sovereign, the entire Five Worlds will be under me! Even the rulers of the Empires should bow before the Sovereign," the Princess revealed, though it was only a partial truth, as she wasn't allowed to disclose the full extent of the nightmare that was going to come.

"OH! You certainly have great ambition..." Aether nodded, understanding that everyone seeks power and influence. He asked, "So, Princess, do you want me to support you discreetly?"

"Yes, something like that, but..." The Princess nodded as she began to outline her plan. "I don't like bloodshed, you know. I truly wish to resolve everything through simple talks"

"You?" Aether's expression turned horrified, 'Who is this girl? Didn't she just impale Lia in the gut before?!' he screamed inwardly.

The Princess's lips twitched as she sensed his thoughts, "Let me clarify for you—I attacked her because of what she said.... I don't think it was an irrational decision. Anyone would be angry if someone said, 'I will be his first if I win,' on their engagement day," the Princess mimicked Lia's haughty tone, her eyes flashing with remembered indignation.

".... I suppose Lia was wrong at that time," Aether said, understanding the situation better. As much as he wanted to support Lia, it was clear she had made a mistake.

And it was all because of him.

'Slcckk!'

A pang of guilt pierced Aether's heart!

'W-Well, I did try to help her, right?.... I hope she is doing well,' Aether reasoned with himself to ease his guilt and then asked, "So, how do we plan to resolve this through talk you are talking about?"

Princess sensed that Aether was slowly starting to become familiar with her, though in another case he might have faced consequences for his disrespect. However, since Aether was her only ally, she shrugged off the thought.

Princess's face suddenly turned cunning, "By stealing the Arcane Queens."

".... Pardon?" Aether blinked in confusion.

Princess's expression grew even more cunning as she continued, "Aether, I want you to seduce every Arcane Queen."

"...." Aether's eyes and lips twitched simultaneously, not in reaction to her words but rather...

!~Ding~!

Survival rate: 6.5↑%