Latest Chapters

    • by Cristae Episode 165‘What does that mean?’ The chill in the air brushed against his cheek. Khalid, leaning against the window of the carriage, watched the fleeting scenery pass by, taking it in with quiet indifference. ‘The ancient royal palace…’ Traces of a far-distant past, now dismissed as myth or legend, were buried like treasure all across the continent. There were more yet to be discovered than had been found. The Delcan Ruins were one such case. ‘If I’m going to look for…
    • by Cristae 112“Of course. Didn’t you say the kingdom always proclaims ‘We’ve caught them’ to the outside world when they halt a search?” He was right. That was how the kingdom boasted a so-called 100% arrest rate for fugitive mages. It reinforced their authority externally and exerted internal pressure. “More importantly, they failed to search the North.” “That’s true… but hm. I think the Mage King spread word of the search ending to make me and those around me let our guard…
    • by Cristae Episode 141As I thought. I broke into a broad grin and clapped my hands. “That’s wonderful!” “It’s all thanks to the hint you gave me, Miss Rubian.” Yuliope spoke softly. “I’m truly grateful for all the times you’ve listened to me and lent your help.” “Oh, I didn’t do anything worth mentioning!” In truth, I’d done quite a lot! Regardless, I demurred, hiding my contributions with a modest wave of my hand. Then, a sudden thought struck me, and I lifted…
    • by Cristae Episode 157 My lips moved soundlessly, but no words would come out. “Zevert Duke…” The Second, who held me like a hostage, growled. “Let go of that hand.” My father's violet eyes flickered low. It was a terrifying expression I had never seen before. A dark, black aura surged out, a murderous intent so intense it stung my skin. Sensing danger instinctively, the high-ranking magical beast charged forward, breathing fire. “Dad…!” But before I could even finish my…
    • by Cristae 164 The day we returned home! For the last time, I went out in the capital with my older brothers, Khalid, and Grandfather, spending the day in town. Void, thoroughly addicted to shopping, swept up all sorts of knickknacks, including diaries, while Liam, of course, was buried in a bookstore. Grandfather raided the weapons shop, and Khalid, as always, watched disinterestedly as I browsed through things. “You know, it’s strange. I haven’t bought anything, yet why do I have the most…
    • by Cristae 145 With all the high-ranking mages off at the Delkan Ruins, the sluggish “second” left alone in the royal palace must have finally decided to make a move. “They probably crossed the border with magic restrainers, at the very least.” In that case, it didn’t seem like they planned to act in the same blatant, disruptive way as the “fourth.” “What should I do…?” Tomorrow was both the exhibition and visitation day. In other words, the awkward pretense of hiding my identity…
    • by Cristae Episode 129 “Huh? Rubian?” Sortier grabbed hold of me. The ferryman, who had been rowing, also looked at me in puzzlement. “What’s wrong? Shall I turn the boat around?” “Ah, n-no. It’s just that my stomach…” I stammered, clutching my abdomen. A burning pain flared along my back, then quickly subsided. ‘Damn it… Why now, of all times?’ I bit my lip and squeezed my eyes shut. The pain vanished as quickly as it appeared, gone almost before I even registered…
    • by Cristae Episode 180 Leviathan was listening to Leon’s report in the knights’ headquarters. Once again, there had been sightings of a small pack of magical beasts. “This time, it’s in the eastern Hedden region of the capital. Fortunately, Yujen happened to be nearby, so he headed there immediately.” “On his way back… You've all had it tough.” “There aren’t many of them, so it shouldn’t be too difficult. So…” Leon, who had been delivering his formal report with a stony…
    • by Cristae Episode 151 “I don’t need you to look at mine.” Khalid grumbled briefly, but Grandfather just chuckled and slung an arm around his shoulders. “Where are you trying to run off to? I’ll make sure you’re thoroughly humiliated. I’ll be evaluating with a cold and meticulous eye… huh?” Grandfather broke off mid-sentence, and I cocked my head curiously. Professors were swarming around the A-Class podium. To be precise… in front of Khalid’s works… “Oh my. What…
    • by Cristae 166 “Dad!” A familiar face appeared just as I was heading toward the lobby! It seemed he had just returned from the knights or somewhere; Dad was taking off his coat and handing it to the butler when he spotted me and frowned. I half-rolled, half-ran down the stairs. “How many times have I told you to take the stairs one step at a time—it’s dangerous.” His big hand tapped the round, dough-like bun of hair at the side of my head. “What’s this, who gave you cotton…
    • by Cristae 174 What does it mean to become an adult? Is it just growing older? Or having a more mature appearance? I’m not sure. I never became an adult in my previous life. So I can’t say for certain, but I do know one thing: simply coming of age doesn’t magically transform you into something extraordinary. After all, the macarons I craved yesterday are just as tempting to me today, and the tedious classes I skipped yesterday are still as tempting to skip again. Maybe being an adult…
    • by Cristae Episode 142Ch. 14 The capital, in an alley of Bamiless. The Second was staggering as she walked. ‘I’m reaching my limit…’ Living in a land without magic was growing unbearable. But she couldn’t leave empty-handed. ‘With Father absent, this is my chance.’ Opportunities to pursue the Seventh alone did not come often. Having secretly come to the capital to find the Seventh without the Mage King’s knowledge, she leaned against a wall, exhaling a slow breath. She had…
    • by Cristae Episode 167 Leviathan stood dazed for a moment, then coughed awkwardly. "Uh, well, when you listen closely, it's kind of cute." "…You don’t have to make excuses to me." "…Don’t tell anyone. I'll sulk." "…All right." I grew curious as to what on earth could have been going on for such noises to be made. Heading out into the hallway, I checked out the window and let out a breathless, incredulous chuckle. "Ha ha ha!" Out on the hillside behind the barracks, Rubian was…
    • by Cristae 162“First of all, it seems finding his way is a lost cause. He’s not himself right now. The magical beast destroyed his beloved natural history museum—he’s in the throes of utter chaos.” “Oh dear.” I couldn’t understand the trouble at all, but I furrowed my brow in a show of sympathy. In the end, as Liam drifted off in thought, heading toward the pond, Void finally grumbled, “For crying out loud!” and hurried off to fetch the eldest brother. “Little fairy… come…
    • by Cristae 114“All right. Your attire’s a bit unkempt, but… oh, it’s fine. I’ve learned some flexibility at this post. We’ll work out the details as we go.” “Eek! No… Rubian! Help me!” Nothing could stop a youth thirsting for knowledge. In the end, Asha was borne away in a book cart lined with plush cushions. Thud. It wouldn’t be more than a few steps from here to the adjoining study, but Asha… made the journey in comfort. Khalid shook his head, as if in…
    • by Cristae Episode 109 That lunatic. Even in that state, he didn't let out so much as a groan. In the end, the Emperor took a step back. If a mage had truly intended to infiltrate the duke's residence… that would have been a disaster. But there was no evidence. Because he was dead. ‘A mage dying on my land is the biggest headache of all.’ The Emperor let out a long sigh and pressed his forehead. As Leviathan began to walk away, he glanced at him. “Arcadia’s come upon a convenient…
    • by Cristae 152‘And strangely, Father doesn’t seem to be in a good mood…’ As we walked down the corridor, I glanced up at his composed face. ‘Did something really happen on his business trip?’ I tried to puzzle it out, but nothing specific came to mind. I didn’t even know what the business trip had been about in the first place. We headed upstairs to a lounge above the banquet hall. Perhaps because the presentation was set to last for quite some time, each family seemed to have been…
    • by Cristae 96“How are they… managing things?” Dad slowly rose to his feet. “There was a kidnapping not that long ago. Everyone’s gotten complacent, haven’t they?” Mom echoed, her voice icy with concern. “Well then, I’ll be off. Levi.” “Yes.” With that enigmatic farewell from Mom, Dad was swept away on a gust of wind and vanished. I blinked in confusion. “Dad… where are you going?” “To give them… a little guidance.” “Huh?” “Advice. Sounds like…
    • by Cristae 173Chapter 19 On a pleasantly tranquil evening. “Oh, right.” Rosetta set down her spoon. Then she said, “I’m pregnant.” In that moment, Leviathan had to wonder if he had heard her correctly. Even though he’d been watching his wife all through dinner. He blinked slowly. “…What did you say?” No, but— Usually, when someone starts with “Oh, right,” they follow it with something much less important. For example, “Oh, right. I bought some clothes today.”…
    • by Cristae Episode 100 “Little fairy.” It was Liam. “Ah, brother…” “You look pale as spoiled cream. Come here.” I dangled from Liam. He had taken a pendant but simply slipped it into my pocket. Clinging to his back, I squeezed my eyes shut. When my body trembled slightly, Liam let out a short sigh and patted my legs gently. “Fairy, what’s that on your wrist?” Looking down at the arm I’d wrapped around his neck, Liam asked. When I moved one arm, it jingled…
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