Astra's presence alone was commanding silence. She was standing in front of the group and observed them for a moment—each girl standing silently. Astra asks once again,
Astra: "Do you know why I called for you?"
They: "No, Your Highness."
Their response was swift this time, spoken with confidence. None of them showed guilt or confusion—almost as though they believed they had done nothing to warrant her attention. Astra's lips curled into a faint smile.
Astra: "I have some tasks for you."
A brief pause. The girls glanced at one another, brows furrowing.
They: "Tasks?"
The word lingered uncertainly in the air.
Astra turned away and walked towards a deep crimson couch adorned with golden embroidery. She sat gracefully, one leg crossed over the other, her eyes never leaving them.
Astra: "I suspect there are spies within the palace. Your task will be to keep watch—on everyone. Take note of movements, conversations, subtle changes. Report back to me directly. Do not confront anyone. If we simply eliminate them, more will come. It will be more troublesome. But if we observe… they will lead us to the roots."
They: "Understood, Your Highness."
Even though they were shocked and harbored some doubts, they didn't dare question the princess; all they could do was obey her.
Astra gave a single nod of approval.
Astra: "Now… what should I call you?"
The girl with soft cyan hair stepped forward with her identical-looking sister beside her.
"I'm Lily, and this is my sister, Lora."
Astra's gaze moved to the girl with reddish-brown hair.
"I'm Ella."
The young woman who looks a bit older than Cassy, with an elegant posture and calm voice, spoke next.
"Melinda, Your Highness."
One by one, they introduced themselves—until only one remained. The girl with black hair, her head lowered, stood in silence.
Astra's gaze softened, but her voice remained composed.
Astra: "And you? What is your name?"
The girl hesitated. Her lips trembled as she struggled to form the words. Her voice came out broken, uncertain.
"I… don't… name… Black hair… called… everyone..."
Her words stammered, her pronunciation distorted and weak. It wasn't fear—Something else.
Astra watched her in silence, thoughtful.
Astra (thoughts): "It's quite normal. It would've been strange if she had a name. She must have suffered a lot, which resulted in her speaking like this. Not to mention not having name, people with black hair and red eyes in this empire… they aren't even considered human."
She stood and walked towards the trembling girl, her voice turning gentler.
Astra: "We can't just call you 'Black hair.' Since you don't have a name, then let's give you one. Hmm… What do you think of Claire? It means 'Bright'."
The girl remains silent. Because of her face being hidden behind her bangs no expression could be seen.
The girl was dazed like she could not believe it. She remain dazed for a while. Then suddenly the girl's shoulders began to shake. Her head dipped lower and lower, and soft sobs escaped her lips.
She cried silently—tears for the name she had never been given, for the acknowledgment she had never received.
Astra reached out and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
Astra: "I don't like cowardly people. My people must be strong enough to ignore the barking of dogs."
The girl—Claire now—slowly lifted her tear-streaked face, her gray eyes glistening with something unfamiliar: hope.
Astra: "So, will you be able to carry out the task properly?"
Lily, Lora, Ella, Melinda, and Claire: Yes, Your Highness.
They answered confidently. Astra dismissed them, and they left the room to return to their duties.
Astra walked back to the couch and sat down. Cassia, who had been quietly watching, turned to Astra.
Cassia: "Your Highness, you..."
Astra: "I know what you want to ask. Don't worry. They are perfect for this job. As for why... you'll understand in time."
Cassia: "If you say so, Your Highness."
Cassia bowed and left the room with Gerald. Astra picked up a book titled 'Literature of Cristiane' out of boredom and began to read.
In the Afternoon,
In Astra's chamber–
Astra was lounging on the chaise, a plate of snacks beside her, engrossed in her book.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, disrupting her peace. She sighed, clearly annoyed, before calling out.
Astra: "Who is it?"
Cassia: "Your Highness, Young Master Rochester has come to visit."
Astra: "Aric!?... Very well, let him in."
Cassia: "Yes, Your Highness."
The door creaked open, and Edrick stepped in, looking every bit the part of the well-dressed noble. He was in a blue suit, his posture straight, exuding an undeniable charm.
Yet, there was something more—a strange, powerful presence hanging around him. Astra's gaze sharpened.
Astra (thoughts): "To think I didn't notice something so important that day..."
Astra whispers, "E.L.S. Scan Body."
Ding...
[Body Scanning in progress.]
Ding...
[Body Scanning completed.]
Ding...
[Detected the presence of a familiar.]
Ding...
[Information of the familiar.]
[ Familiar Name: Lightning Bird.]
[ Type: Elemental Beast.]
[ Rank: Emperor.]
[ Level: 87 ]
[ Ability: Lightning, Thunder, Fly.]
[Summoning age: 9.]
[Status: Sleeping.]
Astra (thoughts): "An Emperor rank Elemental Beast... I did heard that he summoned his familiar at the age of 9. So, it's indeed an Elemental Beast, and an Emperor-Class one at that. Truly deserving of the title of genius."
[The four elements—Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth. There are also two rarest elements—Lightning and Ice. Many mages have these attributes, but not many manage to summon an Elemental Beast familiar. Beasts with elemental powers are known as Elemental Beasts.
Summoning magical beast familiars is no easy feat, requiring abundant mana and the acknowledgement of the beast. That's why those who manage to summon powerful beasts are highly respected in this world.
Lightning and Ice are the rarest elements, and the beasts tied to them are even rarer. They are seen only once every century.]
Astra (thoughts): "To summon such a rare Elemental Beast, he must have an abundant amount of mana. No wonder..."