"Do you understand everything?"The twins nodded in unison, their small faces serious.
In truth, such a formal introduction was unnecessary.Their mother had long since explained everything to them in a clear and gentle way.It had happened about a year ago, when the unusually precocious Grey and Grace had begun begging their beloved mother to teach them magic.
They had often watched their omnipotent mother perform wonders: lighting candles with a snap of her fingers or catching falling objects with a whisper of wind.They had even seen Cassia using advanced shadow magic to hide from their mischievous little hands.
Unaware of the twins' real thoughts, Adam continued to play the role of the strict, all-knowing father.
"According to the Universal Memorandum of the Roman Empire, magical cores are classified from E to S, with rare cases even reaching SS rank. The rank depends on mana capacity, and the type relates to elemental affinity."
"For example, my own core is ranked S+, with an affinity for the rare element of Light. It doesn't mean I can't use other elements, but my mastery over Light Magic is unrivaled. I can only cast basic spells from other elements to avoid overloading my core."
Adam paused, expecting a reaction of awe.Instead, he met only impatient, eager stares.The twins, completely ignoring his self-praise, asked in chorus:
"What about Mama?"
Their faces were alight with genuine interest.Their mother always answered that question with a mysterious smile: "Very strong."She had promised to tell them more once they awakened their cores, only fueling their burning curiosity.
Adam coughed awkwardly and continued:
"Your mother's core is a special type — a Colorless Adaptive Core. The more she uses magic of a certain element, the stronger she becomes in it. In theory, your mother could master any form of magic to a high degree, given enough practice. However, it requires her to constantly maintain balance among all the elements she uses."
The children's eyes shone brightly as they gazed at their mother with undisguised adoration.
"Fufufu, what did I tell you, little scamps? Your Mama is the strongest!" Katerina said proudly, puffing out her chest.But then she added in a more serious tone:
"Remember, the rank of your core is not everything. It can be improved through rare resources or hard work. Take your uncle Aurelius for example — he awakened a B-class Earth core, but through tireless training and seeking rare resources, he raised it to A+, almost reaching S level."
"Understood!" the twins answered together, a spark of anticipation in their eyes.
"And what about Cassie? What kind of core does she have?" Grace asked curiously.
Katerina paused briefly:
"Sweetheart, Cassie isn't human. She's from the Cat Tribe. Her body is different; she doesn't have a core like humans do, but instead, she has a natural affinity for shadows, which lets her hide within them. You'll learn more when you grow up."
"This concludes our little lecture," Adam cut in."Now, we are going to your Awakening Ceremony, which will be personally overseen by Cardinal Alaric of the Church of Holy Light."
"Okay/ Umu," the twins chirped.
Adam took little Grace's hand and led the way.Grey hugged his mother around the neck.Lifting her son easily, Katerina rose from the bed and followed her "husband."
Passing through the royal palace, the library, and the coliseum, the family finally arrived at the Ceremony Hall.
It was a majestic circular acropolis surrounded by pristine marble columns.Above the circle was no roof — the open sky bathed the hall in golden sunlight, creating a solemn atmosphere.
In the center stood a magnificent altar in the shape of a four-sided pyramid.One side had steps leading to a small platform at the summit, large enough for three people.
The altar was built at the point of the strongest concentration of Light energy — it served as a permanent prayer site for the royal family and a place for offerings and communion with the divine.
Behind the altar towered the grand statue of Apollo — the almighty patron god of the Province of Light.Known throughout Rome as the Radiant One, the god of arts was carved with such breathtaking beauty that any man who looked upon him felt like dust, and every woman... felt a warm, stirring desire beneath her tunic.
Beneath the statues of fallen heroes that ringed the altar, the nobility of the province gathered.Every member of the royal family was present, along with children, concubines, the centurions Claudius and Aurelius Starlight, representatives of all noble houses, and countless clerics.
Alaric, Eva, and Fulvius — the current Cardinals of the Church of Light — knelt in prayer before the altar, awaiting the ceremony's beginning.
All the men wore simple white tunics with wide sleeves.The women's tunics were similar but sleeveless, exposing elegant shoulders and barely reaching their knees, with golden cords cinching their slender waists.
Grey, standing at his mother's side, couldn't help but glance at her again — remembering how he had been overwhelmed the first time he saw her dressed for a "holy ceremony."Even now, seeing her in that divine garment stirred confusing feelings within him — feelings that were far from "holy."
When the Governor appeared, all present bowed ceremoniously and cried out:
"Long live His Majesty!"
Adam calmly scanned the crowd, pausing briefly on Eva, Alucard, Claudius, and Aurelius.He smiled tenderly at Eva, who returned the gesture — a silent exchange that did not go unnoticed by Katerina, who felt a flicker of irritation.
Unbothered, Adam approached the three men and exchanged Roman-style handshakes — grasping one another's wrists to prove they carried no hidden weapons.
It was a gesture that said, "See, I have no knife. We are friends."
With the official greetings complete, Adam signaled the crowd to relax.Immediately, hushed whispers swept through the assembly:
"By the Merciful Light, is that Her Majesty Katerina? They say she's the most beautiful woman in the world!""I never believed it before — but seeing her now, I know it's true.""I still think Her Majesty Eva's sacred grace surpasses all.""Look at Princess Grace! She's like a tiny version of her mother!""Only our Governor deserves to possess such priceless treasures of beauty."
Catching some of the praise, Adam smiled smugly.Who didn't enjoy hearing his wife and daughter admired — and envied?
Meanwhile, Grey tightened his hold around his mother.He instinctively disliked the way people stared at her.He needed to claim her — to show she was his.
Unfortunately, to the crowd, it merely looked like childish shyness.
The whispers continued:
"That's His Highness, the Third Prince. But why is his hair black? The King's is blond, and the Queen's is silver... Something's strange.""Everyone knows the Third Majesty and the Governor have been distant. I bet there's a juicy story behind it.""I heard that at the boy's birth, a heavenly eclipse fell over the entire continent — a cursed omen!"
Grace shifted uneasily from foot to foot, her sweet face twisting with anxiety.Her wide eyes darted around in search of her mother.
One should never underestimate children's instincts.Even without fully understanding adult tensions, they felt them — acutely.
Right now, Grace was trembling under the stares of the crowd.It felt as if she had been ripped from her safe, sunny world and thrown into a pit of snakes.
She clutched at her father's hand for comfort — but Adam, powerful as he was, didn't notice the change.
Fortunately, Katerina saw everything.Smiling gently, she approached with Grey in her arms.
"Don't worry, sweetheart. Mama will always protect you," she whispered, stroking Grace's hair."Don't fear their stares. Only those who shine the brightest draw attention. Stand proud, my little princess. Show them why you are destined to be the most beautiful princess of Alaz!"
The warm strength in her mother's voice soothed Grace instantly.Her trembling stopped.A joyful smile lit up her face once more.
"Umu," she nodded shyly.
Grey, unwilling to be outdone, hugged his sister and whispered mischievously:
"Hey, sis. Wanna make a bet?"
"A bet? About what?" Grace piped up, intrigued.
"Let's see who awakens the stronger core," he grinned like a sly little fox.
"But we're twins! Everything's the same!" she protested.
"Who knows?" he teased, his blue eyes twinkling.
Katerina, overhearing, chuckled:
"Dear ones, even twins can have differences. Usually, their cores are the same type — but sometimes, one can be stronger, or even complementary. Such twins are truly blessed."
She didn't tell them about the celestial phenomena at their birth.She didn't want her children burdened by expectations.In her heart, she knew — greatness was not born from talent, but from perseverance.
"Alright then! A bet it is!" Grace cried, emboldened."The loser has to grant the winner's wishes for a whole day!"
"Deal!" Grey agreed eagerly, rubbing his hands together.
"Father, when does the ceremony start?" Grace called out, unable to hide her excitement.
"Soon, my dear," Adam said approvingly.
Stepping into the center of the Acropolis, Adam raised his hand for silence.
Once the murmurs died down, he spoke, his voice ringing clear and strong:
"Ladies and gentlemen, citizens and faithful. I, Adam Starlight, rightful Governor of the Province of Light, welcome you to this historic event."
"Today, two of my children — born under unprecedented heavenly signs — shall take their first step forward. With the blessing of our merciful god, I declare the ceremony... begun!"
"Tch, what is he even talking about?" Katerina thought, feeling a mixture of irritation and nervous pride."All this pomp for a simple awakening? Won't this make them too arrogant?"
Yet even as she inwardly criticized Adam's grandstanding, her face betrayed her — tense and worried.Ah, when had humans ever been logical creatures?
"The auspicious hour approaches," Adam announced."First to ascend the altar shall be my daughter — Grace Starlight."