<+1% Bloodline Purity>
"...Huh?" Raelis looked on in awe.
This was something he'd never seen or heard of before. And yet, for some reason, he had an inkling this was one of the reasons he managed to come back to the past.
"Who are you?" Raelis asked warily. "What's your goal here?"
A moment of silence hung in the air, but it was soon replaced by a lone message.
His brows furrowed. "Is this some necromancy spell to take over my body? I—"
[Status]
Name: Raelis Varekan
Age: 12
Race: Human
—Bloodline: Cinder Phoenix
Purity: 2% (Ash)
Next Rank: 10% (Ember)
—Attributes:
Vitality: 1
Perception: 6
Willpower: 7
Magic Control: 1
—Abilities:
Lesser Ember Manifestation (☆ — Mastery: 0%)
Lesser Heat Control (☆ — Mastery: 0%)
What the... Raelis's eyes widened as he swiftly glanced around, a frown forming. "So, are you going to remain silent and not tell me what this thing is all about? You do know we have our own ways to check stuff like this, right?"
No answer came, and he decided to figure this out on his own.
Ever since that status window opened, Raelis felt a certain connection with a warm sensation in his heart.
He focused on that feeling, and willed it to his outstretched palm. To his surprise, a faint, colorless fiery ember emerged in his palm. Sadly, it was only the size of his fingernail, but he ignored that fact for the moment.
So this is what it feels like to control a flame... Raelis thought in wonder, summoning another ember in his other palm.
It was fun to play around, but it was weak. Way too weak.
Raelis felt an odd connection to both of those tiny embers, so he focused on them. The embers didn't grow in size, but he realized they had gotten a tiny bit warmer.
The more he focused, the warmer they got, until eventually, it felt as if his palm was on fire. He clenched his fists, dispersing the two embers.
Just as he thought the last of his surprises was over, two glowing panels emerged in front of him.
Lesser Ember Manifestation (☆ — Mastery: 0% →1%)
Lesser Heat Control (☆ — Mastery: 0% → 1%)
So by using them, I can raise their mastery... huh...
He felt drained by this sudden turn of events, but he couldn't say it was unpleasant. He had a way of growing stronger.
But that also meant he actually had a chance of getting his revenge now.
Sibling rivalries would take a different turn, and even if he was looked down upon, he had a way of fighting back.
Finally... Raelis collapsed onto his back, feeling as though a lump had formed in his throat.
"After so much suffering... I can finally—"
—Young master! May I come in? I'm coming in!
Lydia suddenly barged into his room, sporting that ever-so innocent look.
"Sorry, you forgot your tie back in the throne room. I came back to return it," Lydia said politely, and placed the tie he didn't even remember bringing on the edge of his bed.
Raelis raised a brow. "And that gave you the right to barge into my room? Did I say you could enter?"
"Well... No, but—"
"Then where did you get the gall to go against my orders?" Raelis asked, standing up from the bed, and walking over to her.
He stopped right in front of her, staring into her dark brown eyes with a calm look.
"Tell me, Lydia. Do you think I became a pushover just because my bloodline purity happens to be so low?"
She bowed her head apologetically. "I'm sorry, young master... I thought that after all this time, we were close enough to drop the formalities..."
So did I Lydia. So did I. Raelis chuckled inwardly. But look how that turned out. You betrayed me all the same.
"Lydia." Raelis took a deep breath. "I'll forgive this transgression this once, but only if you complete a task for me."
"A task...?" Lydia tilted her head. "I-I mean... what task, young master?"
Raelis smiled and walked past her, approaching his cupboard. He pulled out a note, and picked up a pen.
He pretended to write something on the note but, in reality, had plucked out a single small strand of his hair, then folded it into the note.
Raelis folded the note with a strand of his white hair inside, then turned to Lydia and approached her.
"I want you to slip this note under Auren Varekan's door," Raelis stated, and placed the note in her palm. "Don't read it, and under no circumstances let anyone else see it. Got it?"
"Uhm..." Lydia stared at the note, puzzled. "When should I deliver this, young master?"
"Now." Raelis affirmed with a smile. "I'm guessing the emperor still hasn't told them to go back to their rooms since he still had to give a speech. The guards should also be stationed closely around the throne room, so this is your only chance to go unnoticed. Go now."
The moment his words fell, Lydia's eyes ignited in understanding. She swiftly bowed, and to his surprise, dashed out of his room at an impressive speed.
Hmm... Raelis stared at the door Lydia had forgotten to close behind her. With that kind of enthusiasm, I hope her traitorous nature hasn't bloomed yet. Forging a trustworthy ally could be a boon, especially when I know everything about them.
As for the note?
If she came back acting confused, or even gave the slightest hint about the blank message, he'd know she read it.
But if Auren Varekan started asking around about Raelis, then that meant she'd delivered it perfectly.
After all, Raelis was the only person in the entire royal palace who had white hair, so Auren could easily recognize who the note was from.
I'd kill two birds with one stone. If she opens the note, then Auren won't know who it was from. I'd get rid of a traitor...
Raelis paced around the room, a wide smile tugging at his lips.