The awakening of an elemental attribute is solely tied to the individual. It isn't affected by teaching methods or what is learned during the enlightenment stage.
The enlightenment phase is only about sensing magic and learning to manipulate it.
So, whether Muen would ultimately take after her father or her mother was still unknown. However, the day of her awakening was drawing nearer, and the answer would soon be revealed.
The day after receiving the library key from Rossweise, Leon took Muen there. Upon entering, rows of neatly organized bookshelves stretched as far as the eye could see.
Leon couldn't help but sigh. There had to be tens of thousands of books here. A private library on the scale of a public one—Rossweise was indeed formidable.
With so many books…
Could the Dragon Queen have read them all? But then he remembered that dragons lived for thousands of years, a lifespan humans couldn't compare to.
With a thousand years, even reading intermittently, one could easily get through all these books.
Leon refocused and walked alongside Muen, holding her small hand as they passed row after row of shelves.
The books were plentiful but meticulously categorized, covering all sorts of genres. This included romance novels, ghost stories, mythical legends—you name it.
However, Leon wasn't here for leisure or to kill time. Alongside teaching Muen magic basics, he needed to solve his own magical depletion.
He selected a few introductory magic books and led Muen to a desk by the French windows.
He lifted Muen onto his lap, letting the little dragon girl get comfortable, then opened a book titled Introduction to Young Dragon Magic.
"Oh, I know this book!" Muen exclaimed excitedly, pointing at the table of contents. Leon chuckled and gently patted her head. "Now, Muen, it's time for you to follow in your sister's footsteps and study hard."
"Alright~"
However silly she might seem at times, Muen was still the sister of a genius. Being a bit silly on the surface didn't mean she couldn't be serious when it counted.
Leon had confidence in his little cotton ball.
As he flipped through the book, he explained some basic magical concepts to Muen. When it came to these fundamental theories, the teachings for dragons and humans were quite similar.
"Magic is a composite force, formed by combining the user's physical and mental strength. It's guided through the body's magical pathways to produce the desired effect," Leon explained in the simplest terms.
The little dragon listened intently, her fuzzy head nodding. Then she asked, "Daddy, what is mental strength?"
"Mental strength is just a term. You can think of it simply as 'willpower,' 'intent,' or 'a strong focus on a specific goal.' Of course, that's a simplified version; the full explanation is more complex," Leon said, picking up another book.
"For example, when Daddy picks up this book, he's using some physical strength, right?"
Muen nodded.
"So, while using that strength, Daddy also has the intention, 'I want to pick up this book.' With both forces working together, Daddy completes this simple action."
Muen blinked her big, beautiful eyes and softly murmured in understanding. Then she asked, "But, but if Daddy's intention to pick up the book isn't very strong, can he still pick it up in the end?"
The simplified description naturally had some holes. Leon had left them there on purpose. He wanted Muen to think and ask questions herself; that was how she would remember things best.
"Well, you're not wrong, Muen, but that's for something as simple as picking up a book. The influence of intent—or mental strength—on it isn't very big," Leon explained.
"But for something complex like 'manipulating magic,' mental strength can have a huge impact on the result. Let's consider two extreme examples."
"Okay, Daddy, go ahead," Muen said, listening intently. This was much more interesting than young dragon stories!
"Let's imagine two people," Leon began.
"One is physically healthy and mentally sound. The other is also physically healthy but, for some reason, strongly dislikes using magic."
"Now, let's give them the same goal: to use a dragon flame."
"Which person do you think will do better?" Leon asked.
Muen raised her hand. "The first one!"
"Why?" Leon asked.
"Because Daddy just said magic is made of physical and mental strength. So, if they're equally healthy, the strength of their mental will decides how the magic turns out," Muen explained.
Leon chuckled and pinched her cheek. "Exactly. The strength of the intent to 'use dragon flame' determines the spell's actual effect."
"On the other hand, what I said about 'strongly disliking magic for some reason' was just a general way of putting it."
Muen tilted her head. "What does that mean?"
"There could be lots of reasons for not wanting to use magic. For instance, just finishing a battle and wanting to rest immediately, or feeling pressured after seeing a friend get defeated."
"There are many situations like that. That's why, when learning magic, there are special courses to train mental strength and willpower."
"You'll come across them later, Muen," Leon said.
"Oh, I see. Muen will remember that," Muen nodded.
"Of course, having strong mental strength alone isn't enough. Physical strength is crucial too. You've been exercising regularly lately, Muen. That's great," Leon praised.
The little dragon wagged her tail proudly. "Of course~ Muen doesn't want to fall too far behind my sister."
Such a good daughter, so diligent from a young age. She'll surely surpass all the other Dragon Kings one day!
After explaining a bit more, Leon let Muen practice on her own. He could finally focus on his own task.
He went to several shelves of magic books, carefully selecting those that might be useful. Having just reviewed the composition of magic with Muen, Leon had a fresh perspective.
"Since magic is made of both physical and mental energy, my physical strength should be fine now, and my mental energy shouldn't be lacking either."
"So why is my magic still depleted?" he muttered, lost in thought as he browsed the books.
"Is it impossible to generate magic…? No, when I forged the Dragon Strength and during the spar with Rossweise, I could briefly use lightning magic. That means I can synthesize magic."
"What's going on…"
He spent the entire morning flipping through many ancient magic texts. He did find some records of magical depletion, but when he lightly tried the solutions mentioned, none worked.
Tricky.
It looks like this will take a while, Leon thought to himself.
.
.
.
At lunchtime, Leon took Muen to the dining hall.
Rossweise was already there.
"Mommy~" the little dragon girl called out sweetly, her fluffy hair bouncing as she ran over.
Rossweise smiled and picked her up. "Were you tired from studying this morning?"
"Not at all! Daddy explained everything so well, and Muen listened super carefully~"
Rossweise gently rubbed her daughter's cheek. "That's good. Muen, you should be awakening your innate element soon. Mommy is really looking forward to it."
As she spoke, she lifted her gaze and glanced meaningfully at Leon.
Leon snorted softly. He knew exactly what the dragoness was thinking.
Whether Muen awakened as a fire or lightning element wouldn't greatly impact her future studies, but it would significantly affect the couple's standing within the family.
Noah had already awakened the lightning element, which gave Leon a major point to boast about. If Muen also awakened lightning, Leon was afraid he'd be popping champagne in Rossweise's face.
But if it were fire, the Queen could regain some ground, reclaiming the advantage and preventing that damned Dragon Slayer from gloating nonstop.
Their competitiveness was peculiar, much like how normal couples might argue over "who the child takes after more."
Lunch proceeded slowly.
Halfway through the meal, Anna approached with a letter.
"Pardon me, Your Majesty, Your Highness. A letter from the academy."
Anna handed the letter to Rossweise.
Rossweise opened it and read it from top to bottom.
Leon also set down his utensils. When it concerned their daughter, he was very interested. "What does it say?"
Rossweise passed the letter to Leon. "The academy is inviting us to the award ceremony for Noah's composition competition."