It is said the Empire of Valerius was founded by a god — a god who possessed every power one could imagine.
This is the story known to all. Yet what no one but the imperial family knows… is that this isn't the whole truth.
The founder of this empire was not just any god. He was an Exiled God, cast down from the heavenly court for the crime of falling in love with a human.
Romantic, isn't it?
But for those who see the Empire of Valerius as an enemy, this history could be twisted into a weapon. The same tale we proudly tell travelers and scholars is, in fact, a story that hides the empire's most dangerous secret.
That is why the current emperor — and every emperor to come — carries a sacred duty:
Never, in any situation, allow any outsider except the direct descendants of the imperial bloodline to know this truth. Not even in the face of death.
From this vow came the Imperial Oath, sworn by every heir upon their coming of age:
"We are the children of the Exiled. Our blood is both blessing and curse.
We shall guard the truth, even as fire consumes us.
We shall never speak it, not even to save our lives.
For silence preserves the throne, and betrayal destroys us all."
The blood of the exiled god carries power — divine power. For though he was banished, a god remains a god. Yet this power does not awaken in all descendants.
It stirs only in moments of extremity: at the edge of life and death, when the desire to protect burns fiercer than fear itself.
And when it awakens… it grants the impossible.
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The Day of the Tea Party
All the preparations are done. Now it's only Alicia's turn to make a move, Celestira thought as she walked toward the greenhouse.
Stopping just one step from the door, she drew a deep breath.
No need to be nervous, Celestira. This is my second life. This time, I can do it… No. I have to do it.
With that, she flung open the door. Wearing her most harmless smile, she greeted the girl inside.
"Alicia, aren't the daisies in the greenhouse just beautiful~"
Alicia tilted her lips into the faintest smile.
"Yes, they are. Today feels like the perfect day for tea, don't you think?" She poured Celestira a cup.
Celestira's lips curved as she sat down.
"Yes. A perfect day indeed—"
Her words were cut short as a maid burst into the greenhouse, panic written across her face.
"Your ladyships! Something terrible has happened—Miss Alicia's room… it's on fire!"
"What?!" Alicia exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief.
Soon, chaos filled the mansion. Alicia's room was burned to a crisp, and the fire spread—relentless, hungry—creeping closer to the greenhouse.
Celestira's lips curved just slightly as she picked up the cup.
Alicia, you love playing with people, don't you? Then I'll play along. I'll play until the day you're too weak to keep playing… and that's when I'll strike.
She raised the cup and drained it in one swallow.
Alicia's voice tore through the air, mixing with the burning smoke of daisies.
"NOOOOO!"
But it was too late.
Celestira coughed violently, blood spilling from her lips. Then—suddenly—she felt it: a faint warmth spreading through her veins. It grew, surging like water bursting from a broken dam.
And then, just as quickly, her body went limp, collapsing into a nearby bush—
the same bush that was the next target of the fire.