[Serina TS ver.]

In the Kingdom of Cheon-u, magical power was synonymous with status.

Not everyone is born with magic; only those possessing it can impregnate a partner. Conversely, those without magic cannot impregnate others but are capable of bearing children. Gender does not matter.

However, being born with magic did not mean one could automatically use it. Magic had to be learned, and such teachings were permitted only to the Imperial Family and certain noble houses. Consequently, the number of people who could actually wield magic was extremely small, and bloodlines with strong magical power were considered all the more precious.

At the pinnacle of this hierarchy stood the Imperial Family.

Members of the Imperial Family inherited powerful magic through generations. The current Emperor was also one of the most powerful magic users among them.

Of course, that wasn't the only reason the Emperor was loved by the people.

In the subjugation wars against magical beasts that took place in the north every year and a half, Your Majesty always stood at the very front. No matter how many rumors circulated about the luxury and corruption of the Imperial Family, the people believed in the single fact that the Emperor himself protected them.

Serina adjusted the collar of the child standing in front of the mirror.

Today, that Emperor returns.

It had been a year and a half.

"Let's make you look a little more neat."

She tidied the child's hair and checked her own appearance again.

This was the son she was to show Your Majesty.

Your Majesty had said offhandedly in the past.

That if she gave birth to a boy, he would cherish her.

Serina still remembered those words.

It might have truly been a joke. But to her, it wasn't.