Astra's mere presence commanded silence.
She was standing in front of the group and observed them for a moment—each girl standing silently.
After a moment, she spoke again, her voice calm yet absolute.
"Do you know why I called for you?"
"No, Your Highness."
This time, their reply came swiftly and in unison. There was no hesitation, no confusion—only certainty. None of them believed they had done anything wrong.
Astra's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
"I have some tasks for you."
The words landed softly, yet firmly. The girls exchanged glances, brows furrowing slightly.
"Tasks?"
The question lingered, uncertain, like a small ripple in still water.
Astra turned away and walked towards a deep crimson couch adorned with golden embroidery. She sat gracefully, her eyes never leaving them.
"I suspect there are spies within the palace," she explained. "Your task will be to observe—everyone. Track movements, conversations, subtle changes. Report back to me directly."
"Do not confront anyone. If we simply eliminate them, more will come. It will be more troublesome. But if we observe… they will lead us to the roots."
"Understood, Your Highness," they replied, even though they were shocked and harbored some doubts, they didn't dare question the princess; all they could do was obey her.
Astra gave a single nod of approval.
"Now… what should I call you?"
The girl with soft cyan hair stepped forward with the identical-looking girl beside her.
"I'm Lily, and this is my sister, Lora."
Astra's gaze moved to the girl with reddish-brown hair.
"I'm Ella."
The young woman who looks a bit older than Cassy, with an elegant posture and calm voice, spoke next.
"Melinda, Your Highness."
One by one, they introduced themselves—until only one remained. The girl with black hair, her head lowered, stood in silence.
Astra's gaze softened, but her voice remained composed.
"And you? What is your name?"
The girl hesitated. Her lips trembled as she struggled to form the words. Her voice came out broken, uncertain.
"I… don't… name… Black hair… called… everyone..."
Her words stammered, her pronunciation distorted and weak. It wasn't fear—Something else.
Astra observed silently, her mind piecing together the fragments.
It's normal, she thought. It would've been strange if she had a name. She must have suffered a lot, which resulted in her speaking like this. Not to mention not having name, people with black hair and red eyes in this empire… they aren't even considered human.
Astra stood, approaching the trembling girl. Her voice softened, ever so slightly.
"We can't just call you 'Black hair.' Since you don't have a name, then let's give you one. Hmm…"
"What do you think of Claire? It means 'Bright'."
The girl remained frozen, face hidden behind her bangs, disbelief painted across her features.
The girl was dazed like she could not believe it. She remain dazed for a while. Slowly, the girl's shoulders began to shake. Her head dipped lower and lower, and soft sobs escaped her lips.
She cried silently—tears for the name she had never been given, for the acknowledgment she had never received.
Astra reached out and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I don't like cowardly people. My people must be strong enough to ignore the barking of dogs."
The girl—Claire now—slowly lifted her tear-streaked face, her gray eyes glistening with something unfamiliar: hope.
"So, will you be able to carry out the task properly?" Astra asked.
"Yes, Your Highness," they all answered in unison.
Astra dismissed them. They left the room, returning to their duties with renewed determination.
Astra walked back to the couch and sat down. Cassia, who had been quietly watching, turned to Astra.
"Your Highness, you..."
"I know what you want to ask," Astra interrupted softly. "Don't worry. They are perfect for this job. As for why…"
"You'll understand in time."
Cassia bowed. "If you say so, Your Highness."
She left the room with Gerald.
Astra picked up a book titled 'Literature of Cristiane' out of boredom and began to read.
Astra was lounging on the chaise, a plate of snacks beside her, engrossed in her book. her focus breaking only when a knock at the door interrupted her quiet afternoon.
"Who is it?" she called, sighing in mild annoyance.
"Your Highness, Young Master Rochester has come to visit," Cassia answered.
"Aric!?... Very well, let him in," Astra replied, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes, Your Highness."
The door creaked open. Edrick entered, impeccably dressed in a blue suit, his posture straight, charm radiating effortlessly.
Yet, beneath the noble demeanor, something more lingered—a powerful presence that prickled the senses.
To think I didn't notice this the other day… Astra thought, narrowing her eyes.
"E.L.S. Scan Body," she whispered.
Ding...
[Body Scanning in progress.]
Ding...
[Body Scanning completed.]
Ding...
[Detected the presence of a familiar.]
Ding...
[Information of the familiar.]
[ Familiar Name: Lightning Bird.]
[ Type: Elemental Beast.]
[ Rank: Emperor.]
[ Level: 87 ]
[ Ability: Lightning, Thunder, Fly.]
[Summoning age: 9.]
[Status: Sleeping.]
An Emperor-rank Elemental Beast… I did heard that he summoned his familiar at the age of 9.
Astra's thoughts ran rapidly.
So, it's indeed an Elemental Beast, and an Emperor-Class one at that. Truly worthy of the title of genius.
She reflected silently on the rarity of such beasts.
[The four elements—Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth are quite common elements. But there are also two rarest elements—Lightning and Ice. Many mages have these attributes, but not many manage to summon an Elemental Beast familiar. Beasts with elemental powers are known as Elemental Beasts.
Summoning magical beast familiars is no easy feat, requiring abundant mana and the acknowledgement of the beast. That's why those who manage to summon powerful beasts are highly respected in this world.
Lightning and Ice are the rarest elements, and the beasts tied to them are even rarer. They are seen only once every century.]
To summon such a rare Elemental Beast, he must have an abundant amount of mana. No wonder... Astra's gaze sharpened.
Astra continued to think, staring at the information panel.
Edrick assumed she was gazing at him, though oddly, he did not feel the irritation he usually did in such moments.
"Ahem—" Cassia cleared her throat, seeing Astra distracted.
Astra snapped out of it and the panel vanished as if obeying an unspoken command.