"These desks will allow you to learn anything you want at an accelerated pace!" My voice, amplified by the drones, resonated throughout the Chouju Empire, echoing in the minds of every citizen, a promise of a brighter future.
I paused, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.
"Upon those magical slates we have dubbed 'learning tablets'!"
Beside me, Rem and Ram stifled giggles, their amusement at my theatrics a welcome counterpoint to the weight of responsibility that settled on my shoulders. Morgiana, still perched on Rem's back, her eyes wide with wonder as she watched the holographic display, yawned, her small hand rubbing at her eyes.
Then she Immediately went back to sleep.
"But," I continued, my voice regaining its authoritative tone, "such knowledge is a privilege, not a right. Before you can access the vast library of information available to you, you must first complete the required reading."
Images flashed across the screens – textbooks on critical thinking, philosophy, morality, history, mathematics, science – the foundational knowledge necessary for a just and prosperous society.
"Do not rush," I urged, my voice softening, a genuine concern lacing my words. "Take your time. Absorb the knowledge. Challenge your assumptions. Expand your understanding of the world and your place within it. Knowledge is a gift, a treasure to be cherished, not a weapon to be wielded."
A wave of murmurs, a ripple of curiosity and anticipation, spread through the crowds gathered before the holographic displays.
"And when you have completed the required reading," I continued, "you will have the opportunity to converse with a wise and compassionate spirit- AILISA. She will guide you, answer your questions, and help you to discover your true potential."
I didn't mention the other purpose of AILISA. The Artificial Intelligence I had created, a meticulously crafted program designed to identify individuals with the potential for leadership, for innovation, for creating a better world. AILISA would be my eyes and ears, my judge and jury for those who would receive government positions, my silent partner in shaping this empire.
"That's it for now, my loyal subjects," I declared, my voice booming across the land. "Embrace the gift of knowledge, strive for excellence, and together, we will build a future worthy of our dreams."
The holographic display flickered, my image fading, replaced by the emblem of the Chouju Empire- a stylized eastern dragon, its wings spread wide, its claws grasping a glowing orb, it would become a symbol of power, protection, and progress.
I leaned back on the throne, releasing a sigh of satisfaction. The broadcast had gone well. The seeds of change had been planted.
Rem, ever curious, asked me, "So, what does AILISA stand for?"
I nodded with a smile, "the Artificially Intelligent Learning Investigative Selection Apparatus"
"You really wanted to spell out AILISA, didn't you?" Ram's mental voice, laced with a playful amusement, broke the silence.
There were so many other options, Rem added, her thoughts echoing Ram's amusement. Shorter names. More… normal sounding names. Names that didn't require such a convoluted acronym.
I pouted, my cheeks puffing out in a childish display of annoyance. "It was my nanny's name," I grumbled, my thoughts tinged with a wave of nostalgia. "Back in Japan. She was kind, patient, and always encouraged me to learn. It felt fitting. Especially since she also rightfully corrected my misbehavior when I did something wrong."
Rem and Ram exchanged a knowing glance, their amusement softening into a gentle understanding.
They knew about my past, about the world I'd left behind, about the trauma that still lingered, a shadow in the depths of my soul.
And I think they loved me anyway.
It was a good feeling.
A feeling that, for the first time in a long time, made the weight of the world, the burden of responsibility, a little bit easier to bear.
—
The throne room, stripped of Jamil's gaudy excesses, was now a space of serene functionality. The massive golden statue had been melted down, its riches distributed amongst the people, its absence replaced by a sense of spaciousness, of uncluttered purpose.
Sunlight streamed through the arched windows, painting the white marble floors in warm hues of gold and amber. The air, no longer thick with the cloying scent of incense and fear, was fresh, invigorating, a symbol of the new era that had dawned upon Qishan.
I stretched, my enhanced muscles rippling beneath my newly crafted attire, a sense of contentment settling over me. The first steps towards a better world had been taken. The Chouju Empire was thriving. My people were learning, growing, embracing the opportunities I had offered them.
But a promise, whispered in the heat of battle, a debt incurred amidst the chaos of a collapsing dungeon, lingered in my mind.
"Right," I declared, my voice echoing through the chamber, my gaze shifting between Rem and Ram, a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Time to pay up. Which one of you lucky ladies gets the next date?"
Rem, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement, gently nudged Ram forward, her hand resting on her sister's back, her touch a mix of encouragement and a subtle possessiveness.
"You go this time, sister," she said, her voice a gentle tease. "I've already had my turn. Besides," she added, a mischievous smile curving her lips, "I'm curious to see how you handle our… unconventional emperor."
Ram, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink, her gaze darting between me and the floor, nodded silently, her usual sharp wit momentarily silenced by a wave of shyness that I found both endearing and utterly baffling.
"What's with the silent treatment?" I asked, my brow furrowing in confusion. "Where's the witty banter? The sarcastic quips? I thought you liked teasing me."
Ram's head snapped up, her pink eyes widening, her voice a squeak of indignation. "You… you idiot! Can't you understand the delicate intricacies of a maiden's heart?"
She took a step back, her hands twisting together nervously, her body language a mix of flustered retreat and a lingering defiance. Then, with a visible effort, she straightened her spine, her gaze meeting mine, a flicker of determination replacing the momentary panic.
"Very well," she said, her voice regaining its usual strength, though a faint tremor betrayed her inner turmoil. "I will allow you to learn. But…" her voice trailed off, her gaze dropping to the floor again, her cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of pink.
She mumbled something under her breath, the words too low for me to decipher.
"What was that?" I asked, leaning closer, my curiosity piqued.
"Nothing!" she squeaked, her head snapping up, her eyes wide with a mixture of panic and defiance. "Just… don't expect things to be… easy, Tereda. I have… standards."
She turned away, her shoulders shaking with a suppressed giggle, her entire body radiating a flustered energy that both amused and intrigued me.
This date, I realized, was going to be interesting.
What hidden depths laid within her snarky mind?
Ram POV:
I practically fled the throne room, my heart pounding against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the backdrop of my carefully constructed composure. My cheeks burned, my hands trembled, my breath hitched in my throat.
Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! My thoughts, usually a symphony of sharp wit and biting sarcasm, were now a chaotic chorus of self-recrimination. Why did I say that? Why did I agree to this? What am I doing?
I stumbled into one of the palace washrooms, its marble floors and gilded fixtures a testament to the opulence of Jamil's reign, a stark contrast to the spartan practicality of our chambers back at the Mathers estate. I stared at my reflection in a silver-framed mirror, my pink eyes wide, my cheeks flushed a shade of crimson that rivaled the vibrant hue of my hair.
And then, the dam broke.
The emotions I'd been suppressing, the feelings I'd tried to deny, the desires I'd kept buried beneath a carefully constructed facade of indifference, surged through me, a torrent of longing, of admiration, of a love that both terrified and exhilarated me.
Tereda.
My heart ached with the memory of our first encounter, the way he'd appeared, a whirlwind of chaos and power, shattering the ice that had imprisoned us, offering us a chance at a new life, a life free from the shackles of servitude, the burden of a destiny we hadn't chosen.
The admiration, the gratitude, I'd felt then had only intensified with each passing loop, each shared adventure, each impossible challenge he'd overcome. His intelligence, his resourcefulness, his unwavering determination to make the world a better place, even if it meant resorting to… unconventional methods, had captivated me, drawn me to him, a moth to a flame.
And then, the jealousy.
The way he looked at Rem, the gentle warmth in his eyes, the tenderness in his touch, the ease with which they communicated, their shared laughter, their unspoken understanding. It was a beautiful thing, a bond I both envied and cherished.
But it also fueled a fire within me, a possessive longing, a desire to be the one who held his gaze, who shared his laughter, who basked in the warmth of his affection.
His handsome face, his sharp wit, his powerful mind, the way he could dismantle entire governmental systems, reshape worlds, with a casual disregard for the rules, the conventions, the limitations that bound lesser beings- it all captivated me, drew me to him, a moth to a flame.
And now, he was taking me on a date.
Me.
Ram.
The one who always kept her distance, who hid her true feelings behind a mask of sarcasm and playful barbs, the one who had never allowed herself to be vulnerable, to be truly seen.
My blush intensified, the heat spreading through my body, a tangible manifestation of the turmoil raging within me.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down, to regain a semblance of composure. My enhanced senses, amplified by the Oni God's power, registered the subtle changes in my appearance- the way my skin glowed with a healthy radiance, the way my eyes sparkled with a newfound intensity, the way my hair shimmered with a vibrant, almost otherworldly, light.
I didn't need makeup. The mana coursing through my veins, the legacy of a thousand Oni warriors, each with the same legacy, had already bestowed upon me a beauty that transcended the artificial.
And my dress, a masterpiece of magical tailoring, its white silk-like defensive fiber and pink accents a perfect reflection of my dual nature- the pink representing the side I kept hidden-, its even further hidden runes shimmering with a barely perceptible light and power, was more stunning, more elegant, than anything this world could offer.
I was ready.
Ready to face Tereda.
Ready to let him see the real me.
Ready to claim him as my own.
Claim him as my own?
Is it too fast?
Am I being too forward?
I practically skipped out of the washroom, my heart pounding, my cheeks flushed, my stomach doing a nervous flip-flop. This was it. A real date. With Tereda.
I smoothed down the folds of my dress- which wasn't even necessary because it's fit was self-correcting, my fingers lingering on the cool pseudo-silk, I knew I was presentable.
More than presentable, actually.
I was beautiful. Powerful.
Also utterly terrified.
Tereda was waiting for me outside the throne room, leaning against a marble pillar, his arms crossed, his black suit with gold accents a perfect fit for his lean, muscular frame. He looked… delicious.
I felt dampness that I incinerated with magic as to not be obvious.
"Ready?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine.
"As I'll ever be," I replied, forcing a nonchalant shrug, though my heart was threatening to beat out of my chest.
He offered me his arm, a mischievous glint in his eyes. I took it, my fingers brushing against his, a jolt of warmth spreading through my body. "You don't seem ready? Your beauty is too much and you-"
"Where are we going?" I asked with a panicked interruption that sounded like the cry of a small animal, my voice entirely breathless, my usual confidence forgotten.
"It's a surprise," he said, his grin widening. "But trust me, you'll enjoy it."
He led me through the bustling streets of The Chouju Empire, I noticed his enhanced speed and agility allowing us to navigate the crowds with ease without me trying to exert anything at all.
The city, bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun, was alive with activity, the air filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the rhythmic clang of blacksmiths' hammers.
We arrived at the marketplace, a vibrant mass colors, scents, and sounds.
Stalls overflowed with exotic spices, shimmering silks, and gleaming weapons. Merchants hawking their wares with booming male, and loud feminine voices, their words a melodic blend of languages I recognised strangely easily.
The energy of the marketplace, the sheer chaos of it all, was a stark contrast to the sterile order of the palace, the hushed whispers of the court, the carefully controlled environment Tereda had created.
My gaze swept over the stalls, my senses, amplified by the Oni God's power, taking in every detail, every scent, every sound. And then, something caught my eye.
A small stall, tucked away in a corner of the marketplace, its wares displayed on a worn rug.
Bolts of fabric, their colors muted, their textures rough, but radiating a faint, magical hum.
I realized they were special, my mind buzzing with possibilities. These fabrics, woven with threads imbued with elemental magic, could be used to create garments of incredible power, of unparalleled beauty.
I imagined a new dress, a masterpiece of magical tailoring, its fabric shimmering with fire, its runes crackling with lightning, its very presence a testament to my skill, my power.
I wanted to show it to Tereda as soon as I made it.
I reached for my soul storage, intending to purchase the entire stock with a casual wave of my hand, a gesture that would have made even the wealthiest merchant in The Empire weep with envy.
But before I could even speak, Tereda, his gaze following mine, had already stepped forward, his hand outstretched, a pile of gold coins glittering in the sunlight.
"I'll take the lot," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine.
The merchant, his eyes widening, his jaw slackening, stammered out a grateful acceptance, his hands trembling as he gathered the bolts of Magoi cloth, his mind reeling from the unexpected windfall.
It wasn't the gold that made my heart skip a beat, that sent a warmth spreading through my chest- and elsewhere-, that brought a genuine smile to my lips.
It was the fact that he'd noticed.
That he'd understood.
That he'd anticipated my desire, even before I had voiced it.
He knew me.
Truly knew me.
I realized that was more precious than any treasure, any power, any magical artifact this world could offer.
He led me away from the bustling marketplace, his hand gently resting on my back, guiding me through the maze of narrow streets, his touch a reassuring presence amidst the chaotic energy of the city.
"Hungry?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine.
"Famished," I admitted, my stomach growling in agreement.
He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Good. Because I know just the place."
He led me to a restaurant, its exterior unassuming, its interior a haven of quiet elegance. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of roasted meats and exotic spices, the soft murmur of conversation, the clinking of silverware.
As we settled into a plush booth, a menu, bound in leather and embossed with gold lettering, was presented to us. I scanned the offerings, my brow furrowing in concentration.
And then, my eyes widened, a gasp escaping my lips.
There, amidst the unfamiliar dishes and exotic ingredients, was something familiar. Something that reminded me of… home.
A stew. Rich, savory, and fragrant with spices that brought back memories of the streets of the capital, of long nights spent in the kitchen and eating Rem's cooking, experimenting with flavors- and failing, perfecting recipes- which Rem had to correct.
I saw Tereda, his gaze meeting mine, his grin widening, as he chuckled. "I asked around," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. "Heard rumors of a chef who specialized in… comfort food. Thought you might appreciate it."
My heart, already pounding from the unexpected gift of the Magoi cloth- as the merchant called it, now threatened to burst out of my chest.
This man… this incredible, infuriating, utterly captivating man… he knew me better than I knew myself.
And in that moment, I knew.
I was falling for him.
Hard.
Then some stupid bitch decided to ruin it.
"OOH hello there, handsome, would you like to ditch this tiny pink gremlin for a real woman?"
I turned my dead eyes towards this fucking whale that declared my perfect, fit, athletic, body as 'tiny.'
She would die.
I would kill her.
DIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDIE.
My killing intent filled the room.
Then the restaurant-.