Lucy calmly stored the shattered remains of the Talent Assessment Sphere into her spatial ring, leaving not a single trace behind. Before I could even process what had happened, she pulled out a new, identical sphere from storage and placed it on the pedestal as if nothing had ever happened.
"Let them think you're nothing special," she whispered with a smirk. "It's safer that way."
Then, as if the past few minutes of emotional whiplash hadn't occurred, she grabbed my wrist and pulled me along through the palace halls.
"Come," she said. "It's time for breakfast."
The corridors were as grand as ever—painted ceilings, golden pillars, sunlight streaming in through colored glass. Servants bowed as we passed, though many cast lingering stares at me. Their eyes often widened, some whispering behind cupped hands. I wasn't sure if it was because I was still in a maid's outfit… or because of my face.
Either way, I wanted to sink into the ground.
Eventually, we reached the grand dining hall—more of a banquet chamber, really. A table stretched long and wide like something out of a royal painting, lined with countless silver platters and dishes. Steam rose from roasted meats, sparkling fruit glistened under morning light, and rich sauces filled delicate bowls.
Lucy took her seat at the head of the table with quiet authority, and I stood behind her like a proper servant... until she casually yanked me into the seat beside her. I nearly tripped over the hem of the maid skirt.
To my surprise, another person was already seated near the far end of the table—a girl who bore a striking resemblance to Lucy.
She had raven-black hair that framed her pale, elegant face, and her piercing blue eyes glimmered with curiosity. Though different in coloring, the similarities between her and Lucy were clear in the shape of their lips, their poise, their air of nobility.
Lucy gave her a small nod. "Sophia."
"Big Sister," she replied in kind, equally formal. Despite being siblings, there wasn't much warmth. It was cordial, respectful—like rivals who didn't actively hate each other but wouldn't share dessert either.
But then Sophia's eyes landed on me.
Her interest visibly piqued, her aura brightened like a blooming flower. She tilted her head, smiling in delight. "Hmm? And who is this little thing?"
Her gaze sparkled with amusement. "Where did you find such a boy?"
Lucy sighed. "His name is Akashi. I bought him at the auction house. He was a slave... but he has potential."
Sophia clapped her hands softly. "So pretty. He almost looks like a spirit summoned from a dream. How much for him? Twenty thousand gold coins?"
Lucy didn't flinch. Her tone was ice. "He's not for sale."
Sophia pouted, leaning forward with both charm and mischief. "Big sis, don't be so heartless. What if I throw in a Purple-Talent knight as part of the trade? Loyal and strong. Deal?"
Lucy didn't even look at her. "I already said—he's not for sale."
With a dramatic sigh of defeat, Sophia leaned back and drank from her glass of juice. But as she did, Lucy lifted a delicacy with her fork—soft, golden pastry filled with cream—and held it up.
To me.
"Open," she ordered, her tone playfully smug.
Blushing, I opened my mouth. She fed me the pastry delicately, eyes locked with mine. Then, without a word, she took another bite from the same fork.
Sophia choked.
Juice nearly shot out her nose as she sputtered in shock. Her eyes widened, trying to process the scene. Lucy—cold, untouchable, dignified Lucy—was feeding a boy like a doting wife and sharing utensils.
Before leaving, Sophia walked past us, pausing by my side. Without warning, she leaned down and gently pressed her lips to my forehead.
A soft kiss.
"Akashi," she whispered, just loud enough for Lucy to hear. "Make sure to visit me when my Big sis is not treating you properly"
Before Lucy could react, Sophia smirked, cast a teleportation spell, and vanished in a shimmer of blue light.
The silence that followed was terrifying.
Lucy's aura burst outward, plates cracked, silverware trembled, and the roasted duck exploded in a puff of smoke. I sat frozen, unsure whether to run or hide under the table.
She slowly turned to me, her eyes glowing.
"That little sister of mine…" she growled.
Then, before I could flinch, she grabbed my face and kissed my forehead exactly where Sophia had. Her lips were warm. The kiss lingered.
"There. Mine."
My mind broke for a moment. I didn't know whether to be flattered or terrified.
Still holding my face, she said coolly, "Come. Since you're 'just a slave,' we're going to the training grounds. If people see me beat you a little, no one will ask questions."
"W-Wait—beat me?"
Her smile was far too serene. "Don't worry. You might even enjoy it... a little."
I couldn't tell if she was joking. Probably. Maybe. Hopefully?
We arrived at a private courtyard behind the palace. It was a training ground unlike any I'd ever seen: lush grass, floating practice targets, an ambient mana field gently vibrating in the air.
She handed me a wooden sword and a basic mage staff, then took one for herself.
"Today," she said, "we begin your real training. First, you need to feel mana."
I nodded and sat cross-legged, eyes closed.
"Focus," she instructed. "Feel the unnatural energy around you. It's different from air, sound, heat. It's like pressure—push against it, pull it toward you, and then shape it."
I tried. At first, I felt nothing but the breeze.
But gradually… something stirred.
Minutes passed. Then an hour. Then two.
And finally—there it was. A ball of warmth. Of light. Mana. Forming slowly inside my chest like a second heartbeat.
My eyes opened, glowing faintly. "I… I think I did it."
Lucy watched with calm admiration. "You formed a Mana Core already?"
She raised an eyebrow. "That took me several days, even me with Orange Talent Most people take months or longer. You… really are dangerous."
She explained more as I listened, still dazed. "Every stage have layers. Early, mid, peak. Right now, you're early. Peak means you're ready for the next stage—true combat training."
I nodded, but my legs were still nervous. "Wait… did you say combat?"
She smiled and tapped the wooden sword in my hand. "Of course. You'll need to be able to defend yourself."
Then she winked.
"And besides… if anyone's going to bruise that pretty face of yours, it'll be me."
I gulped.
Training had officially begun.
And so had the danger.