"Do you understand?"
The children nodded in unison. Their faces are serious, filled with barely contained anticipation as they wait for the awakening ceremony to begin.
In truth, Adam's exhaustive explanation is unnecessary. Catherine explained all the important details to them long ago, patiently and clearly.
It happened about a year earlier, when Grace and Gray began begging their beloved mother to teach them magic. They had seen her light candles with a snap of her fingers more than once, or use wind magic to keep them from falling, and Cassia often hid in their shadows whenever she wanted to slip away. Of course, the curious twins want to awaken their own abilities as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Adam continues his lecture, paying no attention to whether anyone is actually listening.
"In accordance with the Resolution on Universal Development adopted by the Senate a thousand years ago, magical cores are classified from E to S, and in rare cases even SS. Their rank depends on throughput capacity, while their type depends on affinity with magical elements.
"For example, I possess an S-rank magical core with an affinity for the element of light.
"This does not mean I cannot use magic of other elements, but my mastery of light magic is virtually unmatched, while magic of other elements is limited to basic spells. If I attempt to use a complex water or wind spell, my core will become overloaded."
After such a long speech, Adam expects to see confusion on the children's faces and is ready to offer further explanations, but the twins are far less interested in theory or practical classifications. Their eyes light up with impatience as they ask in unison:
"And what about Mom's?"
This question has been tormenting their curious minds for a long time. They do not care in the slightest what kind of core Adam has. They grow up in the constant presence of Catherine and Cassia, so anything not connected to these women simply goes in one ear and out the other.
No matter how often the twins ask their mother, she always answers, "Very strong." Whatever that is supposed to mean. It is not that Catherine keeps secrets from them. She simply does not want her children to develop unrealistic expectations. Naturally, such vagueness only fuels their curiosity.
Adam is ready to talk, so how could they possibly miss such an opportunity?
The hapless father clears his throat awkwardly: "Your mother is an exception. She possesses a core of a special type — a Colorless Adaptive Core with SS-rank throughput capacity.
"The more she uses magic of a particular element, the better her control becomes. Theoretically, she can wield any existing magic at the highest level. From elemental magic to specialized forms such as shadow or crystal magic."
Adam casts an awkward glance at his third wife. He still cannot come to terms with the fact that the woman is so extraordinarily talented. Catherine's abilities are so absurd that they are downright frightening.
The children's eyes light up. They stare at their mother with undisguised adoration and a hint of fanaticism. Indeed, Mom is the strongest.
"Fufufu, well? What did I tell you, you little rascals?" Catherine says proudly, puffing out her chest. "But remember, the rank of your magical core does not determine your future. It can be improved through rare resources or relentless effort.
"For example, your Uncle Aurelius awakened an earth-element magical core of B-rank, but through tireless training and the search for rare resources, he developed it to A-rank+, nearly reaching the S level."
"I see./Umu," the children reply obediently. Sparks of anticipation flicker in their eyes.
"And what about Cassi? What kind of core does she have?" Grace asks curiously.
Catherine strokes her daughter's head.
"My dear, Cassia is not human. She is a beastman from the cat tribe. Her body is structured differently. She does not have a core, but she possesses an innate affinity with shadows, which allows her to hide within them. You don't need to go into the details. Just know that beastmen develop differently. You can study this topic properly when you're older…"
"That concludes our little lecture," Adam interjects, clapping his hands. "We need to go. The priests have already prepared the ceremony. We shouldn't keep them waiting."
"Alright./Umu."
Adam takes little Grace by the hand and heads toward the exit. Gray, smiling, clings to his mother's neck. He clearly does not want to go on his own.
They leave the estate, passing the library, the slave quarters, and the coliseum, until they reach the Ceremony Hall.
Before them rises a majestic circular acropolis, its columns gleaming white marble. On the massive slab connecting the pillars stand statues of the departed heroes of the Province of Light. There is no roof—the open space lets sunlight pour in, filling the interior with a solemn, reverent atmosphere.
At the center of the structure, on a slightly raised platform, stands the altar—monumental and austere, shaped like a truncated pyramid. Its summit forms a spacious platform, capable of holding up to five people.
The placement of the ceremonial hall and altar is no accident. Here converge the most concentrated flows of light energy in the entire province, and indeed, across the whole Empire.
The Ceremony Hall serves not only for the awakening of magical cores. In truth, that is not its primary purpose. It was built for rituals, offerings, and prayers to the patron deity of the province, whose statue towers above the altar.
Apollo, known as "the Radiant," "the Shining." The God of Light and all arts is rendered in stone with such beauty that any man would feel small and inadequate, and any woman would feel a warm stirring beneath her tunic.
At this moment, all the active nobility of the prefecture had gathered around the altar.
Present were members of the Starlight family, including the children and concubines, the centurions Claudius and Aurelius, three cardinals, as well as representatives of noble houses and numerous temple attendants.
The men wore neat, pure white togas with wide sleeves.
The women, in contrast, wore light robes. Soft fabric clung to their forms, accentuating the curves of their hips and the line of their waists. At first glance, their appearance seemed quite modest… but a closer look revealed that every detail was designed to draw attention.
Deep cuts at the chest barely concealed the roundness of their bodies. High slits at the legs allowed glimpses of smooth thigh, the glint of golden garters, or the movement of bare feet in sandals.
It was Gray's first time in such an environment.
Anyone observing the boy closely would notice that his eyes kept drifting toward the figures of the matrons. His gaze resembled that of a hungry wolf, not an innocent child. He did not understand why he looked that way, and he did not stop to question it.
Gray's mouth went dry. He wanted to drink some milk.
He look at his mother, and all those strange thoughts immediately vanished from his mind.
Catherine was beautiful, as always. She wore a simple white dress, far more modest than the other women's attire. But her innate elegance made her seem like a fairy untouched by the mortal world. Catherine did nothing to attract attention, yet wherever she went, all eyes were drawn to her.
Meanwhile, her "husband" exchanged handshakes with the most influential patricians. They greeted each other in the Roman manner—by clasping wrists. It was an ancient tradition meant to show that no hidden weapons lurked up their sleeves.
With this gesture, people silently said to one another: "See? I carry no arms. We are friends."
Meanwhile, the crowd began talking about the two children, for this was the first time in three years they had appeared in public.
"Merciful Light, it's Her Majesty Catherine! They say she's the most beautiful woman in the world! I never believed such nonsense before, but today I see I was wrong."
"I'm still more drawn to the sacred grace of the holy daughter of Eve."
"Look at Princess Grace! She's so sweet! Like a miniature version of her mother."
"Only our governor is worthy of possessing such priceless treasures of beauty."
"Look at the third heir. Why does he have black hair? The king's is light, and the queen's is ash-white. I've heard Catherine and Adam have been at odds lately. Ahahahah. What an amusing story…"
"Look, son! That is the governor's daughter, her name is Grace. No matter what, you must make a good impression on her. If we can form a bond with the Starlight family, our family will gain countless advantages. You won't lose out either. I'm sure she will grow up very beautiful."
"Yes, Father."
Caught in the center of attention, young Grace doesn't know what to do. Though everyone around her whispers, she cannot hear their comments. Instinctively, she feels fear. The girl resembles a tiny fledgling leaving its cozy nest, only to stumble into a serpent's den.
Children should not be underestimated. While they cannot match adults in the art of reading an atmosphere, their instincts allow them to sense the intentions of those around them, especially when those intentions are not carefully concealed.
Her father is occupied with important conversations and pays no attention to his daughter's unease. Grace can do nothing but shift awkwardly from foot to foot, clutching his hand tightly in the hope that he will notice.
Catherine, however, is more attuned. She pays no mind to the crowd. All that matters to her is the well-being of her twins. So, noticing Grace's nervousness, she quickly moves to her side.
"Don't worry, my dear. There's no need to fear attention. If people are talking about you, it means you are exceptional," Catherine whispers gently, stroking her daughter's hair. "Come now… be brave. Show everyone why you deserve to be called the most beautiful princess of the Alaz Continent. Mama will always protect and support you."
Feeling her mother's caress and hearing her soft voice, Grace calms. Her little eyes sparkle, and her restless body stops trembling.
"Umu," she nods, letting everyone know she is all right.
Gray is not idle either. He wraps his arms around his little sister's shoulders and flashes a mischievous grin, one that promises nothing but trouble.
"Little sister, let's make a bet," he whispers into her ear.
"A bet? What kind of bet?" Grace squeaks quietly.
Gray rubs his hands together. "I bet my magical core will be stronger than yours."
Grace taps him on the chest with her tiny fist. "Silly brother. We're twins. Everything is the same for us. It should be…"
"Who knows?" the boy replies with a sly smirk, looking like a little fox. "I'm sure my talent is greater. Then you'll have to call me your elder brother."
The girl punches him a few more times and begins stomping her feet.
"Silly brother! I'm the older one—that's a fact. That means you can only lose. I'm not playing with you. That's childish!" She snorts and turns her head away from him in a show of defiance.
Catherine, watching their bickering, decides to intervene before her children cause a scene in public.
"My dears, just because you were born on the same day doesn't mean your cores will be identical. Usually, twins have the same type of core, but different throughput capacities. A curious phenomenon, indeed. There have even been cases where twins are born with cores of different elements that can strengthen each other."
"Quite enviable abilities, aren't they? Fufufu… Just imagine—you could enhance your brother, and he could enhance you in return."
Catherine still keeps the rainbow phenomenon the twins had triggered a secret.
There are many reasons for this.
First, she does not want them to grow arrogant. Catherine is certain that talent without hard work remains merely talent. Only relentless training can make a person truly strong.
Second, the phenomenon was interrupted by an eclipse. She worries it might have affected Gray's abilities, yet no matter how much she searches, she cannot discern the causes and effects of such an event.
In the end, she decides to postpone the matter until the awakening ceremony and plans to act according to the situation.
Catherine grew up outside the Roman Empire and does not understand their prejudices against users of dark magic. Her maid wields shadow magic, yet she is kind and gentle.
Catherine knows for certain that celestial phenomena cannot determine a person's character, only their extraordinary talent.
For example, when a gifted child is born among the werewolf tribe, the full moon lights up the entire sky, as if celebrating the arrival of a new pack member. Elf children can make flowers bloom around them, regardless of the season.
She has even heard rumors that seven years ago, at the birth of an elven princess, the legendary Yggdrasil Tree of Life swayed for three days and three nights, welcoming the new prodigy.
Phenomena can vary. The world is mysterious, and it is impossible to unravel all its secrets.
She will not be upset if her son's element is altered by fate. The type of power matters little; what matters is how it is used. If her child is rejected in the Province of Light for such a trivial reason, she would rather move to another country.
With her level of skill, where could she not go?
Lost in her thoughts, Catherine barely notices as the twins settle their argument.
"All right. A bet. The loser has to obey the winner for a whole day!" Grace suggests, still provoked by her brother.
"Deal!" Gray confirms.