Chapter 1: Birth of the Unfortunate Child

Ivory Island.

It was a small island continent in part of the endless and mysterious world called 'Eclipse World.' But even such a small island had countless mysteries and secrets in every corner. Even though the name of this continent was Ivory Island, its landscape was around 69,000 km long and over 51,100 km wide. Within this Ivory Island were Four Great Empires, twenty-two small Kingdoms, and many independent dukedoms with a population of around 6 Billion.

What was more shocking was that the humans occupied only around 20% of Ivory Island. Meanwhile, the rest of the island was utterly filled with monsters, Beasts, and even mysterious creatures like Magical Beasts.

Until a millennium ago, countless monsters and beasts tried to invade the nearby human territories and caused destruction and chaos every year. Although many 'Walkers' were there to protect the territories, the devastation caused by the monsters was too large. But thanks to the appearance of 'Wizards' from the mainland continent, technology and magical knowledge improved drastically, resulting in the whole of Ivory Island entering the New Era.

Following that, many wizards started to appear from Ivory Island itself.

It was the beginning of Rune Era.

Innovations like the Rune engine, AetherGlyph, and later, the magical power revolutionized communication and transportation, and many scientific inventions changed daily life. The era witnessed the birth of the magic-based railway system, airship transportation, and the widespread use of magical communication networks.

The Rune Era also transformed social norms, manners, and cultural attitudes. The rise of the middle class, changing gender roles, and a focus on moral values characterized this societal shift.

Not only that, but this also gave birth to advancements in Wizardry, Alchemy, Rune Study, and Rune technology. Theories of life, discoveries in medicine, and developments in the combined system of science and magic marked a period of magical enlightenment.

Unlike before, Kingdoms and Empires had advanced to rely more on artifacts and technological equipment and send their well-armored 'Walkers' to fend off the mighty monsters and save the mortal citizens like legendary Heroes.

And in this Ivory Island, the 'Walkers' weren't some knights but were influential people who could battle hundreds of regular soldiers alone. Among the Walkers, some Legendary ones could even go on toe to toe with Legendary Magical Beasts.

It was such a magical and mysterious place.

But a child was born at this moment, igniting a spark of chaos.

Zenith Empire, Red Ember City, Royal Palace.

Rune Era Year 1405, January 6th, around 5 P.M.

A young girl, aged between 12 and 15, lingered outside a wooden door, her frame trembling with each moan and scream that escaped within. With olive-toned skin, distinctive reddish-orange eyes, black tresses, slightly elongated ears, a rounded countenance, and adorned in a purplish-blue gown with delicate white embellishments, she stood as the 35th Princess of the Royal Family of the Zenith Empire.

Regrettably, she acknowledged that the royal title was merely titular. Beyond the ornate bracelet adorning her right hand, she wore a golden necklace with a precious Alexandrite gem, a token received from the Duke of Crimson Fort for achieving Apprentice Knight status at the age of 8 and securing the title of the youngest knight born in the Empire—the Sword Princess.

"Mom! Please don't cry!" The young girl mumbled as she wiped the tears around her corners, raised her right hand, and was about to bang the door, but a firm hand caught her.

"Athena, you can't disturb the healers and midwives during delivery. Let them do their job." A cold yet warm voice reached her ears, causing a strange sense of relief.

At the same time, a sense of realization dawned on her face.

Without hesitation, she turned around, hurriedly knelt, and bowed her head.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

"This isn't a Throne Room or an official area, little girl. Call me 'father.'" The voice said.

Only then did she raise her head and look at the authoritative figure. The man was around 40 and had straight golden hair, olive skin, pure reddish eyes, broad shoulders, and a square face. Clad in a splendid ensemble, he donned a golden robe that draped majestically over his form. Beneath this, a luxurious white shirt peeked through, emphasizing luxury and refinement. A notable touch of power rested at his waist—a long sword symbolizing his martial prowess.

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His name was Ian Sillalus Jorvot, the 15th Emperor of the Zenith Empire.

Although he was officially her father, she knew it was only in name. If not for her being outstanding in swordsmanship and having already become an apprentice Knight, he wouldn't have remembered her name. It was funnier that it was her second time talking with him after her birth. The first time was actually when she became an Apprentice Knight!

Although she had seen him during banquets multiple times, she could only look at him from afar, like seeing a celebrity.

She also knew the reason for his arrival.

'He came here to check the affinities of the unborn child.' Although dissatisfied with this treatment, she could only swallow her anger and keep everything to herself.

'If my mother was a Queen, no... If my mom was at least a first or second concubine, we might be well respected in the noble circle.' Unfortunately, she was a 24th concubine.

'For now, she is the last concubine.' Even though her mother was living like a Noble Lady, her position in the palace was more similar to that of a head maid.

The reason was simple.

The palace was filled with nothing but Emperor Ian's children and grandchildren everywhere.

At this moment, Emperor Ian had a total of 65 children! If the unborn child were born, he would be the 66th offspring.

"Arrghh! It's hurts!" Her mother's scream reached a new frequency, followed by the cry of an infant.

Without knowing her, Athena had already turned around and looked at the wooden door with an anxious face.

A minute paused as the infant's cry echoed continuously from the other side, and soon, a woman of approximately 35 years walked out of the room.

Her blonde hair, neatly coiffed beneath a modest white cap, conveyed an air of cleanliness and order. Her bluish eyes, discerning and reflective, hinted at a depth of experience acquired through years of dedicated service. A hawk nose and slender eyebrows added a touch of character to her countenance, a testament to her discerning gaze on her duties.

At that moment, she wore a white shirt that peeked from beneath her meticulously crafted grey robe. A corset, not just a garment but a symbol of the era's sartorial constraints, accentuated her figure, while a corset protector provided comfort and functionality. A bodice, a garment intricately tailored, adorned her attire, contributing to the aesthetic of modest femininity. She wore an apron atop this ensemble, a practical yet symbolic accessory denoting her commitment to domestic responsibilities.

"Aunt Shirley!" Athena grabbed the maid's hand in anxiety.

Meanwhile, Shirley gave a quick pat on Athena's head with her soft hand and soon noticed the person standing before her.

"Your Majesty! Please come in." As soon as she saw the Emperor, she instantly bowed her head and invited him in.

"How is the child?" Ian asked as he nodded his head at her greeting and walked in.

The room was adorned in rich hues and opulent textures.

The walls, draped in sumptuous velvet hangings, bore intricate floral patterns that seemed to come to life in the soft glow of the gas lamps. Elaborate, hand-carved wooden furniture graced the room, each piece a testament to the craftsmanship of skilled artisans. A mahogany dressing table adorned with delicate silver filigree held an array of crystal vials and ornate brushes.

A four-poster bed, its canopy cascading with layers of lace and silk, stood as the centerpiece, the linens embroidered with the crest of a coiling winged serpent. The mattress, plump with feathered softness, promised a regal repose.

Glistening candelabras adorned with enchanted crystals bathed the room in a soft, iridescent glow, creating an atmosphere of enchantment. The flickering flames danced in the walls' mirrors, casting a warm and timeless allure upon the chamber.

At that moment, Athena also followed him and soon noticed a blood stench assaulted her nose. But her attention was fully drawn to the unconscious woman lying on the bed. She was a black-haired woman with pale skin and appeared to be around 25 years old. Blood traces appeared all over her legs, along with amniotic fluids.

She was none other than her mother, Jeanne.

Unlike Athena and the new infant child, concubines couldn't retain the imperial family name. But even the concubine's children were considered legitimate heirs and could fight for the throne.

Upon seeing her mother in that state, she instantly rushed over and cried in shock.

"MAMA!!"

"Don't panic, little child. She is just unconscious due to blood loss, so don't worry." Shirley said calmly, signaling the healers and other midwives to leave the room.

At the same time, she went to the other side, slowly carried the tiny infant that was placed beside the unconscious woman, and brought it to the Emperor.

"Please give him a suitable name, Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing Shirley's words, Athena stopped crying and looked at the young infant. His skin appeared more like a pinkish color, and he looked tiny.

"Is he my younger brother?" Excitement filled her voice as she tried her best to control her sobbing and walked closer to Shirley.

On the other hand, Ian held the infant in both arms.

But as he looked into that child's eyes, he couldn't help but take a deep breath as if he was captivated by some invisible force.

"Wow. Even his eyes look like black marbles. I hereby name him Raven Sillalus Jorvot, the 66th prince of the Zenith Empire!" His voice echoed inside the small room like thunder.