The next morning, in Sera’s baronial chamber, Sera sat on the sofa, her posture composed, with Tia and Vina nestled on either side of her. Emma, Alaric, and Kevin sat across them.

‘Her eyes are red. Did she cry last night?’ Kevin thought. ‘But compared to her frightened expression, this suits her much better.’

‘The Sera I know is someone who doesn’t know the meaning of fear, and always seems to be in control.

‘Ever since the first time I met her in front of the shrine, I’ve seen many emotions on her face—joy, shyness, playfulness, seriousness, resolve. But never fear.

‘Even when her children were kidnapped, she was anxious, but not frightened.

‘As if everything was always in her control.

‘She is not a damsel in distress. Despite her playfulness and easy going nature, she is cold and calculative. This much is evident from what I heard of how she dealt with Isabella.

‘Above all, she can be cruel and ruthless. It is evident from how she killed everyone in the Ravenscrest household.

‘I really wonder what she would accomplish if she had the ability to use magic.

‘Maybe it was for the best that she couldn’t.

‘My mind says she is weak and powerless. She never displayed hostility towards me or Benedict, but my instincts warn me that something is off about her. She isn’t even a heavenly beauty. Yet, somehow my attention is drawn towards her when I am with her. Is it love? I don’t think so. Or is it?

‘My impression of her is that of someone who always knew what she wanted and where she was going. But yesterday was different. She seemed….lost. For the first time, I saw fear in her eyes. That expression of hers still lingers in my mind. What could make someone like her afraid?’ Kevin mused.

Glancing at each of them, Sera said in a soft yet steady tone, breaking the silence, “I’m sorry for yesterday. My mind was preoccupied with some other matters.”

She paused and addressed Kevin, “So, what were the results of your expedition?”

Seeing that Sera has no intention of discussing her problems, everyone sighed internally, deciding to silently wait for Sera to open up in time.

Kevin cleared his throat and began recounting the details of the trip.

“This trip can be considered very successful. Among all the children, Vina, Ron, Olivia, and Julian have successfully awakened their magic aptitude and also inherited artifacts from the Spire.”

He paused before continuing, “Of course, Vina’s case is different. But please, don’t lose all hope.

“Cases of people inheriting dead artifacts are extremely rare, but they do happen from time to time. Until recently, there was no solution for this. However, after years of research, the churches and the empire have developed a method.”

Sera, who had been listening intently, leaned forward slightly, her interest piqued, as did everyone else in the room.

“To deal with these special cases, we have devised a ritual. In this ritual, high level priests will participate, focusing concentrated magical energies into the dead artifacts through a magic circle. By doing so, they have succeeded in disintegrating the artifacts.”

“Oh! Then it is good news,” Emma exclaimed, visibly brightening.

“Where should we go to perform this ritual?” Alaric asked.

“There’s no need to go anywhere, this ritual is conducted along with the Magic Awakening ceremonies.”

“Huh? Then why didn’t you take Vina to participate in it?”Alaric asked, confused.

Kevin sighed, “That’s because Vina is still too young. Participation in the ritual requires a certain level of physical and magical resilience to withstand the concentrated energies.”

“It will be better for the children to get accustomed to the mana in their bodies for a year or two. Also, high level priests don't have much spare time. Thus, they have decided to do it along with the awakening ceremony every decade.

“So, what should we do?” Emma asked.

“Nothing. You just have to wait for another decade for the next Magic Awakening ceremony. At that time, Vina can participate and have the priests break her artifact. I think Sera could also participate when the time comes.”

Everyone’s expressions visibly brightened, except for Sera.

‘It seems similar to what the Matriarchs tried to do. If that’s the case, it might not be of any use. Still it wouldn’t hurt to try.’ Sera sighed internally.

“In addition to Vina, Ron, Julian, and Olivia should also be sent to the next ceremony,” Kevin continued.

“Why?” asked Sera.

“Although the three of them—Ron, Julian, and Olivia—have inherited their artifacts, they are currently incapable of using them.

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“In fact, attempting to do so at this stage could lead to self-harm. To prevent this, the priests performed a ritual and applied a temporary seal on their artifacts making them unable to conjure them.

“They are still children who are not yet mature. It's like giving a knife to a child. They may hurt others or get hurt due to lack of self control. They could abuse their powers.

“Normally, artifacts can only be used after completing their first phase of reversion. After a few years, they will mature physically and mentally. Their bodies will have fully accustomed to their mana and the artifact.

“At that time, the priests will remove the temporary seals, allowing them to begin their formal training in magic.

“In the meantime, I’ll provide a method for them to practice their mana control and manipulation. It’s a safe and structured method, one that the academy offers to all its students. Even if they want to, they cannot use it to fight others. It will help them a lot in the future when they truly begin their training.”

Sera’s eyes narrowed slightly. ‘Even if it’s a method provided by the academy, they usually charge an exorbitant fee for such knowledge. There’s no such thing as free food in this world. What is he trying to do? Does he want to recruit them?’ Sera speculated.

“Sir Kevin, why can’t they start their magic training immediately?” asked Emma curiously.

“There are mainly three reasons for that. One is that, to become a mage or a magic knight, they would have to undergo a special ritual. These rituals are usually kept secret and can only be learned from their families, churches, academy or various other factions.

“But they will not give this method to just anyone. They have to join their faction. But they are still children who do not yet know right from wrong. It is not correct for others to choose for them.

“Secondly, their bodies must be accustomed to the mana that has awakened. Which will require time.

“Thirdly, the life of a magician or a knight is filled with danger and sorrows. Once they start to thread on this path, they may not be the same again. So, it is better for them to live their lives peacefully for a few years.

“Because of this, the current emperor used all his means to make the 12 churches and various factions to come to a consensus that people will only be allowed to join various factions only after they reach the age of 16. Stating that, the years of innocence they spend with their family and friends, with normal people will show great impact on their character. At the very least they should have the opportunity to laugh and enjoy their lives as children.

“Of course, those who already have the means will start their training as per their convenience.”

“If that’s the case, this territory will become even more prosperous. Sera and Vina might be able to break their artifacts, and we’ll also gain three promising magicians in the future.” Emma said excitedly.

“Yes, yes,” Alaric nodded enthusiastically.

While chuckling, Sera poured cold water on their excitement, “That might not be the case.”

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“Why?” Emma asked.

“As far as I know, it’s rare for someone to awaken magic. It’s even rarer for anyone to inherit an artifact from the spire. This means that many factions including yet not limited to —churches and nobles—will be eager to recruit them.”

Sera’s gaze shifted to Kevin. “I’m honestly surprised they haven’t already come knocking on our territory yet.”

Kevin did not say anything and sipped some tea while smiling.

“But Sera, aren't they our village’s children? I think they should stay and do some good for the territory.” suggested Alaric, slightly anxious.

“That’s true, but we can’t force them to stay. It’s their decision. Also, the children are still young and they will have many dreams. Their parents might also force them to go. After all, what can they gain by remaining in this remote area? What could we possibly offer them compared to the larger factions?”

“But...” Emma felt reluctant.

“It is not such a bad thing either. If they succeed out there, their reputation could bring positive attention to our territory. We could forge valuable connections through them. At the very least, they should be willing to come to our aid at times of our need.”

‘Not to mention, one of them might be too full of themselves. Better to let them go. Such people would only bring trouble.’ Sera thought about Julian.

“Hmm.” Emma and Alaric nodded.

But they are still not convinced. To them it’s like sending their own children away. They did not get why they can’t just live in the village peacefully? Why go through all those hardships?

“There is a way to keep them in the village,” Kevin interjected, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Many nobles solve this issue by making magic contracts with the children, binding them to their household in exchange for benefits.

“They provide financial support and other resources, and once the children complete their education, they return to the territory, taking up good positions with generous salaries and various benefits. Some of them even get married into their household.” Kevin smiled.

‘This guy, what is wrong with him? I am just a pitiful widowed baroness of a backward territory. Why is he always acting like he is testing me? Did I slip up somewhere?

‘He’s subtly implying that I should manipulate these children or swindle their families into making contracts to bind them to our household.’ Sera felt apprehensive.

Alaric and Emma, however, didn’t see anything wrong with the idea. They felt it was a fair deal.

‘Alaric and Emma might not know, but contracts have to be made cautiously. If not it is even possible to turn them into slaves.

‘It is possible to do it even with a normal contract. Much less a magical one.

‘Not to mention, if I were to use such methods and Tia finds out about it in the future, she will be really sad and disappointed in me. Although she will not say anything, my impression in her heart will fall.

‘Harumph, How could I let that happen? I will always be someone to whom she will look up to.’ Sera snorted internally.

‘Still, to suggest something like this, are you really a priest?’ Sera mused.

“No,” Sera shook her head firmly.

“Why not?” Kevin asked, genuinely curious.

“Yes, why not? It seems like a good idea.” Emma echoed.

“No matter how much support I provide them, it will never compare to what the major factions could offer these kids.”

“They are still young, and their parents don’t fully understand the world beyond our borders. I could convince them to make a contract now, but that would be a betrayal of their trust.

“The children’s growth would be stunted in this backward territory, and when they realize this, they’ll resent us. When word gets out we will also lose the trust of the masses.

“It is also possible for them to go to any of those major factions to join them. In which case they will definitely force us to dissolve the contract.”

Kevin tried to interject, “If that’s your concern—”

But Sera cut him off. “Yes, we could add various clauses to the contract to avoid that outcome, but I still don’t want to do it. This territory isn’t sufficient for children with such potential. They are capable of soaring to greater heights.”

Vina didn’t care much, but Tia felt exhilarated by his mother’s ideology, which made Sera satisfied.

‘Hmm, that's weird, I imagined she would at least consider making magic contracts with Julian and his family. Did I miss something? I assumed her to be cold and logical, not an Idealist.

‘Such selflessness, are you sure you are a noble?’ Kevin mused internally.

“It’s much better to use this opportunity to build connections with major factions. We can also use their success as a motivator, encouraging more people to participate in the magic awakening ceremony.” Sera continued.

“If children with average talents are awakened, we can then suggest this kind of contract to them. I think they’ll be much happier to accept it.”

Alaric and Emma exchanged glances, fully convinced by Sera’s reasoning. They felt a deep admiration for her wisdom and her ability to see the bigger picture.

Listening to Sera’s explanation, Emma realized the possibility of cheating in magical contracts, feeling slightly apprehensive, she decided to take extra caution in the future when dealing with contracts.

Kevin, sipping his tea with a smile, said, “If you continue with this kind of attitude, you might find it difficult to develop your territory.”

“That’s fine. As long as the people are self-sufficient, happy, and at peace, why do we need to force development?

“Raven’s Crest is fine the way it currently is.” Sera responded with a serene smile.

Kevin and the others couldn’t help but smile, and they continued their discussions.

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This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.