“Beira certainly seemed very happy to blame the inquisition.” I noted.

“Ah, you met the highest court mage. Not surprising, she is fascinated by sorcerers.” Loriel said.

“What do you mean by that? Can you tell us more about her?” Lucy asked.

“Beira is a mage who loves magic. And power. She almost worships it. Sorcerers have magic in their blood. A power that is inherited. She dreams of an improved human race with vast magical abilities. She is hoping that sorcerers are the key to finding out how magic is inherited. Then she can start a dynasty of mages. She also wants magic to be a requirement for nobility.” Loriel explained.

“Does not great magic power already guarantee a lot of political power?” I wondered.

“Yes. But so does your heritage. Beira feels that only the powerful should have positions of power.”

“And the inquisition is an organisation that maintains the current status.” I reasoned. “While they do keep an eye on the nobles, to ensure they stay loyal to the Empire, they also enforce the nobility's power.”

“What would she want instead?” Lucy asked.

“A similar organisation but with different priorities. They could dispose of the weaker nobles and replace them with people who wield magic to some degree.”

“What about the emperor? Does he have magic? Surely Beira would not serve someone weak.” I pointed out.

“You would think so. Unfortunately we do not really know. The Empire was founded by a demigod, according to legend. And the imperial bloodline is unbroken, or so they say. But even if that is true, each generation should have less of the original power. That does not mean they can’t become powerful mages mind you. Maximilian has never been part of a battle. There has never been a true demonstration of power. So we don’t actually know what he is capable of. But the Empire does possess a lot of magical artefacts. So he certainly has power through items, if nothing else.”

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“A demigod? Could you not simply ask the priest of the god in question? Surely they would not allow an Emperor to pretend to have divine blood.”

Loriel looked at me strangely. Maybe what I asked was common knowledge in this world. “The gods rarely interfere with the world. They grant power to those willing to worship them and follow their ideals. We don’t even know what the gods receive in return. Possibly power. Anyway, the god in question would be Imperius. He is the god of nobility. As long as the Empire follows his ideals he is happy. If Maximilian claimed a divine connection and went against his wishes, then his priesthood would certainly act.”

“So what is Beira’s relationship with the church?”

“Complicated. Her plan to depose weak nobles is against their ideals. But her ultimate goal of creating magical bloodlines that rule is compatible with the church.”

“Speaking of bloodlines, what do you know about Alexander?” I asked.

“Ah, I heard about your encounter. Alexander did not inherit a lot of power. Or he is just too lazy to develop it. Being the 3rd prince he is not expected to inherit so he was sent to a military academy. He is rather spoiled and often abuses his position. Despite his excellent education he seems rather incompetent. Alexander is also known for his views that humans are better than others and should rule the continent. Interestingly, while he preaches human superiority he seems quite fond of elves.”

“Do you think he will try something because I rejected him?”

“He is arrogant enough that he might want to. But he should not have the resources to do much. You are a diplomatic guest, a noble and quite powerful. Any action against you would need approval from the Emperor. Anyone powerful enough to pose a threat would be aware of that. So I would not worry too much.”

“That also explains Beira’s distaste for him.” I realised. “He is weak but was granted a lot of power. He is everything that she wants to get rid of.”

“Could Beira be connected to the experiments you suspect? Lucy wondered. “If she wants to improve humans that sounds like what we are looking for.”

“It’s possible.” Loriel said. “But not entirely fitting. Beira has shown no interest in warlocks. I don’t think the idea of entering an unbreakable contract with some creature appeals to her. She is focusing on more traditional ways to improve people, like alchemy.”

“Maybe she got frustrated and is trying something new?” I suggested.

“It is possible. I am sure she will approach you about her research at some point. You could feign interest and see if she invites you to her lab. I denied her in the past so she would be suspicious of me.” Loriel admitted.

“Hm. I will have to think about that.” I was not sure if I wanted to follow a power hungry mage into their lab. At least not alone.