In the Kingdom of Cheon-u, magical power was synonymous with status.

Not everyone is born with magic; only those possessing it can impregnate a partner. Conversely, those without magic cannot impregnate others but are capable of bearing children. Gender is irrelevant to this role.

However, being born with magic does not mean one can automatically use spells. Magic must be learned, and such teachings are permitted only to the Imperial Family and select noble houses. Consequently, those who can actually wield magic are extremely few, and bloodlines with strong magical power are considered all the more precious.

At the pinnacle of this hierarchy stood the Imperial Family.

Members of the Imperial Family have inherited powerful magic for generations. The current Emperor is also one of the most powerful magic users among them.

Of course, that wasn't the only reason the Emperor was loved by the people.

In the subjugation wars against demonic beasts that head north every year and a half, His Majesty always stood at the very front. No matter how many rumors circulate about the Imperial Family being extravagant or corrupt, the people believe in the single fact that the Emperor himself protects them.

Serina adjusted the collar of the child standing in front of the mirror.

Today, that Emperor returns.

It had been a year and a half.

"Let's make you a little neater."

She tidied the child's hair and checked her own appearance again.

This was the son she would show His Majesty.

A long time ago, His Majesty had said offhandedly:

That if she gave birth to a boy, he would cherish her.

Serina still remembered those words.

It might have truly been a joke. But to her, it wasn't.