"My dear, you want to learn magic at such a young age?" This time it was Aurelia who spoke, her expression filled with concern.
"Mhm. Learn magic. I become strong. Protect Mother and big sister."
I said it as clearly as I could, trying to convey my intentions.
To anyone else, those words might have sounded childish… even foolish. I felt a little embarrassed.
But clearly, my mother and sister didn't think so.
They were moved.
I could feel my sister hugging me a little tighter.
Ah… my sister's chest isn't as large as Mother's yet, but it's still growing. I'm sure it will reach the same level someday. Compared to Mother's, though, hers feels a bit firmer.
"My dear, your sister and I are already strong enough to protect ourselves… and you as well. You don't need to worry so much," Aurelia said gently.
Ametista nodded in agreement.
But how could I give up now?
I truly wanted to learn magic.
"Big sister… teach magic anyway."
I said it stubbornly, without trying to find another excuse.
After all, taking advantage of being a child and acting stubborn had its benefits.
"It's not that I don't want to teach you," Ametista said patiently, "but you are too young right now. I don't know if you'll fully understand, but I'll explain."
She adjusted her posture and continued.
"First of all, you don't have a magic core yet. It can only be awakened at the age of ten, for all beings in this world, through a ceremony. We simply call it the Awakening Ritual."
She spoke calmly, making sure I followed.
"The ritual itself is common and not very difficult. Anyone can undergo it. But it cannot be done before the age of ten."
She paused briefly before continuing.
"Those who somehow awaken their core earlier than that often damage it. Their bodies are not fully developed, so they cannot handle the magic. As a result, their growth becomes limited, and they may never become truly strong."
Her expression grew serious.
"That's why ten years old is considered the perfect age."
Then she smiled again.
"How about this, dear? Until then, you can learn how to fight. I'll train you properly. It's better than staying here all day with Mother."
As soon as she finished speaking, Aurelia immediately twisted her ear.
"Ow! Mother, I was just joking!"
"You are still too young, my dear," Aurelia said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Mother will not allow you to train until you are at least three years old. It would harm your body."
Then she turned to Ametista.
"Ametista, go and take care of your duties. I need to feed him now."
It was clear.
My opinion… and even my sister's… didn't matter in this situation.
I simply returned to feeding, feeling the familiar warmth as I drank.
Ametista left the room with a slight pout.
Once again, it was just me and my mother.
Afterward, she cleaned me using what seemed like a combination of water and wind magic. I didn't feel anything directly, but I noticed the refreshing sensation afterward.
After a while, as she gently held me, I looked up at her and spoke.
"Mother… movie."
I was genuinely curious. I wanted to see how advanced the technology of this world really was.
She didn't question where I had learned that word. Perhaps she assumed it was from the books I had been reading.
Instead, she simply spoke a single word.
"Amy."
Her tone was completely different.
Cold.
Neutral.
Nothing like the warmth she showed me or my sister.
Before even a second had passed, a figure appeared inside the room.
More precisely… she teleported.
A magic circle filled with runes had formed on the floor, and from it emerged a woman.
She looked to be around the same age as my mother. She had fox ears, blue hair, and green eyes.
She was beautiful… but not as much as my mother or sister.
Ah… it seems my standards for beauty have been completely ruined.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Amy said, bowing slightly without raising her gaze.
"Prepare a projection device in my chamber. My son and I will watch a film," my mother said in the same cold tone as before.
I froze for a moment.
Your Majesty?
Did she just call my mother that?
So… she's a queen?
Wait.
I'm a kitsune.
Kitsune are yokai… and if I remember correctly, they have strict hierarchies.
There can only be one ruler.
One king… or one queen.
…
Wait.
My mother is a queen?