96 A Growing Headache (1/2)

Back at the palace, there was a different scene. Hongyue was propped up against a pillow. Her weak hands cupped a bowl of bitter medicine and she crinkled her nose. Setting aside the medicine, she made a show of not wanting to drink it due to the bitterness. Hongyue pouted and peered up. Her eyes caught the studying eyes of the Emperor and she lifted the medicine to her lips again.

”Is it too bitter?”

Hongyue nearly wanted to sneer. He really appeared like a good person if she hadn't known his true heart. Looking up with doe-like eyes, she nodded.

”I don't like it. It's much too bitter. Must I drink it?” She whined.

Giving a hearty laugh, the Emperor reached out to seize the medicine and arranged it aside.

”If you don't wish to, I won't force you,” He assured. Hongyue wanted to laugh. Of course, he wouldn't. Why would he?

”Okay,” She cheerfully responded and delivered a sweet smile.

The Emperor paused, ”You are already 16, is that correct?”

Hongyue looked up and nodded, ”10 plus 5, hm, yes, 16.”

The Emperor's brow furrowed but he didn't bother to correct her, ”Shouldn't you be in the magic academy?”

Hongyue paused. There was a memory about this magic academy but since she had no drop of power, the idea of assigning her to the academy was pointless. Other than understanding it was a training school for people with magic, it had never been something Hongyue thought was important. However, now that he mentioned it, Hongyue was interested. If she took some time to understand the concept of this world's magic, breaking it down and fighting against it would be more than useful for her.

However, it seemed like the Emperor wanted to send her there for a separate reason. As someone who knows that she was useless in magic, asking the question was presumably meant to entice her. Nonetheless, she didn't understand the reason why.

Pouting, Hongyue swayed her head, ”Hongyue stays home all day. Father doesn't let me out.”

The Emperor responded, ”Do you want to go?”

Hongyue's eyes gleamed happily but quickly she became disheartened, ”But this miss has no magic and I'm too stupid. They probably won't let me in.”

Patting her back and giving her a gentle smile, the Emperor assured her, ”I can get you in.”

Hongyue looked shocked, ”You can?!! How nice! I want to go...but I'm useless. What will I do there?”

The patting paused before his voice started to explain, ”We don't know who tried to hurt you last time so it's still not safe. However, the magic academy has a special barrier. Wouldn't you feel protected there? You can also meet many more people.”

Hongyue tilted her head, ”But what about here? Can't I just stay here?”

The Emperor gave her a small smile, ”Do you want to?”