Chapter 1: Beginnings of Childhood

Arisanna Blanchette was raised in the noble Blanchette household. From the beginning of time, the household has always been loyal to the Royal Family. Naturally, through years of friendship, the next descendants were bound to work for the Royal Family one way or another.

Arisanna just recently turned eight years old and was in the middle of a class. As the young lady of the household, she too would soon serve the Royal Family. Specifically, the cousin of the Royal Family, the Rosenvelt. Due to their blood relation, they had the status of Grand Duke or Grand Duchess.

As the tutor was talking about nobility and status, her twin brother, Reynold Blanchette, suddenly cry out.

"Nobility and status is something we covered before! Can't we review something new?"

He had his chin resting on his hand. His black locks were getting a bit longer by the day. His ruby-red eyes were gazing outside the window. These unique traits are specifically from the Blanchette family.

Arisanna rolled her eyes and spoke up.

"It's not all that bad. Besides, we have only sat here for a few minutes at most. Let him continue."

"Please! You can recite the entire nobility system without batting an eyelash. Aren't you bored of it?"

"Just because I can do it doesn't mean you can."

"You think? I could do it with my eyes closed!"

They then proceed to quarrel. Both offending while narrowing their eyes at the other.

"Please, young master and lady. We will only briefly cover it before moving to a new topic." the tutor sounded out, trying to calm the sibling pair.

They both huffed at each other and refused to look at the other.

He then continued.

The society they currently reside in has a very clear nobility system.

The one who rules over all is the Emperor and Empress. It is safe to say they make the laws and have the final say in all matters. Below them is the cousin of the Royal Family, those who also possess royal blood and in turn were granted the status of Grand Duke or Duchess. They are above the Royal Prince and Princess, as they are next in line for the throne in case something happens to the Emperor and Empress. However, once the Prince and Princess come of age, they would have the right to be next in line. Age doesn't matter as much in the Royal Family as one would have to prove themself if they have any intention of inheriting the throne. That means the age gap between siblings competing for the throne doesn't prove anything. Gender also doesn't matter, meaning the princess could also compete for the title of Empress.

After the Grand Duke and Duchess, those who have the most power are the families of the title of Duke and Duchess. The families that earned those titles have had a close relationship with those of royal blood throughout the years and have been a huge support for the imperial family. The Blanchettes fit into this category, having served right under the command of the Royal Family.

Besides those mentioned above, the Blanchettes don't have to bow down to those below them as they have the highest title that is not of royal blood. Arisanna and Reynold were taught these principles from birth and therefore this was nothing new to them.

Besides nobility, the influence of religion is also quite prevalent in the empire. The church holds a large bit of influence, with the Pope being the highest of the church's power structure. People believe in "God" and how they gave the very first humans the blessing of magic.

Due to this, people with a high talent for magic are also viewed as someone with a high status. Magic is very versatile, therefore even without the influence of the church, people who wield it are considered valuable. The status of the magician depends on their class level. Those who reach a Level-9 Class are awarded the title of Sorcerer or Sorceress. Those with a Level-10 Class or higher are viewed as Grand Sorcerers or Sorceress. They measure this through the amount of mana in one person. But, magic is rare to come by and difficult to master and so there are only records of four major grand sorcerers and grand sorceresses.

"So basically status is all that matters, I think we get the point," Reynold mumbled.

"This is basic etiquette as one needs to grasp this theory well to be able to properly behave in society," the tutor meticulously explained.

"So, you are basically just teaching us common sense…" Arisanna also mumbled.

"Precisely! This is a critical period for those like you, young master and lady," he happily laughed.

He then continued, "I am sure you will get into more detail when you learn Magicology and Religious Studies."

They both sighed and were dismissed.

"I swear one day the nobility would just collapse!" complained Reynold.

He stretched his arms out as they walked outside to the garden.

"You can't say that. Not if we continue to serve the royal bloodline later on!" she scolded her twin brother.

"So? I am sure we would get through even if our title is removed from us."

She could only sigh at his comment.

The garden was beautiful and was filled with flowers that have been newly planted due to the request of Arisanna.

"Ari! We should duel!" he said while running to get the wooden swords.

"I don't want to! You know you are better at swordsmanship than I am!"

"Oh come on! One match wouldn't matter much!"

He threw one of the wooden swords toward her.

She barely managed to catch it and stumbled forward.

"If we duel, you promise to have tea with me later on!"

"I don't want to do such girly things! Come one! Or are you weaker than a scaredy cat?" he yelled out while getting into position.

"I am not weak!" she protested and so she herself got into position.

Although they were young, they both possessed skills. Arisanna was insanely flexible and manage to dodge most of his swings.

However, her brother possessed much more power and agility than her and so she was quickly knocked down after a couple of minutes of sparring.

She puffed up her cheeks and stood up. She was now angry.

And so while he laughed at her, she stood up and swung her sword at him.

But him being her talented brother, he managed to block it.

She repeatedly hit him with her sword to make her anger clear.

He only laughed harder at her actions, making her much more annoyed.

She then snapped her finger and a glowing butterfly appeared. It flew at a quick speed towards him. Reynold was alerted and managed to block, causing a small explosion.

"Hey! Not fair! Don't use magic!"

"Is Rey-Rey afraid?" she snickered.

And so they once again quarreled.

"Reynold! Arisanna!" a voice rang out.

They both turned their heads and looked at a figure from the distance.

"Mother!" they both called out.

"What have I told you both about destroying the garden!"

"Ari was the one who used magic!" he pointed at her.

"Yeah? You kept wanting to duel!"

"Kids!" she glared at them.

They both looked away, their faces matched the color of the newly planted roses in the garden.

She sighed helplessly and motioned her children towards her.

"Father would be returning soon from his trip to the capital so why don't we greet them?"

They both followed their mother toward the entrance of the house and carriages started to roll up.

The door of the carriage opened and out comes a tall and stern figure. He had a very formal black suit on with several accessories decorating it.

He gave a gentle smile as soon as he saw them despite his fierce demeanor.

"I'm back."