Chapter-25 Queen Aria and Miyuki's Choice.

The woman in front of them was the queen of Ellylon, Aria Von Stan. She was the first female and the youngest ruler of the Ellylon Kingdom. Born with high-level talent and high-level mana affinity. She reached the Aura Master realm at the age of 25.

"Please, you can just call me Aria when we are alone."

Hearing her kind words, both girls smiled and spoke.

"We are happy to do that, but in return, we would also like you to not add the "saviour" word when calling our name."

Queen Aria, hearing their words, was not surprised; she smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

"Hmm, I hope both of you have adjusted yourselves by now." While saying that, she looked toward Sophia, whose face turned red seeing her gaze toward her, and she smiled shyly.

Miyuki smiled a little as well upon seeing this. She was still able to recall the day they had entered the Royal Court's entrance hall through the transportation circle from the Celestial Realm.

And when the light vanished and their vision returned to normal, they were able to see the Nobels lined up on both sides of the court, and in front of them was a magnificent throne that served as a symbol of the ruler's wealth and authority.

Aria Von Stan, the Queen of Ellylon, was seated on the throne. With the regal aura around her, the golden crown adorned with a variety of multi-coloured jewels.

And with all of those expensive-looking jewellery she wore, she was so magnificent to them that Sophia acted without any manners and began musing about how a mortal could be so lovely.

Of course, some nobles frowned upon hearing her remark, but Aria had only laughed a little and even answered her question, saying that once she and Sophia also reached her rank, they would also be equally or even more beautiful than her.

"Again, I apologize for that day I—"

"No need to apologize for something like that, Sophia." Aria said, her pearl blue eyes shining with a glint of warmth, "You can always ask me any question that you want to."

Sophia, hearing this, spoke with a cheerful smile.

"Thank you, Miss Aria."

"Now, the reason why I called you both of you here was to inform you that from tomorrow onward both of your training will start; you will be taking your first step toward the Path to the Mana."

Hearing her words, both Miyuki and Sophia's faces turned serious. Queen Aria continued to speak in a calm voice,

"Sophia, as your path is that of a Magician's, you would be taught by Royal Elder my grandfather himself, who is a Grand Magus realm existence."

Continuing with a smile, "And I can promise you that in all the four holy Kingdoms, there is no one better than him to teach you."

The knights outside will take you to Royal Elder; he will be providing and explaining to you all the information you need to know about the path of magic today."

Hearing Queen Aria's words, Sophia gasped. She then enthusiastically said this while bowing.

"Then I should take my leave. Can't make my teacher wait. Hehe" Winking towards both of them, before turning around to leave. 

The opening and closing sound of the gate echoed in the room. Soon after that a laugh broke out in the room.

"Haha... She certainly has quite a unique personality, doesn't she?" Queen Aria spoke with a beautiful smile on her face.

Miyuki also smiled a little in return seeing her like that. Just then Aria halting her laugh called her name.

"Miyuki"

"Yes? Miss Aria."

"From what you told us, you want to be a warrior; may I ask why?"

"Huh? Pardon me, but I don't understand the question." Miyuki was confused by her question.

"Hmm, from what I gather, you possess remarkable aptitude in the ways of a Magician too, and it is at least a High-level one.

While I comprehend your desire to embrace the mantle of a Warrior due to your Excellent-level talent in that regard.

Still, I'm intrigued. So pray tell, what led you to this choice, especially considering your rare affinity for Lightning?"

Hearing her question, Miyuki didn't answer right away. She thought a little before answering with one word.

"Time."

"Pardon me?"

"Time." She repeated and this time continued with a calm voice.

"The goddess Rebecca had told us that our classes were recommended to us after carefully considering all elements, like our talent, our ability to learn, and the time we have."

"Won't becoming a Magician with only High-level talent consume more time than becoming a Warrior with my Excellent-level talent?"

Hearing her answer, Aria closed her eyes, and only after a whole minute had passed did she open them again, and with a weakened smile on her face, she spoke.

"Hmm, you are indeed correct. Time and talent both hold great significance in our lives." With those words, she cast her gaze upon the painting of the blonde and red-haired couple.

"Miyuki, do you see that painting on the wall? Those are my parents; both of them perished two years ago at the hands of demons."

Miyuki, upon hearing Aria's sudden confession, turned her gaze towards the painting, her expression one of surprise.

She then offered her condolences, saying, "My deepest sympathies for your loss."

Aria replied, "Thank you," but her countenance clearly betrayed her inner turmoil.

You see, my father and my mother had a love marriage. My father was of royal lineage, destined to be a warrior, blessed with a unique body constitution by the Light, and backed by the vast resources of the entire kingdom. His future was destined for glory.

On the other hand, my mother hailed from common stock, one among millions of citizens in our kingdom.

From a young age, she dreamt of becoming a magician, and the heavens had granted her a medium-level mana affinity to pursue her dream.

She managed to gain entry to the Royal Academy of our kingdom, but upon entering, she realized her talent paled in comparison to the young warriors and magicians from noble families.

They had superior foundations, more abundant resources, and knowledge and skills passed down through generations. They surpassed her in everything but one aspect: sheer determination. 

Hard work became her domain. My mother never relinquished her ambition. Every day, she subjected herself to rigorous training and trials that the nobility would not even contemplate. 

Then, one day, at the graduation ceremony, she showcased her exceptional abilities, outperforming all the other talented individuals. All but one.

That one was my father, Roy Von Stan, who was expected to take the top spot. However, the match ended in a draw, leaving everyone in the stadium astounded.

But on that day, everyone knew who the true victor was.

She emerged as the real winner, an inspirational figure whose name was etched in the memory of thousands who had witnessed her prowess.

Even now, this tale is passed down by the kingdom's citizens to ignite the spirits of their children. 

I, too, heard this story from my father because my mother was too modest to tell it herself." As she was speaking of it now, she smiled, reminiscing about that past.

"When my father narrated this story to me, I inquired why he couldn't defeat my mother that day.

My father asserted that my mother's abilities were flawless, her combat technique overpowering. He praised every spell she cast and every drop of mana she employed, deeming them perfection itself."

"So, Miyuki, yes, talent matters, but without hard work, it is nothing. It's not talent that creates the result, but persistence."

Miyuki, hearing her words, looked toward the red-haired, beautiful women in the painting, and after a while, she spoke.

"Miss Aria, do you want me to walk the path of a magician?"

"No, I don't want you to choose one of the two paths."

"You see, the Body Tempering Realm serves as the foundational stage for both magicians and warriors.

Despite sharing the same name and the same number of smaller realms, they are fundamentally distinct.

Warriors refine their bodies externally, while magicians temper theirs from within. Once a person advances through this realm, their chosen path becomes set in stone.

What I wish to convey is that you possess an innate talent, a gift that should not be squandered.

Yes, it will demand tremendous effort, but I assure you that if you toil harder than anyone else, you may achieve something truly remarkable.

As the Queen of our realm, my heart is forever filled with hope for the well-being of my people.

And as someone who may one day safeguard my subjects in a shadowed future, I implore you to realize your fullest potential.

You might perceive this as a self-serving plea from a self-indulgent queen, but it is motivated by a deep concern for the welfare of all our citizens."

Saying this, Queen Aria went silent.

Miyuki also didn't say anything. She was still on guard against Aria, as she knew close to nothing about her.

If there was one thing she had learned from her life on earth, it was to be careful, especially against a person like Aria, those who held power above others.