Alicia asked,
"Then what about mages, Uncle?"
The Baron replied,
"Alicia, mages are people who have the ability to use the magic power inside them. Every being in this world, including monsters, has a magic power inside them. But people can't use that power easily. Only those with a talent for magic are able to use this innate power. If others, without talent, try to perform magic, they are drained of their life force. Hence, mages are uncommon but not rare."
Alicia asked,
" What is that talent, Uncle?"
The Baron replied,
"The ability to perceive magic powers naturally is called talent. Not everyone can do this."
Alicia asked, " Are mages mighty, Uncle?"
The Baron replied,
"Yes, Alicia. Mages are mighty. A mage, on their own, can kill a goblin very easily. But a group of mages can easily roll a nation. The best example for this is the Kiburg Empire."
Alicia, curious, asked,
"But wasn't it Emperor Igor who subjected the Empire of Kiburg?"
The Baron explained,
"Yes. The Sixth King and First Emperor of Visden ended the rule of the Kiburg Empire. But he did so with the help of the exploited mages from Kiburg. Kiburg Empire was renowned for its mages. But the last Emperor of Kiburg had no talent for magic and was excellent in terms of swordsmanship. Therefore, as soon as talented Knights emerged, the Empire started to neglect and act arrogantly towards other mages. Those mages, though, were very talented, were treated very poorly compared to the knights. This started a riot within that Empire, eventually leading to a rebellion. King Igor took advantage of this situation and supported the rebellion by declaring war against the Empire. The Empire was filled with both internal and external attacks, and strived hard to keep balance. But ultimately was suppressed by Visden. That's why it's important not to let personal inferiorities and conflicts get in the way of ruling the land. An Emperor must always be impartial to his feelings. Or else, it will end in their destruction."
Alicia nodded seriously. Then she asked,
" What happened next, Uncle?"
The Baron continued,
"Then, King Igor became An Emperor and gave titles and lands specifically for the exploited mages. House of Herbert was one of them. He also created a new position for the most powerful mage of each generation, which was only second in power to the Emperor. He named it "The Magic Emperor". The mages thrived, and many new talents were born here in this Empire. Hence, Emperor Igor established a magic academy to nurture these talents. It still is a great academy that takes all students with a skill in magic, regardless of their social status. There are also six types of magic powers. Those are Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Light, and Dark. The first four are together called elemental magic. Every Mage can perform at least one of them. The last two magic types are quite rare. House of Herbert specializes in Fire and Dark magic. The academy has different instructors for every type. It even gives specialized and advanced courses."
The Baron stopped Alicia as she was about to ask another question. He said,
" Alicia, from now on, when we are in lessons, you must address me as teacher or sir. I know it might be difficult for you, but try not to call me Uncle, okay?"
Alicia, dejected, slowly nodded. Then the Baron told her to continue asking the previously stopped question.