The entire dining hall fell into a heavy, suffocating silence. Nobody dared utter a word. How could they? They had just witnessed a miracle.
Saphy looked around, noticing everyone staring at her with wide eyes and mouths agape. Her cheeks warmed, and she fidgeted under the attention. Honestly, the situation felt awkward, so she decided to break the tension.
"What happened? Why are you all staring at me like that?"
Her words seemed to snap everyone back to reality — though they were still visibly shaken.
"Saphy… y-you can use magic?"
Charles asked, his voice trembling slightly, a mixture of shock and awe etched across his features.
Saphy shrugged casually.
"Well… isn't it obvious?"
Charles froze. His five-year-old daughter had just answered him as if using magic were trivial. As far as he knew, controlling magic required years of training, even for a prodigy like him. And yet here was Saphy, casually wielding light magic with perfect control. What kind of genius is she?
Charles quickly pushed those thoughts aside, trying to focus. "Saphy… were you really able to use magic? What's your current magic level? And… was that healing magic? How much progress have you made in Light Magic to heal someone like that?"
Saphy furrowed her brows and pouted.
"Dad, why are you interrogating me like a criminal? Did I do something wrong?"
"No, no! How could I treat my beloved daughter like a prisoner? I… I was just curious," he stammered, sweat forming on his brow. Seeing Saphy puffing her cheeks and glaring at him, he quickly added, "I didn't mean it that way!"
Saphy felt a mix of helplessness and resolve. She hadn't wanted to reveal her magical abilities this early. But she also couldn't hide the truth now. Maya had risked herself to protect her — she couldn't let the older woman suffer a second longer. Maya was like the older sister Saphy never had. She had sacrificed so much caring for Saphy's well-being; Saphy wasn't about to be ungrateful.
And besides, she had spent years preparing. Not just practicing magic, but studying in the library, mastering skills, acquiring knowledge. Using magic before the awakening ceremony at age five was nearly unheard of, especially with her level of control. Even Charles, a prodigy, had likely only mastered magic at fifteen.
No wonder everyone was shocked.
Charles, his voice now gentler but still filled with concern, asked, "Saphy… how long have you been able to use magic?"
Saphy sighed, choosing her words carefully.
"When I was three."
She didn't dare admit she had used magic since birth. If she had, who knew what they might have done? They might have branded her a witch, or worse. And there was no way she could reveal that she had been reincarnated — that was the ultimate taboo. She wanted to forget it completely, to live fully as Sapphire, the daughter of this loving family.
Even with the occasional challenges of being a young girl, she was genuinely happy. Surrounded by loving parents, and even her teasing brother, she felt safe. He knew she ate less because of her picky tastes, and her short height likely reflected malnutrition. He teased her to encourage her to eat more, staying silent when she got served first. It was his quiet way of caring.
Hearing Saphy's answer, Charles' jaw nearly dropped. Magic at age three? He was flabbergasted.
"If you could use magic then… why didn't you tell us? Magic is dangerous. You could have been seriously hurt!"
Saphy's expression softened. "That's why I didn't want to tell you. You're already making quite the ruckus. Imagine what would have happened if I told you earlier. I wouldn't have told anyone now if it weren't for this situation. I know how rare magic is… but I couldn't just let Maya suffer until the healer arrived. She's important to me."
Her words fell like a warm, steady flame over the room. Astonishment and awe spread among everyone present — especially the servants. Unlike other young noble ladies, Saphy had never misbehaved. She treated them all with respect, even as a child prodigy.
Moved, her mother, Lisa, rose from her chair and embraced her tightly.
"Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter. Your mad mommy is so proud. I am grateful to the Gods for blessing me with a daughter who cares for others above herself."
Then, Maya's mother, Sophia, the head maid, approached and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, young lady, for thinking so highly of my daughter. Thank you for protecting her, and… for healing her. I am forever in your debt."
One by one, the other servants also bowed to Saphy. She scratched her head awkwardly, laughing softly. She realized she enjoyed the attention, though she'd never admit it aloud.
"Ah… please don't make such a fuss. Maya, are you alright? Are you in any pain?"
"No, Miss. Thank you for healing me. And… thank you for considering me important. It means so much," Maya replied, bowing deeply, tears glimmering in the corners of her eyes. She was genuinely touched.
A similar scene unfolded with Zelen, the green-haired maid who had accidentally spilled the soup. She knelt, head pressed to the floor, apologizing profusely.
"Miss, I am terribly sorry. I have no excuse for what happened. It was my fault. I never meant to harm you. Lord, I accept any punishment you deem fit."
Charles' gaze hardened. Anger flared within him. What if Maya hadn't shielded her daughter in time? What if Saphy couldn't use magic? She could have suffered until the healer arrived…
William clenched his fists, white-knuckled. The thought of his sister in pain ignited a protective fury in him. Even the knights by the doorway, alerted by the screams, instinctively reached for their swords, ready to follow Charles' command.
Saphy released her mother's embrace and approached Zelen. The maid kept her head down, ashamed. Saphy gently held her shoulders, lifting her gaze to meet Sapphire's deep azure eyes.
Zelen froze, caught by the calm kindness shining there.
"Sister Zelen, I do not blame you. I know it was an accident. I saw the drop of soup hit your feet. I understand you didn't intend any harm. But that doesn't change the fact that Maya was hurt because of your actions."
Zelen raised her head, a new resolve in her eyes. "I… I am truly sorry, Maya. No excuses. I caused you harm, and I am ashamed."
Saphy nodded, her voice soft but firm. "Accidents happen. But harming the Young Miss — intentionally or not — is something I cannot forgive. However, your apology shows understanding, so you are forgiven. Just… be more careful next time."
Lisa's voice cut in, sharp yet measured. "Zelen! I know you didn't mean any harm, but a mistake was made. Someone was hurt. That cannot be overlooked. I am still angry that my daughter was endangered. You must bear the consequences."
Zelen shivered under the Lady's gaze.
"But… since both my daughter and Maya have forgiven you, I will be lenient. You will forfeit two months' pay and are banned from the dining area until further notice. Butler Sebastian will redistribute your duties. That is all. You are dismissed."
"Thank you, My Lady. I will strive to improve and ensure this never happens again," Zelen said, bowing deeply before exiting the hall with her head lowered.
With order restored, breakfast continued. Lady Lisa asked Maya to rest after such trauma, but she refused, insisting on serving her Young Miss. She stayed, continuing her duties with unwavering devotion.