POV: Kyros
As we stepped through the teleportation gate, the familiar hum of magi-tech filled the vast chamber. The staff operating the consoles looked up immediately, bowing in unison before returning to their duties. Still, I caught their curious glances toward the small girl in my arms.
It wasn't their place to ask questions — and they knew it.
Turning slightly, I said to Diablo, "Contact the head maid. Make sure the entire staff is informed of my daughter."
Then, glancing down at the girl who was staring around with wide-eyed wonder, I realized something. "Ah, I've yet to ask your name."
She turned her gaze up to me, voice soft but steady. "Aurora. That's my name."
I nodded, a faint smile touching my lips. "A beautiful name indeed, little Aurora."
I shifted my attention back to Diablo. "Prepare a room for her. Summon a tailor from the city to design a wardrobe — something fitting. I won't have her looking lesser. And make an announcement to Luminosity about her existence. You know me, I don't hide. That little king will run straight to his masters anyway — best to own the story before the Empire does."
Diablo smirked faintly, bowing. "At once, Your Excellency." He vanished in an instant.
I turned, gesturing for the elite unit I had assigned to guard Aurora to follow. "Come. The head maid should have food ready by now — this girl looks like she could eat a wyvern whole."
Aurora looked up at me with mock offense. "Father, must you point out the obvious?"
I gave a low chuckle. "Very well. Then I'll say only this — you look half dead."
She huffed dramatically, then grinned. "Yes, I'm starving!"
Her enthusiasm made me laugh again — quietly this time — as we continued through the marble halls toward the grand dining room.
When we reached the great double doors, Alphonso stepped forward and pushed them open, standing at attention beside his men. Inside, a line of maids stood waiting, pristine in their black and white uniforms. At their head was Selene, my ever-competent head maid.
She bowed gracefully. "Welcome back, Your Excellency. And this must be Her Highness Aurora, whom Diablo informed me of?"
I inclined my head in confirmation before taking my seat at the head of the table. Gently, I placed Aurora on the chair beside mine.
Selene smiled warmly. "It will be nice to have some life in these halls again," she said, before clapping her hands sharply. "All right, everyone — move! Let's get this feast underway. Her Highness must be famished!"
The maids scattered at her command, leaving us in relative quiet.
While we waited, I turned to my daughter. "So, Aurora — what do you think of the palace so far? This will be your home from now on."
She turned her bright eyes toward me, awe and excitement mingling in her expression. "I've never seen anything like it before. Everything is so huge! And we haven't even gone anywhere yet — I can't wait to explore!"
I couldn't help but smile. "You thought that king's castle was grand, didn't you?"
She nodded eagerly. "It was… but this is so much more!"
I laughed softly. "Of course it is. I am a Great Mage, after all."
Then I caught myself. What am I doing? Am I actually trying to impress a child?
Before I could dwell on it, Aurora spoke again, her tone suddenly curious. "Mother taught me about the elements, but she never mentioned the mage ranks. She said I'd learn after my awakening. Can you tell me now, Father?"
Her pleading look was almost unfair. I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. Parenting is going to destroy me…
"Very well," I said. "No harm in knowing early. In our world — Magedom — there are eight ranks: Apprentice Mage, Novice Mage, Senior Mage, Lord Mage, King Mage, Emperor Mage, Great Mage, and finally, Grand Mage. Each step brings a longer lifespan and greater power. Talent determines how far one can go."
Her eyes widened in amazement. "So you're a Great Mage… no wonder everyone respects you! Does that mean you rule a whole city?"
I nodded. "Luminosity. A megacity — a city-state, really. Independent from the empires, much like the academy. It's home to nine million people, and the heart of my power."
Her wonder faltered slightly, and I saw uncertainty creep into her face. "Are you nervous?" I asked.
She nodded, voice trembling a little. "I just… realized what this all means. I'm happy to have met you, Father — truly. But it's all happening so fast. It's… daunting."
I paused, weighing her words. For someone so young, she spoke with surprising maturity.
I rested a hand on her head, gently brushing her hair aside. "It's a lot to take in, I know. There's no rush. Get used to the palace first — your new home, your new life. When you're ready, we'll introduce you to the city. Take it slow, Aurora."
Her tension melted. She smiled up at me. "Thank you, Father."
Just then, the great doors opened again, and a procession of maids entered carrying silver platters, the aroma of roasted meat and spices filling the air.
"Ah," I said with a faint smile. "Dinner is served."
Time to bond… and afterward, learn the truth of what really happened.