n

n

nAfter exchanging pleasantries, Sylvia stood up to do their usual routine, wherein she did a set of moves and the tutor observed her to check if she had developed any flaws or if her posture was improper.

nBut today, unexpectedly, the woman interrupted her.

"Your highness, there is no need for you to be concerned with these exercises any longer.

"

nHuh? Sylvia turned to look at her in surprise.

"Aren't these exercises for my physical conditioning? So that I can shift?

"

nMrs. Gruger nodded.

"His majesty, the King, feels that it is more important for you to focus on other things right now.

"

n

"We can return back to your physical conditioning at a later time.

"

n

"Heh. Is that so?

" Sylvia smiled with a knowing look.

"And what does his majesty think is more important than conditioning my weak physical body?

"

n

"Your highness!

" Mrs. Gruger immediately stood up and exclaimed as if someone had insulted nine generations of her family members.

nHow loyal! Sylvia chuckled inwardly, still remaining seated as if the woman's little outburst had nothing to do with her.

nShe was not a fool to openly oppose the royal family, the most powerful beasts in the continent.

n

"What happened, Mrs. Gruger? Aren't I simply asking you a question?

" Sylvia acted like she was confused.

n

"Pray do tell. What does his highness think is appropriate for me to learn? What should I give more importance to?

" She cocked her head to a side and asked again.

nThe woman narrowed her eyes and looked at Sylvia. She suddenly found herself unable to decipher the attitude of the princess.

nShe cleared her throat and sat back down awkwardly.

"His majesty has instructed me to tutor you about the royal heritage, etiquette, and customs.

"

nHer stern eyes dragged over Sylvia as if they were scrutinizing her but Sylvia simply smiled and nodded her head in response.

nSo he wants me to learn history and etiquette instead of battle magic?

n

"Mhm. That is indeed a wise decision. Sure, let's begin then.

"

nShe sat back casually and listened to the tutor with patience, who talked about various things continuously for almost an entire hour.

nNot that it was boring. On the contrary, the tutor's history lesson was extremely informative.

nThe beast kingdom apparently was not always this weak and secluded in the wilderness.

nThere was a time when the Kingdom had prevailed throughout the entire world and humans and beasts had lived together for millenniums in harmony.

nA circle of ten divine Emperors and Empresses ruled the world and it was a period of peace and prosperity.

nBut slowly the divine bloodlines started fading and no one was able to find out why. Corruption and ill intent took root amidst the innocent and untainted and eventually war broke out.

nThe first Great War divided the beasts and the other creatures, with the six Divine beasts now ruling the beast kingdom and the rest of the Divine creatures ruling their respective clans.

nThe second Great War further divided everyone and threw even more chaos amongst the living. This time another great Empire emerged, the Devil's Empire.

nAnd the last Great War, the third war caused the most damage because with it all the divine beings with the divine bloodlines completely vanished.

nSylvia nodded attentively. She now understood why the royal family was so obsessed with the golden color.

nFrom what the tutor mentioned, the last true descendant of the Draconian divine bloodline had flaming golden eyes and golden hair.

nIt was a symbol of power, strength, and pride that belonged to a divine beast clan.

nTheir bloodline was ancient and the blood of a divine beast flowed in their veins. They considered that to be a great honor.

nThe image of the proud and the arrogant King, her father, floated across Sylvia's mind.

nHe had bright golden hair and flaming golden eyes and she wondered just what sort of a beast was he.

nAs Sylvia continued patiently listening, Mrs. Gruger explained the history in more detail for another hour when she finally stopped.

n

"Your highness, this concludes our lesson for the evening. If there is nothing else, please allow me to excuse myself.

"

nBeing always prim and prompt in everything she did, Gruger quickly collected her belongings and prepared to leave.

nSylvia watched her in amusement and then calmly muttered.

"Not so soon, Mrs. Gruger.

"

nUmm…? The woman looked back at her in hesitation.

"But… your highness…

"

n

"Sit with me a while.

"

nSylvia didn't actually plan to but as soon as she used her authoritative voice, her eyes turned bright golden in color.

nShe clasped her hands together, not to pay respects, but to stretch out her fingers, producing loud cracking noises.

nA domineering aura seeped out of her making the woman extremely uncomfortable.

nMrs. Gruger sat back down without another word in protest.

n

"Tell me a bit about astral affinity,

" Sylvia muttered.

nHer words completely startled the middle-aged woman who was already on the edge of her chair.

n

"Your highness… That… Astral affinity… That is not something you have to concern yourself with.

"

n

"Hmm? I think I can decide that for myself?

" Sylvia frowned.

nGruger once again stood up and gathered all her things in a hurry.

n

"Your highness, astral affinity allows one to absorb astral energy and channel it for casting spells. There is nothing more to it.

"

n

"May I please be excused, your highness.

"

n

"Heh. You really seem to be in a hurry today.

" Sylvia smiled sweetly and waved her hand.

"Sure, go ahead. You are excused.

"

nHer deep blue eyes watched the woman as she bowed a few times and scurried out of the palace quarters as if her life depended on it.

nShe was acting more normal just a couple of days ago, but now there was a visible change in her attitude.

nIt was not one of disrespect but rather her behavior was like that of a person who was under someone's threat.

nSylvia wondered what could have suddenly changed in such a short time and who might have intimidated her so much.

n