Waking up to a mounting headache and backpain wasn’t exactly the plan… Shifting around on the floor my mental self looks through my memories to see where it went wrong. Ugh even seeing the memory gives me a headache.

Soon after I’d finished up with my mask project I’d finally decided to produce larger amounts of morphine. I guess it’s pretty popular and the method I made is too difficult for our researchers to copy in larger doses. I figured they just weren’t thinking of it correctly but… Ugh. I think I found the weakness of my Alkahestry instead. I can do small scale but when I tried to do large scale manipulation it was just too much. My mind was suddenly split a million ways at once on every molecule inside the tank and snap back from the rebound of not being able to finish the change. Normally my attention isn’t held by every particle I just needed to concentrate on how it should be formed but I think this is the result of attempting something over the bounds of my transmutation circles buffer to help me.

I rub my head and check the time… I’ve still got a day and a hand full of hours, right?

Right as I’m thinking that Su walks inside in stride. She looks down at me on the floor for a moment. “Young master… why are you on the floor?” Looking up at her I sigh before slowly getting up.

“Just got a headache from a failed transmutation. Is there anything wrong?” I shift some of the stuff piled on the ground out of sight, suddenly embarrassed that my lab is this dirty. Su giggles at my antics.

“Well young master I came to get you for preparations for your birthday. You are in desperate need of… well fixing everything at the moment.” That’s a little rude, a smell of my clothes and breath tells me not totally unwarranted though.

“Hey, I still have a day or so left. I can get ready tomorrow.” She looks at me with confusion.

“Young master… the party is later today.” My mind blanks… right. I was passed out… I probably also just slept since I’d skipped the last night or so before that too.

“Ah… right. Well, lead on I guess.” Su takes me out and I squint at the incoming light.

“Why is this so bright out?” Pulling on my new face mask to cover my eyes. Thankfully my unseen vision seems fine with the light.

“That’s called light my lord. You should see it more often if you don’t want to get hurt by it.” Another small giggle from her makes me scowl slightly.

“Hey, I was working on an important new project. I still need to test it later but for now I can just wear it I guess.” Making carbon fiber bind in a specific structure to fabric was a lot more annoying than I was expecting.

“Alright young lord, follow me the attendants will take care of you.” I’m whisked away for an hour getting scrubbed down and cleaned for the event later. I think I pass out during the process and come back to it a few times during the process.

I’ve gotta say it is pretty nice to be rich… Though I’m making sure to contribute towards the society… by introducing a highely addictive pain medication, anti-inflammatories and morning sickness pills. I have a few other medications brewing around in my mind but at the moment everything is so small scale that I can’t really produce enough for everyones needs. I need to either create a process to automate the process or train others in the methods I’m using. I could also use this as a chance to test how much the transmutation circle assists for the gap in knowledge. By teaching different students only part of the method each I can see how much is required in order to complete a basic creation.

Lost in my thoughts I’m dragged around and finally dressed up. They try to remove my lower face mask and gloves, but I kindly refuse them. I’d worked hard on these and I might as well use them to show off a bit. Though now that I know that I have some limitations to the size of my Alkahestry changes I’ll need to make adjustments to future plans and depend more on gear and Chi. I hope that my mask plan still works out it too a long time to work on it.

Meeting back up in my room mother is there in her red with yellow gold accents robe. She is so excited when she sees me and quickly starts getting parts of an outfit together.

“Ahh my son! My beautiful boy! Now, we need to add the final touches to your outfit.” I look down at my blue tunic slightly confused. She pulls out a yellow and gold jacket. It’s not solid yellow but enough to denote royalty or having earned it for service to the kingdom.

“Why am I getting that now?” feeling the fabric and realizing it’s silk. Which is very rare here with few proper silkworm farms. What is silk anyways? I understand it’s a biological process that creates it. Can I create biological material with Alkahestry? I suppose if I cou- my mental rambling is interrupted by mom catching my attention again.

“Your um Ant-e-in-flam-oratory pills helped one of the emperor’s favorite wives bring down the swelling after an accident. Then the morphine you made has helped a lot of the soldiers that have suffered wounds. It’s in VERY high demand. You’re making such a large impact in such a short amount of time! You’re the most promising candidate so far!” Inflammation? One of his wives has inflammation where? Cause I sure hope mom doesn’t catch whatever it is. She’s also still obsessed with the idea of me taking the throne…

“Mom… I told you I don’t want to become the emperor for longer than like 10 minutes. I’ll just give my support to whoever ends up emperor, so they give me resources and leave me alone.” It’s a known fact most emperors kill off all their relatives soon after they come into power. The competition normally leading to a lot of bad blood between them and the worry of a potential uprising always at the back of the newer emperor’s mind.

“Dear you’re still young I’m sure you’ll change your mind when you are older. For now, let’s get off to your party dear. The emperor himself will make an appearance! The amount of promise you’ve shown has inticed a lot of your brothers and sisters to attend as well.” I guess I haven’t actually met all of my siblings yet… It would be kind of nice to see which ones are actually worth interacting with. I also haven’t really talked to my father since… well never? I don’t think him being confused about the amount of chi in the baby and yelling at it in case it was a demon’s spawn counts? I suppose that is one downside to having multiple soul splinters in me.

Chi can pick up on the natural life energy within myself and others around me. I guess my Chi feels weird. Like there are multiple people inside of me. Mom played it off as I was supposed to have siblings but ate them in the womb to make myself stronger which seemed to placate them enough to let me live. I hadn’t realized just how much of a problem it could have been. Despite the nicer lifestyle of this life, it’s been rife with a lot more life-threatening danger early on…

As we start heading out Su stops me for a moment. One of her hands on the shoulder of a mini version of her outfit. They look smaller and less well trained then most of the guards. They are shifting slightly awkwardly and nervously and cringe slightly every time they do as if mentally berating themselves.

“This is my son, Xin. He will start the learning process today. He has been learning Chi for the last three years, he started the process earlier last year. He is in the process of learning to take on the duties of being your guard.”

He gives me a bow. “Young master I-I look forward to helping you to the best of my ability” He’s… he’s still just a kid.

“Okay… uh yeah, nice to meet you too Xin.”

His eyes through his mask almost seem to panic for a moment. “My sincerest of apologies young lord. I had forgotten to wish you a happy birthday. I shall punish myself for my transgressions.” I just stare at him for a moment cringing at what he just said. Su’s eyes light up in amusement. I… don’t want to know what their punishment is.

“Nope… no need for that. It’s fine, I honestly forgot it was my birthday until I was dragged here earlier today. Just follow me I guess?” He bows again before following along. I swear I can hear Su giggling at the sight.

Upon entering the banquet hall Su disappears to the side to watch over the occasion. It’s a bit of a social taboo to have strong fighters near other clans’ children. Personal servants are fine and a rookie like Xin will be okay as well but a known expert would be seen only as an attempt at assassination. Mom and I are noticed by a servant near the door who announces our arrival.

“Introducing the Emperors wife Ying Du and young lord of the Du clan! Jiang Du!” I see several groups that are gathered around talking all give curious glances my way. Most of them seem a bit… lazy? Like this is a world with Chi and magical manipulation of the elements. At least put some effort into making stuff interesting or improving yourself. I can easily tell which ones are using Chi and which ones aren’t because most of the people here are not physically fit. Most of the kids that are running around are pudgy or thin like twigs. Then there are also my brothers and sisters while every once in a while, there is a muscular young adult that looks conflicted about what they are supposed to do. Likely the result of early puberty from Chi training and wanting to play but not being able to without looking bad.

Mom gives me a side hug to grab my attention. “Now I want you to go out there and socialize with your siblings for a bit it’s been a while since you have met many of them. You need to make some alliances and help make sure things move smoothly. You’re going to have a lot of attention on you from now on.” I shrug it off. I don’t really know how I’m supposed to act either… I somewhat recall an etiquette class mom tried to give me a few times but I just sat there and thought out what I was going to work on that night instead.

Sitting down in a nearby chair Xin awkwardly stands by my seat shifting uncomfortably occasionally. A few people come up to me to discuss politics, but I don’t really care about any of that so they might as well be talking to a wall. I just tune them out to continue working on my project on the table in front of me. I’m snapped out of my thoughts though by a discussion going on nearby.

“Ha look at the Lin kid here. Is your entire clan pooling its funds together for a present? Come to marry your brother in hopes he brings your poor clan out of poverty? Just accept your position or roll over and die already.” That’s… not how you talk to a kid. I know from previously they can be rude and so I ignored most of them. But… no I’m not going to accept that.

Standing up from my project I tuck the pieces of metal into my bag that Xin quickly helps carry and stride over.

As I do Xin discreetly asks “Would you like for me to handle them young lord? They are just servants and if their noise disturbed your work…” I wave him off not sure what he would do to them. They are rude but I don’t want them to die or something. Su is a bit odd so I don’t trust him to not just kill them and be confused when people kick up a fuss.

“No no I’ve got this.”

I guess I should at least attempt to solve this diplomatically first. “Is there a problem?”

They turn towards me, the little girl can’t be more than 6 or 7 with a single long braid and a pink and gold tunic and dress, she looks absolutely terrified staring down with tears in her eyes. Meanwhile there are two 17–20-year-old non-Chi users one is very puggy and the other is thin as a bean pole with patch work beard coming in. Honestly, they look like textbook villains, and they are picking on a little girl.

The Tubby one answers first. “No, no problem lord Du just getting to show how one of the poor clans doesn’t deserve to be in a place such as this.” I keep my face impassive and turn to the other to get his opinion.

The thin one seeing I didn’t comment quickly nods with the first. “Yeah, one in a position such as yourself shouldn’t have to put up with them being here. They’ll just make you look like you’re accepting beggars inside to dine with you.” Looking over at the young girl that they called by Lin. I recognize the last name. It’s from the poorest of the 50 clans. They are a farming clan, but their land hasn’t been doing well for the last few generations forcing them rely on their old funds that have been slowly drying up.

She lets out a small ‘eep’ as I look at her. She’s wearing nice enough clothes to go to a formal event but on closer inspection you can tell that they are somewhat worn in so they likely are not new or may have been passed down…

I let out a long sight before turning towards the two men. “I don’t see a beggar anywhere. All I see are two idiots picking on one of my sisters.” This makes them both put on somewhat worried and confused faces.

The puggy one speaks up first again likely thinking the thin one said something to annoy me. “But… but lord Du does she deserve that title? Obviously, she doesn’t come from the emperor. She came from whatever man let her mom earn a few coins on the side for her desperate clan.” I give a short nod in acknowledgement of what he said. They both put on some relaxed smiles as they probably think that they did the right thing.

“Out.” I point towards the door.

Their faces contort into confusion once again seemingly not understanding what’s happening. “What do you mean young lord? Should we escort her o-“

I shake my head. “No both of you idiots get out of here. Before I make you get out.” Xin seems to start to make some hand motions off to the side.

Their faces shift from confusion to anger. “We’ll have you know, we are personal attendants of the grand young lord Zinzan! The alliance you two made years ago has mut-“ I cut him off there.

“The alliance? I gave a short bow so they wouldn’t bother me. What alliance is that?”

He backpaddles slightly. “Ah uh well you uh were assumed to be subservient to my lord into his path to becoming the Heir to the emperor. I… we… your alliance has already been made known to all relevant parties thanks to those years ago!” I look at him like an idiot.

“You idiots… we were, hell we still are, kids. How is that an acceptance of subservience? No, don’t be stupid. Just get out, I am not a part of any alliance with him, nor will I ever be if this is how his attendants treat the other family members.” They look like they are about to start something Xin moves forward.

“You two have insulted my lord and a royal member of the emperor ‘long may he rain’s family. I am within my rights to punish both of you unless you comply with the young lords wishes. Please decide on which course of action you wish to perform. I am eager to learn techniques from my superiors on appropriate punishment for such actions.” He gestures towards Su who is off to the side of the room watching the altercation somewhat eagerly. The sight of a proper masked guard taking interest makes the two look a bit more fearful. They slowly start walking away.

Turning towards Xin I smile. “Please see that they find their way to the exit. I don’t believe they deserve to be here for the banquet.” He may be a little rough on the edges, but he’ll be a good guard, I think. Turning my attention back to the little girl she seems to have shrunk with shame.

“Now you… why don’t you join me at my table and tell me why you are here.” She tries to say something but seems to be a bit strangled and just weakly nods before following me. A few of the other people gossiping around watch.

“Let’s start with the most important thing.” She looks a little nervous.

“Would you like icecream? You seem like you aren’t feeling so well and I made some icecream.” I access my inventory skill and start the process of removing the icecream. It’s on a 10-minute timer. In the time I draw a fake transmutation circle on a piece of paper using my ink glove and start waiting.

“Uh ummm yes?” She looks more confused then anything.

“Ah right I suppose I should ask, how are you feeling? I haven’t met many of my siblings, most of them are little pricks with a few exceptions.” She smiles at that but still looks at me a little fearfully when she recognizes that I’m drawing something using transmutation so offhandedly.

“Uh um r-right I am… Ahem I am Li Lin 7th daughter of the emperor. I’m here to um make a request of your uh um smartieness? To maybe… possibly… help… our clan…” With each word she seems to get quieter. It’s cute, her mom is probably setting her up for this but it’s nice that they are trying to help their clan.

“Okay, what does your clan offer in exchange?” I pretend to start setting things around the side for the fake transmutation circle to use.

“I… I… we… We offer one of our most beautiful woman as your mistress to-“ I cut her off.

“Nope, I’m eight oh wait nope 9 now and don’t care about that, next.” She seems lost for a moment. Like she had a list that she had rehearsed, and I stopped it midway.

Her face scrunches up as she tries to remember whatever it was she had rehearsed with her clan. “Uh um oh-okay… We-we can also of-offer manpower for your fields and access to-too our herbs if you help our land…” Huh, okay I should probably try to talk to her mom or something.

“I… look we can find a time when I can talk to your mom or something. For now, how are you? What have you been learning lately?” I just soothe her since she is very clearly overwhelmed here. We talk back and forth for a while until my timer for unloading the icecream is nearly up. I press my hands on the table and manipulate the metal to create sparks and go up my sleeves as the icecream shows up. Several people gaze on in amazement.

“Wooooaahhh” Li Lin looks on in amazement several other people that see the spectacle clap. A few look at me with confusion and wonder one of which almost runs up to the table.

“Y-young man how did you make that appear like that? Y-you managed to create that from nothing? Stories tell of a stone that can do that but… but how?” I look at him with confusion.

“No? I the air around us has water in it that I drew on, I had metal for the spoon and container, and dehydrated milk and flavor packet in my sleeves so I can make a desert on command.” He looks at the transmutation circle in wonder. Because it is fake just the star with a picture of icecream in the center, milk and the other ingredients in the different quadrants of the star his hands tremble slightly.

“Can… can I buy that transmutation circle you’ve drawn?” I look at him a bit confused. Hmm I suppose I can make money this way too. Icecream is a delicacy and a transmutation circle to make it instantly would be valuable. It may be fake but… I guess logically I could actually make a circle that could do that… I actually just a few adjustments and this circle could probably do it. I noticed a lot of other peoples transmutation circles depend on symbolism while mine are always atoms and periodic elements with minor symbolism. Perhaps I should start expanding my designs.

“Discuss it with my mother later. I will make improvements to the design before then.” He almost seems to weep in joy as he hurries away to go find my parent.

“Can… can I really eat that?” Li Lin points towards the vanilla icecream I have in front of me. Still cold thanks to my tests with my inventory putting items in stasis. This icecream was actually from that test.

“Sure thing.” I rub the top of her head as she starts happily eating it. Several of the other younger kids come up and start getting jealous. I point out my siblings from them and I pull out portions of the icecream for each of them adding some jelly or other flavorings from the table to them and mixing them with my water transmutation circle to change the flavor to the kinds the kids want.

“Thanks brother!” A bunch of them run off with their icecream in tow. Being little brats elsewhere. I spend most of my time talking to all of them and acting like an older brother. It’s kind of nice…

“Alright everyone, it is time to present the young lord of the day with the celebrations tributes.” So, it’s present time. I sit at the front of a table and start the long process of receiving gifts after the name is read out for prestige of who was able to give grand gifts.

A lot of fabrics and basic materials. Working down the list of important families until finally it gets to an unnamed present. Upon receiving it I can already feel something wrong about it. Inside there is a moving source of Chi. So either there is such a thing as curses, which I wouldn’t put it past Su to not tell me about them. Or there is a living creature in there. Opening it up a starving snake bites out at my hand. Getting stuck on my thick leather gloves.

“Aww poor thing, the gift owner was too poor to afford to feed you.” Several of the people in attendance laugh at the joke. One of my brothers frowns at the slander sent his way despite them not putting their name on it. I gently lift the snake up out of the box by the back of the head to make sure it is not able to bite me and get a better look at it.

It has bright green and blue scales in a ring like pattern up it’s scales to it’s face. I don’t recognize it but they look a bit like a colorful coral snake.

“Interesting breed… Xin can you fetch me some mice or something for it too eat?” He nods his head before running off.

“Does anyone know the species name? Or anything about it?” I look up at the audience that is confused about why I’m still holding the obvious assassination attempt.

“That appears to be a blue ringed dagger tongue young lord. They are known for extremly deadly venom but weak ability to bite. They have difficulty puncturing skin normally so leather is impossible for them.” Watching the snake wiggle around my grip and trying to constrict my hand despite not being a constricter is kind of cute.

“Alright… I think I’ll keep him. Thank you whoever gave me this gift! I shall treasure him and make sure they have proper care. Welcome Wiggles to the family.” A few people give blank looks. Even Su seems a bit stunned at the idea that I’m keeping the assassination attempt.

“Are you sure sir? It is a deadly animal and if you are not careful you could die.” I wave her off with my free hand. “Yeah, but people are already trying to poison me. What’s a little bit of venom every once in a while?” Smiling at my new pet. Honestly? This is probably one of the best birthdays I’ve had out of all of my lives… not bad.