When she saw the light from the butterfly vanish, Zushi sighed deeply. It seems he was not content with that response of hers. To a certain extent, she understood what was on his mind. Linden was one of the few people who encouraged her to take the Empress role when she first received the offer. It is natural to be disappointed to learn that she would give up the role.

Another reason why she became the Empress is because she wanted to make sure that there was truly nobody else. If she can find somebody who loves and cares for the Empire, a strong and capable person, she can easily give up her position.

She has found that person. No matter how twisted Miss Lillian's methods are, that person cares more for the Empire than her the actual Empress.

The only problem is what Linden pointed out. She doesn't know what that person is thinking at all. Right now, what is on her mind? From what she understood so far is that Miss Lillian will do anything to achieve her goals. She will play a game of deception and use similar, no even crueler methods than her enemies.

She is far too practical; that is an issue. It is fine to be strong; only the strong can stand at the top and respect. People call her clueless, but she has carefully observed the people and her surroundings since she became the Empress.

They live in a society where the weak will get crushed by the top. The moment she shows a sign of weakness, even if it is only a small one- then people will step over her.

A swarm of white butterflies surrounded her. She wonders how miss Lillian has lived her life this entire time. How has she lived in such a corrupt place this entire time?

She closed her eyes. It should be fine to sleep for a while. In the distance, she could hear the faint sounds of screams and powers clashing in the air. But none of that mattered to her.

A long time ago, she could rely on somebody who didn't have any hidden intentions.

….

Fifteen years ago - at the Zestra manor-

A young girl carrying a dragon doll was peering over at the man on the couch with concern in her eyes.

There were many things in the world that Zushi didn't understand, more so because her family kept a lot of things from her. But there was one person in this place who helped her overcome those things.

"Eldest brother, are you okay?" Zushi asked.

When her brother told her to leave the study quickly, she did as he said. But when she realized that she left her doll behind, she quickie went back to it. She wishes she didn't; then maybe she would not have learned how brutal the world could be.

She found her father speaking to her brother, and in the next second, her brother was on the ground. Father started to kick and hit him with a whip. It was a terrifying and bloody sight, but she didn't know what to do.

She wanted to cry, but she felt that emotion was unnecessary. Indeed, if she cried, she would alert them both that she was there to cover her mouth. After a few minutes, father finally stopped.

"Stay here and repent. If you still do not change your mind, then I will drag you there myself."

Zushi felt her heartbeat speed up when she heard a weak voice call out. "Father has left already; come out."

".."

"Do you not want your new doll? I went through the trouble of buying it."

At those words, she slowly moved away from her hiding spot and rushed over to him. The sight was horrific; she figured she knew how bad it was from listening to the sound, but this was on a different scale. He had wounds on his back, arms, and face.

Her brother Arron extended his hand out, "Unfortunately, I can't get closer. Can you come over here?"

Zushi somehow made her way over, and her brother brushed his hands across her cheek. "Sorry, you had to see that. But, don't blame father, okay?"

"But brother you--"

Aaron laughed. "This is perfectly fine. Father has gotten stronger. I should do the same too."

Is he trying to say this is part of training? But even Zushi understood what was going on. That was the first time she saw father so made, normally he is so calm. But then again, ever since he came back from the north two months ago, he started to act a bit strange.

Maybe it is just her imagination, but their father looks like something is haunting him.

Zushi picked up the doll on the ground and hugged it tightly, causing her brother to laugh. "You like it that much? I am sure most kids would think otherwise when their brother gives them a dragon doll."

"But you are the one who gave it to me, brother."

"You are a kind child."

It was not easy, but she managed to help her brother onto the couch. Aaron placed his hands over his eyes. "Zushi, have you manifested your powers yet?"

"No. My mana is unstable." Zushi mumbled. "Father keeps watching my practices, though. I find it weird after all my failures."

Aaron paused for a moment. "If our father is doing that, then it is because he believes in your potential."

Her potential, huh? "I don't want to be a great mage, brother."

"You don't?"

"I know our family specializes in magic. But I do not like the idea of one day going to war and using my magic to hurt people."

"Even if those people have done cruel things?"

Zushi nodded. "I prefer to live a simple and peaceful life."

Aarons gaze softened as he pulled her onto the couch. "You know Zushi; you were born into the Zestra family for a reason. People like us do not have the choice regarding what future we can take. I have always told you to live freely, but freely with shackles. There are certain things you cannot do."

"I have to fight?"

"That is the duty of our family. We are to be an asset to the Empire. Right now, there are a lot of wars and disputes; as the guardian family, we must maintain the balance of the Empire."

The guardian family was one of the first terms she learned when she first came into this world. As guardians, they have to protect the Empire during turbulent times. But to what extent must they help corrupted individuals?

"The person brother met with the other day, the man with the red eyes."

"He is the head of the ageha family and our current client. He asked us to spare some people for the next battle."

Their next client, a man like that? Zushi recalled the look the man gave her and shuddered. There was something about him that she didn't like that. But what frightened her more was that young boy beside the man.

It was the first time she ever felt such malice and such a dark aura; who is he?