"You flatter me, madame," replied Janus.

"I'm only telling the truth. I have always been so curious about the strongest magician up to date. You were always the talk of admiration from the church and to everyone else's," her eyes flickered over to him, shimmering with an unspoken emotion I can't name.

Was it awe? I have no idea...

"It's fascinating to see a powerful person up close... who's blessed with magic... loved by the Gods..." she added in an almost patronizing way.

Janus chuckled as if he was amused, "I assure you, I am not loved by them."

There was a strange glint in his golden irises as if he was remembering an inside joke. If I'm not reaching this point, I would certainly believe that he had met a God before but that would be hella crazy, wouldn't it?

Plus how old is he? He's still young, probably a couple of years older than Lukas. How the hell would he meet a God? Unless he's some kind of immortal or something and has been to the realm of the divine.

But as I've said, that would be crazy if that's true.

Regina stared at the handsome young man who's brimming with power even without him doing anything to show off his might. He would just sit there, as lazily as he could, lounging away at his chair, but the innate strength he has will still come out so naturally.

That's just how strong people are. They don't have to exert effort because their strength and depth are effortless.

"Do you not believe in God, Lord Janus?" she then quietly asked.

The Empress and I remained silent, listening attentively to their conversation and we're content with that. Yulia doesn't seem to mind that she isn't joining them and neither do I.

"I acknowledge their existence," he replied so flippantly before tossing the same question back to her– "What about you, Queen Regina?"

"Of course," the queen muttered– "Rosenthal has one, God Luminus. And he blesses our empire through the emperor and the crown prince. It's already given that I should believe in him..."

"The God of the Sun," Janus snickered.

It sounded as if he was mocking him but that's impossible, am I right? Because that's so disrespectful if it's true. Even though he's the most powerful magician to ever walk this world, he still wouldn't surpass a God.

But Janus is not just a simple magician, he's a king. A king of magic. I really have no idea what that title meant and what's all about this Magia Regis thing because there's still a lot that I'm still unaware of. But I knew for a fact that it's not just a fancy title.

'Imagine being dubbed as one of the kings of magic... I mean, seriously? There's a normal magic-user, then a prominent and renowned mage, and then a king. Doesn't that make him stand above everyone who has magic in general?'

I dutifully sip on my tea and continued watching them, fascinated by their exchange.

"And our empire has always been the proud son of the light. We are truly favored by him as he gave us powerful sons that defend our beloved home," Regina added good-naturedly, "Other kingdoms don't have magic users among them, and the remaining empires, if not one, have none at all," she pointed out, looking proud.

"Hmm..." Janus hummed as he regarded her.

"But Lord Janus, I'm curious about this. How does it feel being the most powerful person alive?" The queen asked wonder reflected in her expressive dark eyes. "You can do anything because you're strong. Everybody will bow to you out of awe and fear..." she trailed on.

Janus shrugged his shoulder, his dangling gold earring swayed with the movement, and flatly responded.

"It's whatever..."

I blinked from his answer. The queen did the same and so did the empress.

"Whatever?" The empress couldn't stay silent now.

'Saying that with a straight face...'

"Just like you said, everyone will bow to me. I don't have to do anything at all because everything is offered to me even without me saying anything," he affirmed. The wind blew and caressed his ash-blonde hair which then caused a few strands to fall into his forehead.

He is truly beautiful...

Normally, beautiful is used to describe women but have you met him? He suits the word without appearing feminine at all.

"But you could rule the world," the queen remarked.

"I have no interest in ruling the world. I can destroy countries as long as I want it in just a snap. Where's the thrill in that? And what's so good about ruling the world anyway? It's too troublesome," said the arrogant magician.

The empress smiled, looking very much impressed.

"It seems that the Lord of the Tower hates troublesome things..."

"Correct."

"Perhaps the Lord is right, but I sometimes can't help but think if magic was not sealed off... what could happen?" said the queen, gazing at the flower garden ahead.

"Then wars will still be rampant, won't they? I mean, that was the reason why it got taken away," the empress answered.

"Yes, but don't you think it's unfair?" Her dark eyes bored on Yulia who was now frowning slightly from her statement just now.

"What do you mean?"

Even I was raising some eyebrows.

Unfair? Hmm...

"Only a few selected people can use them. If it's going to be taken away, why not take it completely?"

'She has a point.'

"Do you think it's also unfair, Lady Nadia?" Janus suddenly turned towards me and caught me off guard.

"Hmm?" Wait, why is he asking me now? I'm fine just listening to them...

The other two were also looking at me now which only made me put on the spot. I hate it when I'm put in the spot.

"Well, I can't speak for everyone because I don't have magic. But the reason why it got sealed was because of the constant conflicts, right?" I muttered, carefully treading on my words, or I would end up saying the wrong things that would then land me in trouble– "And we're pretty peaceful right now so I guess, it's fine that it's not... you know, common... yeah..."

'Damn it. What's with the sudden pop quiz?'

Janus tilted his head to the side, "Aren't you curious about magic?"

I looked away from his golden eyes that seemed to see right through me and cleared my throat.

"I am if I'm being honest. Who wouldn't? I have seen the crown prince in action and Lord Janus as well. Both instances are amazing but that is all to me. It's not like I really wanted it that badly..."

Right. And I can't begin to imagine myself having powers anyway. I will just certainly misuse it due to boredom or something...

"Such an admirable mind..." The Queen commented.

I don't know if it's just me but she really sounded sarcastic right there...

'She's really so damn suspicious.'