Yeah, I finally met the suitors, eh?
Who cares? They're just bunch of craps.
As I swore, I won't let anyone get their way to the twins!
============================================
As we were seated, a tapestry of polite conversation and lighthearted banter woven between us, Yujan, ever the opportunist, seized what he perceived as the opportune moment.
His voice, carefully modulated to exude an air of gentlemanly charm, was clearly aimed at captivating Nillianhie.
"So,"
he began, a smile playing upon his lips as if he were about to propose the most innocuous of topics,
"wouldn't this be an ideal time to broach the subject of engagement, particularly given your esteemed positions as the Duke's heirs?"
The audacity of his proposition hung in the air, a palpable tension that threatened to shatter the fragile veneer of civility.
What a repulsive, presumptuous individual - no. a jerk.
I thought, my internal monologue laced with a venomous disdain that belied my outward composure.
To so brazenly attempt to orchestrate a union based solely on social standing and political expediency is beyond contemptible.
Nicholas, ever the diplomat, responded with a gentle, measured tone, his words carefully chosen to deflect the unwelcome advance.
"Count Yujan," he began, his voice a soothing balm against the rising tide of unease,
"our parents have yet to broach the subject of marriage or even engagement with us. As such, there is no need to expedite matters. We are content to allow our relationship to unfold at its own natural pace."
His words, though polite, carried an undercurrent of firmness, a subtle yet unmistakable message that Yujan's advances were unwelcome and would not be tolerated.
I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for my brother, his ability to navigate such delicate social situations with grace and aplomb a testament to his inherent nobility.
Nillianhie, ever the peacemaker, sensed the mounting tension and deftly interjected, her voice brimming with an infectious enthusiasm that momentarily dispelled the gloom.
"I heard that the academy is organizing a grand hunting competition upon our return from the semester break!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"I am absolutely eager to test the extent of my newfound mana influence! It promises to be an exhilarating challenge."
Her attempt to steer the conversation towards a more palatable topic was met with a collective sigh of relief, the atmosphere in the room noticeably lightening as the focus shifted from the uncomfortable subject of marriage to the more benign realm of academic pursuits.
~~~~~
To elucidate the concept of mana influence, it is essential to understand that mana, akin to the very lifeblood that courses through our veins, is the fundamental energy that animates the human body.
This energy manifests in four distinct forms, each with its own unique properties and applications.
These forms include mana influence, mana skill, Light Mana, and Black Mana, the latter being a euphemism for the darker, more sinister practice of black magic.
Mana influence, in essence, is a characteristic possessed by individuals who possess an above-average concentration of mana energy within their bodies.
This heightened concentration grants them the ability to wield extraordinary powers that are intrinsically linked to their masters, be they spirits, elementals, or other entities of immense power. —Spirits, for instance, are a prime example of this phenomenon, their very existence predicated upon the manipulation of mana influence.
It is important to note that this ability can only be attained when mana flows through more than half of one's body, a testament to the immense power required to harness such forces.
Mana skill, on the other hand, encompasses any ability that can be manifested through the conscious manipulation of mana.
This can range from the mundane, such as superhuman flexibility or enhanced strength, to the more esoteric, such as the ability to alter one's physical form at will.
For example, one might desire to modify their body type without altering their fundamental identity, perhaps to enhance their athletic prowess or to better blend in with a particular social group.
This can be achieved through the mastery of specific mana skills, such as high jump, liquid body, or hardened stone chest, each of which requires years of dedicated training and unwavering focus.
Now, while the distinction between mana influence and mana skill may seem subtle at first glance, the primary difference lies in their application.
Mana influence is primarily employed for spiritual magic, allowing practitioners to commune with and control entities from other realms, while mana skill is utilized for physical magic, enabling them to manipulate their own bodies and the environment around them.
Second to last, Black Mana, the most infamous and rarely acquired type of mana. Usually used for evil purposes. It is powerful but to activate each of the mastery magic, you needed sacrifices.
It is a dangerous and corrupting force that should be avoided at all costs.
Lastly, Light Mana, it is primarily used for, of course, holy energy.
Only given to those who swore to serve god in their lifetime, usually gave ranks how much of the amount of light mana you'd receive for a high or low class of priests, etc. It is a force for good that can be used to heal the sick, protect the innocent, and banish evil.
They continued to prattle on about matters of little consequence, their words washing over me like the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.
However, I stayed with them, ensuring none of these lovesicks get on my siblings.
I wouldn't just let them take advantage of the twin's naivety and obliviousness.
Seriously.. I can't let them lay a hand on this masterpieces.
Not now, not ever!
===========================================
...Um...That's what I thought...
..The following day, I awoke to find myself in an unfamiliar setting...
I was seated on a weathered wooden bench, surrounded by a throng of children, their faces a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
— And surely enough, it was infuriating.
Just.. what .. what in the world is happening?! How did I get here!? And why am I surrounded by these children? !