71. Xia Lulu In Her Childhood
"The release of magic is linked to many factors," Grandmaster Gran lectured from the podium, his voice echoing through the classroom.
"For instance, the quality of mana. The more exceptional the mana, the higher the success rate of casting spells."
"Magical tools are also crucial. They can help the caster reduce the casting time of spells. The better the material used to create the magical tools, the better the conductivity of mana, reducing unnecessary consumption during release."
"Of course, different magical materials have different synergistic effects on various types of magic. For example, a wand made from lava stone greatly enhances the efficiency of casting fire attribute spells, but it would reduce the efficiency for ice attribute spells."
"Magic circles can enhance the stability of spells, especially for those that are sustained over time…"
As Gran continued his passionate lecture, Xia Yi sat below, struggling to keep her eyes open. She held a book in front of her face, hiding her drowsiness, but the tuft of hair on her head bobbed up and down like a pecking chicken.
She felt that Gran's words were more effective than any lullaby, her eyelids growing heavy.
In the middle of his lecture, Gran noticed that his enthusiastic teaching had failed to captivate the little princess.
With a slight upturn of his lips, he uttered four words that jolted Xia Yi awake from her slumber.
"Here comes the homework."
"Ah!! I'm not doing homework!!"
Xia Yi felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head. She tossed her book aside, her sleepiness vanishing instantly.
She looked around as if preparing for battle, only to see Gran laughing heartily.
In that moment, Xia Yi realized what was happening. That darned Gran.
"You, you… Gran!! How dare you play such a trick on me? Do you know the consequences of toying with a member of the Silver Dragon Royal Family?!" Xia Yi was so angry she almost jumped onto the desk.
Fuming with rage!
"Princess, I was merely reminding you," Gran said. "If you sleep during class, you'll have endless homework to do."
"This…"
Xia Yi was at a loss for words.
Normally, a little nap during class would only result in Gran grumbling a bit, complaining to himself.
But it was her own fault for pushing her luck last time, and now she faced punishment.
It was like swallowing bitter medicine without being able to express the pain.
What else could she do but listen attentively to the class?
Xia Yi reluctantly picked up her book and returned to her seat.
"Gran… was the punishment your idea?" Xia Yi narrowed her eyes.
"I had no choice, Princess. Without a little pressure, your magical talents would go to waste," Gran said with a hint of envy in his voice. "Your magical aptitude is truly exceptional, just like Her Majesty the Queen. It's something many people long for. If I had your talents, perhaps I would have…"
Xia Yi couldn't argue with that.
However, when it came to magic, she preferred swordsmanship.
Swordsmanship didn't have as many rules and regulations, nor did it require as much theory and memorization. It was more about self-cultivation, refining one's state of mind, and improving through real combat.
Magic was more troublesome, with many rules to follow during casting, books to memorize, and numerous theories to understand. Even the density of mana in the air could affect the success of a spell's execution…
"Why can't it just be as simple as 'say the word, cast the spell'?" Xia Yi complained.
"To cast spells with just a word is to reach the realm of the divine, a lifelong pursuit of mine," Gran replied.
"Magic is such a hassle," Xia Yi slumped over the desk, her cheeks soft and squishy like a dumpling.
Gran, watching this scene, became momentarily lost in thought, reminded of years past, filled with nostalgia.
"She's just like the Queen used to be…"
"Gran, what are you talking about?"
"Oh, nothing much, just reminiscing about old times," Gran deflected, "Princess, let's focus on the lesson…"
Xia Yi became alert, sensing that Gran was trying to gloss over something. It seemed as if he had taught Xia Lulu magic in the past, just like he was doing now.
Indeed, Gran had lived for many years, serving as a mage in the Dragon Palace since the previous king's reign.
"Gran, out with it! Don't try to brush it off. You've taught Xia Lulu magic before, haven't you, just like you're teaching me now!"
"Well…"
Gran seemed troubled.
"Spill it, spill it."
"Princess, I cannot—"
"Gran, you wouldn't want your funding for magical research to be cut by Xia Lulu, would you?"
"What?! No!"
Gran's expression changed instantly.
Hehehe~
"Gran, I could put in a good word for you with Xia Lulu. Just tell me what Xia Lulu was like back then… Of course, you can refuse, but then, I might just say a word or two too many about the magical research funding, and Xia Lulu might reconsider."
Xia Yi revealed a sly smile.
Gran was in a bind, but Xia Yi had indeed hit a sore spot.
"Alright, Princess, please don't tell the Queen… I promise I won't say a word!"
"I used to teach Her Majesty magic, indeed. Those were memorable times. As a child, the Queen was quite lively, playing many pranks that turned the Dragon Palace upside down. Many in the royal family were at their wits' end, from the previous king to Prince Frey…"
"Am I as impressive as that?"
"…I feel you surpass her, actually. Didn't you blow up my classroom once?"
Oops, victory!
Xia Yi felt she had already outdone Xia Lulu in this regard!
Wait, that's not something to be proud of, is it?
She hadn't expected the now cunning and composed millennia-old loli to have had such a personality.
…Huh?
Xia Yi caught a strange name.
Frey?
Gran had used an honorific, indicating a person of high status.
If Xia Yi remembered correctly, Xia Lulu had ascended to the throne only after executing all her kin.
That meant she wasn't the rightful heir from the start; there was someone else.
"Who is Frey?" Xia Yi inquired.
"Ah…"
Gran's face paled, and he hesitated to continue, cursing his forgetfulness under his breath.
"It's nothing, don't mind it. Anyway, Princess, please continue to work hard. You will surely be as outstanding as the Queen one day, I can assure you!"
No matter how much Xia Yi prodded afterward, Gran avoided mentioning the name Frey.
Even when she brought up the magical research funding, Gran chose to remain silent, his sweat betraying the tension he felt, a rare sight indeed.
…
"So boring," Xia Yi muttered under her breath as the magic class came to an end.
From Gran's reaction, she could tell that the name carried significant weight and was undoubtedly hiding a secret. She decided not to ask anyone else about it for now, instead filing it away in her mind.
"Today's afternoon tea should feature osmanthus cakes, right?" Her mood brightened considerably at the thought.
As she was about to go look for Sera, she noticed the dragon clan's guards transporting something with great caution. They were in full gear, not allowing anyone to approach, even wearing masks and protective suits, wrapped up tightly.
Such a display was almost unheard of for Xia Yi, and her curiosity was piqued. She moved closer to investigate.
"What are you guys moving?" she inquired with genuine interest.
"It's Princess Xia Yi."
The guards, upon recognizing her, quickly saluted.
"Reporting to Princess Xia Yi, we are transporting a very dangerous item—"
"Hey! Have you forgotten the Queen's instructions?" another guard interrupted, reminding his comrade.
The guard who was about to reveal more clammed up, bowing his head in silence, and the rest followed suit, remaining tight-lipped.
Xia Yi's suspicions only grew. She caught a faint scent and widened her eyes, quickly stepping back several paces to avoid being affected.
Oh no, that's dragon mint!
The little princess couldn't help but smile, an amusing idea forming in her mind.
I have a feeling Xia Lulu is resistant to that for some odd reason, and that this won’t work at all, ever
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