The Kingmaker System Chapter 4 - 3. Isekai’d (3)

Upon accepting the deal with the system and the entities it referred to as my 'Patrons,' consciousness returned within Reina's body.

Commencing my original mission proved somewhat demanding as I was still in the process of recovery, and my father and brother exhibited significant concern for my well-being.

The physician expressed astonishment at the rapidity of my recovery from an illness that had nearly claimed my life. However, he and the others interpreted this as a favorable sign, entirely unaware that the child they had been attending to had been replaced.

Nevertheless, I could only adapt to the situation, allowing the daily tasks to occupy my time. These tasks included:

[Consume 3 liters of water daily.]

[Partake in three nutritionally balanced meals.]

[Engage in an hour-long walk within the garden.]

[Dedicate time to reading a book.]

[Meditate for two hours.]

It was akin to having a personal assistant dictating every aspect of my day; still, I offered little complaint, given my weakened state. Upon observing my reflection, I felt further motivated to adhere to a structured routine to restore my physical condition.

[Name: Reina Minerva Aurelius.

Age: 10.

Species: Human (Mage).

Magic: Frost and Mana Control (locked).

Class: Novice.]

"Why is my magic inaccessible?" I inquired of the system.

[Your magic will become available once your body achieves the necessary readiness.]

Initially, I struggled to comprehend this, but my two benevolent Patrons clarified the matter.

[The Goddess of Wisdom states that Mana control can impose a significant burden on a frail body; thus, your attributes remain restricted until sufficient physical strength is attained.]

[The Defender of Divine Glory adds that Mana is influenced not only by one's physical state but also by their mental and spiritual condition, emphasizing that meditation is crucial for achieving unity with the Mana.]

I found myself grateful for my past self's extensive reading of fantasy novels, which enabled me to grasp their guidance. My prior knowledge of Mana allowed me to recognize the potency and uniqueness of the magic I possessed.

Since I was unable to access my abilities at that moment, I resolved to focus on physical and mental training until the opportune time arrived.

With this mindset, three months elapsed, and the transformation was evident. My body had gained weight, liberating me from the appearance of a walking skeleton.

Meditation proved exceptionally beneficial, enhancing my ability to perceive the ambient flow of mana. Excluding Frost, I could now manipulate mana, a capability likely facilitated by the system and my Patrons' guidance.

Those around me could sense the surrounding mana, much like perceiving the very air and atmospheric pressure, yet they lacked the capacity to control it as I could.

In this world, Mana could be considered synonymous with life force. Each individual possessed a finite amount of mana within their being, an amount that could neither be increased nor diminished from what they were born with.

Should an individual's mana be comparable to a pebble, it would remain so throughout their existence. Conversely, if one's mana was as vast as a mountain, it would persist at that magnitude.

The distinction lay in how mages employed their skills to channel their mana, aligning with their elemental affinities.

My affinity lay with ice, enabling me to harness my mana to conjure and shape the element of ice, and with considerable effort, even water. As for Mana control, extensive practice would be necessary to achieve proficiency.

I could detect the subtle aura of mana emanating from the servants, but this aura intensified significantly in the presence of the Duke and his son.

Speaking of them, I remained uncertain about how to interact with them. I was not inherently sociable, accustomed as I was to solitude and the pursuit of my hobbies. Here, without my books, manga, or anime, I resorted to reading whatever I could find to evade interpersonal engagement.

"Reina, are you engrossed in reading again? Would you care for some snacks while you read?" Rune inquired, his gaze falling upon my shoulder.

"No, I'm quite alright," I replied softly.

"Ah, it appears to be the history book of this kingdom," he remarked, taking a seat beside me.

My intention was to avoid them, which led me to the library, yet I found myself discovered. Rune nervously fiddled with his thumbs, seemingly contemplating a topic of conversation.

"Um... Reina, perhaps you might consider accompanying me for a stroll?" he proposed. As the notification for the mandatory hour-long stroll appeared, an additional element was appended.

[A new task has been assigned by the Goddess of Wisdom.

{Engage with your brother Rune for one hour.}

Reward: Insight into Mana Eyes.]

No penalty was associated with this task.

I focused on the 'Mana Eyes' for a description, and my eyebrows involuntarily arched in surprise.

The Mana Eyes skill grants the user the ability to perceive the mana levels of individuals, see through solid objects, and achieve clear far-sight vision. It can also reveal an individual's affinity, though exceptions exist as detailed in the guide.

What an incredible skill this would be if I could unlock it.

My greedy impulses subsided, and only then did I realize the Goddess's intentions. I sighed; these entities were truly toying with me through these tasks. I glanced at Rune, who appeared quite nervous.

"Okay," I agreed, and his face instantly lit up, his stunning good looks nearly blinding me. He would undoubtedly capture many hearts in the future.

Rune and I departed the library, heading towards the garden.

"I thought you might refuse again," he remarked as we strolled.

Truthfully, I had intended to decline this request as well, were it not for the tempting prospect of gaining knowledge about Mana Eyes dangled before me.

He fell silent for a moment before speaking once more.

"It's nearly springtime now," he said, gesturing towards the verdant bushes where new flower buds were beginning to emerge.

"Indeed, it is. It's even warmer now," I replied.

"Shall we have a picnic together once the flowers have fully bloomed?" he inquired, his expression filled with hope.

I might have refused, but his smile was too genuinely persuasive for me to decline.

"Fine."

His smile transformed into a wide grin. He stopped walking and grasped my hand. "Really? You'll come?"

"Uh... Yes."

"Hooray! It's a promise then," he exclaimed, and I nodded.

We ambled around for a while, with Rune recounting random anecdotes as I simply nodded and offered brief replies.

An hour passed rather swiftly, and I wouldn't have even noticed the time if not for the system's notification chime.

I decided to examine it later in my room. Rune seemed exceptionally pleased after our stroll and accompanied me to my door.

"Um... Can we go for a walk tomorrow as well?" he asked as we stood outside my chamber.

"...Sure," I answered, feeling hesitant, and his eyes gleamed.

"Then... I'll see you at dinner!" he said before departing, prompting another sigh from me.

I entered my room and lay on my bed, already feeling weary. Still, my curiosity lingered, so I opened the task notification.

[Task complete.]

[Reward received: Knowledge of Mana Eyes.]

I tapped the small book icon and immediately felt a vein throb in my temple upon reading the three lines, which were even more concise than the description for Mana Eyes itself.

{Mana Eyes can be activated by controlling the Mana circulating within the Mage's body. The mage must achieve complete synchronization with their internal mana flow. Therefore, a thorough understanding of mana is essential.}

I certainly didn't venture out there for this trifling three-line instruction!

[Goddess of Wisdom suggests spending more time with your new family.]

"Stay out of my personal affairs!"

[Defender of Divine Glory asks you to consider their feelings.]

"You both brought me here to save this world, not to concern myself with the emotions of others. Do not make decisions for me; I will attend to your mission, so leave me be." I retorted sharply.

I loathed it when people attempted to dictate my actions; it somehow stirred a primal instinct within me.

[You have received a quest from Defender of Divine Glory.]

What now?

{Help the Duke resolve the issue he is facing.}

Reward: Unlocking the skill of Mana Eyes.

Failure: Loss in business.

A business venture, hmm... I rubbed my temples. Business wasn't my strong suit, but since this task carried a penalty for failure, I supposed I would need to research his predicament to offer assistance.

Furthermore, this was the very first "quest" I had received. Unlike the minor tasks, this was clearly a significant undertaking, demanding my full seriousness. Considering the reward, it was evident this would not be an easy endeavor.

I rose and made my way back to the library. En route, however, I encountered a familiar face: Viscount Cade Ainsworth, the Duke's Aide. He was a middle-aged man who consistently exuded an aura of gentleness and calm.

He wore thin-framed spectacles and was attired in a blue vest, coat, and breeches. His long blue-grey hair was tied back in a ponytail, framing warm brown eyes.

He appeared somewhat troubled, walking along while clutching a stack of papers. He was so preoccupied that he didn't notice me approaching him.

"Viscount Ainsworth," I called out, causing him to startle, drop his papers, and then look back at me.

"Ah... Lady Reina." He spoke, his complexion pale, with dark circles beneath his eyes.

"Are you...?"

No, he was clearly not alright.