Moen asked in surprise. Although Jude had previously said that their Heartfilia family had a good relationship with the royal family, a "master–disciple relationship" like this was truly unexpected.
"Yes, that's Lady Layla."
King Toma nodded, the expression on his face somewhat filled with sighs and regret.
"Unfortunately, Lady Layla passed away at a young age…"
At this point, King Toma shook his head. Princess Hisui's expression also dimmed slightly, clearly feeling very sad about it.
Lady Layla had been a very good person, so her passing was naturally sorrowful. Moreover, after Lady Layla passed away, no one was left to teach Hisui's Celestial Spirit Magic. The royal family had no related inheritance, not even a single Zodiac Key.
"May I ask something a bit presumptuous? What illness exactly caused Lady Layla to pass away?"
When mentioning Layla Heartfilia, Moen thought of this question. He had always found this matter very strange.
Layla Heartfilia, a widely acknowledged powerful Celestial Spirit Mage, why would she suddenly fall ill and die?
Although Celestial Spirit Mages generally did not have particularly strong physical bodies, they certainly possessed powerful magic power. Otherwise, they would not become well-known mages. And with strong magic power protecting them, it was very difficult for them to die from ordinary illnesses.
Moen had previously asked Jude about this out of curiosity, but Jude also did not know the reason. He only remembered that Layla had become ill after making a trip to the royal capital Crocus, and after lying in bed for some time, she quickly passed away.
Moen narrowed his eyes. Previously he had not known that the Heartfilia family had a good relationship with the royal family. Now that he thought about it, Layla's trip to the royal capital might have been to see the royal family. If Jude did not know the cause of Layla's death, perhaps the royal family did?
"…I don't know either. Didn't you ask Mr. Jude?"
Facing Moen's question, King Toma's expression clearly paused for a moment before he answered. His expression looked strange, as if he found it odd that Moen would ask him such a question.
The cause of Layla's death should be asked of Jude. What use was asking an outsider like him?
King Toma's words and expression made it very clear, this matter had nothing to do with him and he did not understand it. But Moen did not believe it at all.
'Layla's death must be related to the royal family!'
If Moen had been wearing glasses, they would definitely have flashed with light right now. He felt that he had already guessed part of the truth.
Because he had asked the question so suddenly, the brief moment of astonishment and confusion on King Toma's face had all been seen clearly by Moen.
Layla's illness must be related to the royal family. Perhaps she had done something for them that caused her magic power to be greatly depleted, or she had suffered a severe injury, which was why she had fallen "ill" and died.
Jude was not a mage, so he might not understand such matters. Of course, he might understand but simply did not dare to investigate the cause too deeply.
Moen leaned more toward the former possibility. Considering Jude's feelings for Layla, if he knew that Layla's illness was caused by the royal family, there would be no reason for him to hide it. And judging from his condition, it was obvious that he truly did not know that Layla's death was connected to the royal family.
"Truly, heaven envies the talented."
Moen sighed. Although he was already convinced in his heart that Layla's death was related to the royal family, he had no evidence and could not speak recklessly. A guess was only a guess.
Besides, although he was curious about Layla's cause of death, this matter ultimately had little to do with him. No one had asked him to investigate it, and there was no need for him to sour his relationship with the royal family just because of this curiosity. Moreover, what if he was wrong?
"Yes, it's truly a pity about Lady Layla. Mr. Moen, could we trouble you to teach Hisui Celestial Spirit Magic?"
King Toma also looked emotional, but he quickly brought the topic back, clearly having no intention of discussing Layla further.
"Uh… although I don't mind teaching, my Celestial Spirit Magic is a bit different from Lady Layla's. It might not suit Princess Hisui."
Moen said, looking slightly awkward.
Seeing how soft and adorable Princess Hisui looked, she probably would not enjoy Pegasus Meteor Fist-style Celestial Spirit Magic…
"That's fine. You can try teaching her."
King Toma's eyes lit up. He did not understand what Moen meant. He only knew that Moen's magic must be extremely powerful—after all, it was magic capable of defeating one of the Ten Wizard Saints!
"It's not impossible to try teaching, but it depends on whether Hisui wants to learn."
Since King Toma had already said so, Moen could not refuse again. His gaze turned toward Princess Hisui beside them.
King Toma also looked at his daughter and asked seriously.
"Hisui, do you want to learn magic from Mr. Moen?"
If it had been earlier, King Toma would not have been worried, because it had been Hisui who first asked Moen for guidance in magic. But he was worried that Moen's earlier words might influence her.
This child Hisui was only interested in Celestial Spirit Magic. Moen had said his magic was different from Lady Layla's Celestial Spirit Magic. That could be troublesome, Hisui might not want to learn from him anymore.
"I want to learn!"
Facing King Toma's question, Princess Hisui answered immediately.
It was all Celestial Spirit Magic, after all. How different could it possibly be?
Clearly, Princess Hisui did not understand Moen's Celestial Spirit Magic very well either, not even realizing the fundamental difference between the two.
"Then let's give it a try."
Moen nodded with a strange expression, though he did not take the matter too seriously, because he did not think Princess Hisui would actually be able to learn it.
After the banquet ended, Moen went together with Princess Hisui and King Toma to the training grounds of Mercurius, the Palace of Splendor. Moen planned to deal with this matter casually here.
It was not that he did not want to teach. The main issue was that no one could learn it, and that would not be his problem.
"Teacher Moen! Do you need me to demonstrate my celestial spirits?"
On the training ground, Princess Hisui stood obediently before Moen and asked him.
"No need. Didn't I say it already? My magic is different from what you learned before, so from now on, forget those things."
Standing in front of Princess Hisui, Moen directly rejected the little girl's idea of showing her abilities.
Besides, there was no real need to demonstrate summoning celestial spirits. It would be enough just to show which Celestial Spirit Keys she possessed.
"Oh."
Princess Hisui obediently nodded. She did not show any annoyed reaction because of Moen's direct refusal. The way the girl looked at Moen always carried admiration, she was clearly one of Moen's fans, viewing him through a bit of a fan's filter.
Moreover, although Princess Hisui was the princess of the Kingdom of Fiore, she did not give off a spoiled or delicate impression. Instead, she gave people the feeling of being open, well-mannered, gentle, and sensible. At a glance one could tell that she had been raised with excellent etiquette, the positive kind of noble young lady.
[Ding!
Detected a candidate eligible to be registered as a personal disciple.
Would you like to record the disciple's information?]
Just as Moen was about to have Princess Hisui begin meditating, trying to sense a connection with the constellations of the heavens, and then casually teach her a few punches to brush the matter off, the Saint Seiya System suddenly popped up.
[Personal Disciple:
Saint Seiya is a spiritual inheritance. Generation after generation of Saints pass on the flame, continuing the will.
Those who possess a spirit of dedication, carry great love for saving all living beings, and sincerely wish to become your disciple and learn from you may be recorded as personal disciples.
You may choose the power of one constellation to teach to a personal disciple, and may grant the disciple the authority to summon a Saint Cloth during moments of crisis.
There is no limit to the number of personal disciples. The abilities of the same constellation may be taught multiple times.]
The system panel appeared. With a quick glance, Moen understood the use of this new function.
This was basically a master-disciple system.
Moen's Saint Seiya techniques and his Saint Cloth were not things that people of this world could learn or use. Although they were also driven by magic power, they belonged to an entirely different system. For example, Moen's Diamond Dust could not be imitated by Gray at all.
But after gaining this Personal Disciple system, Moen could teach Saint Seiya techniques to his "personal disciples," and could even grant them the right to use a Saint Cloth.
However, there were restrictions. Each personal disciple could only learn the techniques of one constellation, and could only use that single Saint Cloth.
'The conditions are really harsh.'
Moen clicked his tongue inwardly. The triggering conditions for a personal disciple were extremely strict.
'Possess a spirit of dedication, and carry great love for saving all living beings.'
Just that one sentence alone could eliminate who knew how many people. Having a spirit of dedication was already very rare. As for carrying great love for saving all living beings, that requirement was practically absurdly high.
As for "sincerely wishing to become your disciple and learn from you," that part seemed normal. Anyone seeking apprenticeship should have such thoughts.
Looking at Princess Hisui in front of him, Moen suddenly felt a sense of solemn respect rising in his heart.
This girl looked less than ten years old, yet she already possessed a spirit of dedication and great love for saving all living beings.
Wasn't that a bit outrageous?!
Could this girl be the reincarnation of some kind of saint?!
"Teacher Moen? Is something wrong?"
Princess Hisui asked curiously. Teacher Moen had suddenly frozen in front of her and was looking her up and down with strange eyes. That made Princess Hisui feel a little embarrassed, but also curious about what Teacher Moen had thought of.
"If the kingdom faced a calamity and was about to meet total destruction, Hisui, what choice would you make? Would you sacrifice yourself to save the kingdom?"
Facing Hisui's question, Moen asked her seriously. His tone was solemn, and the topic he raised was also extremely serious. Even King Toma beside them could not help but look at him in surprise.
"Of course. If sacrificing myself could save the people of the kingdom, I would be willing to sacrifice."
Unlike the surprised King Toma, Princess Hisui answered this question without hesitation, firmly and decisively.
"And what if your sacrifice still could not save everything?"
Moen narrowed his eyes and continued asking.
"I would still be willing. My sacrifice could inspire more people to stand up, and encourage more people to strive to save the country."
This time, Princess Hisui thought for a moment before answering. But her answer still did not change.
She was still willing to sacrifice herself for it.
"…"
Looking at the young Princess Hisui standing before him like a little adult, Moen felt deeply moved.
Those words were not something a child would say casually. Princess Hisui had clearly thought carefully before answering him.
No matter how things might develop in the future, at least at this moment Princess Hisui was sincere. At present she truly was someone who possessed a spirit of dedication and great love for saving all living beings.
Not only Moen was moved. King Toma and the guard Arcadios beside them were also shocked. They clearly had not expected that the young Princess Hisui would say such words.
King Toma and Arcadios exchanged glances, both seeing relief and pride in each other's eyes. King Toma felt a sense that there was finally someone to carry on the future of the kingdom. This feeling was stronger than ever.
He only had this one daughter. In the future, Princess Hisui would inevitably become the Queen of the Kingdom of Fiore.
Yet at such a young age she already possessed such wisdom and such a strong sense of responsibility. Princess Hisui was simply born to be a queen.
"Very good, Hisui. You have passed. From today onward, you are my student, and also the first student I have accepted."
Looking at Princess Hisui, Moen spoke. At the same time, he selected record information within the Saint Seiya System.
In truth, the test was completely unnecessary. Since the Saint Seiya System allowed her information to be recorded, it meant she definitely met the requirements.
In the blink of an eye, the name Hisui E. Fiore appeared on the disciple list. At the same time, Moen also understood some of his own operation permissions.
Moen's authority was greater than he had imagined.
First of all, Moen could expel these disciples from the sect at any time.
Once expelled, all the Saint Seiya techniques that Moen had taught them could no longer be used by that disciple. Naturally, the Saint Cloth would also become unusable.
It could be said that Moen completely controlled the life and death authority over his disciples.
'Good, good, good! This kind of tyrant clause is exactly what's needed!'
Moen was extremely satisfied with this.
People's hearts could change. When someone was accepted as a disciple, that child might be like Princess Hisui, a person full of great love. But after growing up, whether they would remain the same was uncertain.
After experiencing certain changes, their thoughts might also transform.
If someday they became some kind of devil who wanted to destroy the world, then with a single thought Moen could abolish their abilities and expel them from the sect.
The concept was basically a one-click account reset.
"Yes! Master Moen!"
Hisui happily saluted Moen. This counted as officially entering the sect.
"Hisui, I have quite a few choices you can pick from. Take a look at what you want to learn. Remember, don't be greedy, you can only choose one."
Moen smiled and patted Hisui's head, preparing to let her choose a constellation herself.
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