A radiant smile spread across my face as I contemplated the bright future unfolding before Ema. The idea of becoming a mage would not only open the doors to the prestigious Imperial Academy but also allow her to achieve a status and recognition she had never before imagined.

But that change would not only impact her life but also that of her parents, to whom she could pass on the family name, completely transforming their destiny and giving them a new identity within society.

I vaguely remembered that Ema's mother possessed certain mana control abilities, albeit rudimentary. Now, under my tutelage and with Lysandra's help, Ema would have a clearer path to the academy and a more promising future. We had an abundant supply of low-grade mana stones, which could be of great use for her development and growth as a mage.

However, while I could assist her with economic and material aspects, it would be Lysandra who would truly guide her in the fascinating and complex world of magic.

Like her, I am also a beginner on the path of magic, but since we are in this plane, I will undoubtedly make her improve her physique as well. Besides, having knowledge of personal defense doesn't hurt. Mages are well known for not having a great physique, in that aspect, I will help Ema. Besides, she is my little sister, and as an older brother, I look after her well-being.

Several more minutes passed, and we finally managed to calm down. Roberto approached me, intending to express his concerns.

Before he could kneel down, I stopped him with a gesture and some comforting words: "Don't worry, I will take care of protecting and supporting Ema so that she can progress and fulfill her dream of entering the Imperial Academy." I knew what was going through his mind; Roberto understood that, on his own, he would have difficulties ensuring that his daughter met the necessary requirements to enter the first year of the course.

Furthermore, the admission fee was considerably high. Although the academy was not lacking in flexibility, allowing entry to commoners with exceptional talent, its main objective remained to train elite warriors for the empire.

After a lot of thanks from Nicol and Roberto, but not only to me but also to Elsa and Lysandra for taking care of their daughter, the atmosphere became even more lively. Lysandra shared that Ema's affinity was fire, although her level was low, she said that there was nothing to worry about. With low and high-level stones, she could have an even higher level with her affinity.

Ema's eyes were bright as she silently listened to every word that came out of her older sister's mouth. We laughed and chatted cheerfully for a few more hours.

"Big brother! Can I really go to the Imperial Academy?" Ema bounced around me, her eyes shining with anticipation. With a smile, I took her in my arms, and she let out a small cry of surprise followed by laughter. "You don't trust your big brother! How sad I am right now," I joked with a pretended expression of sadness. "No!

I trust Big Brother!" she replied, with a slight blush in her eyes. Seeing that my joke went a bit far, I hurried to clarify: "Hahaha, it was a joke. Of course, you will go to the academy. Leave everything to me. You just worry about improving and studying magic with Lysandra, okay?" Ema nodded with a smile, squeezing her small fist. "I will," she said with determination.

With the promise to help Ema achieve her dream of entering the academy, I felt a warm sense of responsibility. I knew that this meant more than just financing her studies; it meant providing her with the right support and guidance so she could flourish in her magical potential.

As we shared this family moment, the sun streamed through the windows, painting the room with warm and welcoming light. It was a quiet day.

Several hours passed when we heard someone knocking on the door.

"Tok... Tookk."

I nodded to Elsa as she opened the door, and my surprise only increased when I saw the guard waiting behind it. He was not just a guild guard, but a member of the imperial guard, which left me perplexed. Supposedly, a guild guard should have arrived, but this imperial guard was imposing; his presence inspired respect and authority. I could feel his strength, evidenced by his Mid-Emerald rank.

The guard scanned the room with his gaze, finally stopping at Ema. From his ring, he extracted a beautifully decorated bag with the empire's emblem and a scroll. He knelt solemnly and pronounced: "By order of the emperor, it is decreed that the affected party known as Ema will receive a total of 500 gold coins.

The 200 coins that were supposed to be given have been withdrawn because the name 'Ema' was registered on the anonymous list."

I looked at Roberto and nodded. With trembling steps, he picked up the bag with the gold coins, while the soldier handed him the scroll before bidding farewell.

I watched as Roberto's hands trembled while holding the 500 gold coins, and I couldn't help but let a smile spread even wider across my face. I decided to play a small joke on him, and in doing so, his expression changed from somber to resembling a ripe tomato because of how red he turned.

So came the end of the fifth day. During the next two days, Lysandra instructed Ema in the principles of magic, providing her with books and sharing her vast knowledge. Meanwhile, I focused on training with Elsa, perfecting our swordsmanship. In each duel, I carefully observed her movements and offered corrections to improve her technique.

These moments reminded me of when it was just Elsa and me, before I met Ema's family and Lysandra, and made me reflect on how far we had come in these 6 months.

And so Monday came, the day we would depart for Zone 4 in search of the Seven Star Flower. But now we wouldn't just search for one but hopefully find 2 flowers. During this whole month, we would be away, leaving the remaining 3 weeks to return home and go to the academy.