ʙᴜɪꜱɴᴇꜱꜱ ᴘʀᴏᴘᴏꜱᴀʟ .. ʙᴜᴛ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴛ

*1-

Dozens of ideas from the anime, "black clover" .

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The golden spires of the royal palace in the Taisho Kingdom glinted in the midday sun, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets below. Amidst the hum of activity, a young woman named Makio Tsukihiko made her way through the grand entrance, her steps purposeful and her expression one of quiet confidence.

Makio had been summoned to the heart of the kingdom, a rare and unexpected honor for a commoner like herself. At just shy of 20 years old, she possessed a rare magical ability known as "akin manipulation" – a power that allowed her to store, retrieve, and share information with remarkable precision. It was this unique talent that had caught the eye of the current Magic Emperor, Julian Farrell, drawing her into the intricate web of the royal court.

As Makio approached the towering doors to the audience chamber, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation mixed with trepidation. The stories of the eccentric and enigmatic Julian Farrell had reached even the remote village where she had grown up, and she wondered what manner of man she would soon encounter.

The guards at the entrance bowed respectfully as Makio presented the summons, and the massive doors swung open to reveal the opulent audience chamber. Rows of elaborately dressed courtiers and advisors stood at attention, their eyes fixed upon the raised dais at the far end of the room.

And there, seated upon an ornate throne, was the man himself – Julian Farrell. Makio's breath caught in her throat as she took in his striking appearance. Julian was a striking figure, with a commanding presence that seemed to fill the entire room. His chiseled features and piercing gaze conveyed a sense of intelligence and power, yet there was an underlying mischief in his expression that betrayed his reputation for eccentricity.

As Makio approached the dais, Julian's eyes locked onto her, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Welcome, Makio Tsukihiko," he said, his voice rich and lilting. "We've been expecting you."

Makio felt a shiver of unease run down her spine, but she steeled her nerves and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty," she said, her tone measured and formal. "I am honored by your summons."

Julian's gaze lingered on her, and Makio had the distinct impression that he was sizing her up, searching for something beneath the surface. "Yes, yes, the honor is ours," he said dismissively, waving a hand. "Now, let's get down to business, shall we?"

Julian leaned forward in his throne, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "I've been made aware of your unique abilities, Makio," he said, his eyes gleaming with a hint of curiosity. "Your 'akin magic,' as they call it. Quite a rare and valuable talent, don't you think?"

Makio nodded, clasping her hands in front of her. "Indeed, Your Majesty. It is a power that I have dedicated myself to honing and understanding."

"Excellent, excellent," Julian murmured, his gaze never wavering. "And that is precisely why I have summoned you here today. I have a... proposition for you."

Makio felt a flicker of unease, but she waited patiently for Julian to continue, her mind racing with possible scenarios.

"I find myself in need of a... special advisor," Julian said, leaning back in his throne and regarding Makio with a thoughtful expression. "Someone with the intelligence and strategic mind to help me navigate the intricacies of ruling this kingdom. And I believe you, tsukihiko, are precisely the person for the job."

Makio's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. "Your Majesty, I... I am honored by your offer, but surely there are others more qualified than I to serve in such an esteemed position."