Today, the Caelus Family Palace is full of different situations that contrast with each other. Some areas are deserted, cloaked in an eerie silence, while others buzz with energy, servants rushing frantically through the halls. This turmoil centers around the two rooms in particular, one is Lady Erina's and another is Lady Galleria's, where both women are facing their own challenges.
Upon entering Lady Galleria's room, you're immediately struck by its grandeur. The walls are decorated with ornate tapestries and gleaming golden jewels. The soft, dim light fills the room, highlighting its spaciousness.
At the center of the room, a velvet sofa sits, its deep cushions inviting but barely noticed by its occupants. On the sofa reclines a man in his late thirties, his broad chest and long black hair marking him as someone of both strength and stature. His sharp eyes, though calm, hint at the tension beneath his composed exterior. This is Aulos Caelus, the Second Prince of Caelus.
Beside him, with an air of effortless grace, sits a stunningly beautiful woman in her early thirties. Her elegant figure is poised, and her hand rests gently on the man's arm, offering silent support. This is Petronia Caelus, Aulos's first wife. Together, they cast occasional glances toward the closed door at the far end of the room, beyond which Galleria, Aulos's third wife, endures the trials of labor.
The atmosphere is thick with unspoken concern, the calm in the room a fragile veneer over the underlying anxiety. To reduce the tension in the room, Petronia leans closer to Aulos and softly whispered, "Remember, we've been through this before. Galleria is strong. She'll be fine."
She looked at him, her expression nostalgic. "At my time, I was terrified and joyous at the same time. The pain was immense, but the moment I heard baby's cry, everything else faded. The world became just him and me, in that instant."
Petronia continued, her voice filled with warmth. "Galleria will have that moment too. The pain will pass, and she will hold your child."
Aulos listened intently, her words easing his anxiety.
"Tell me about your last dungeon ride. I didn't hear the full story yet," she asked to divert his thoughts.
"Oh, that was quite an adventure" Aulos replied with a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he recalls the adventure.
"We ventured deep into the heart of the A-class Dungeon, and it was treacherous," Aulos continued. "The dungeon was filled with mutated Shadowclaw and Blindwolves, as expected. Our two new recruits got injured because of some low-level Magic Goblin."
Petronia interrupts him. "But why did you and your brother-in-law join this dungeon ride?"
Aulos replied, "This dungeon was near to the Transient phenomenon , that's why."
"The dungeon lord was a High Level Shadowclaw, I guess it was near the Origin rank. Thankfully, we met it sooner, otherwise, it could have caused some trouble in the estate," Aulos continued.
Petronia's eyes widened in shock, but she didn't say anything. The news was unexpected and filled her with a mix of fear and admiration for Aulos and his party.
"And when we were returning from the dungeon, we encountered the Forest Tribe's people," Aulos said.
Petronia said with a confused expression, "I heard rumors that the negotiations took a turn for the worse."
Aulos replied grimly, "It's true. Their chieftain is stubborn. He refused to cede aggression. Our scouts reported heavy movements near the border. I fear we might have to fight a war with them soon."
Before he can continue further, suddenly, the door to the inner chamber opens. A young and eager maid appears from the doorway, her face beaming with excitement.
"My lord, my lady,,, a girl has been born!" the maid says
Aulos leaps to his feet, his stern composure breaking into a wide smile. Petronia rises gracefully beside him, her eyes shining with joy.
"And she is .. she is..." maid is trying to say something but not able to because of the excitement.
Another figure exits from the doorway, holding a newborn baby in her hand. Her face radiant with joy, completes the maid's sentence. "Blessed. Princess is blessed by divine light of Ten Gods".
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General Richard Caelus says, "Don't worry about that. The Forest People are nothing but pawns of the Hein Empire. They're testing whether they can seize a part of Grifith without direct involvement from the Empire."
His and Selene's exchange comes to an abrupt halt as the grand doors to the room swing open, and a group of people enters. Richard's expression tightens with concern, expecting news of an emergency. But his worry quickly dissolves, and a warm smile spreads across his face as his eyes land on the newborn baby cradled in the arms of a beautiful woman.
The newcomers are led by Aulos Caelus, the Second Prince of Caelus, whose presence is as commanding and domineering as ever. His long black hair flows elegantly over his broad shoulders, and his sharp black eyes are keen and piercing. Beside him walks his wife, Petronia Caelus, stunningly beautiful and graceful, yet today all eyes are on the little child she cradles gently in her arms. Behind them, a brown-haired woman clad in knight's armor follows, a sword resting at her waist, her expression joyful and excited. A few maids and servants trail after them, their demeanor respectful as they enter the room.
General Richard rises from the velvet sofa, his robust frame moving with royal grace. Selene stands as well, her eyes softening with genuine care and warmth as she catches sight of the baby.
Richard joyfully says "Aulos! Petronia! She.. She's my granddaughter. Haha, haha! Let me have her!"
Petronia replys equally happily " Father, Selene, meet newest member of our family".
Petronia gently hands the baby to Richard. As soon as he touches her, his expression becomes even more joyous and excited, a board smile spreading across his face. The room seems to light up with his happiness.
"Divine Blessed Light... She is blessed by the Divine Blessed Light" says Selene. She was expecting it, yet she was surprised.
Richard face shows a mix of shock and awe as he see the sight of the glowing particles surrounding the baby, a clear sign of the divine blessing bestowed upon the newborn.
"What is the situation with Lady Erina?" the woman in knight armor asks.
As if in response to her question, the doorway to the inner chamber opens, and a maid steps out. Her expression is tinged with tension as she look at everyone and says, "Lord, my Lady is asking for you all to come inside. Something strange has happened."