Realm of Neutral
In the heart of the Forest of Randel, the moon hung in the sky, casting an eerie red glow with a hint of silver, making the night both mysterious and captivating. The only sound that filled the air was the faint chirping of insects, amplified by the eerie stillness that enveloped the woods. But suddenly, a baby's cry pierced the silence. The sound echoed through the forest, a sharp contrast to the calm surroundings.
"Uwaaa... Uwaaaaa!"
The baby could be seen lying in a wicker basket, wrapped tightly in a white cloth. As the cries continued to echo, the distant sound of a horse-drawn carriage approached.
Inside the carriage, a woman's voice broke the quiet night. "Michael," she called.
"Yes, ma'am," answered Michael, who was riding alongside the carriage, guiding the horse.
"Do you hear that? The child's cries... it's coming from the edge of the forest, where there are no houses or people for miles," she said, her tone filled with concern while watching the baby from inside the carriage using her divine sense. "Go get that baby and bring it to me."
"Understood, ma'am," Michael replied.
With haste, Michael dismounted the horse and moved quickly through the shadows, the cries growing louder as he neared the road. A minute later, he returned, holding the wicker basket with the baby inside.
"Madam Celestine, I have the child," Michael said respectfully, presenting the basket. "I found it on the side of the road. It seems its parents abandoned it here, deep in the forest."
Celestine's heart tightened as she looked at the tiny, helpless child in Michael's hands, her gaze shifting between the baby and the dark expanse of the forest. She felt an unspoken promise stir within her—a promise that the child would not be left alone in this cold world.
Celestine was a strong woman who wielded the power of nine elements of mana, making her the most powerful woman on the continent. With celestial rank cultivation in both body and mana, she was unmatched in strength. She had the power to destroy entire countries. Yet, when she held the child in her arms, a deep sadness lingered within her.
Why? Because in her earlier days, when she was only a countess with King rank cultivation—five ranks below her current level of power—she had lost both her son and her husband in an assassination during a political war. The King of Lakeridge Country had given her husband a piece of land rich in mana and natural resources, but that gift came at a price. It made her family a target in the dangerous game of politics.
Back to current time,
Celestine, a breathtakingly beautiful woman, appeared to be in her early thirties, though her true age was a mystery even to those who knew her. Her beauty was timeless, with striking features that radiated both grace and strength. Her luminous skin seemed to glow softly, a testament to the immense mana coursing through her being. Her long, flowing red hair cascaded down her back like a fiery river, its vibrant color a stark contrast to the cool blue of her piercing eyes. Her gaze carried the weight of countless battles and the wisdom of a life marked by triumphs and tragedies.
She wore a stunning red dress that clung to her form, its rich fabric accentuating her powerful presence. The dress shimmered faintly in the light, as though woven from the very mana she commanded. Celestine exuded an air of regality, her every movement deliberate and poised. Yet, there was something enigmatic about her—a blend of gentleness and raw power, as though she carried the entire world on her shoulders but bore it with unyielding determination.
She sat gracefully on an elegant chair inside the carriage, cradling the infant carefully in her arms. One hand supported the baby securely, while the other gently caressed the child's face.
*Sigh.*
She exhaled deeply, her thoughts clouded with sorrow.
*"Why must a child so innocent suffer so much, when they have only just arrived in this cruel world?"*
After a moment of silence, she spoke firmly, "Michael, let's go home."
"Yes, ma'am," Michael responded without hesitation. He turned to the carriage driver and gave the order to resume their journey. Mounting his horse, he rode alongside the carriage as it continued down the road.
---
**Western Part of Vrendo Country**
**Sapire City**
Five hours of travel passed before the carriage arrived at its destination—a towering gate nearly six meters wide and ten meters tall. The entrance was guarded by two armored sentries, their attire befitting protectors of a royal clan. As soon as they noticed the approaching carriage, they straightened and bowed deeply.
"Welcome back, Madam," they said in unison before swiftly opening the massive gates, allowing the carriage to pass.
As the carriage entered, Michael followed on horseback. As he passed the guards, his sharp gaze fell on them. His tone was stern as he said, "Do your jobs properly. I noticed one of you dozing off. While Madam may be lenient, know that i am not."
"Yes, sir!" the two guards replied in unison, standing even straighter than before.
---
The carriage stopped in front of a grand, majestic mansion, its architecture reminiscent of the medieval era. The intricate design and towering structure exuded power and prestige. As the carriage came to a halt, Celestine stepped out gracefully, still holding the baby close to her chest.
As she approached the mansion's entrance, two maids stood by, heads bowed, waiting for her instructions.
"Welcome back, Madam," they said in perfect sync.
Celestine nodded slightly in acknowledgment before speaking in a calm but authoritative tone.
"Alice, Roan, fetch me a bottle of milk for the baby and bring it to my room."
Without waiting for a response, she continued walking toward her quarters, located in the highest room of the mansion. There was no need for her to linger—she knew her maids would obey without question. After all, she had raised them herself, molding them into loyal and capable servants.
As they watched her ascend the grand staircase, Alice and Roan exchanged puzzled glances, their minds racing with questions. *Who could this baby be?* They wanted to ask, but they knew better than to question their mistress.
Without further delay, the two maids set off to fulfill her orders, determined to meet their Madam's expectations without fail.
**Celestine's Room**
Celestine lay on her grand bed, large enough to fit four people comfortably. The room was exquisitely designed, with a dazzling chandelier hanging from the ceiling, its soft light casting an elegant glow. On the left wall hung a magnificent sword, its craftsmanship unparalleled, while on the right was a desk neatly arranged with books, letters, and envelopes.
She reclined gracefully, cradling the baby in her arms as if he were her own. A gentle smile graced her lips, though her eyes betrayed an undercurrent of deep emotion. While caressing the child, her tranquil moment was interrupted by a soft knock on the door, followed by a voice.
"Madam, we've brought the milk you requested."
Hearing this, Celestine slowly sat up on the bed, her gaze still tender as she replied, "Come in."
The door opened, and her two maids entered. Alice carried a bottle of milk fitted with a small nipple, while Roan brought a clean towel and napkin, knowing full well how essential they were for caring for a baby.
Celestine stood up, still holding the child, and turned to Roan. "Roan, lay the towel on the bed and help me wipe the baby's body."
Without hesitation, Roan did as she was instructed, spreading the towel on the bed. Celestine gently placed the baby down and, with Roan's assistance, began wiping the child's delicate body with the napkin.
As they worked, Celestine noticed the hesitance in the maids' demeanor, sensing that they wanted to ask her something. Without looking up, she spoke in a calm, inviting tone.
"Feel free to ask whatever is on your mind. You know that I've considered you both family since the day you began living in this house."
Roan, who had been focusing on cleaning the baby, looked up at Celestine with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity. "Thank you for your kind words, Madam," she said respectfully. Then, with some hesitation, she asked, "But… who is this child? Where did he come from?"
Celestine's gaze softened further as she answered, "I found him in the Forest of Randel, on the outskirts of Baltigo Country, while returning home from the auction house in Diamond City. He was abandoned, left alone in the woods. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving him behind. He's just a baby… so innocent. I'm thinking of adopting him."
Her words left both maids stunned. They exchanged wide-eyed glances, struggling to process what they had just heard.
Roan, still wiping the baby's small limbs, broke the silence. "Y-you want to adopt him, Madam?" she stammered, disbelief evident in her voice. She couldn't reconcile the image of her mistress—a woman known for her cold, commanding, and fearsome nature—with the idea of her becoming a mother. Roan's mind raced with questions. *Why? What changed?*
"Yes," Celestine said firmly, her voice carrying an unusual warmth. "I think I'll step away from training for a while and focus on raising him."
Celestine's statement was nothing short of shocking. The maids both knew the story of her tragic past. After losing her husband and child in a political war, Celestine had dedicated herself entirely to training, driven by vengeance and sorrow. Her relentless pursuit of strength had transformed her into the fearsome warrior she was now—a woman who had reached the pinnacle of both body and mana cultivation, achieving the near-mythical Celestial Rank.
After a few more minutes of wiping the baby's body, Alice quietly stepped forward, setting the bottle of milk on the desk before leaving the room. A short while later, she returned with a fresh, clean towel. Knowing they hadn't yet purchased baby clothes, she handed it to Celestine. Together, they carefully swaddled the baby in the towel.
Once the baby was wrapped snugly, Celestine picked him up and held him close to her chest. She walked back to her bed and lay down with the child nestled in her arms. Looking at her maids, who waited patiently for further instructions, she said softly, "You may go now. Rest."
The maids bowed deeply before exiting the room, closing the door quietly behind them.
Left alone, Celestine gazed down at the baby in her arms. Her cold, emotionless eyes were now filled with warmth and affection. A soft smile curved her lips as she whispered tenderly,
"From this day forward, you will be my son. Your name shall be Von Celest Fray."