You're not my mother

Today is September 4th , 1349 - Cassius's first birthday. Time flies so fast. It has been a year since Lana began taking care of this little master. The job of a nanny was not too strenuous, but it required patience and dedication. Lana worried about every nap, changing diapers, bathing, and playing with Cassius daily. And taking care of Cassius also has its special aspects

He rarely cried. The few times his cries echoed through the halls were when Duchess Celeste was not by his side.

Whenever Celeste had to leave the castle to handle national affairs, Cassius would become restless, his golden eyes filled with anxiety and unease. Lana had to try everything to soothe him - walking him around the castle, reading him gentle stories, even pointing to paintings and sculptures of Celeste scattered throughout the halls to reassure him

This last method worked best - just seeing Celeste's image would gradually calm him down, his wide, round eyes following every familiar detail of his guardian

But the most unusual aspect of caring for Cassius was his diet. Instead of drinking milk like other children, Cassius drank Celeste's blood. Every time Lana saw him holding a bottle filled with the dark crimson liquid, a chill ran down her spine. Yet, looking at Cassius - a healthy, lively, and adorable child - Lana thought that perhaps the duchess's blood truly had extraordinary effects on him

At this moment, Lana and Cassius were in the duchess's study, as per Celeste's request. Celeste sat behind her desk, silently handling documents, but Lana could tell that she was enjoying Cassius's presence

Cassius sat right in front of Lana, his chubby cheeks and fair, delicate skin making him look like a little angel. His soft black hair was slightly tousled, adding to his irresistible cuteness. His golden eyes shimmered like two polished amber stones, reflecting the light. His tiny figure, small hands constantly reaching out to touch everything around him, was full of curiosity

Lana smiled, unable to resist gently poking Cassius's soft cheeks. He giggled, his eyes crinkling with delight. His small hands reached out to grab hers, his lips forming babbling sounds

"Gah… Gahh…"

Lana chuckled, brushing his hair softly

"Young master, let's try repeating after me"

She carefully enunciated

"Cas…sius."

Cassius tilted his head, his tiny lips parting

"Cahh… sasss…"

"Well done! That's your name" Lana encouraged with a bright smile

"Next… Ce…leste."

"Eh…less…" Cassius tried, his babyish voice utterly endearing

"Good job, that's my lady's name" Lana nodded approvingly

"Let's continue… Papa"

"Papa" Cassius repeated with ease.

"Mama"

"Mama" He followed without hesitation

"Lana" Lana pointed at herself.

"Lana" Cassius called, his little lips curving into a bright, happy smile

"Excellent, young master!" Lana cheered, taking his tiny hands and playfully clapping them together

After a while, Celeste set down her pen, left her desk, and walked over to Cassius. Without hesitation, she picked him up, her gaze soft as she looked at the child in her arms

"Cassius, let's go. It's time to attend your birthday celebration" she said, her voice far gentler than usual

Cassius immediately snuggled into Celeste's embrace, his tiny hands wrapping around her neck with complete trust. Lana quickly stood up and followed them as they left the study

—

Cassius's birthday celebration was simple yet warm, held in the castle's grand hall. Since his existence was still a secret, only the castle's servants and guards attended. However, the atmosphere was lively and joyful

The castle staff adored Cassius. While they always treated Celeste with absolute respect, their affection for the little boy was undeniable. Cassius, far from being shy, enjoyed the attention, his golden eyes gleaming with excitement

The banquet table was filled with a variety of exquisite dishes, though, of course, Cassius could only have his special "milk"

Celeste gently handed him the bottle filled with her blood, allowing him to hold it and drink on his own. Lana was still not used to this sight, but she couldn't deny how happy and content Cassius looked while drinking his "milk"

After the meal, Celeste presented Cassius with a special gift - a delicate silver necklace adorned with the emblem of an eye with feathered wings. As she fastened it around his neck, the candlelight reflected off the pendant, making it appear almost mystical

"This necklace will protect you, Cassius" Celeste whispered, gently running her fingers through his soft black hair