You're not my mother

"He has been using mana since birth?"

Lana couldn't hide her astonishment. This completely contradicted everything she knew about mana awakening

Celeste didn't answer immediately. The Duchess bent down, gently extending her arms to pick up Cassius. The boy giggled innocently, wrapping his small arms around Celeste's neck

"You could say that Cassius's magic is a form of Healing " Celeste's voice was calm yet firm

She took a few steps toward Lana, her gaze drifting into the distance as if recalling something

"Since birth, this ability has kept Cassius's body in its best condition" Celeste said, lightly patting the boy's back

"At first, it only affected himself. But now, as Cassius's mind has developed, he can use this ability on the things around him"

Lana listened in silence. When Celeste handed Cassius into her arms, she instinctively took him. The boy immediately nestled into her, his small arms wrapping around her neck in complete trust

Yet, her mind was overflowing with questions

'A child using mana from birth? There has never been a recorded case like this'

'If his ability is restoration… then where are its limits?'

Lana wanted to ask. She wanted to know the truth

But… Celeste was not her friend. She was her master. A servant had no right to question their master

So, despite the countless uncertainties swirling inside her, Lana chose to remain silent.

However, there was one question she couldn't stop herself from asking

"Duchess, will this ability harm Cassius?"

Celeste paused for a moment before answering. Her voice remained steady, carrying an undeniable certainty

"As long as Cassius doesn't push himself too hard to use his power on others, he will be fine"

She reached out, gently pinching the cheek of the boy nestled against Lana's neck, as if to reassure them both

"So, let him enjoy himself. Just play with Cassius - I have work to finish"

Celeste offered a faint smile before turning back to Hela, continuing their interrupted conversation

Lana understood that their discussion had ended

She bowed respectfully

"Then, I shall take Cassius with me"

With that, she carried Cassius away

—

"I can hardly believe that we are standing here once again"

Duke Ignis spoke in his deep, steady voice, his sharp gaze sweeping across the grand hall. In his hand was a fine glass of red wine, the liquid shimmering under the dazzling light of the massive crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling

As the ruler of the southern region of the Century continent, Ignis was a living legend. A level 6 mage, he had reached the age of 92, yet his appearance remained that of a man in his fifties. His neatly trimmed white beard and wavy hair accentuated the dignified aura of a leader, while his piercing amber eyes carried a gaze that seemed to see through one's very soul

Standing beside him, Duchess Terra - the ruler of the eastern lands - slowly surveyed the scene before her. A faint smile played on her deep red lips, curving in quiet nostalgia

"Even after so many years, this place remains just as I remember it"

Her presence was both graceful and formidable, like a battle goddess ready to march into war at any moment. Also a level 6 mage, she had reached the age of 84, yet her abundant mana had preserved her youthful skin, leaving no trace of time. Her short, white hair framed her angular face, and her emerald-green eyes were as deep as an endless forest

"A truly special occasion"

Another male voice joined the conversation. Duke Zephyr of the western region - a man of composed demeanor, with white hair slicked back and a clean-shaven face that emphasized his sharp features. His cold gray eyes were like the stormy sky before a tempest. Though he had reached the age of 89, no one would dare underestimate a level 6 mage like him.

"How long has it been since we were last here? Nearly 40 years, wasn't it?"

His words acted like a spark, igniting memories long buried by the passage of time

"That's right. The last time we gathered here was for Duchess Eclipse's birthday celebration"

A deep, commanding voice resonated through the hall, causing all three dukes to turn their heads in unison

"Your Majesty"

Without hesitation, they bowed, their every movement displaying utmost respect

The man standing before them was Aurelius Valerian Century, the supreme ruler of the Century continent - and a level 7 mage

At the age of 102, he still maintained his imposing presence and an aura that dominated all. His golden hair was slicked back, though streaks of white had begun to appear - a mark left by time. His sharp blue eyes, vast like the sky, carried an invisible pressure. Draped over his shoulders was a black feathered cloak, shimmering with golden threads under the chandelier's light, further enhancing his untouchable authority

Aurelius raised a hand slightly, signaling them not to be overly formal

"It has been a long time since the pillars of this continent have gathered like this. I could not afford to miss such an occasion"

His deep voice carried a power that commanded absolute attention

News of Cassius Eclipse's third birthday banquet had sent shockwaves through the noble society

A new member of the Eclipse family had appeared - an event that no one had foreseen

Looking around the grand banquet hall, it was evident that the most powerful figures of the Century continent were present. From the renowned dukes and influential marquesses to high-ranking knights and the most gifted mages - all of them had gathered here with one goal in mind: to learn about the new heir of the Eclipse family

For over thirty years, the Eclipse family had been led solely by Duchess Celeste Comet Eclipse in the North

At first, many believed that an eight-year-old child leading a ducal house would spell its swift downfall. But reality had defied all expectations. Although the Eclipse family's power would not vanish overnight, the initial years were undeniably fragile. However, through various forms of support, they endured - long enough for Celeste to prepare herself

And Celeste proved herself with absolute power

At fifteen, she became a level 5 mage - a feat that shook the entire continent. But it wasn't just her magical strength that astonished people. Her leadership and strategic prowess made her a ruler who commanded both fear and admiration. She did not merely preserve the Eclipse family's standing; she elevated it to unprecedented heights

Now, Celeste had reached level 9 - an unthinkable level. Many speculated that she would soon be the next to touch the legendary level 10 mage, a realm likened to gods walking among mortals

The Eclipse family had now become the definition of unshakable

And today, a new heir had emerged - Cassius Eclipse

At only three years old, he had already drawn the attention of the entire nobility

Some even believed that he was Celeste's biological son

They wanted to befriend him, to forge connections with a house likened to a phoenix rising from the ashes - the Eclipse family

Aurelius chuckled softly, his eyes unreadable

"I am quite interested in the next heir of the Eclipse family. After that disaster, they have lived in solitude for far too long"

His words cast a heavy silence over the hall

Everyone present understood exactly what 'that disaster' referred to

At that moment, the grand doors of the hall slowly swung open

All eyes turned forward

Stepping through the vast doorway was Duchess Celeste Comet Eclipse

She wore a flowing white gown, its intricate silver patterns shimmering elegantly along the fabric. The soft material clung to her slender yet commanding frame, each step exuding nobility and authority

Her platinum hair, cascading down to her waist, was loosely gathered, revealing the elegant curve of her neck and accentuating the sharp contours of her face. Upon her head rested a vibrant flower crown, a striking contrast to her ruby-red eyes - burning like garnets.

And in Celeste's arms, Cassius Eclipse clung tightly to her, his brilliant golden eyes gleaming with curiosity as he gazed at the gathered crowd