The ba hall falls into momentary silence. All eyes, filled with astonishment, turn to Duchess Celeste et Eclipse, who strides in with her usual regal presence - yet something about her feels different.

  They are all too familiar with the image of a duchess exuding an icy aura, someone who pels those in her preseo bow uhe sheer weight of her authority. A woman who is always distant, always cold, carrying the noble Eclipse lih absolute power

  But they feel that the Duchess is different today

  Resting atop her long, ptinum hair is a vibrant flower . Not aravagant piece of jewelry, nor a dazzling tiara - but a simple floral wreath

  Her expression remains stern, unreadable as always, yet to the observant, there is the fairace of softness in her features

  However, their focus does not rest solely oe

  The child in her arms - Cassius Eclipse.

  While Celeste embodies the signature features of the Eclipse bloodline - with white hair and cold, silver eyes - Cassius is entirely different. His jet-bck hair and golden eyes, wide and gleaming uhe delier's light, trast starkly with her

  No one say for certaiher the boy shares any true blood retion with Celeste. He bears none of the Eclipse family's defining traits, yet the unmistakable aura of nobility envelops him effortlessly

  Celeste stands tall in the ter of the hall, holding Cassius in her arms. Her gaze sweeps over the distinguished guests, all waiting for an expnation. The air in the room stills - heavy with curiosity, scrutiny, and even a hint of skepticism directed at her and the child she carries

  Then, she speaks

  Her voice rings out - strong and unwavering -anding the silence of all present

  "Today, I introduce to you - Cassius Eclipse"

  "He is an official member of the Eclipse family. He bears the Eclipse name, lives uhe Eclipse bloodline, and will grow to be the heir of Eclipse. That is the truth - and it is absolute."

  Her voiever rises, but the authority in every sylble leaves no room for dispute

  "You may question his ins. You may be curious, you may specute - but no one has the right to challenge my decision. The blood of Eclipse has never been weak, has never bowed to anyone, and today is no different"

  She pauses, her gaze sweeping over the gathered nobles, who exge uain ghey may not be vinced of Cassius's lineage, but Celeste's firm decration makes it clear - his iance is uionable.

  "From this day forward, Cassius Eclipse will walk his own path, uhe prote of the Eclipse family, uhe name of Eclipse. Anyone who dares to deny this - think carefully before you speak"

  Her words are not a mere warning - they are a decree, a procmation to all nobles present

  A heavy silengulfs the entire room. No one dares to objeo one dares to speak

  Uhe nobles below, Cassius simply thinks his mother is really cool when she speaks in that serious tone

  After making her decratioe gently sets Cassius down onto the floor, allowing him to move freely around the ba. Almost instantly, curious nobles rush forward

  The moment Cassius's feet touch the ground, a wave of guests approaches, their eyes filled with curiosity and scrutiny

  "Cassius, what kinds of magic do you like?""Has the Duchess been teag you magic?""Have you learned any iquette yet?""Have you started studying the history of the Eclipse family?"

  The questions e at him all at once, overwhelming in their iy. Cassius instinctively takes a step back, his golden eyes darting around, searg for an escape.

  But before he react

  The nobles suddenly feel an invisible pressure weighing down on them. A chilling aura spreads through the air, sending shivers down their spines.

  Slowly, they turn their heads - only to meet the pierg, crimson gaze of Celeste.

  She says nothing. But the sharpness of her gre alone is enough to silenyone.

  The nobles flinch, hastily stepping bao one dares to press Cassius any further

  As the three Grand Dukes and King Aurelius approach, Celeste shifts her focus to them, momentarily ign Cassius

  Duchess Terra, her emerald-green eyes sharp and observant, takes a sip of wine before smiling"The boy is truly adorable. His presence feels very friendly"

  Duke Zephyr, usually a man of few words, only nods slightly, his gaze meticulously assessing Cassius from a distance

  Duke Ignis smiles, a thoughtful glint flickering in his eyes before he asks

  "Celeste, is this child… your adopted son?"

  Celeste's expression darkens slightly, but her voice remains unwavering

  "He is a member of my family"

  Her decisive answer leaves no room for doubt

  Duke Ignis raises an eyebrow at her firmness but does not press further

  King Aurelius chuckles lightly, attempting to ease the tension

  "So, Cassius will be the heir to the Eclipse family, correct?"

  Celeste meets the king's gaze head-oone calm but resolute

  "Yes. As I said before, this family will be his"

  Her decration leaves the Dukes momentarily silent. None of them object - Celeste holds absolute authority over the future of House Eclipse.

  She shifts her attention away from the four men and turns back to look at Cassius

  But the spot where he was standing is y

  He has gone somewhere