{Continent of Alaz, Roman Empire, Province of Light, Capital City — Lutetia, Starlight Family Estate.}{In the Main Manor.}
The last rays of the setting sun filtered through the oculus — a round opening in the ceiling of the atrium.The grand hall, adorned with marble columns, gradually filled with figures dressed in white togas.Their footsteps echoed off the walls, and their hushed voices created an atmosphere of solemn anticipation.
Upon a raised dais, a living embodiment of power and authority, sat Adam Starlight — Governor of the Province of Light.His throne, carved from crimson wood, seemed to radiate an aura of majesty.The white toga with crimson accents he wore accentuated his status as ruler.
Adam looked like an ancient god descended straight from Olympus.Nearly two meters tall, his body was that of an athlete, his face seemingly sculpted from marble.Light hair and a neatly groomed beard framed his noble features, lending him an air of wisdom and dignity.
Although he had recently turned seventy, Adam, a Saint Master (6), appeared no older than forty — in the prime of his masculine strength.In a world where magic and martial prowess had reached unimaginable heights, ordinary "mortals" lived to around 50 to 70 years.But Adam was far removed from such limitations.He stood on the threshold of becoming a Celestial Being (7), and the prospect of living 200, even 500 years, was entirely within reach.
Adam lazily swept his gaze over the gathered guests.Though his posture appeared relaxed, it radiated undeniable authority.Only a close observer could notice the slight tension between his brows and the stiffness in his movements as he nodded in response to respectful greetings:
"I am pleased to see you in good health, my king.""Greetings, Your Majesty.""Congratulations on the birth of two rising prodigies, my lord. The Province of Light is in good hands."
As the last light of day faded, plunging the atrium into a twilight gloom, all the invited guests finally assembled.Among them, several key figures stood out, lending the meeting particular significance.
A stunning blonde woman in a white priestly robe — a garment that, despite its intended modesty, only highlighted her striking beauty — drew many reverent glances.Eva Starlight, Adam's first wife, priestess of the radiant Apollo, and the proclaimed holy daughter of the deity, entered with an air of serene grace.She took her rightful place near her husband.
Beside her, offering a stark contrast, sat Luciel — Adam's second wife.A dignified matron, mother of two heirs to the Starlight dynasty, she radiated pride and thinly veiled arrogance, subtly emphasizing her significance to the province's future.
Cardinal Alaric, a loyal servant of the Church of Light and Adam's closest friend, sat quietly nearby.A short man with sunken eyes and a long nose, he embodied the bond between secular and spiritual power — a reminder of the unbreakable alliance between church and state in the Province of Light.
Among the noble guests, two imposing figures stood out — Claudius and Aurelius Starlight, Adam's elder brothers.Famed centurions, their towering forms radiated power even in stillness, their bodies honed through countless battles.
Once, these two had fiercely contested the throne, only to lose to their younger brother's political cunning.Now, their eyes fixed on Adam, masking a strange blend of feigned humility and barely concealed ambition.
Adam's rule rested upon a strong alliance with the Church of Light.In the recent struggle for power, Alaric and Eva had been his staunchest supporters, securing his rise.
Though the Province of Light appeared a haven of peace and prosperity, beneath the surface roiled dangerous undercurrents.For a decade, the region had lingered in a state of precarious balance.
After defeating his brothers, Adam had seized the governorship — yet lacked strong military backing, leaving his position vulnerable.The Roman Senate still withheld formal recognition of his status.
This lingering uncertainty left an opening — one his brothers hovered around like wolves, waiting for the slightest weakness to pounce.
And today, it seemed, they might finally glimpse such an opportunity.
The air in the hall crackled with tension.Everyone present understood the significance of this assembly.
Receiving a slight nod from the king, Alaric rose and spoke, his voice measured but firm:
"Two events have prompted this emergency gathering. First, His Majesty Adam Starlight has, in a single day, become a father for the fifth and sixth time. Her Majesty Katerina has given birth to twins. Regrettably, due to her condition, she cannot attend."
He paused, allowing the news to sink in, then continued:
"The birth was accompanied by phenomena known as the World's Recognition. According to legend, such manifestations indicate extraordinary talent in newborns, recognized by the heavens themselves."
"Recently, you all witnessed the rainbow that enveloped the entire province. As emissaries of the Light, we can confidently declare it was a sign of divine blessing!"
A wave of awe swept through the hall — delighted gasps and murmured exclamations.Faces lit with joy and hope.At last, worthy successors had been born to the Province of Light!
Yet despite the joyous news, no happiness or excitement could be seen on Adam's face — only a grim frown and deep worry.Meanwhile, Aurelius and Claudius smiled nonchalantly, eagerly awaiting the next announcement.
"However," Alaric continued, "as you know, the blessing was interrupted by an unexpected eclipse. Darkness fell over the province, and, according to our informants, may have spread far beyond — possibly covering the entire Roman Empire, perhaps even the whole continent."
The memory of the eerie event chilled the room.Joy evaporated.Silence descended like a shroud.
"As all are aware," Alaric pressed on, "an untimely nightfall is considered an ill omen. Worse, the eclipse disrupted the celestial manifestation — and as a result, the hair of the newborn son turned dark."
Shock exploded through the hall.It was as if every mind short-circuited at once.All eyes turned, wide and stunned, toward the Governor.
Adam sat impassively, awaiting the continuation of the speech, but inwardly he seethed under the burning gaze of the nobility.A bitter pill — yet one he had no choice but to swallow.
Aurelius leaned toward his brother, his eyes gleaming with malicious glee:
"Hahaha, looks like our little brother has been cuckolded after all. What nonsense about omens? He's just trying to save face," he whispered.
"Hold your tongue, Aurelius," Claudius muttered."This stains all of us. Family honor must be preserved."
"Think he'll exile Katerina?" Aurelius asked, lowering his voice.
"He won't dare. You forget — she's practically a Celestial Being (7). Adam would sooner exile himself than provoke her wrath," Claudius replied grimly.
"But what of public opinion?"
"Have you seen her? She's so breathtaking, even I would kiss her feet. Whatever our brother was thinking, leaving her cold and alone, he is reaping what he sowed. Let's see how he wriggles out of this one."
Meanwhile, Alaric continued:
"We are still awaiting an official statement from the capital regarding the reasons and consequences of such a widespread phenomenon. The Church of Light, under the guidance of the Holy Daughter, will petition the divine emissaries for clarification."
He paused — gathering himself for the final blow:
"With a heavy heart, I must announce that His Majesty Adam Starlight has issued an urgent decree revoking the newborn son's right of succession. The Province of Light cannot risk falling into the hands of an ill-starred child."
Murmurs of shock and concern rippled through the room.Alaric raised his hand, calling for silence:
"The newborn will still be raised within the royal palace. His awakening ceremony will proceed as planned. However, he will no longer be eligible for the throne."
With that, Alaric stepped back, leaving a heavy, suffocating silence hanging over the assembly.
Aurelius leaned in again:
"Think this will anger Her Highness? Should we reach out to her?"
Claudius squinted thoughtfully:
"No need yet. Katerina is no fool. She'll understand this was the only move Adam could make. To allow a child under such an omen to claim the throne would doom us all. His decision protects her honor — as much as possible."
"Maybe," Aurelius said."But you know women — when it comes to their children, reason rarely wins."
"Perhaps," Claudius mused, "but let's wait. Adam's reputation is already tarnished. Whether or not Katerina lashes out, the damage is done."
"Still, I must admit," Aurelius added, "I'm impressed by his cold-bloodedness. He managed to steer public opinion cleverly. The eclipse really happened — no one can deny it. He's minimizing the damage as best he can."
Meanwhile, Eva gripped Adam's hand tightly, offering silent support.Her touch both comforted and unnerved him.
Deep inside, Adam knew how terribly he had neglected Katerina — ignoring his third wife for far too long.
Eva, of course, knew the reasons — though she had no right to interfere.Indeed, she had subtly helped widen the rift between Adam and Katerina for her own advantage.
Yet neither she nor Adam had foreseen such a twist.And now, they could not openly accuse Katerina of anything.All they could do was paint the dark-haired boy not as the fruit of adultery — but as an innocent victim of strange, unexplained circumstances.
Because Katerina — Her Highness — was the strongest individual in the entire Province of Light.A near-Celestial Being (7).Her power was so overwhelming that even the king himself dared not challenge her openly.
The meeting ended amid a rising tide of murmurs and speculation.
Night fell upon Lutetia, bringing with it shadows of uncertainty — and the scent of inevitable change.