You're not my mother

The banquet hall falls into momentary silence. All eyes, filled with astonishment, turn to Duchess Celeste Comet 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 compels those in her presence to bow under the sheer weight of her authority. A woman who is always distant, always cold, carrying the noble Eclipse lineage with absolute power

But they feel that the Duchess is different today

Resting atop her long, platinum hair is a vibrant flower crown. Not an extravagant 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 faintest trace of softness in her features

However, their focus does not rest solely on Celeste

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-black hair and golden eyes, wide and gleaming under the chandelier's light, contrast starkly with her

No one can say for certain whether the boy shares any true blood relation 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 center of the hall, holding Cassius in her arms. Her gaze sweeps over the distinguished guests, all waiting for an explanation. 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 -commanding 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 under the Eclipse bloodline, and will grow to be the heir of Eclipse. That is the truth - and it is absolute."

Her voice never rises, but the authority in every syllable leaves no room for dispute

"You may question his origins. You may be curious, you may speculate - 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 exchange uncertain glances. They may not be convinced of Cassius's lineage, but Celeste's firm declaration makes it clear - his inheritance is unquestionable.

"From this day forward, Cassius Eclipse will walk his own path, under the protection of the Eclipse family, under the 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 proclamation to all nobles present

A heavy silence engulfs the entire room. No one dares to object. No one dares to speak

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

After making her declaration, Celeste gently sets Cassius down onto the floor, allowing him to move freely around the banquet. 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 teaching you magic?"

"Have you learned any noble etiquette yet?"

"Have you started studying the history of the Eclipse family?"

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

But before he can 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 piercing, crimson gaze of Celeste.

She says nothing. But the sharpness of her glare alone is enough to silence anyone.

The nobles flinch, hastily stepping back. No one dares to press Cassius any further

As the three Grand Dukes and King Aurelius approach, Celeste shifts her focus to them, momentarily ignoring 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-on, her tone calm but resolute

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

Her declaration 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 now empty

He has gone somewhere