Suddenly, a shout echoed from the Outside, cutting through the cheerful chatter.
"Look! In the sky!"
All eyes turned upward. A carriage pulled by a flying horse, with wings on both sides, unlike any seen this night, soared through the air. Carriage's sleek frame glinted in the moonlight, and faint magical runes shimmered along its edges. The flag hanging from its side bore the emblem of a sword and shield, crest of the William Dukedoms family.
Whispers rippled through the crowd like a rising tide. "The Duke himself has come!" "It's Duke Emanual!"
"I can't believe he would grace this event with his presence!"
The carriage landed gracefully on the gate entrance , the soft thud of the landing hardly disturbing the torches lining the driveway. The polished wheels hummed lightly as the enchantments stabilized it. After the carriage stopped a handsome man in his twenties stepped down. His posture was regal yet approachable, with broad shoulders draped in a simple but elegant cloak of deep blue embroidered on white clothes with subtle silver threads. His white hair, was neatly combed back, and his piercing blue eyes held both warmth and a sharp deterrence .
Michel, after the pervious scene with Cyrano came at the entrance to not let the past mistake repeat, seeing duke entering, he bowed deeply as he approached the distinguished guest while thinking' No matter how many times I see him, he always look younger then before despite been in his seventies '
"Good evening, Sir Emanual," Michel said with perfect courtesy, though his heart raced at the sight of the duke. "The lord is waiting for you inside."
Emanual nodded graciously. "Thank you, Michel. I hope I do not intrude."
Inside, the grand hall had not dimmed with his presence. Guests murmured amongst themselves, some craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the legendary Duke walking toward the centre of the room.
"Bella. Edward," Emanual greeted, his voice smooth but carrying weight. "It is a pleasure to see you doing this well."
Edward bowed. "My lord Duke, your presence honours us far beyond measure".
Emanual's eyes softened, but he ignored the formalities, focusing on the infant. "So… this is the newborn, yes?" His voice lowered almost to a whisper, carrying an uncharacteristic tenderness.
Bella carefully pushed back the soft blanket, revealing Kelvin's tiny, delicate face. "His name is Kelvin Everlong," she said softly, her voice filled with pride and affection.
He glanced at the boy and praised" what a beautiful child"
The Duke's gaze lingered on the infant for a long moment. Then, his lips curved into a small smile. "Kelvin… a strong name."
He stepped closer and extended a single finger. The baby's small hand, instinctively, reached out and grabbed it. Emanual's eyes widened at the unexpected grip. "Hoh? Sharp for such a tiny one," he muttered with amusement.
Kelvin let out a small giggle, then laughed outright, the sound filling the hall like the chime of bells. The crowd froze, unsure if they should move or stare in astonishment. The Duke, a man often seen as a pillar of cold authority in the kingdom, was held hostage by the joyful laughter of an infant.
Emanual's stern demeanor melted completely. A deep, hearty laugh echoed through the hall. "Hahaha! What a naughty child! It seems you quite like me."
He crouched slightly, stroking Kelvin's soft black hair gently. Then, in a sudden and deliberate gesture, he pulled from his pocket a delicate golden necklace. At its center rested a crystal, glowing faintly blue, pulsing as though alive.
"This," he said softly, lowering his voice so only Edward and Bella could hear "is a gift for you, Kelvin Everlong."
As the necklace slipped over the infant's small neck, Kelvin reached for the Duke's hand once more, refusing to let go. Emanual's eyes softened further, as if remembering some past events he could not forget.
Edward and Bella exchanged startled glances. Edward's brow furrowed, while Bella's lips parted slightly, surprised at the emotion shining from the Duke.
Emanual straightened, After thinking for some time, he said something unexpected, clearing his throat. "Edward… Bella…"
"Yes, my lord?" both answered in unison, a note of anxious curiosity in their voices.
"I… if the two of you do not mind…" The Duke took a slow, measured breath, then added with finality, "would you allow me to become his godfather?"
A hush fell over the hall. Guests froze mid-motion, holding cups and silverware in stunned silence. Edward's hand hovered over the wine cup he had been about to sip, and his jaw slackened slightly. Bella's own mouth opened, speechless for the first time that evening.
Edward's voice broke through, filled with disbelief and respect. "L-Lord Duke… that is an honor beyond what we deserve. Not to mention you have already done so much for us…"
Emanual waved a hand, dismissing their formalities. "This isn't about status or prestige," he said firmly, eyes now fixed on Kelvin. "I have lived long enough, and know when fate place someone in my path i have to accept them on the spot, otherwise there will be only regret in the end. This child… he brings warmth to my cold world. He reminds me of someone I once lost, someone very dear to me i couldn't protect. And not to mention… he has chosen me first."
Kelvin, as if sensing the gravity of the words, giggled again, gripping the Duke's finger with determined strength.
Bella exhaled slowly, a mixture of relief and wonder crossing her face. Edward, usually so composed, nodded with deep gratitude. "We are honored to have you as Kelvin's godfather," Bella said formally. "Please, watch over him."
Emanual crouched slightly, gently pressing a hand over the infant's head. "I swear, on my name and my blood… that as long as I live, no harm shall come to this child. No shadow, no sword, no tragedy , shall touch him as long as I live."
Kelvin responded by drooling faintly on the Duke's hand. Emanual laughed softly, the warmth in his voice filling the hall more than any music or song could. "Ah… fate works in the most curious ways. A tiny hand, yet so full of purpose already as if trying to manipulate everything around him."
Edward and Bella both exhaled together, a wave of relief and happiness washing over them. Michael, standing nearby, adjusted his stance, his eyes observing Kelvin with a quiet, proud smile.
The celebration resumed, richer, deeper, and warmer than before. Guests whispered in awe about the duke's gentle display and the powerful bond forming between infant and godfather.
The most shocked person in all this was Cyrano who let in a hurry after hearing the oath taken by Duke Emanual.