{Continent of Alaz, Roman Empire, Province of Light, capital Lutetia, Starlight family assembly house.}
{In the main estate.}
The last rays of the setting sun pierced through the oculus—the circular opening in the atrium ceiling. The majestic hall, adorned with marble columns, gradually filled with figures in white tunics. Their footsteps echoed off the walls, and the muted murmur of voices created an atmosphere of solemn anticipation.
On the raised dais, embodying authority and power, sat Adam Starlight—the governor of the Province of Light. The mahogany throne seemed to radiate an aura of grandeur. His pristine tunic, accented with crimson, emphasized his status as ruler.
Adam looked every bit the ancient god descended from Olympus.
Tall, nearly two meters in height, with the physique of an athlete and a face sculpted from marble. His pale hair and well-groomed beard framed his features, lending him an air of nobility and wisdom.
Adam had recently turned seventy, but thanks to his status as a Saintwise (6), he appeared no older than forty — in the very prime of masculine beauty.
In a world where magic and martial arts had reached unprecedented heights, ordinary "mortals" lived from fifty to seventy years. But Adam was far from mortal. He stood on the threshold of becoming a Skyborn (7), and the prospect of living two hundred, or even five hundred, years was entirely within his reach.
Adam lazily let his gaze drift from one attendee to another.
His posture appeared relaxed, yet it radiated undeniable authority. Only on closer inspection could one notice the faint worry etched between his brows and the slight stiffness in his movements as he nodded in response to the respectful greetings:
"Glad to see you in good health, Governor."
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
"My congratulations on the birth of two rising experts. The Province of Light is in capable hands."
As the last remnants of daylight faded, casting the atrium into a mysterious half-light, all the guests had finally gathered.
Among them, a few key figures stood out, whose presence lent the gathering a particular gravitas.
A fair-haired beauty in a white robe, whose supposed modesty only served to highlight her striking features. Eva Starlight, Adam's first wife, priestess of the Church of the Radiant Apollo and the designated holy daughter of the deity, entered the hall, accompanied by reverent and admiring glances.
She was the most influential woman in the Province of Light—the pillar of her husband and the entire province. Beautiful and detached, like a fairy. Every movement she made radiated grace and confidence as she took her rightful place beside Adam.
Next to her, as if embodying a contrast, was Luciel—his second wife. A dignified matron and mother to the two heirs of the noble Starlight line. She shone with pride and restrained haughtiness, carefully emphasizing her own significance in the province's future.
Cardinal Allaric, a loyal servant of the Light faith and Adam's closest friend, sat quietly a little apart. A short-haired man with slightly sunken eyes and a crooked nose, he united secular and spiritual authority in his presence. His attendance was a reminder of the close alliance between the church and the governor of the Province of Light.
Among the noble guests were also two imposing figures—Claudius and Aurelius Starlight, Adam's elder brothers, as well as celebrated centurions of the Roman Empire. They stood slightly apart from the others. Their commanding forms, tempered by countless battles, radiated strength even in stillness.
Once, the two had fought fiercely for the governorship, only to lose to their younger brother in the twists and turns of political intrigue. Now, their gazes fixed on Adam, conveyed a strange mix of ostentatious humility and barely concealed ambition.
The authority of Governor Adam rested on a solid alliance with the Church of Light. In the recent struggle for the throne, it had been Allaric and Eva who became his most vital and loyal supporters, making his rise possible.
Although the Province of Light appeared on the surface as an oasis of peace and prosperity, dangerous currents churned beneath its smooth exterior.
For a decade, the region had lingered in a state of uncertainty.
After defeating his brothers, Adam Starlight had assumed the governorship, yet he lacked sufficient military influence. The Roman Senate had still not formally recognized his status. This regrettable fact left his position precarious.
The uncertainty provided a loophole for his brothers, who, like starving wolves, circled the throne. They were always nearby. Their eyes never ceased tracking Adam's every move, hunting for the slightest weakness, any mistake that could provide the pretext for a new round in the struggle for power.
Regrettably, today, they would finally have their chance.
The atmosphere in the hall crackled with anticipation.
Everyone waited in silence for the announcement to begin.
Receiving an approving nod from Adam, Allaric rose from his seat.
"Honorable noblemen and respected matrons of the Province of Light, I welcome you."
"I am certain that many of you have questions regarding recent events, and I assure you—you will soon receive all the answers you seek…" The cardinal of the Church of Light spoke with restraint, yet with unwavering confidence.
"The reason for convening this extraordinary assembly stems from two events. First, His Majesty Adam Starlight has become a father for the fifth and sixth time in a single day—Her Majesty Catherine has given birth to twins. Unfortunately, due to her health, she will not be able to attend this gathering."
Allaric paused, allowing the attendees to absorb the news, then continued:
"The birth of these children was accompanied by phenomena known as the 'Recognition of the World.' According to legend, such events signify the extraordinary talent of the newborns, acknowledged by the heavens."
"Not long ago, you all witnessed a rainbow spanning the entire province. As emissaries of the Light, we can confidently declare—this was nothing less than a celestial phenomenon, a sign of divine blessing from above!"
A wave of admiring sighs and hushed exclamations swept through the hall. Faces lit up with joy and hope. It was truly happy news, the kind everyone had long awaited.
The Province of Light finally had worthy heirs!
Yet, despite the celebratory event that should have strengthened Adam's position, the governor's face showed no joy or excitement—only a furrowed brow and concern. Meanwhile, Aurelius and Claudius smiled casually, eagerly anticipating the next statement from the priest.
Allaric did not keep them waiting long:
"Unfortunately, as you all recall, the celestial phenomenon was interrupted by a solar eclipse…"
"Night fell across the entire province, and according to our informants, it spread far beyond its borders. Most likely, it enveloped the whole Roman Empire, or perhaps the entire continent."
Recalling this frightening event, the attendees' faces instantly lost all trace of excitement. It was as if they had sobered, and a deathly silence descended over the hall.
"As is well known," Allaric continued calmly, "a nightfall at an untimely hour is considered an ill omen. Worse still, it interrupted the celestial phenomenon, resulting in the hair of the younger son turning dark!"
The sensational news hit like a bombshell. It was as if every mind in the hall had short-circuited.
All eyes turned to the governor in stunned disbelief.
'What nonsense is this?! The boy's hair has turned black? From the influence of the phenomenon? Are you joking? It's obvious as day — this is adultery. Is the governor trying to cover up Catherine's infidelity? Of course he is. He's just trying to justify himself…' each attendee thought this, but none dared speak their thoughts aloud.
Outwardly, Adam appeared unshakable, but inside he was boiling with fury and humiliation. It was a bitter pill he was forced to swallow.
Aurelius leaned toward his brother, his eyes glinting with malice:
"Ahahaha, looks like our little brother really has become a cuckold. What nonsense about an omen? He's clearly trying to cover for himself."
"Watch your tongue, Aurelius. Don't question the family's honor! Our reputation is at stake. This is a blow not just to Adam, but to all of us," Claudius replied quietly.
Lowering his voice, Aurelius murmured, "You think he'll send Catherine into exile?"
"He won't dare," Claudius shook his head. "Have you forgotten she's the strongest practitioner in the province? Soon she might even become a Skyborn (7). Adam would sooner exile himself than risk offending her. Even if she has been unfaithful…"
"And what about the opinion of the masses?"
"Isn't that what this assembly is for? The masses are fools. They'll believe whatever story Adam tells them."
"Seriously? Isn't it obvious that it's all nonsense?"
"Catherine is extremely popular among the common folk. Do you even remember what she looks like? She's so beautiful that even I'm ready to believe in her purity. Let alone the foolish plebeians."
"You're right, Claudius," Aurelius thought before replying. "What was our little brother thinking, leaving her in that cold palace? It's his own fault. He's just reaping what he sowed…"
Meanwhile, Allaric continued his address:
"We are still awaiting an official statement from the capital regarding the causes and consequences of the eclipse. On its part, the Temple of Light, under the guidance of the holy daughter, will request an audience with the divine emissaries."
Allaric paused, as if carefully weighing his next words:
"With a heavy heart, I must announce that His Majesty Adam Starlight has issued an urgent decree. By this decree, the newborn loses his status as heir. The Province of Light cannot fall under the hand of an unlucky star!"
A ripple of whispers, filled with shock and unease, swept through the hall. Though everyone knew this outcome was inevitable, they could not help but fear Catherine's reaction.
Her first son had just been born, yet he had already lost his place as heir. Who could predict what she might do? Her influence was not to be underestimated. Could she eliminate the others? Or abandon the province entirely? Each possibility seemed graver than the last.
Allaric raised his hand, calling for silence:
"The child will be raised in the royal palace. No injustice will be done. His Awakening Ceremony will proceed without alteration, yet he will have no claim to the throne."
With these words, the cardinal concluded his speech and stepped back from the podium.
A heavy silence hung over the hall, followed by hushed murmurs. Aurelius leaned toward Claudius again and asked in a low voice:
"Do you think this decision will anger Catherine greatly? Should we reach out to her?"
Squinting, Claudius replied:
"I don't think the time has come. Catherine is no fool. She'll understand that Adam's decision is the only right one. He's doing everything he can to protect her reputation. He still acknowledges that bastard as his son, but he cannot allow him to claim the throne. From his side, it was an extremely restrained move."
"You're right," Aurelius agreed, "but don't forget—women are never reasonable when it comes to their children."
"Perhaps," Claudius said thoughtfully, "but I still suggest we hold off on intervening. Nothing prevents us, for now, from staying on the sidelines and watching. Adam will never fully erase the stain of this scandal. His reputation will be tarnished, one way or another."
"I admit, I'm impressed by his composure," Aurelius added. "He managed to restrain his fury and try to steer the rumors in the right direction. The eclipse really happened, and everyone witnessed it. The common folk can buy into this story. Who can now say the boy is merely the product of adultery? With his statement, Adam minimizes the damage…"
Meanwhile, Eva held her husband's hand tightly, silently offering her support.
Her touch was at once comforting and unsettling for Adam.
The governor knew all too well that he had neglected Catherine. She didn't know the whole truth, and he had ignored her for far too long. In that case, why shouldn't she find someone else—with black hair? Adam understood it all, yet he could not remain calm.
This event was a direct slap in the face. His reputation, his authority, his influence—everything had been severely undermined. Such excuses might sway the plebeians, but the nobles would surely spread rumors. How was he to handle it?
Eva gripped Adam's fingers, slightly damp with sweat. Outwardly, she supported her husband, yet in secret she felt envy and anger toward Catherine. Her face remained calm, but inside she burned with jealousy.
'How could that bitch give herself to someone else? She dared… She dared to take my place, and that wasn't enough for her?! Damn her! Why should I cover for you? Why did he choose you over me? I am just as beautiful. I have served him faithfully and loyally. But he chose you. How could you sleep with someone else? It's sacrilege. Unforgivable. Unforgivable. Unforgivable.'
Though both Adam and Eva seethed with outrage, they could not openly accuse Catherine. They could only continue to justify her to everyone.
The best course for all was to present the dark-haired boy not as the product of adultery, but as an unwitting victim of mysterious circumstances.
And all of this was because Catherine was the most powerful person in the entire Province of Light—a Saintwise (6) of the highest rank, nearly a Skyborn (7). Her power was so immense that even the governor could not oppose her openly. All he could do was wait and plan.