Chapter 188 [Event] [Celesta Twins' Birthday] [1]



"Charles?" Edith Celesta, the Queen, called out from a secluded room.

She approached the king-sized royal bed where a teenager lay. King Charles Celesta stood by the bed in his regal attire, observing his youngest son in a deep slumber.

"Charles," Edith gently touched his shoulder, finally capturing his attention.

"Edith?"

"Are you alright?" Edith asked, concern etched on her face. Her husband had endured a tiresome month, working relentlessly since the incident in the Enigma Dungeon, barely allowing himself any rest.

"Do you remember, Edith? That little girl, Louisa," Charles began, his voice filled with sorrow.

"Yes," Edith nodded sadly. "She always loved playing the role of the older sister with the other children."

Charles nodded, a pained expression on his face. "I still remember her playing with Aurora, Alfred, Sylvia, and Lucius. I feel like I failed her and her parents, Edith."

"Dear..." Edith embraced Charles gently, her hand caressing his cheek. "You should have taken more time to rest."

A small laugh escaped Charles. "I wish I could, but it seems Ante-Eden and Caishen are also part of the equation. Belle informed me that Edward encountered Brandon, and little Elona mentioned their meeting with Caishen."

"Brandon Delavoic and Edward...?" Edith's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Yes," Charles confirmed. "It appears that Brandon doesn't hold a grudge against Edward because of Thomen, but the little one didn't divulge any further details."

"I see... but what was Caishen's intention?" Edith inquired.

"It revolved around Jayden. With him possessing Zeus' Legacy and being the future Apostle of Lumen, it seems news of his lineage has leaked despite our efforts to keep it discreet," Charles sighed in disappointment. "Everything seems to be spiraling in the wrong direction, Edith."

"Everything will be fine, Charles. Lord Michael is on our side. Have faith in our Lord and in Eden," Edith reassured him.

"You're right," Charles nodded, a smile gracing his lips as he planted a gentle kiss on Edith's forehead. "I've been contemplating arranging Sylvia's marriage to Jayden, Edith."

"Sylvia?" Edith's narrowed gaze made Charles sweat a little, but as she remembered something, she spoke with confusion. "Didn't you promise Sylvia to Jarett's eldest son, John?"

"Yes, but circumstances have changed, Edith. I want to prioritize our family's safety, and if the Apostle of the Great Guardian Lumen is part of our family, it would bring blessings to our lineage," Charles explained, though it didn't sit well with Edith.

"Sylvia is only fourteen, Charles."

"O-Of course, I'm not suggesting it at this moment, dear. I will discuss it with Jarett, and as for Sylvia, please try to make her understand and show her his picture. Show her also the Second Prince of Avatar's picture. He could be also a potential fiancé for Sylvia." Charles hurriedly replied, sensing his wife's disapproving glare.

As a loving mother, Edith wanted to shield Sylvia from the complexities of politics until she reached her twenties. This was also the wish of Aurora, who chose to fulfill her duties as Princess instead of Sylvia. Furthermore, the idea of offering Sylvia as mere 'addition' to Jayden didn't sit well with her. Sylvia didn't even know him, and Jayden had just ended his engagement with Carla a week ago. There were even rumors of his pursuit of Milleia Sophren.

Edith let out a sigh but nodded. "If it's about the Apostle, I won't object. But what about Aurora?"

"The First Prince of the Arvatra Empire. Our alliance must be solidified through this engagement. I had initially planned for Alfred to marry the First Princess, but you seem determined to have Layla as our future daughter-in-law."

"Hmph. Layla is a prodigy, the most intelligent girl I have ever encountered. She would make an impeccable queen," Edith replied.

"But it seems Alfred has other intentions. Just yesterday, he formally requested my permission to propose to Milleia Sophren."

? ? ? ? ? ? ?

"He did what...?"

"Calm down, dear. Milleia Sophren is a 'daughter' of Raphiel. Having her in our family would only bring us advantages," Charles assured her.

"But we already have Layla, Charles."

"Layla is also a 'daughter' of Raphiel, but she shows no signs of awakening and hasn't hinted at anything," Charles explained.

Edith remained silent, contemplating his words.

"Do not worry. Layla will be his first wife, and Milleia Sophren can still be his second wife."

***

On the occasion of Alfred Owen Celesta and Aurora Avia Celesta's seventeenth birthday, the Capital Dorian buzzed with excitement. The entire city was adorned with decorations, and people spilled out onto the streets, reveling in the festive atmosphere. Visitors, both nobles and commoners from far and wide, had flocked to the capital to join in the special celebration.

Amidst the fervor, a commotion erupted at the entrance of the capital a few hours before the birthday festivities. A line of carriages adorned with the emblem of the Arvatra Empire appeared, escorted by a contingent of outriders.

Stepping down from his mount, a towering bald man approached the guards stationed at the entrance. The guards trembled, feeling overwhelmed by the man's imposing presence.

"Alexander Troyen, Chief-Commander of the Imperial Army of the Arvatra Empire," he announced.

The guards, recognizing the badge of Alexander, quickly signaled for the gates to be opened. "Our apologies, milord!"

The grand blue carriages entered one by one, capturing the curious and awestruck gazes of the onlookers.

"Lord Troyen." A voice caught Alexander's attention, and he turned to face Davis Seaven, the Knight Commander of the Celesta Kingdom.

"David, it's been a while," Alexander greeted.

"Yes. The King asked me to escort the Imperial Family—"

"Oh! I've had enough of this carriage!" A young man's voice interrupted, and the carriages came to a halt.I think you should take a look at

Stepping down from the lead carriage was a strikingly handsome teenager with dark blue hair, appearing no older than sixteen.

"Kyaa!"

"So handsome!"

"Right!"

Girls, be they nobles or commoners, couldn't contain their excitement and adoration upon seeing the dashing young man dressed in a suave blue outfit that accentuated his features.

"Prince Colton," Alexander approached Colton with a sigh. "It would be preferable if you stayed inside—"

"Don't order me around, Alexander," Colton coldly cut him off. His deep green eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the resplendent golden architecture of the Dorian Capital. He then glanced at the people, particularly the girls, his intense gaze causing them to blush. Irritated men scowled, but they too couldn't help but appreciate the sight.

"You're being noisy, Colton," a pristine white hand emerged from the carriage, gently touching the door as a stunning girl stepped out.

The men present gulped, their mouths agape at the sight of the breathtaking princess, who shared the same dark blue hair and deep green eyes as Colton.

With the assistance of a knight, the princess gracefully descended from the carriage, joining her brother on the ground.

"Princess Azeliah, please return to the carriage. It may not be safe out here," a woman clad in armor appeared and addressed Azeliah.

Azeliah glanced at the woman with shoulder-length black hair and smiled. "Worry not, Karen. We are guests here. I am certain that Lord Davis will keep us safe, won't you?" She directed a glance at David Seaven.

David Seaven looked to Alexander, who shook his head, and he responded, "Of course, Your Highness."

"Then there should be no issue in exploring this beautiful capital, right?" Azeliah asked, brimming with excitement.

"Right! We're not here solely for Rythvel's engagement, after all!" Colton added.

"My Emperor..." Alexander leaned his head into the carriage.

"Let them enjoy themselves, Alexander," the Emperor's authorization resonated.

"As you wish..."

"Are you coming, brother, sister?" Azeliah inquired of the remaining individuals inside the carriage.

No words of reply were uttered, but Azeliah understood that they would not join. She sighed. "It will just be the two of us, Colton."

"We shall indulge in the pleasures of this new city," Colton declared, flicking a dismissive gaze at his siblings. He started to walk away, followed by his younger sister Azeliah, who eagerly took in the sights of the surrounding buildings.

"This is a beautiful city," Azeliah genuinely expressed her admiration. "Elder brother and elder sister have already seen it, but this is my first time, and I must admit, I'm impressed."

Davis smiled at the youngest princess's words. "There are plenty of beautiful sights in Dorian. You'll surely enjoy exploring them."

"May I visit the Holy Garden then?" Azeliah asked casually, surprising Davis with her request.

"Huh?" Davis was taken aback, struggling to find an appropriate response.

Only Charles Celesta knew the location of the Holy Garden, and it was strictly forbidden for anyone else to enter due to its sacredness and the potential dangers that lay within.

"Yeah, it would be cool," Colton chimed in, sharing his sister's enthusiasm.

"Um..."

"Your Highness..." Alexander interjected, trying to assist Davis in finding a way to answer.

"Just kidding, don't worry!" Azeliah giggled, dispelling any concerns and continuing her sightseeing.

"Tch. How boring," Colton muttered, his attention suddenly caught by a beautiful girl. "Oh."

He approached the girl and spoke to her. "Hey."

"Hm?" The girl turned around, curiosity evident in her eyes. She was accompanied by another man who appeared rather clueless.

Colton paid no attention to the man and took the girl's hand. "What's your name?"

"U-Um..." The girl glanced around, quickly recognizing the man's identity. "Lea."

"Nice name. How about accompanying me?" Colton asked, flashing a charming smile.

"Sorry, man, but she's with me," the man next to her, Tyler, interjected, placing a hand on Colton's arm with a friendly smile. "We're hanging out."

Lea's face turned pale seeing what Tyler had done.

"..." Colton's expression darkened, and he forcefully removed Tyler's hand while stepping on him. "Don't you dare touch me, commoner."

-Boom!

Tyler's body erupted in a dark blue fire.