Minutes earlier,
The majority of the guests had already gathered for the Aeterna Gratia celebration.
Aside from the Astiels as hosts, six other Nephilim subsidiary clans were in attendance, along with more than twenty mid- to lower-tier factions allied with the family.
Two delegations stood out from the rest.
One group ca from the Papal Church, dressed in flowing ceremonial white trimd with radiant gold. Several Seraphs figures stood among them, faint wings of light folded behind their backs, their presence calm yet imposing.
The other was a group of Magus in silver cloaks, each with a sword at their waist. Their attire was simple, but the sharp aura surrounding them made many give way instinctively. The Heaven's Will Sword Sect-longti allies of the Nephilim.
In total, the gathering included more than one hundred Grand Magus, nearly a quarter of them from the Astiel clan.
Yet even these prestigious figures turned their attention when an unexpected vessel descended from the sky-a sleek flying boat bearing the crest of the Nephilim Main Family: the Amarhikks.
"Even the Amarhikk are here..."
"Wait-that's Grand Overseer Oberyn!"
"And beside him... the Duchess of Amarhikk-Jinkan!"
"This is unusual..."
A knowing voice chuckled nearby.
"You're behind on your information. Don't you know that the Astiel prince's bride is the Overseer's prized disciple."
Whispers spread rapidly through the crowd as Darian Astiel himself stepped forward to the receiving port, accompanied by the Storm Lord. The clan ruler wore formal robes embroidered with star-silver thread, while thunderclouds faintly coiled around the Storm Lord's shoulders like a living mantle.
The Amarhikk vessel docked smoothly.
Grand Overseer Oberyn stepped out first, dignified and composed. At his side was Jinkan, the Amarhikk duchess, her bearing elegant yet sharp-eyed. Behind them followed four Grand Magus, one of whom was Eeshoo, his gaze already scanning the surroundings with quiet vigilance.
"You honor us with your presence," Darian said with a gracious smile.
"How could I not?" Oberyn replied warmly. "I would never miss my disciple's special day. Where is she?"
As if summoned by the question, two figures approached.
Denard Astiel, crown prince, walked with polished confidence, ceremonial garnts flowing like liquid starlight. A step behind him ca Klea, in silver gown, her beauty silenced the crowd for a breath. Yet her expression was distant-perfect, composed... and cold.
Denard stepped forward and offered a respectful bow to the elderly Overseer before turning to Jinkan.
"I am truly surprised to see you here," the prince said, eting Jinkan's gaze with a courteous smile.
Both of them carried Nephilim royal blood, yet the gap in their standing was unmistakable. Jinkan, born of the main family, ranked seventh in the line of Nephilim succession. Denard, though a crown prince in his own clan, stood far lower in the greater hierarchy-eighty-third.
Jinkan returned his smile with effortless grace before turning her attention to Klea. "It's hardly surprising," she said lightly. "After all, I am a good friend of your bride."
Without hesitation, she stepped forward and took both of Klea's hands in hers.
For the briefest mont, tension flickered across Denard's face-so quick it might have gone unnoticed by most-but he masked it just as swiftly with a polite expression.
Klea, who had remained silent and distant until now, responded with a gentle smile. "Thank you for coming. Your presence is greatly appreciated."
The words were perfectly spoken, yet hollow. There was no warmth in her eyes, no recognition-only the practiced courtesy of a stranger.
Jinkan's expression faltered almost imperceptibly. Her grip tightened slightly as she sent a ntal whisper.
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