In the grand and opulent dining hall of the Castle of the Empire of Light, the Heroes of the Empire had gathered for a formal dinner. The room was illuminated by the soft glow of chandeliers hanging from the towering ceiling, their golden light reflecting off the polished marble floors. Massive stained-glass windows lined the walls, casting colorful patterns upon the pristine white tablecloths. The faint hum of conversation blended with the clinking of silverware as servants, dressed in immaculate uniforms, moved gracefully between the tables, ensuring that no glass remained empty and every plate was filled with the finest delicacies the empire had to offer.
The Heroes had arrived only a few hours prior, yet their presence was already required for an important discussion regarding the future. While the official matters were yet to be addressed, for now, the dinner served as a mont of respite—one where they could indulge in a luxurious feast prepared exclusively for them.
At one of the grand tables, a strikingly beautiful young woman with honey-blond hair sat with a composed elegance befitting her royal status. The regal golden crown atop her head shimred in the warm candlelight, and the flowing silk of her royal blue gown accentuated the deep azure of her brilliant eyes. She carried herself with an air of dignity, yet there was a distinct warmth in her expression as she turned toward the small girl seated on Alia's lap.
"Sarah… open your mouth," Princess Adelia cooed gently, holding a fork with a perfectly round atball toward the timid child before her.
Sarah, a delicate young girl with wide, uncertain eyes, hesitated for a brief mont. She recognized Adelia—among the sea of unfamiliar faces surrounding her, Adelia's was one she trusted, if only slightly more than the others. Slowly, she parted her lips, allowing the princess to feed her. The rich flavor of the seasoned at filled her mouth, but rather than reacting, Sarah simply lowered her gaze, chewing quietly as if overwheld by the attention.
A soft sigh escaped Adelia's lips, her expression lting into one of pure adoration. "She's just too precious…" she murmured in awe, her heart swelling at Sarah's endearing shyness.
She was not alone in her sentint.
Around the table, several young won were watching the scene with a mixture of quiet admiration and barely contained longing. Among them were Siara, Aisha, Sienna, and others, each of them unable to look away from Sarah's innocent and fragile presence.
Siara, in particular, eyed Sarah with a longing gaze, though she refrained from acting impulsively. She had learned quickly that forcing herself into Sarah's comfort zone would only frighten the child, and that was the last thing she wanted. Though she felt a strong desire to interact with her, she knew that patience was the key to gaining trust.
A wistful sigh left Siara's lips. "Ah… I want a baby too now."
She wasn't the only one.
Several of the other girls nodded in agreent, their expressions dreamy as they continued watching Sarah. Though the thought itself was daunting—motherhood was a responsibility none of them were prepared for—the re sight of Sarah evoked sothing deep within them.
However, their musings were swiftly interrupted by Alia's sharp voice. "It's far too soon for any of you to be thinking about that! And don't even consider it without your parents' knowledge!" she scolded, her tone reminiscent of a strict yet caring teacher.
"But Aisha is pregnant, teacher!" one of the girls piped up, raising her hand enthusiastically as she gestured toward Aisha, who sat calmly at the table, one hand resting protectively over her slightly swollen belly.
A mont of silence followed as all eyes turned toward Aisha. A gentle smile graced her lips, and there was an undeniable glow to her presence—one that only a woman carrying life within her could possess. The realization settled upon the group, and for a brief mont, even Alia found herself at a loss for words.
Alia had already spoken at length with Aisha about her situation, but it was clear that her words had made no difference. Aisha remained unwavering in her decision, showing not even a hint of regret. There was no point in pressing further—Aisha's mind was made up, and it wasn't as if Alia could do anything about it anyway. In just a few months—perhaps even sooner, given the pace of her pregnancy—Aisha would give birth, and she seed genuinely happy about it.
Looking at her now, it was hard to argue. Aisha radiated a serene, almost maternal glow, her expression one of quiet contentnt as she absentmindedly rested her hand on her stomach. The sight of it made Alia sigh inwardly.
"Aisha and Nancy are exceptions," Alia finally said, her voice gentle yet firm as she addressed the other girls. "But please, before making such a decision, think about it carefully. Raising a child alone is incredibly difficult."
There was a brief silence before Sienna suddenly spoke up. "Do you regret it?"
Alia blinked at the unexpected question, but her answer ca without hesitation.
"Not at all," she said softly.
If anything, Nathan had been the greatest emotional support in her life.
Ever since she had arrived in this unfamiliar world, Alia had forced herself to remain calm, to be a stable figure for her students—an anchor amidst the chaos. She had bottled up her fears, her frustrations, her hosickness, all in an effort to project strength. But the weight of it all had started to crush her, eroding her ntal health little by little. And then, Nathan appeared.
She knew what they had was considered wrong—she was his teacher, and he was her student—but he had given her two of the greatest joys she had ever known. Love… and a child.
Her gaze softened as she looked down at Sara, who sat quietly in her lap, blissfully unaware of the significance of the mont. Alia's expression ward, her fingers gently brushing against Sara's silver hair.
Across the table, Aisha studied the scene for a mont. A flicker of realization crossed her eyes, as if a puzzle piece had just clicked into place in her mind. But just as quickly as the thought ca, she pushed it away. Now was not the ti for such speculation.
In just a few months—perhaps even sooner—Aisha would finally hold her child in her arms. The thought alone filled her with both excitent and nervous anticipation. Watching Alia with Sara only intensified her longing, making her even more impatient for the day she could cradle her own baby, whispering promises of love and protection.
More than anything, Aisha wanted to be the perfect mother. She wanted to give her child warmth, security, and a future untouched by the shadows that lood over their world. But even as she envisioned the joyful days ahead, an unshakable sadness settled in her heart.
Nathan wouldn't be there.
She had known it from the start, but that didn't make it any easier to accept.
The capital of the Empire of Light was too dangerous for him—especially with the Divine Knights watching their every move like hawks. If Nathan set foot here, it would be a huge risk as they would understand he was alive and Nathan would beco a to threat imdiately. The very thought made her chest tighten with frustration and helplessness.
He should have been with her.
From the very beginning, from the mont their child first entered this world, he should have been by her side. Holding her hand. Witnessing the first cries of the life they had created together. Sharing in that irreplaceable mont as a family.
But instead, she would have to endure it alone.
Aisha's fingers instinctively curled over her stomach as a wave of sorrow washed over her. Her expression darkened, her gaze turning distant and heavy.
It wasn't fair.
All of this—this forced separation, this suffocating entrapnt—was because of the Divine Knights. They were the enforcers of the Empire's will, the chains that bound them, ensuring that those like her and Nathan could never truly be free.
Her dark eyes dimd with sadness.
How long?
How much longer would they have to wait before they could truly be a family? Before they could leave behind this corrupted empire and live without fear?
She knew Nathan was fighting for that future. She knew he was doing everything in his power to break the chains that bound them. But Aisha was tired of waiting. Tired of being trapped in this place, forced to pretend that everything was fine.
She wanted to leave.
She wanted to be with Nathan.
She wanted to raise their child in a world where they didn't have to live in hiding, where love wasn't shackled by politics and power.
One day, she vowed.
One day, they would have that future.
But for now, she could only wait.
And hope.
The mont of quiet reflection was suddenly shattered by the sound of footsteps—dozens of them, heavy and deliberate, echoing across the grand hall.
All conversation ceased.
Heads turned as the air in the room grew thick with tension. And then, she arrived.
Nancy.
She moved with the grace of a queen, adorned in a regal gown that shimred under the candlelight, each step she took exuding power and authority. But she was no re noble—no, she was far beyond that now.
She was an Empress.
A gentle smile graced her lips as she entered, a smile that belied the iron will beneath it. In her hand, she held the smaller, delicate fingers of a young child—a boy no older than six. His bright blond hair glead like sunlight, and his golden eyes held a spark of intelligence far beyond his years. There was no mistaking it. This was her son. Lucerus.
Nancy was not alone.
Flanking her on either side were two imposing figures, their armor gleaming under the flickering chandeliers. They were Divine Knights—warriors of the highest order, their presence exuding an aura of overwhelming strength. More knights followed closely behind, a silent testant to the sheer power Nancy now commanded.
The gathered Heroes remained frozen, their minds struggling to process the sight before them.
Nancy. Their forr classmate. The sa girl they had once laughed with, studied with, fought alongside. Now, she sat before them upon a grand throne, the weight of an empire resting upon her shoulders.
She t their stares with an almost playful glint in her eye, relishing their astonishnt. Slowly, she moved with practiced elegance, stepping forward until she reached her throne. Without breaking her stride, she seated herself with the ease of soone who had done so countless tis before.
Lucerus followed suit, his small fra settling comfortably onto his mother's lap. A smirk tugged at his lips as he surveyed the room, his golden eyes sweeping over the assembled Heroes with an expression that was both curious and amused.
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