The Arcea Villa –
"Neli? Neli?" Aria's voice echoed softly through the corridors of the Arcea villa as she searched for her husband. She eventually found Cornelius in the council hall, deeply engrossed in a meeting with Canute, the grandmaster, and a gathering of senior alchemists.
As Aria stepped into the hall, the council members quickly stood, bowing in deference.
"Please, there's no need for formality," she said, raising her hands with a light smile. "I'm a member of House Arcea now. Treat me as one of your own."
Despite her graciousness, the alchemists remained visibly cautious. This was, after all, the first time in history that a member of the imperial family had been married into the venerable lineage of alchemists—a union that many still found difficult to reconcile with tradition.
The meeting soon concluded, and most of the attendees quietly filed out, leaving the Arcea brothers and the grandmaster to review their final notes.
Aria stood by patiently, observing with quiet admiration as Cornelius, usually playful and carefree, took on a rare air of seriousness. His focus reminded her why he had earned the trust of the Tower despite his youthful temperament.
As the discussion wound down, Canute caught sight of her and immediately smirked. "Look who's here," he teased. "My mischievous little brother, now a married man. Who would've thought?"
"Stop it already, Can!" Cornelius groaned, visibly embarrassed.
Akari joined them, offering a warm smile. "Good day, Lady Aria. I hope you're settling in well."
Before Aria could respond, a small voice called out, "Aunt Ari! Can we play hide and seek again?" Little Luna tugged at her skirt with hopeful eyes.
"Luna, manners," Akari gently scolded.
"I apologize," she said to Aria. "She's grown so fond of you since your arrival. She always talks about how she wants to be like you one day."
Aria chuckled, kneeling to Luna's level. "You'll be even better than me when you grow up."
"Really? Because Daddy is boring, and Mama is strict," Luna pouted.
Canute looked heartbroken. "Boring? That's harsh…"
Akari sighed with embarrassment while the grandmaster, nearby, laughed and ruffled Luna's hair.
"She's a quick learner," he said proudly. "Uncle Neli and I have been teaching her the alchemical symbols and basic transformations. Just the other day, she transmuted a piece of rusty metal into gold."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Canute quickly stepped in. "Alright, Luna, let's check on your brother." He bowed slightly to Aria and excused himself, Akari following with a nod of farewell.
"She'll inherit more than we can imagine," the grandmaster mused once they were gone.
"Are you heading out?" Cornelius asked as his father turned to leave.
"I'm going to visit my better half," the grandmaster said with a wink. "This old man knows when to give the lovebirds some space."
Cornelius sighed. "That sly old man. He's definitely enjoying this."
Turning to Aria, his expression softened. "You look beautiful today," he said, his voice affectionate.
She was dressed in flowing sky-blue silk, the fabric rippling like waves around her frame.
"Huh? Oh—thank you," Aria replied distractedly, her eyes sparkling. "But I actually came with exciting news!"
Cornelius leaned in teasingly. "What news?"
"Stop it and just listen!" She tugged his cheeks playfully.
"Alright, alright! I'm listening—let go, Ari!" he pleaded, laughing.
"Luciana just gave birth—to a boy!" she announced.
Cornelius froze, stunned. "Truly?" He grabbed her hands, eyes wide.
"Yes! A messenger just brought word from the imperial villa. His name is Ra'el. I've already sent gifts ahead, and the chariot is waiting. Come with me!"
"But it's nearly evening. Perhaps we should wait until morning—her highness might still be resting," he suggested gently.
"I want to see her. And the baby. Childbirth is no small feat, and I'm worried for her health."
With no choice but to yield to her determination, Cornelius sighed. "Whatever my wife says."
They boarded the grand chariot drawn by two white pegasi and soared toward the imperial villa, reaching just before dusk. Servants still lingered anxiously near the birthing chambers.
"Your Imperial Highness. Lord Arcea," they bowed deeply.
Aria gestured for them to rise. "Please, take me to her."
As they passed through the halls, they met Augusta, carrying a sleepy Nemesis and Hades.
"Putting them to bed already?" Aria asked.
"They were exhausted with worry during the delivery," Augusta said softly. "Now that they've seen their mother and baby brother, they're finally at ease."
"How sweet," Aria murmured. "And how is Luciana?"
"She's resting with His Lordship. He returned today—what timing! As if drawn by fate," Augusta said dreamily before departing.
Aria and Cornelius approached the chamber. Soft voices drifted from inside—the gentle cooing of a newborn, and the murmurs of parents close at hand.
"They're awake!" Aria whispered, and she pushed open the doors.
Erebus stood beside Luciana, carefully handing the newborn into her arms. He looked up as they entered.
"Aria?" Luciana's expression lit up. "And Neli too? What a surprise."
"Sister! Are you well? And the baby?" Aria hurried to her side as Cornelius gave Erebus a courteous nod, which was returned in kind.
"Aww, look at him! He has your husband's eyes—so sharp and thoughtful!" Aria cooed.
"But he has her highness's hair," Cornelius noted with wonder. "Just like when Hades was born…"
"But Hades has black hair." Aria said.
"They all look more like their father than you sister," Aria laughed.
Luciana looked down at Ra'el, lost in the moment.
"My lord, are you heading out?" she asked Erebus as he retrieved his blade and sharpening stone.
"I'll leave you to your time," he replied, nodding before quietly exiting.
"I'll go too," Cornelius said, bowing. "Enjoy yourselves."
As he departed, Aria chuckled. "Lord Stygian is surprisingly considerate."
Luciana smiled, the warmth in her eyes betraying a depth of understanding. "He's always preferred solitude. After the life he's lived, trust doesn't come easily."
"Oh?" Aria grinned slyly. "You speak like someone who knows him rather well."
"Don't start," Luciana warned with a faint blush.
"I'm serious! Last time, you barely spoke of him. Now? You sigh whenever he's mentioned. That's longing, sister."
Luciana's gaze dropped to the sleeping Ra'el.
"Maybe... Maybe I was afraid. Not for myself, but for the children. What if he never returned?"
Her voice trembled slightly. Aria's teasing stopped.
"Sister?"
Luciana shook herself from the thoughts. "It's nothing."
But Aria knew better. She had overheard the whispers—servants speaking in hushed tones about the "tainted heirs" and "princes with cursed blood." It made her stomach turn.
Her arms wrapped tightly around Luciana. "Don't ever think you're alone."
Luciana's eyes widened in surprise.
"Neli still holds Lord Erebus in great respect," Aria added gently. "He admires his strength and speaks of him often in matters of war and realm."
"Truly?" Luciana blinked.
"Here's a secret—he even impresses the council sometimes with what he's learned from your husband," Aria whispered with pride.
But Luciana didn't smile. She looked grave.
"I'm grateful, but... it shouldn't be a public endorsement."
"Why not? The support of the Alchemist Tower could turn the tide in your favor."
"I agree—but the people may not see it that way. They could suspect political collusion or secret dealings. That kind of unrest could endanger you... and Neli."
Aria fell silent. She had only ever heard her husband speak well of Erebus, but now realized how rare such public support truly was.
"We can't risk it," Luciana continued. "I won't let our bond endanger you."
"Then... what will you do?" Aria asked softly.
"I trust Erebus's judgment. But if the tide turns..." Luciana hesitated, eyes downcast. "He may take me and the children and leave this place behind."
Her voice dropped to a whisper as she held Ra'el close.
"I pray it never comes to that."