{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 shone through the oculus, the round opening in the atrium ceiling. The grand hall, lined with marble columns, slowly filled with figures in white tunics. Their footsteps echoed, and the subtle drone of voices set a mood of solemn anticipation.

  Adam Starlight, governor of the Province of Light, sat on the raised dais, a symbol of authority and power. The mahogany throne gave off a sense of grandeur. His spotless tunic, trimmed with crimson, showed his rank as ruler.

  Adam looked every bit the ancient god descended from Olympus.

  He was tall, almost two meters, with an athletic build and a face that looked as if it were carved from stone. His pale hair and neat beard framed his face, giving him a noble and wise appearance.

  Adam had just turned seventy, but because he was a Saintwise (6), he looked no older than forty, still in the prime of his life.

  In this world, where magic and martial arts had advanced greatly, most ordinary people lived between fifty and seventy years. But Adam was different. He was close to becoming a Skyborn (7), and it was possible for him to live two hundred or even five hundred years.

  Adam lazily let his gaze drift from one attendee to another.

  He looked relaxed, but there was no mistaking his authority. If you looked closely, you could see a hint of worry in his brow and a slight stiffness as he nodded to the respectful greetings:

  "Glad to see you in fine health, Governor."

  "Greetings, Your Majesty."

  "My congratulations on the birth of two rising experts. The Province of Light remains in capable hands."

  As the last daylight faded and the atrium grew dim, all the guests finally gathered.

  A few key figures stood out among the guests, giving the gathering a special weight.

  A fair-haired woman in a white robe, whose modesty only made her more striking, entered the hall. This was Eva Starlight, Adam’s first wife, priestess of the Church of the Radiant Apollo, and the chosen holy daughter of the deity. People watched her with respect and admiration.

  She was the most influential woman in the Province of Light, a support for both her husband and the province. She was beautiful and distant, almost like a fairy. Every move she made showed grace and confidence as she took her place beside Adam.

  Next to her stood Luciel, his second wife, who was a dignified matron and mother to the two heirs of the Starlight family. She carried herself with pride and quiet confidence, making her importance to the province’s future clear.

  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 stood as a reminder of the close alliance between the church and the governor of the Province of Light.

  Among the noble guests were two imposing men: Claudius and Aurelius Starlight, Adam’s older brothers and famous centurions of the Roman Empire. They stood a little apart from the rest. Their strong presence, shaped by many battles, showed even when they were still.

  The two had once fought hard for the governorship, but lost to their younger brother in a web of political intrigue. Now, as they looked at Adam, their faces showed a mix of forced humility and hidden 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.

  The Province of Light seemed peaceful and prosperous on the surface, but trouble was brewing underneath.

  For a decade, the region had stayed in a state of uncertainty.

  After defeating his brothers, Adam Starlight became governor, but he did not have enough military support. The Roman Senate still had not officially recognized him, which made his position unstable.

  This uncertainty gave his brothers an opening. They were always close, watching Adam’s every move, waiting for any mistake that could give them a reason to try for power again.

  Unfortunately, today they would get their chance.

  The hall was filled with eagerness. 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 sure many of you have questions about recent events, and I promise you will soon get all the answers you want…” The cardinal of the Church of Light spoke calmly, but with steady confidence.

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  “There are two reasons for this special assembly. First, His Majesty Adam Starlight has become a father for the fifth and sixth time in one day. Her Majesty Catherine has given birth to twins. Sadly, she cannot attend today because of her health.”

  Allaric paused, allowing the attendees to absorb the news, then continued:

  “The birth of these children was marked by events called the ‘Recognition of the World.’ According to legend, these signs mean the newborns have special talent, recognized by the heavens.”

  “Not long ago, you all saw a rainbow stretching across the whole province. As servants of the Light, we can say with confidence that this was a sign from above, a true blessing!”

  People in the hall sighed and whispered in admiration. Their faces brightened with joy and hope. This was the good news everyone had been waiting for.

  The Province of Light finally had worthy heirs!

  But even though this event should have made Adam stronger, the governor’s face showed no happiness, only worry and a furrowed brow. Meanwhile, Aurelius and Claudius smiled calmly, waiting for the priest’s next words.

  Allaric did not keep them waiting long:

  “Unfortunately, as you all recall, the heavy phenomenon was interrupted by a solar eclipse…”

  “Night fell over the whole province, and our informants say it spread far beyond. It likely covered the entire Roman Empire, or maybe even the whole continent.”

  When people remembered this frightening event, all excitement left their faces. The hall fell completely silent.

  “As is well known,” Allaric continued calmly, “a nightfall at an untimely hour is considered an ill omen. Worse still, it interrupted the heavy phenomenon, resulting in the hair of the younger son turning dark!”

  The shocking news stunned everyone in the hall.

  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.

  On the outside, Adam looked calm, but inside he was filled with anger and humiliation. He had no choice but to accept it.

  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.

  “You think he’ll send Catherine into exile?” Lowering his voice, Aurelius murmured

  “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 the newborn loses his status as heir. The Province of Light cannot fall under the hand of an unlucky star!”

  Talk of shock and worry spread through the hall. Even though everyone expected this outcome, they still feared how Catherine would react.

  Her first son had just been born, but he had already lost his right to be heir. No one could guess what she might do. She was very powerful. Would she get rid of the others, or leave the province? Each option seemed worse 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 deep silence filled the hall, then quiet murmurs began. Aurelius leaned toward Claudius and spoke softly:

  “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.”

  “Maybe,” Claudius said, thinking it over, “but I still think we should wait. For now, we can just watch from the sidelines. Adam will never be able to fully clear his name after this scandal. His reputation will be damaged no matter what.”

  “I have to say, I’m impressed by how calm he is,” Aurelius said. “He kept his anger in check and tried to guide the rumors. The eclipse really happened, and everyone saw it. The Plebeians will believe this story. Now, who can claim the boy is just the result of adultery? Adam’s statement limits the damage…”

  Meanwhile, Eva held her husband’s hand tightly, silently offering her support.

  For Adam, her touch was just as comforting and unsettling.

  Adam knew he had neglected Catherine. She didn’t know everything, and he had ignored her for too long. So why wouldn’t she find someone else with black hair? Adam understood, but he still couldn’t stay calm.

  This event was a direct insult. His reputation, authority, and influence had all been badly damaged. Excuses might convince the plebeians people, but the nobles would spread rumors. How could he deal with it?

  Eva held Adam’s fingers, which were a little damp with sweat. On the outside, she supported her husband, but inside she felt jealous and angry to Catherine. Her face stayed calm, but she was burning with envy.

  ‘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.’

  Even though Adam and Eva were both angry, they could not accuse Catherine openly. They had to keep defending her to everyone.

  The safest choice was to present the dark-haired boy not as the result of adultery, but as an innocent victim of strange events.

  All of this happened because Catherine was the most powerful person in the Province of Light, a Saintwise (6) of the highest rank and almost a Skyborn (7). She was so strong that even the governor could not challenge her openly. All he could do was wait and plan.