Luxurious silver-blue curtains sealed the windows completely, and upon the bedding at the center of the chamber lay a woman with long, pale-gold hair, flat on her back.
Her brows were tightly furrowed, fingers unconsciously clawing at the sheets. Cold sweat drenched her skin; in her amethyst-crystal eyes, pain shimmered like a storm.
Several midwives, each holding enchanted instruments, stood around her in tense formation. Some monitored the arrays and devices beside her with unwavering focus.
"How is the lady's life-wave?"
The leading midwife—blue-haired, calm and steady—asked while massaging the woman's abdomen. Warm, soothing magic flowed from her fingertips, dulling the sharpness of the pain.
"A bit weakened, but stable!"
"Good. Keep monitoring."
On the other side, a young red-haired mage controlled a vast life-restoration array spread across the floor. Dense life-energy surged continuously into the woman's body, replenishing what she lost.
Amid their orderly tension, with a sudden, bright cry, the infant was born.
"Congratulations, my lady—it's a healthy young master."
The blue-haired midwife wiped her sweat and bowed respectfully to the exhausted woman. Several enchanted tools danced swiftly through the air, completing the postnatal procedures in seconds.
Once everything was done, she lifted the child and presented him to the weakened lady.
Looking at the small, delicate face only an arm's length away, the woman finally exhaled, tension fading from her limbs. A gentle smile surfaced as she closed her eyes.
"Funech, Rineshu… I'm tired. You may all leave for now."
"Yes, my lady."
——
Outside the door, two men stood in silence.
The one at the front had strange, icy-blue hair. His deep, ocean-dark eyes made it impossible to tell what thoughts lay hidden within.The man behind him was much shorter and much thinner—so thin it seemed a gust of wind might take him away—but the whirlpool-shaped beard on his chin gave him an air of mysterious authority.
"My lord Marquis… the birth of your fourth son sent the prophets of Arther Star straight into dream-prophecy…"
The thinner man stroked his spiral beard as he spoke in his low, shadowed voice.
"Prepare everything. Begin the detection ritual.The rest follows the standard procedures. Understood, Rortas?"
The Marquis seemed entirely unconcerned with the prophetic remark. His tone held only command and focus.
As the door opened, his gaze swept instantly inside.
"How is she?"
"Honored Marquis—"
The brown-haired midwife Funech lowered her head, fixing her eyes on the ground before him.
"My lady has delivered a healthy boy. She is currently resting, slightly fatigued. I remain with two maids inside to watch over her."
"Good."
Upon hearing this, the Marquis nodded. A flicker of worry in his deep eyes vanished, replaced by relief and quiet joy.
His voice softened.
"Rortas."
The Marquis turned.
"Inform the steward: once my lady's recovery period passes, distribute rewards to every servant and guard."
"Your will."
Rortas bowed. A faint silver glow shimmered across his beard before fading.
At that moment, the young mage Rineshu pushed the newborn out in a hovering cradle.
The Marquis stepped forward, gently lifting the infant into his arms. He studied the tiny face with black, steady eyes—his lips rising despite his restraint.
"Are all preparations complete?"
"The arrays and materials are ready. The family mages and prophets await at the detection platform."
The Marquis nodded, setting the infant back into the cradle. He gathered his thoughts, turned without hesitation, and strode toward the testing hall.
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(lol and bruh)