The sun rose high in the sky, its brilliant light washing over the world and spilling through the window to paint the room in gold.
Seraphina stirred, slowly opening her eyes. The first thing she saw was the calm, beautiful face of her son, a tiny trail of saliva glistening from the corner of his mouth.
A gentle smile graced her lips. She sat up carefully and gathered Seiichi into her arms. He was as light as a feather. With the soft fabric of her dress, she dabbed the moisture from his cheek.
Seiichi stirred at her touch, his own eyes fluttering open to reveal sapphire orbs that shone like perfectly cut diamonds.
"I'm sorry if I woke you," Seraphina whispered, her voice soft as she gently ruffled his hair.
In response, Seiichi extended his small, soft hands, fisting them in the fabric of her dress. He leaned close, nuzzling against her, and closed his eyes once more.
She looked down at him, her gaze so tender it carried a warmth that could soothe any soul.
The sun's rays grew stronger, continuing their ascent.
A soft knock came at the door before it opened to reveal Lilith, who had come to call her for breakfast.
"My lady, breakfast is ready. Please come down," Lilith said, gliding softly into the room. Her eyes fell upon Seraphina, still cradling Seiichi, a gentle smile etched on her face. "It looks like you can't bear to leave him alone for even a moment," she observed softly.
Seraphina met Lilith's gaze, her own gentle but unwavering. "Well, you're right." She glanced back at her son's sleeping face, her expression shadowed by a mother's concern. "He's so small and fragile... born without the most important thing in a world so full of terror and danger."
Lilith bent down, her movements graceful, and placed a hand on Seiichi's cheek. His skin was impossibly soft, like the finest cotton.
As if sensing the new touch, Seiichi slowly opened his eyes. His gentle grip on Seraphina's dress loosened, and he looked up at Lilith's face. With a tiny, curious hand, he reached out and grabbed her finger.
Lilith's eyes softened, her heart swelling with a sudden, protective warmth. Gently, she took him from Seraphina's arms. Seiichi stared into Lilith's eyes, a silent connection passing between them that made the maid's breath catch.
"He is both the most beautiful and the most fragile thing I have ever seen," Lilith murmured. Then, shaking off her reverie, she continued, "Now, let's go down. The others are waiting."
"Alright," Seraphina agreed, rising gracefully to her feet. "But who will take care of my angel if I'm not with him?"
"I will assign other maids to watch over him," Lilith assured her, already walking out of the room with the baby secure in her arms.
Seraphina followed, making her way to the dining hall. She descended the grand staircase, her footsteps echoing softly in the spacious manor.
In the dining room, Azaiel and Lumine were already seated at the massive table. Maids moved silently around them, placing an array of dishes upon the polished surface.
Both children noticed their mother's entrance immediately.
"Good morning, Mom!" they greeted in unison.
"Good morning, my dears," she replied, her voice warm.
She moved to the chair at the head of the table and sat. A maid immediately stepped forward to place a plate before her. The rich, savory smell of the meal filled the air. Together, Azaiel, Lumine, and Seraphina bowed their heads for a silent prayer.
After the prayer, Seraphina picked up her knife and fork. With practiced elegance, she sliced a piece of meat, speared it with her fork, and began to eat. Her children followed suit.
"Mom, how are you feeling?" Lumine asked between careful bites.
"I'm just a little tired, but other than that, everything is perfectly fine," Seraphina said, gently placing her fork down on the table.
Azaiel, wearing a thoughtful frown, then spoke up. "Mom, what do you think about Seiichi being magicless? I feel it could become a significant problem. It might damage our family's status and reputation for strength."
Seraphina's gaze settled on her son, her voice gentle yet firm. "Azaiel, it is not good to speak of your own brother in such a way. It does not matter that he is different from us."
"I'm sorry," Azaiel murmured, not questioning further as he returned his attention to his food.
"I'm glad you understand," Seraphina said. She picked up her empty glass, and the maid beside her promptly filled it with water.
---
In a room on the second floor, where the maids resided, Seiichi lay on a bed, surrounded by a cooing circle of women. Their hands reached out to touch him gently.
"Aww, he's so cute!" one maid exclaimed, playing with his tiny fingers.
"I believe he's going to be incredibly handsome when he grows up," sighed another. "It's so sad he's just a newborn. I wish he had been born when I was."
"Forget it, you're already an old hag," a third maid teased.
"How dare you say that! Take it back! My body is still young, pure, and perfect!" the first maid retorted, standing to face her teaser with eyes burning with mock fury.
Suddenly, the door slammed open. Lilith stood there, her arms folded beneath her chest, her voice firm and commanding. "What is going on here?"
All the maids scrambled back from Seiichi, their throats suddenly dry with fear.
"I told you to take care of the young master, not disturb him," Lilith chided, striding toward the bed where Seiichi lay, contentedly sucking his thumb.
The maids immediately bowed their heads in unison. "We are deeply sorry!"
"I expect you all to take your jobs seriously and treat the young master with the proper care he deserves," Lilith's voice echoed commandingly through the room. "He does not have any magic, so it is our duty to protect him and provide for his every need."
"We understand everything you have said," they chorused, heads still bowed.
"I'm glad." Her tone left no room for argument.
She scooped Seiichi up gently, her touch instantly softening as she ruffled his fine hair. Her stern expression melted away, replaced by one of pure affection, and she carried him from the room.
She walked down the hallway, its walls adorned with lavish paintings of the family, landscapes, and portraits of animals and birds. She paused before a giant portrayal of the family: a younger Seraphina stood proudly behind a chair where a small Azaiel and Lumine sat together.
Lilith walked past it, her steps slowing as she approached the next picture. This one depicted a man with long, crimson hair, his face cast in shadow. He held a black sword, from which blood dripped, and his boot was planted firmly on the corpse of a monstrous beast.
As Lilith carried him past the ominous portrait, Seiichi's gaze fixed upon it. For a single, fleeting instance, his sapphire eyes glowed a deep, bloody red.