Just as Noah was about to resume his magical study of the celestial realm, the space behind them shimmered with mist. Glimmering five-pointed stars some small, some enormous began to materialize. Within the swirling starlight, a massive figure slowly emerged, and with it came a deep, commanding voice calm yet unmistakably powerful.
"You've finally arrived, my old friend."
Everyone turned at once.
Lucy and Jude gasped, both clearly startled by the immense presence. But Leila remained composed, her expression calm and knowing as though she had expected this moment all along. Noah, ever observant, narrowed his eyes slightly and focused on the towering figure before them.
There, standing like a monolith carved from the cosmos itself, was the ruler of the Celestial Spirit World the Celestial Spirit King.
He was a giant among spirits, humanoid in shape but draped in a regal and ancient power. His broad body radiated majesty. Just his presence felt like a heavy pressure on the soul.
Most striking of all was the wild, long white beard flowing down his chest disheveled, almost comically so, yet somehow suiting the solemn aura he carried. His chin was thick with bristles, and his crimson eyes lacking pupils glowed with divine might.
Armor plated his entire body, from his shoulders to his boots. His gauntlets were thick, and his combat boots thudded as he shifted slightly. Upon his helmet were two massive horns that jutted upward like a crown of power, while four feather-like crests extended from the top, swaying lightly even though no wind blew.
A great black cloak trailed behind him tattered and worn, as though it had seen countless battles. Yet even so, it fluttered gently, as if alive.
Lucy's mouth dropped open.
"Mom, he's huge! And his beard… it's sooo long!"
She instinctively ducked behind Leila, peeking out cautiously with only half her face visible.
"Lucy," Leila said softly, placing a warm hand on her daughter's golden hair, "remember to be polite."
She then turned her attention to the towering monarch and bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for inviting us to the Celestial Spirit Realm."
The Star Spirit King didn't move. He simply stared at them in silence, his expression unreadable.
Jude tensed under the weight of that gaze, a cold sweat forming at his brow. Had Leila spoken out of turn? He racked his mind for a way to recover the moment if needed.
Noah, on the other hand, remained calm beside Leila. He studied the king's demeanor and waited.
Lucy, still half-hidden, slowly peeked out again, curiosity getting the better of her fear.
Then, just as the tension reached its peak, the Star Spirit King broke into a hearty, wide smile.
"Leila. And your family. Welcome… to the Celestial Spirit Realm!"
His voice boomed across the platform, and the stoic facade melted into something warmer, more genuine.
"I've long wanted to invite you here, Leila," the king continued, his tone now much lighter. "But your health hadn't yet recovered at the time. I was concerned the journey might overwhelm you. But now you're well again… and since you expressed your desire to visit, I couldn't be more pleased to host you."
He raised a massive arm and proclaimed, "Let us celebrate Leila's return with her family with a grand party!"
At his command, the quiet realm burst into life.
From all directions, Star Spirits came rushing in beams of light coalescing into familiar forms. Aquarius, Cancer, and Capricorn led the group, their expressions bright with welcome as they gathered around the guests.
"Aqua," Leila greeted the blue-haired mermaid spirit with a warm smile, "you've been doing well, I hope?"
Aquarius crossed her arms and tilted her head with that familiar haughty air. Her dark blue bikini and long, flowing tail sparkled in the light.
"Hmph. What about you? Are you actually better now, or is this just for show?" she snapped but the concern in her voice was unmistakable.
Leila's smile deepened. "Thanks to Noah, my body has fully recovered. You should be careful with your temper too might help you finally land a boyfriend."
Aquarius froze, flustered. The maternal warmth in Leila's voice struck her like a soft breeze on calm water. Embarrassed, she muttered a quick "Tch," turned on her heel, and sulked off to the side.
Noah, watching the exchange, found himself smiling faintly. Even the mighty spirits had moments like this awkward, emotional, very human.
Cancer slid up beside them, golden scissors in hand. "Would you like me to style your hair for the party, yo?" he asked with his usual flamboyant flair.
The celebration had only just begun, but already, the realm felt like it was welcoming family home.
As the warm celebration unfolded, Kesha stepped forward respectfully and looked to Leila.
"Lady Leila, is there anything you need?"
Leila smiled and shook her head gently. "No, thank you. I'm quite all right."
Kesha then turned to the others. Jude and Lucy both gave polite smiles and mirrored Leila's gesture.
"I'll call on you if we need help later," Noah added. "But for now, just enjoy the party."
Kesha nodded, satisfied, and stepped back without another word.
Leila's gaze then drifted toward a figure approaching from the side a tall spirit with a dignified air. His head was that of a goat, complete with curved horns and a long, white goatee. Dark sunglasses perched on his snout. He wore a perfectly pressed butler's suit, and his hooves clacked softly on the stone.
"Lady Leila," the spirit said, placing his right palm on his chest and bowing deeply. "It brings me great joy to see you fully recovered."
"Thank you for your concern, Capricorn."
Then, turning to her side, Leila gently pulled Lucy forward. The little girl clung tightly to her mother's hand, her wide eyes locked onto the goat-headed spirit with a mix of awe and nervousness.
"Aquarius, Kesha," Leila called softly. "Come meet someone important. This is my daughter Lucy."
The two spirits stepped over.
Aquarius gave Lucy a once-over and scoffed lightly. "Tch. So this little squirt is your daughter, Leila?"
Leila chuckled. "Yes. She's my pride and joy. Isn't she adorable?"
"Tch," Aquarius huffed, turning her head away but not before giving Lucy a subtle sideways glance.
Kesha stepped up, scissors already twirling in his hand. "Do you want a new hairstyle to match the party, shrimp?"
"No thank you," Lucy said quickly, shrinking back.
Leila smiled. "Maybe later. I'm sure we'll need your skills again soon."
"OK shrimp," Kesha replied, striking a playful pose.
Capricorn took a step forward and studied the girl with quiet interest.
"So this is Miss Lucy?" he said in a calm, deep voice. "Judging from her aura… she's preparing to walk the path of a mage."
Leila nodded proudly. "Yes. I believe she'll become a Celestial Spirit Mage someday. When that day comes, I'll be counting on you to lend her a hand, Capricorn."
"I would be honored, Lady Leila."
The introductions continued as Leila, Noah, Jude, and Lucy moved from one spirit to another. Each Celestial Spirit welcomed them warmly, introducing themselves and reminiscing about their old contracts or friendships with Leila. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter.
Soon after, the aroma of fresh dishes filled the air. The Star Spirit King reappeared this time waving two enormous pink paper fans printed with glittering five-pointed stars. He twirled them grandly and struck a sideways pose.
"Come, everyone!" he roared with cheerful authority. "Let us drink, sing, and celebrate the night away! The livelier the party, the better! This is a reunion of old friends let's make it unforgettable!"
A raucous cheer exploded from the spirits, and the banquet officially began.
Long tables were filled with food and drink from every starry corner of the realm celestial fruits, shimmering desserts, and sparkling juice that bubbled like the night sky. Music began to play, a melody like twinkling stars ringing through space.
Jude, ever the businessman, quickly found his rhythm among the crowd. With a glass in hand and a wide smile, he chatted effortlessly with even the most imposing spirits. His business charm translated well even to beings from another realm.
Leila, too, blended in naturally. Her calm grace and deep affection for the spirits resonated with everyone she spoke to. Many Celestial Spirits, some of whom hadn't seen her since her contract days, were touched by her warmth and sincerity.
"She's still the same," whispered a nearby spirit. "Always treating us like family."
Lucy, meanwhile, couldn't sit still. The joyful energy of the party had lit a fire in her. She dashed from one corner of the table to another, staring wide-eyed at the food, the decorations, the glowing spirits everything.
She was too excited to eat. Her laughter rang out as she tried to peek into dishes, sneak closer to dancing spirits, and point at floating, glowing objects overhead.
Several Celestial Spirits began subtly watching over her, adjusting their movements to keep her from tripping or bumping into anything dangerous. Even the more aloof ones couldn't help but soften at the sight of her joy.
Noah had initially kept an eye on Lucy, intending to be the responsible guardian but when he noticed Capricorn trailing her at a discreet distance, always a step behind to catch her if she fell, he relaxed.
"Well," he murmured, popping a sweet pastry into his mouth, "guess she's in good hands."
That didn't stop him from occasionally catching Lucy mid-sprint, plopping her in a chair, and making her eat a bite or two before letting her loose again.
The celebration continued deep into the starlit night, a harmony of laughter, music, and glowing spirits dancing among their honored guests.
...
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