The garrison at Eastriver City welcomed Sylas's arrival warmly.
Sylas did not interfere excessively with the city's affairs.
After his arrival, he kept a low profile, seldom venturing out.
He was very busy now, occupied with private matters, but he was happy.
Celeste had truly brought Selene with her.
The Duchess of Arbor of Aethelred had brought the Crown Princess to the border of an enemy nation to find her father.
It sounded utterly absurd, yet it was happening.
When Sylas saw his one-year-old daughter, his entire body trembled, frozen in place.
Selene could already walk. She was somewhat wary of this unfamiliar man, clinging to her aunt's leg and refusing to let go.
Celeste patiently crouched down and softly coaxed her: "Puckers, call him Papa."
Selene's childhood nickname was Puckers, because the vinegar in Northspire was sweet, and she would smile happily after tasting it.
Sylas also crouched down. He stared at his daughter in a daze, not daring to move a muscle.
Selene looked at him blankly for a moment and, seeing he posed little danger, finally toddled over.
Sylas gently hugged his daughter and felt a cool sensation on his cheek.
Reaching up to touch it, he found two clear trails of tears.
He picked up the child and said softly, "Hello, Selene."
"My Lord, haven't I treated you well?" Celeste came over gleefully to claim credit.
Sylas nodded with heartfelt thanks.
After interacting with his child for a long time, he finally grew familiar with Selene.
The depression in his heart eased considerably.
Late into the night, Sylas was still trying to lull the child to sleep.
Perhaps due to his innate gentleness, Selene quickly became lively around him.
The man before her was gentle and kind; he didn't look like he would scold her.
Children are experts at manipulating people.
She bounced on the bed for a long time until Celeste, unable to watch any longer, grumbled at her a few times, finally convincing her to sleep obediently.
Sylas even felt a bit of resentment about this.
"She's so little. Why scold her? This isn't a good way to raise a child."
After saying this, Sylas suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu.
Wasn't this how the bedridden Gwendolyn in the Chancellor's estate doted on Mirabel?
Celeste, however, said indignantly, "Look how naughty she's become, and you're still there indulging her! A doting father ruins a daughter!"
Sylas smiled sheepishly. "Alright, my mistake."
He sat by the bed, watching his daughter's deep, sleeping face, his heart filled with joy.
All worries and thoughts were forgotten; he only wanted to gaze at Selene in a daze.
Seeing him so enslaved by his daughter, Celeste couldn't help but laugh.
She tidied up a bit, then came over, gently putting an arm around his shoulders, and said softly, "Look at the great risk I took. How will you thank me?"
Sylas turned his head to look at her somewhat awkwardly and said embarrassed, "The child is right here..."
"She's asleep! Besides, what does a one-year-old know?"
"But... but you're her aunt..."
Celeste immediately said discontentedly, "I, her aunt, am closer to her than her own mother! Go ask my sister if she's ever changed Puckers' diapers?
I've done everything myself!"
"Thank you, Your Grace. I... I have no way to repay you," Sylas said sincerely.
Celeste was instantly overjoyed. She gleefully pushed Sylas down and whispered, "How about I bring her to see you often from now on?"
"..."
Sylas was caught in a dilemma.
He didn't want to lie at this moment, but he also didn't want to reveal his plans.
While he was hesitating, Celeste had already succeeded.
He didn't even have time to be annoyed.
Even though he cared for Gwendolyn, he could only use his body to repay Celeste now.
Just as the women often said of him.
A wanton man.
It had to be said, Her Grace the Duchess was relatively gentle with him.
Afterward, he finally couldn't hold back the grievance in his heart and said to Celeste, "I don't plan to stay in Stonewold anymore. I want to go to Hanvale.
So, in the future..."
"Parted by vast distances" – these four words, he couldn't bring himself to say them in front of the child.
Celeste leaned against his neck, planting light kisses, and upon hearing his words, said somewhat displeased, "Hmph, I knew you wouldn't last in Stonewold.
Were you forced by Gwendolyn, or by Mirabel?"
"No..."
"No? Then why are you running away?" Celeste bit him lightly.
But she wasn't overly angry.
Instead, she said quietly, "When I was exiled, I did some serious soul-searching and felt I had truly done wrong.
Sylas, I like you very much, but I shouldn't have followed my sister's example in bullying you.
That incident with your... death... scared me terribly.
My sister is deceiving herself, saying you practiced some dark art or enchantment spell.
That's because she feels guilty but doesn't know how to express it.
She is the Empress of Aethelred. The Empress is always right.
If she isn't right, then she can't be Empress.
But I know you are a man; you cannot practice cultivation.
Your resurrection was probably Jade's doing."
Sylas hurriedly explained guiltily: "No, it has nothing to do with Auntie Jade..."
"Don't worry, I won't say anything.
Jade now holds a high position and great power; she'll be fine.
I just want to say, I won't force you anymore. I'll support you wherever you go, as long as you remember me." Celeste vowed solemnly.
Sylas stared at her blankly, then let out a long sigh and said moved, "Your Grace, you..."
He was truly touched by Celeste's words.
Since the fall of his country and the destruction of his home, Celeste was the first to sincerely apologize to him and even offer him freedom.
This made Sylas immensely emotional.
He initiatively hugged Celeste, his tone sincere: "Your Grace, I will forever remember your kindness. I..."
Celeste wrapped her arms around his neck, her red lips kissing his hair.
Neither could see the other's expression.
Sylas closed his eyes, genuinely moved.
The Duchess of Arbor of Aethelred was apologizing to a conquered slave!
She had truly repented and reformed.
Celeste, however, smiled cunningly, a look of triumph on her face.
She was a master at reading people, an expert at observing expressions and moods.
She did feel guilty about Sylas's feigned death.
But that didn't prevent her from using a few tricks.
Like taking good care of Selene, apologizing to Sylas.
This way, Sylas would see her as one of his own.
She believed that after this, even if Sylas fled to the ends of the earth, a place would remain for her in his heart.
Celeste felt immensely pleased with herself.
Sister, don't blame me for getting a head start. It's your own fault for being so overbearing.
Then, she suddenly felt a warmth on her shoulder – Sylas seemed to be initiatively kissing her.
Celeste's heart leaped.
He was actually initiating seduction now.
It seemed he was truly moved to his very soul.
Celeste grew even more excited.
This was the correct way to handle Sylas.
As long as he was coaxed properly, he would show his most beautiful side.
So Celeste added fuel to the fire, saying rather plaintively, "Brother Sylas, after this, we won't see each other again. Can you give me one beautiful night?
I feel like I'll have to rely on the memory of this night to get through the rest of my life."
"Your Grace... don't say that..."
Sylas was filled with extreme guilt. He said somewhat despondently, "How about... how about I go to Northspire in the future and secretly stay by your side?"
He was now utterly conflicted and had no idea what to do.
Hearing this, Celeste quickly advised against it: "No, don't. Go to Hanvale. You should pursue your happiness. I won't stand in your way."
Are you kidding? If you go to Northspire, wouldn't that just benefit my sister? I wouldn't even get a scrap.
Going to Hanvale is good. I can visit you when I have time.
P.S.: The protagonist's mind has been thoroughly played into submission. Please don't blame him.