The Bael estate was alive with anticipation. Banners of deep violet and silver fluttered in the gentle underworld breeze, and the grand hall was filled with the low hum of conversation. Nobles in their finest robes mingled with envoys from distant clans, their eyes bright with curiosity and speculation. Even the air seemed charged, as if the world itself awaited the naming of the child whose birth had shaken the very foundations of the Underworld.
Flower Agares, regal despite her recent ordeal, sat on a dais beside Zekram Bael. Her silvery-black hair was woven with delicate amethysts, and her violet eyes shone with pride and exhaustion. In her arms, Kiyoshi slept peacefully, swaddled in silk embroidered with ancient runes of protection.
Zekram stood tall, his presence commanding respect. He surveyed the crowd, noting the mixture of awe, envy, and fear in the faces of the assembled guests. At his side, Venelana and Seraphina Bael—Flower's nieces—stood as attendants, their expressions a blend of excitement and nervousness.
The hall quieted as the Satans' envoys entered, their auras unmistakable. The envoys—one from each of the Four Satans—took their places at the front, their eyes fixed on the child. Among the crowd, disguised angels and fallen angels watched from the shadows, their true identities hidden but their interest keen.
A hush fell as the chief steward stepped forward, his voice ringing out with ceremonial gravity. "We gather to witness the naming of the heir, born of House Bael and House Agares—a child whose power has already become legend."
He turned to Zekram and Flower. "Have you chosen the name by which he shall be known?"
Zekram glanced at Flower, who nodded softly. He stepped forward, his voice resonant and clear. "We name our son Kiyoshi Agares-Bael. May his name echo through the ages, a symbol of hope and strength for our people."
A ripple of reaction swept through the hall. Some nobles murmured approval, others exchanged wary glances. The Satans' envoys nodded, their faces inscrutable.
Venelana leaned in, whispering to Flower, "It's a beautiful name. He will carry it well."
Seraphina, her eyes shining, added, "He already has the makings of a legend."
The chief steward raised his staff, intoning a blessing in the old tongue. Runes on the dais glowed softly, and a gentle warmth filled the hall. "Let all bear witness: Kiyoshi Agares-Bael, Dual Heir of Bael and Agares, is named before the Underworld."
Suddenly, a bard stepped forward, his voice trembling with excitement. "With your permission, my lords and ladies, I have composed a song for the Dual Heir."
Zekram nodded, and the bard began to sing—a haunting melody that spoke of a child born beneath a violet sky, whose cry was heard across the realms, whose destiny would shape the fate of devils and angels alike. The crowd listened, spellbound, as the song wove Kiyoshi's legend into the tapestry of their history.
As the final note faded, applause broke out. Nobles pressed forward to offer gifts—enchanted toys, rare tomes, and tokens of allegiance. Some offered veiled words of alliance, others subtle threats disguised as compliments.
A noblewoman from House Glasya approached, her smile polite but her eyes calculating. "Such a powerful child. I hope he will remember his friends when he comes of age."
Zekram replied coolly, "He will remember those who stand by him—and those who do not."
Nearby, Venelana and Seraphina chatted with a group of young nobles. One, a boy with fiery red hair, boasted, "I'll challenge Kiyoshi to a duel when we're older. See if he's really as strong as they say."
Seraphina laughed. "Be careful what you wish for. He might surprise you."
Venelana added, "Strength is more than magic. It's kindness, too."
As the ceremony continued, Flower cradled Kiyoshi, her voice soft. "Do you hear them, little one? Already, your name is on their lips. But you are more than legend. You are my son."
Zekram sat beside her, his hand resting on her shoulder. "We will protect him. No matter what."
The Satans' envoys approached, bowing respectfully. The envoy of Lucifer spoke first, his tone measured. "We will report to our lord that the Dual Heir is healthy and strong. The Satans will watch his growth with great interest."
The envoy of Beelzebub added, "May his power serve the Underworld well."
As the envoys departed, the hall gradually returned to its usual bustle. Musicians played, poets recited verses inspired by the day's events, and the nobles resumed their subtle games of politics.
But in the quiet moments, as the festivities faded, Flower and Zekram sat together, watching their son sleep. The world outside might see Kiyoshi as a symbol, a weapon, or a threat—but to them, he was simply their child, innocent and full of promise.
Venelana joined them, her voice gentle. "He will have a hard road, but he will never walk it alone."
Seraphina smiled, brushing a lock of hair from Kiyoshi's brow. "We'll make sure of it."
Outside, the night deepened, and the first stars appeared in the Underworld's sky. Songs and poems about the Dual Heir drifted through the halls, and the legend of Kiyoshi Agares-Bael began to take root—not just in the minds of the powerful, but in the hearts of all who witnessed his naming.