The Everlong mansion glowed like a moon under the deep night. Built of polished darkwood and pale stone, its walls shimmered with faint inscriptions, protective runes Bella had carved herself years ago. The front courtyard was wide, paved with blue-gray river tiles, with a tall fountain in the center shaped like a soaring phoenix. Tonight, its waters glittered with floating mana-lights, casting rippling gold reflections on the mansion's entrance.
"Michel!" Edward's voice boomed through the corridor.
Michael their loyal retainer stepped forward. In his mid-40s, scare under his lower lip, he had sharp blue eyes that seemed to miss nothing, and short black hair tied loosely at the nape of his neck. His sleeves were rolled up slightly, showing toned forearms from years of hard training, and his robe, though simple, had subtle runic embroidery hinting at magical knowledge.
"Yes, my lord?" Michel bowed.
"Prepare the estate we're celebrating Kelvin's first night with us. Make it grand."
Tears formed at the corners of the butler's eyes after saying. "It… it will be my honour, sir." He neglected his order and ran straight to Bella's room.
Despite his age, he moved with surprising speed.
Edward chuckled. "What was I expecting? This house hasn't felt alive like this since my wedding."
He stepped into the courtyard. "Nike!"
A tall guard jogged over, Armor clinking. "Lord Edward?"
"Send word to our guests, the feast begins at sunset."
"As you command!"
By evening, the Everlong estate transformed into a world of light.
Inside the mansion, servants hurried like bees preparing for the hive's first harvest
At night, Carriages rolled in, some sleek and noble with carvings of beasts and elements; others simple yet dignified. Laughter echoed across the courtyard, and a violinist played a soft melody near the entrance. Servants guided guests with glowing lanterns, and the fountain danced brighter than ever.
Michel stood at the gate, bowing to each guest. Still emotional, secretly wiped his eyes while giving them warm smile.
'The young master is finally here… the house finally feels alive with his cries'…
Inside the grand dining hall, chandeliers made of crystal lotus petals hung from carved beams. The tables overflowed with roasted meat, honey-glazed fruits, and steaming breads. Wine flowed freely. In the corners, dancers spun gracefully, and nobles exchanged loud, meaningless arguments.
Edward watched it all with a proud smile.
Bella also descended the staircase carrying Kelvin, swaddled in soft blue cloth, his cheeks round and glowing.
Her long hair, tied with silver ribbon, draped down her back like molten fire, while wearing slight orange sleeveless dress, making her the centre of attention. Her Black eyes softened every time she looked at her child.
Edward hurried over. "How's Kel?"
"Sleeping for now," Bella whispered with a smile. "He cried earlier, but he's fine."
Kelvin gave a tiny whimper, as if responding to the sound of her voice.
Edward while chuckling kissed both of them on checks gently.
The hall warmed with the sight.
A soft cough echoed behind them.
Michael stood with hands behind his back, after asking someone else to show guest their seats at the entrance. "Master Edward… congratulations."
His voice trembled with genuine joy.
Bella smiled. "Michael, come sit near Kelvin later. He should recognize your voice soon."
The man's eyes grew moist. "That would be an honor…"
Suddenly the servant at the door announced:
"Lord Cyrano has arrived!"
Hearing the name, Edward's jaw tightened. Even Bella's expression sharpened a little.
Cyrano entered with swagger. A six feet tall, handsome man, dressed in red and black silk that emphasized his arrogant posture. His smile wasn't warm for the occasion as if he was there to challenge, not to congratulate.
"Hahaha! Edward! Where was my invitation?"
He spread his arms. "How could you forget about me on such an important day?"
Michel's face twitched, he regretted coming inside otherwise he would have thrown him far away. Some guests exchanged uneasy glances as they have heard of bad blood between Edward and Cyrano.
Edward stepped forward. "Cyrano… you are here already and I hope you act like a guest...."
"Oh please," Cyrano cut him off. "I brought a gift for my newborn nephew."
He tossed a small, wrapped box toward Edward. It slid across the polished floor and landed by his feet.
Then, to ensure no one missed it…
CLANG!
He slammed a bronze bell onto the floor taken out from a pouch on his waist. Its ring boomed through the hall like a challenge in a silent arena. Hearing the sudden interruption many nobles look annoyed.
Even the music stopped. This sudden sound woke kelvin up how started to cry.
Seeing the outrageous behaviour, Edward readied himself to attack with a rank 1 spell to blast this accursed man to oblivion.
Seeing this Bella's eyes narrowed dangerously and to not ruin their son's first celebration she stopped Edward while herself stepping forward with unmatched grace. "Cyrano," she said calmly while handing the child to Adward. "Do you enjoy provoking trouble?"
He smirked. "Merely ensuring my presence is noted."
Bella placed her hand over the bronze bell.
She whispered something soft under her breath and lightly tapped the metal.
Fssshhh…
The bell disintegrated into fine gray ash, floating away like smoke.
Gasps echoed.
"She used… silent disintegration?"
"Only an arcane mage could do this"
"Edward is only a mage, how could that fool have the luck of marring such a beauty not to mention her being an arcane mage…"
"Idiotic Cyrano…"
Edward's pupils shrank. Even he hadn't expected Bella to respond that decisively.
Cyrano's smile faded, replaced by a flicker of unease.
"As long you are here stay in your limits, otherwise I will forget any past relation you had with Edward "After giving a stern warning she turned around and walked toward Edward to hold the boy which became much calmer in her hands…
The tension in the hall melted instantly.
She rocked the infant gently, her hands surprisingly delicate. Slowly, Kelvin's cries softened, replaced by tiny hiccups. His little fingers curled around Bella's thumb.
Bella's expression softened again.
The hall grew lively again, though whispers continued."Cyrano really is reckless…"
"Bella's power is terrifying, even in the initial stage of arcane mage very few are her match."
Cyrano forced a laugh and moved to the side, but his earlier arrogance was gone.
Edward whispered to Bella, "Don't let him ruin this night."
"Nothing can ruin it if Kelvin is here. "She smiled