Chapter 30 - "The Charm That Binds"?

Chapter 30 - "The Charm That Binds"?

Seraphina, curious about what her adorable daughter was up to, decided to investigate quietly. She walked down the hallway with her usual calm demeanor, pretending to be unaware of Eira's activities.

Seconds later, Seraphina arrived at Eira's room. Eira, already attuned to her surroundings, sensed her mother's presence before she even entered. This newfound awareness, a byproduct of her mastery over all elements and phenomena, was no longer surprising to her. Eira quickly composed herself, smoothing her expression to its usual serene demeanor just as the door opened.

Without bothering to ask for permission, Seraphina stepped inside, maintaining her cold, commanding presence. The sight of her mother left Eira slightly nervous, though she worked hard to hide it.

Seraphina's calm voice broke the silence. "Eira, are you ready?"

Her eyes swept over the room, and Seraphina nearly chuckled. It was amusing to see how quickly Eira had hidden her more playful side.

Hearing her mother's question, Eira's eyes lit up with excitement. She had been looking forward to this gathering, not just to observe the castle but also to experience the event. Brimming with anticipation, she replied with a giggle, "Yes, Mom, I want to go! Hehe."

Seraphina's hands trembled slightly at the sound of Eira's laughter, though she maintained her composure. "Hmm, let's go. But do you think your current dress is suitable?" she asked, her eyes lingering on Eira's attire.

Eira glanced down at her dress. It was beautifully tailored, clearly chosen to highlight her natural elegance. She smiled. "I think it's fine. Lindy prepared it for me, and I wanted to wear this. Is it okay?"

Seraphina's expression darkened for a moment, jealousy flickering in her usually calm demeanor. "Hmm, fine. If you have nothing else to bring, let's go," she said curtly.

"Okay, then." Eira hopped off her bed and ran to her mother, grabbing her hand. Seraphina froze momentarily, startled by the unexpected gesture. She glanced down at Eira, and her earlier irritation melted away. A faint smile graced her lips as warmth filled her heart. It seems that as her mother, I still hold the highest place in her heart, she thought, tightening her grip slightly.

Unnoticed by Seraphina, her affection for Eira had been growing steadily. Her daughter's unique charm only intensified this bond, making it nearly impossible to resist her.

As they left the room, high-ranking guards stationed outside couldn't help but stare. It was rare to see their matriarch accompany one of her daughters so openly. The two were stunning, their similar features drawing admiration, and envy, from onlookers.

By the time they reached the front gate, the pair was surrounded by guards in blue uniforms, symbols of their unwavering loyalty to the Nivara family. As Seraphina and Eira approached the waiting carriage, their cool auras seemed to radiate effortlessly, captivating everyone present.

"Are you ready?" Seraphina asked again, glancing down at Eira.

Eira nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! Let's hurry, Mom," she said with a giggle. Her voice was so melodic that even Seraphina momentarily lost her composure, entranced by the hypnotic pull of her daughter's charm.

Shaking her head slightly to regain focus, Seraphina replied, "Hmm, let's go." She bent down to pick Eira up effortlessly, carrying her toward the carriage.

But before they could board, something strange happened. The guards, who had been standing at attention moments earlier, suddenly appeared entranced. Their movements became sluggish as if drawn by an invisible force, and they began shambling toward Eira.

Seraphina frowned. With a wave of her hand, a chilling wave of mana rippled outward, snapping the guards from their trance. "Back off," she said coldly, her voice sharp enough to cut through the air.

The guards froze, realization dawning on their faces. They quickly dropped to one knee in unison. "We apologize, Madam Seraphina. We accept any punishment for our disgraceful behavior," they said, their voices trembling.

Eira, oblivious to her role in the incident, tugged impatiently at her mother's sleeve. "Mom, let's hurry. I'm bored!"

Seraphina's gaze softened slightly at her daughter's plea. Turning back to the guards, she dismissed them curtly. "Fine. Return to your posts and keep your distance from Eira."

As they boarded the carriage, Seraphina's thoughts lingered on what had just happened. Was that some kind of hypnotic spell? Or is her charm simply growing stronger without her knowledge? She couldn't decide but resolved to investigate later.

The carriage began to move, the scenery outside blurring into a tapestry of vibrant greens and grays.

---

Meanwhile, in Elyndor Castle, Princess Celestia sat cross-legged in her private chamber. The air around her crackled with energy as her body radiated a golden light. She was frantically absorbing the surrounding nature energy, and after a moment, her eyes snapped open, golden aura flickering within them.

A triumphant smile spread across her face. "Hahaha! I've done it!" Celestia exclaimed. "My master from the God Realm will be shocked by my progress!"

She stood, her excitement bubbling over. "This is the timeline where everything changes," she murmured to herself. "Last time, my master said I had the potential to become a high-rank god. But when I returned home in my half-godhood state… my planet was gone."

Her mood darkened, the memory of her home's destruction dimming her joy. "This time, I will find out the truth," she vowed.

Celestia's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her maid knocking at the door.

"Lady Celestia, the social gathering is about to begin. Her Majesty requests that you dress elegantly," the maid said from outside.

Celestia frowned. "A social gathering?" she muttered to herself. This didn't happen in the previous timeline… She quickly recalled that her older brother, the Crown Prince, had spoken of inviting the thirteen Dukes and Duchesses to court. Could this be another ripple in the timeline?

Her grip tightened on her golden robes. "The butterfly effect… it's starting," she whispered, a mix of determination and unease flickering in her eyes.