The Third Prince Of Darkness

The next day, I set off with Avanne and Lyra toward Isabella's house. Before that, I made sure to tell Avanne that our relationship was strictly professional. Similarly, I asked Lyra not to call me "daddy" and fortunately she is an incredibly intelligent child and easily understood what I was saying. But also, just because a child shows affection toward someone doesn't mean that person is their father. So, there was no issue with Lyra acting close to me.

After a journey that wasn't too long but wasn't too short either, we finally reached the small city outside the capital. This city, though smaller than the capital, had its own walls and was very close to the capital. The mansion I had purchased for Isabella was the finest in this city. Given that I was considered one of the wealthiest individuals on the continent, buying this mansion wasn't that difficult.

By the time we arrived at the mansion, everyone had already gathered probably, and standing at the entrance was a beautiful woman with white hair that fluttered gently in the breeze. Of course, this was my mother, and she was waiting for me with tears in her eyes. As soon as we stepped out of the carriage, she started running toward me but it was only natural for her to act this way since she hadn't seen me for over a year and a half.

As I watched my mother Luciana's eyes fill with tears and saw her steps getting closer, I felt a warm sensation somewhere inside me. However, I didn't let that feeling show on my face. As soon as I got out of the carriage, a small smile spread across my face, and I opened my arms wide.

When my mother reached me, she hugged me tightly without hesitation. I slowly draped my arm over her shoulder and could feel her quietly sighing.

"Welcome, little Ethan," she said softly. The emotions she had built up from waiting were reflected in her trembling voice.

With her embrace, I felt like a piece of me that had been lost for years was finally in place. After such a long time, I could once again feel her warmth and scent, and this moment was priceless. This hug filled the emptiness inside me, making me relive the warmth of my childhood memories.

"I'm happy to have you back, Mom"

My mother let go of me, lifting his head slightly, and took a deep breath. At that moment, I could see her examining me more closely. Even though a year and a half had passed, she noticed the changes in me. Her gaze carefully traveled across me. A year and a half, though a relatively short period, can still leave big changes in one's life. The lines on my face, the changes in my body, and the maturity in my eyes all revealed a different Ethan compared to the boy she once knew.

"You've really changed," she said, her eyes not leaving me. "But I can still see the kind and loving heart of my little boy inside you."

The subtle sadness in her voice deeply affected me. A year and a half ago, I had no idea how different everything would become. And now, as I realized, Luciana, just like Isabella, had been suffering from profound loneliness after I left for the academy. Once again, I reassured myself that this loneliness would soon come to an end. However, it was Luciana who needed comfort more than anyone.

"Let's go inside. It's cold out here," Luciana said.

Indeed, winter was approaching, and the air was starting to chill. Luciana seemed a bit surprised when she saw Avanne and the little girl in her arms, but it also seemed as though she recognized Avanne from somewhere.

"Mom, let me introduce you. This is Avanne, and the little girl in her arms is my daughter Lyra."

When Luciana saw Avanne and Lyra, she paused for a moment. Her eyes widened slightly, and she took a deep breath, as if the sight before her had mentally overwhelmed her for a second. Then, she noticed the cute look in Lyra's eyes and scanned Avanne from head to toe, sensing a familiar aura. For a moment, she stepped forward slowly, with a hint of uncertainty in her eyes, but then quickly stepped back, as if something was falling into place.

"This... How is this possible?" Luciana said, her voice starting to tremble. Her gaze moved from Lyra to Avanne. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Avanne, holding the little girl tightly in her arms, bowed her head respectfully. "Majesty Luciana, it's a pleasure to meet you. Yes, this little girl... is our daughter."

Luciana's reaction was utterly shocking. Her eyes widened, and her body pulled back a little. For a moment, she couldn't find the words to say. She mumbled something and then held her head with her hands. Tears streamed from her eyes, and finally, emotions started to overflow, much like a river's current. She tried to compose herself, but her palms were trembling. "So... my... grandchild... Is this... am I a grandmother now??" she whispered.

Lyra looked at Luciana and tilted her head slightly, nervously but also innocently. A small smile appeared on her face as she gazed into Luciana's eyes.

Luciana took a few deep breaths, closed her eyes, leaned slightly back, and then sat down on her knees as if her legs were giving way. Tears began to fall from her eyes. The complex emotions she was feeling at that moment were too big to be expressed by any words. Then, wiping her eyes with her hands, she whispered, "My grandchild... Ethan, are you serious? ..... Can I hold her?"

"Yes, Mom, you can hold her," I said, scanning the surroundings. Fortunately, the guards were far enough away. "But Mom, don't let anyone know she's your granddaughter, or that she's my daughter," I added quietly.

Luciana immediately understood what I meant. "Don't worry! I won't give it away," she said with a wide smile.

Luciana slowly rose on her knees and gently embraced Lyra. As she rested Lyra's head on her shoulder, Luciana's eyes were filled with a bittersweet joy. The complexity of her emotions had been brought out by how sudden and unexpected everything had unfolded. The sight of Lyra, as if a symbol of another life, warmed her heart. Stay connected through m-v l|e'-NovelBin.net

"I can't believe you have a child now, little Ethan," Luciana said, stroking Lyra's head. "I'm so happy right now. I feel like I could die peacefully."

"Ha... Mom, don't ever say something so silly again! And you'll probably have dozens of grandchildren in the future," I said, chuckling.

"Wait... What do you mean by that? Hey, wait, little Ethan?!"

Ignoring Luciana calling me from behind, I passed through the courtyard and approached Isabella, who was standing at the grand entrance of the mansion. There was a smile on Isabella's face, and if I had to describe that smile as accurately as possible, it was like the sweet, flirtatious smile of a rich and powerful Milf.

But of course, I opened my arms in the most innocent way and embraced her, making sure not to reveal anything about our forbidden romance.

"Is Luciana shouting because she met her grandchild?" she asked me, stepping out of her innocence and tightening her embrace.

"Yes, but don't say that again. I don't want to take any risks," I replied as we walked through the door into the mansion.

"Oh, look at that! Little Ethan's already attached to that little witch," she teased from behind.

Ignoring her, I walked inside. When I entered the first nearby room, there was a long, large table. The servants were filling it with food, but among the servants, there was an older woman who clearly had the bearing of nobility and was issuing orders. She had a familiar eye color, the same bright red eyes as both Isabella and Kayle. She was probably Isabella's mother. As I slowly walked toward her, she immediately noticed me.

The woman paused as soon as she saw me. Her eyes, bright red like Isabella's, scanned me with a meaningful gaze. Then, a warmth, a sense of recognition, appeared in her eyes. She quickly took a step forward and walked toward me.

"Your Excellency Ethan, am I correct?" she said, her voice initially soft and then quickly rising, reflecting the mixed emotions of someone seeing someone they hadn't seen in years.

"Yes, my lady. I am Prince Ethan, the third prince. I am also a great admirer of your daughter, Queen Isabella," I replied.

The woman's eyes froze for a moment as she processed my words. Then a quick smile appeared. There was warmth and understanding in her gaze. From her look, I realized that Isabella's real family knew exactly who I was. At that moment, I thought I should learn more about Isabella's mother's nobility and past.

"I truly appreciate it, Prince Ethan," the woman said, still observing me closely. "Isabella always speaks highly of you. She says she's lucky to know someone like you. But," a brief uncertainty appeared in her eyes, "to see you here like this… it's a bit unexpected, Your Excellency. Just the other day, I read in the papers that you were the tournament winner at the academy... Ah, and were those papers correct? Are you really Mr. Arthur, our business partner? Incredible! I was quite surprised when my daughter recommended you and listed all your interesting requests, but you've quickly proven how talented and intelligent you are. And now, thinking back, my daughter always talked about how perfect you are, especially in the last few years. Now that I think of it, she was absolutely right—Your Excellency, you truly are an exceptional person!"

"Mom, stop! Why are you telling everyone our private conversations?!" Isabella said as she came rushing out from around the corner, her face flushed.

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Note: Even though I said in the previous chapter that Luciana will be added to the harem, it will not happen that fast.