In the Ryuu mansion, the dining hall was a grand room, adorned with elegant tapestries depicting the history of the Satoru family. The long table in the center of the room was made of polished mahogany, and a magnificent chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. Three maids stood attentively by the walls, ready to serve. Among them was Sylvie, who watched over the scene with a gentle smile.

Ryuu, Luna, and Kibo were seated at the table, dressed in noble nightgowns appropriate for their status. Ryuu’s white hair and emerald eyes contrasted sharply with his dark attire. Luna, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, radiated a serene beauty. Kibo, who had inherited his father’s white hair and his mother’s blue eyes, sat on Luna’s lap, being fed by his mother.

As they ate quietly, Kibo endured the awkwardness of being fed like a child, but as he looked at his mother, he felt a warmth that made it bearable. Ryuu watched his wife and son with keen interest. In Kibo’s mind, he mused, "This is the worst," but then reconsidered, thinking, "It's not so bad when it’s her."

Breaking Kibo's thoughts, Ryuu spoke to Luna, "I want to feed Kibo." Luna stopped feeding Kibo and looked at her husband with curiosity, then said, "No." Ryuu felt a pang of rejection. Coughing to regain his composure, he asked Kibo, "Since your birthday is tomorrow, what do you want for it?"

Kibo, who had not spoken since his rebirth, remained silent. Luna quickly interjected, "I think my son just wants his mama." Ryuu retorted, "What? No, he doesn't. He wants…" As they jokingly argued, Kibo thought about how kind his new parents were. The least he could do was talk to them; they deserved it. He recalled hearing rumors from a maid about something being wrong with the lord and lady's child.

Determined to change that perception, Kibo smiled and decided to speak. As Ryuu and Luna continued their playful argument, they heard a small voice say, "Mama." Shocked, they looked at Kibo, who had a shy expression. He repeated, "Mama," and closed his eyes.

Luna, touched and overjoyed, hugged Kibo tightly. "My baby finally said his first word!" she exclaimed. The maids, including Sylvie, felt the love and warmth in the room. Ryuu, though happy, wanted to hear his son call him "Papa" too. As he stood in thought, Kibo cut him off by saying, "Papa."

Ryuu stood up, joined his wife and child, and embraced them both. Tears of joy streamed down his face as he realized his son could talk. In Kibo’s mind, he felt relieved, knowing his parents truly loved him.

As they were rejoicing, the dining hall door opened, revealing Tanaka, who had just returned from his mission. He observed the scene but waited patiently. Noticing Tanaka, Ryuu stood up and kissed Luna's forehead, telling her he would meet her in their bedroom. Luna nodded, while Kibo, confused, watched his father leave.

Ryuu and Tanaka left the dining hall, with the maids bowing as they passed. Kibo, now alone with his mother, was about to think when Luna interrupted, "My baby, now say, 'I love you.'" Kibo, reluctant, simply said, "Mama." Luna still found it adorable and hugged him tightly. In Kibo’s mind, he thought, "So tight, so tight."

In another part of the mansion, the study was where Ryuu handled the affairs of his nation. The room was filled with shelves of books, maps, and important documents. Ryuu sat at his desk, leaning on it, while Tanaka stood respectfully nearby.

Ryuu asked, "Have you found the runaway criminal?" Tanaka replied, "Yes, but he is dead." Ryuu, though shocked, maintained his composure. Tanaka then recounted the events involving the masked man and the young boy, describing the encounter in detail.

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Ryuu listened attentively, his face expressionless. Once Tanaka finished, Ryuu pondered, "What do they want with the Aurum Fortuna, and who is the masked man?" Tanaka interrupted his thoughts, saying, "Sir, I also received a letter." He pulled it from his pocket and handed it to Ryuu.

Ryuu took the letter and asked, "Who is it from?" Tanaka replied, "It's from your father." Shocked, Ryuu exclaimed, "That old man!" He opened the letter and, after reading it, laughed, touching his forehead with one hand while holding the letter in the other. "What is that old man thinking?" he muttered, crumpling the letter and throwing it into a bin.

Seeing his lord's frustration, Tanaka suggested, "My lord, if I may…" but Ryuu cut him off, saying, "Don't talk." Tanaka, with a caring expression, remained silent. Ryuu sighed and changed the subject, "What about the preparations for my son's first grand birthday ceremony?" Tanaka responded, "Everything is going according to plan."

Ryuu dismissed Tanaka, who bowed and said, "Goodnight, my lord." Ryuu raised his hand in acknowledgment as Tanaka left the room. Alone, Ryuu glanced at the bin where he had thrown the letter, wondering what his father was thinking.

In the Ryuu mansion, the night was still and silent. The grand halls, usually bustling with activity, now lay dormant, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the ornate windows. The luxurious tapestries and intricate woodwork cast long shadows, creating an atmosphere of serene elegance. Outside, the vast gardens were quiet, with only the faint rustle of leaves in the gentle night breeze.

Duke Ryuu, having finished his work for the night, walked down the dimly lit corridors towards his bedroom. His footsteps echoed softly against the marble floors, a reminder of the solitude that often accompanied his role. He reached the large double doors of his bedroom, intricately carved with the family crest, and pushed them open.

Inside, Lady Luna was waiting for him, her delicate features illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamps. The room was a blend of luxury and comfort, with a large canopy bed draped in fine silks and rich fabrics. The walls were adorned with portraits and tapestries depicting scenes of valor and history.

As Ryuu closed the door behind him, he approached Luna, who looked up at him with concern in her eyes. "Why aren't you sleeping?" he asked softly.

She smiled gently, her eyes warm. "I can't sleep without my darling husband."

Ryuu climbed into bed beside her, pulling her into his arms. She nestled against him, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "You seem troubled," she said, looking up at him. "What happened, darling?"

Ryuu sighed, a small smile playing on his lips. "How do you know me so well?"

"It's because I am your wife," she replied, her eyes sparkling with affection.

He chuckled, kissing her forehead. "You are very cute."

Luna blushed, covering her face with her hands. "Where is that coming from?"

Ryuu's smile faded slightly as he looked into her eyes. "My father sent a letter," he began, his voice tinged with worry. "He wants to take Kibo."

Luna's eyes widened in shock. "Wouldn't that be a good thing, with everything going on?"

Ryuu looked up at the ceiling, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, it might be good, but my father... he wasn't a good father. Even though..." He trailed off, uncertainty clouding his eyes.

Luna cupped his face, her touch gentle. "I know. But your father isn't a bad person either. He is strong."

Ryuu nodded, his gaze distant. "I know, but I don't know what he's planning for Kibo. Have you forgotten what people call him?"

"The Reaper," Luna whispered.

"Yes, but that was a long time ago," Ryuu said, his voice strained. "And no one knows where he is. He just suddenly wants to take Kibo."

Luna stroked his hair, her touch soothing. "Dear, everything will be okay. When is he coming?"

"Tomorrow," Ryuu replied, his voice heavy with concern. "On Kibo's birthday."

Luna's face fell, but she quickly composed herself. "Kibo will be okay," she assured him, resting her head on his chest.

Ryuu leaned back into his pillow, holding Luna close. In his thoughts, he vowed to protect his son no matter what. If Kibo didn't want to leave, he would stop his father, no matter the cost. "What about Kibo?" he asked softly.

"He's sleeping," Luna replied, her voice a gentle whisper.

Meanwhile, in Kibo's room, the atmosphere was calm and peaceful. The room was adorned with simple yet elegant furnishings, reflecting both comfort and nobility. A large window offered a view of the starlit sky, casting a serene light across the room. Kibo lay on his bed, circulating mana through his body, his brow furrowed in concentration.

He was sweating, having almost overdone it, but he stopped in time. "What will my birthday be like?" he wondered aloud, looking out the window at the night sky. He had finally gotten the hang of mana circulation, a small victory in his new life.

Deciding to test his progress, Kibo attempted to cast a water spell from his mind. A small drop of water appeared in his hand. "Is that it?" he muttered, slightly disappointed but determined. Lying back down on his bed, he resolved to work harder. "I need to improve," he thought, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.