A GOD'S WAY OF JUDGEMENT

23-Their Beginning

The grand hall of the Arcanveil estate was heavy with silence, broken only by the soft clinking of teacups. Ronan's parents exchanged worried glances. It wasn't like their son to drift so far from the lively boy they once knew. Lately, Ronan's entire world had shrunk to the family—anyone else, no matter how kind or noble, was met with quiet indifference.

"We need to do something," Ronan's mother said, her voice soft but filled with concern. "He can't go on like this."

"He's not anti-social," his father mused. "He just... doesn't care about anyone outside of us."

His mother folded her hands together thoughtfully. "Maybe that's the problem. What if—what if we gave him a reason to care?"

Ronan's father leaned forward. "Someone new. Someone who can become part of the family."

A flicker of hope sparked between them. The idea began to take shape—someone who wouldn't just be a stranger but someone essential, someone Ronan couldn't ignore.

"He needs a companion," his father said slowly, "a fiancée."

His mother's breath caught. It was a bold step, but perhaps the right one. They both wanted Ronan to be more than a capable ruler; they wanted him to be happy, to have someone who could stand beside him as both queen and friend.

"We'll need to search thoroughly," she whispered. "She has to be someone special."

Every influential family in the celestial realm would be considered. But it wasn't just about status or political power. They needed a girl who could connect with Ronan, someone he could accept into the small, sacred circle of people he loved.

"What about the Ashforts?" his father suggested. "Dante and Emiliya's daughter—Celia Ashfort."

His mother nodded slowly, a gentle smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Yes... Celia. She could be perfect."

There was warmth in their decision—not just strategy, but love. Every thought, every plan, was rooted in their deep care for Ronan. They wanted him to thrive, not just as a king but as a person. For that, they would do whatever it took.

The garden shimmered under the golden afternoon sun, petals scattering gently in the breeze. In the midst of this beauty, the Ashfort and Arcanveil children stood awkwardly, eyeing each other.

"Why don't you all play together?" Emiliya Ashfort said, nudging Celia and Dante forward.

"Yes, get to know each other," Ronan's mother added warmly, her gaze soft but expectant. "Go on, Ronan. It will be fun."

Ronan frowned slightly. Why does everything have to be about fun? His mind flickered back to the idea of a "family meeting" his parents had been so secretive about. He had no interest in other families—especially not the Ashforts—and couldn't see how playing with their children would make any difference. They're probably thinking about that again... bringing more people into our family. The thought made his chest tighten, but he kept his face carefully blank, as always.

Liviya tugged on his sleeve, her small fingers insistent. "Come on, let's play," she said brightly, her warm smile cutting through his thoughts.

Reluctantly, Ronan gave a tiny nod. Fine... but only because mom asked.

"Bet I can run faster than all of you!" Dante shouted, already taking off in a sprint, his laughter ringing through the air. Celia trailed behind him with her curious gaze fixed on Ronan, studying him like some puzzle she wanted to solve.

Ronan hesitated for a moment. His parents clearly wanted him to interact with these kids, but they didn't understand. What's the point? No one but family matters. He glanced over at Liviya again, following only because she was part of the family—the only person he really needed to protect.