Eleanor’s dark eyes instantly brightened.

’Related to my talent?’

’Related to the true nature of the world?’

The keywords collided in her mind, sparking countless theories and connections.

’Is it some kind of special magical inheritance?’

’Or an artifact that will help me "see" the flow of the world’s Energy more clearly?’

Her heart began to beat a little faster, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks from the excitement.

But she restrained herself from asking for details. Instead, she just nodded firmly, her voice filled with trust and anticipation. "I understand, Father. I will wait patiently."

Aurora watched her daughter’s rare display of excitement, and the smile in her eyes deepened.

She gently took the hand Murphy had resting on the table. "It seems our Eleanor is really looking forward to this. You’d better prepare something good. Don’t disappoint our little birthday girl."

Murphy squeezed Aurora’s hand in return and gave her a nod before turning his gaze back to Eleanor.

"Don’t worry. You’ll see the gift on your birthday."

... 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

「The next day.」

Unlike the grand spectacle of her fifth birthday ten years ago, there were no throngs of guests or lavish feasts. There were no dignitaries or envoys from distant lands, not even a single member of the Clergy present.

This year’s celebration was for Eleanor alone—simple and pure.

In the afternoon sun, a long table covered with a snow-white linen cloth was set up beneath a garden gazebo.

The table wasn’t piled high with delicacies, but instead held a few of Eleanor’s favorite exquisite pastries.

Scones dusted with powdered sugar, cream tarts garnished with fresh berries, and a small plate of Monte Castle’s special honey cakes, a delicacy from the Northern Lands.

A pot of freshly brewed floral tea sent fragrant wisps of steam into the sunlight.

Murphy, Aurora, and Eleanor sat around the table as sunlight dappled through the overhead trellis. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of rose and rosemary.

Aurora softly recounted amusing stories from Eleanor’s childhood. Murphy would occasionally add a comment or two, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Eleanor listened quietly, her gaze shifting between her parents.

There were no tedious formalities or social pleasantries, only the natural, intimate company of family. Time drifted by on the fragrance of tea and soft laughter, as warm and pleasant as a long afternoon daydream.

As dusk fell, their simple family meal in the small, lakeside hall came to an end.

Outside the window, the sunset stained Mirror Lake a magnificent shade of violet-red, and the silhouettes of the mountains on the far shore began to blur.

Annabelle appeared silently by the door.

"My lord, my lady, young miss," she bowed slightly. "The Observatory has been prepared as per your instructions."

Eleanor’s eyes immediately lit up.

She remembered her father’s hint from the day before, and the breathtaking sea of stars woven from light her mother had shown her in the Observatory ten years ago.

’Could it be... Father’s surprise is there, too?’

’Is it another Starry Sky Magic demonstration, like the one Mom showed me?’

’No! It’s related to my talent. Could it be some kind of Prophetic Magic inheritance?’

She couldn’t help but look at Murphy, her eyes full of questions.

Murphy met his daughter’s gaze. He didn’t answer directly, only giving a slight nod. "Let’s go."

Aurora stood up, walked behind Murphy, and prepared to push his wheelchair.

"Mother, let me," Eleanor said softly, moving to the back of the wheelchair and placing her small hands on the smooth grips.

Aurora smiled, not objecting. She simply draped a thicker cloak over Murphy’s shoulders and advised gently, "The night air is chilly. Don’t be out for too long."

Eleanor pushed the wheelchair, following Annabelle out of the warm little hall. They proceeded down the familiar corridor that led toward the rear of the palace.

Aurora, meanwhile, walked slowly by her daughter’s side.

The Moonlight Stone Lamps on the walls of the corridor lit up in succession, casting a soft halo of light.

The further they went, the quieter the corridor became. Finally, they arrived before the heavy oak door that led to the Observatory.

Annabelle stepped to the side and pushed the wooden door open. A cool breeze, carrying the distinct air of a high place, immediately gusted out.

Behind the door was a spiral stone staircase leading to the high platform.

"Young Miss, allow me," Annabelle said, stepping forward to help lift the wheelchair.

"That won’t be necessary, Annabelle," Eleanor said, shaking her head.

She took a shallow breath and focused her mind, her gaze fixed on the wheelchair and the steps before them.

An invisible force quietly emanated from her, like unseen hands, gently cradling the wheelchair from below and in front.

As Eleanor stared with intense focus, the wheelchair levitated smoothly, rising about fifty centimeters off the ground. Then, following her will, it floated steadily up the first step, then the second, then the third...

This was not some profound Magic, just a simple application of Spiritual Power.

A trace of pride flashed in Aurora’s eyes as she followed quietly behind.

Annabelle lowered her gaze and walked silently at the rear.

The wheelchair floated steadily up the dozens of stone steps, finally reaching the platform of the Observatory.

Unlike ten years ago, there were no brilliant lights here tonight, no pre-arranged seats or refreshments.

The massive, transparent crystal dome was open to the sky, where the first stars of evening twinkled with a cool light against a deep blue canvas.

The center of the platform was empty. Only moonlight, like liquid silver, poured down, bathing the smooth stone floor in a frosty white glow.

The night wind was sharper up here, tugging at Eleanor’s skirt and stray strands of her hair.

She pushed the wheelchair to a stop in the center of the platform, where the view was best. Then, she stood by her father’s side, her gaze eagerly sweeping across the platform before lifting to the profound, starry sky.