Chapter 23: The Celestia Estate

The carriage rolled to a slow stop after passing through a set of tall gates engraved with a crest of intertwined stars. Neo pressed his face against the enchanted glass, curiosity buzzing in his chest as the mansion came fully into view.

’Huh. So this is Grandpa’s place.’

Compared to the Draven estate, the Celestia mansion looked almost modest. It didn’t have the towering spires or the endless rows of windows that practically screamed: look how rich we are. Instead, it was built low and wide, stone walls, with a quiet garden of blue and silver flowers lining the walkway. It didn’t scream luxury, but there was something oddly calming about the whole place, like a home meant to be lived in rather than shown off.

’Not as flashy as our mansion, but it has a nice vibe. Kind of feel peaceful, actually.’

The carriage door swung open, and Cassian stepped out first, offering his hand to help Sylvia down. Neo hopped out right after, immediately met by a small line of servants already waiting outside the entrance, dressed in neat silver-black uniforms.

An elderly butler with a thin mustache stepped forward first, bowing deeply at the waist.

"Welcome home, Lady Sylvia. Duke Cassian. Young Master Neo. It has been far too long since this estate has had the pleasure of your visit."

The maids lined up behind him bowed in unison, though a few of them couldn’t help sneaking curious little glances toward Neo, whispering quietly amongst themselves about how adorable the young master looked.

Neo gave them his polite smile, the same one he used on every noble back home. Internally, though, his guard was already climbing.

’Alright, focus. Grandpa’s the real challenge here.’

Just as the butler straightened up to lead them inside, the large double doors at the top of the entrance stairs creaked open. A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped out, his hair a striking silver-white, tied back neatly, with sharp features that carried an unmistakable resemblance to Sylvia. His eyes, an icy shade of blue, swept over the group with a stiff, unreadable expression.

Cassian’s back straightened instantly.

"F-Father-in-law," Cassian greeted, his voice noticeably more careful than usual. A faint bead of sweat rolled down the side of his temple. "It’s, uh, good to see you again."

Neo blinked up at his father in mild disbelief.

’Wait. Is Dad actually nervous right now? The same guy who single-handedly held off an entire invading army by himself? The man practically radiates dad-jokes and confidence 24/7. What kind of monster is Grandpa supposed to be?’

The old man’s gaze lingered on Cassian for a moment, before he gave a curt, stiff nod.

"Cassian."

That was it. Just his name. No warmth, no smile, nothing at all.

Cassian let out a breath through his nose, forcing an easy grin onto his face despite the clear tension radiating off him.

Sylvia, on the other hand, looked completely unbothered. She practically skipped up the stairs with a wide, cheerful smile, wrapping her arms around her father in a warm hug.

"Father! I missed you so much!"

The stiff old man’s expression softened instantly the moment his daughter touched him, his shoulders visibly relaxing.

"Sylvia. You look well," he said, his voice noticeably gentler now, patting her back once.

’Oh, I see how it is, so he’s only terrifying to Dad. He is just a typical overprotective father, who wanted nothing but his child happiness.’

Then, the old man’s icy eyes drifted downward, finally landing directly on Neo.

Cassian tense up beside him immediately.

’Wait, is Dad actually worried Grandpa is going to scold me or something? What, does he think I’m going to mess up some kind of formal greeting?’

Cassian shifted his weight forward slightly, clearly ready to step in front of Neo like some kind of human shield, probably preparing an excuse for why his son hadn’t bowed properly yet. But before he could take even a single full step, the old man raised one hand sharply toward him, silently telling him to stay put.

Cassian froze mid-motion, looking somewhat betrayed.

Sylvia gently caught his arm, giving him a small, reassuring squeeze.

"Relax, Cassian. It’ll be fine."

Cassian swallowed nervously but obeyed, standing stiffly beside her.

The old man stepped down the remaining stairs, closing the distance until he stood directly in front of Neo, towering over his small frame like a looming mountain.

Neo, completely unaware of just how fearsome his grandfather’s reputation apparently was, simply looked straight back up at him with calm, curious eyes. He hadn’t grown up hearing any stories about this man, so there was no dread built up inside him, only mild curiosity.

’Well, everyone else seems terrified, but I don’t actually know anything about you yet, old man. Guess I’ll just wait and see.’

The silence between them stretched on. The servants behind them held their breath collectively. Even the birds chirping somewhere in the garden seemed to quiet down.

Cassian’s fists clenched slightly at his sides, bracing himself, fully expecting his father-in-law to snap at Neo for not immediately bowing or offering some grand formal greeting.

Then, without any warning at all, the old man reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a small wrapped chocolate. He held it out toward Neo.

Neo blinked down at the offering, caught completely off guard.

The old man’s stiff expression didn’t change one bit as he gently placed the chocolate into Neo’s small hand and patted the top of his head, just once.

Everyone froze.

Cassian’s jaw practically fell open. Sylvia’s eyes went wide with shock, one hand flying up to cover her mouth. Even the butler and the maids behind them exchanged startled, disbelieving glances.

"Ahem! What are you all looking at? Go inside."

He turned on his heel without another word and walked straight back up the stairs, his coat billowing slightly behind him.

Neo stood there for a moment, staring down at the little chocolate resting in his palm, then glanced up toward his parents, utterly confused by the reaction unfolding around him.

’Okay... was that supposed to be a big deal? He just gave me candy.’

Sylvia let out a small, delighted squeal, practically vibrating on the spot. "Oh my gods, he actually smiled! Did anyone else see that? Cassian, tell me you saw that!"

"I—I think I just saw my life flash before my eyes instead," Cassian muttered, still staring blankly at the now-empty doorway. "He’s never once given me anything except that one time he handed me a bruise."

The butler cleared his throat quickly, though even he seemed to be fighting back a small, surprised smile of his own. "If I may say so, Your Grace... in all my years serving this household, I have never once seen the Grand Duke offer a gift to anyone so quickly. Not even to Lady Sylvia when she was young."

Sylvia gasped dramatically, spinning toward Neo with sparkling eyes. "Wait, is that true? Even I had to wait until I was, like, seven before he ever gave me sweets!"

Neo simply shrugged, tucking the chocolate safely into his pocket for later. He wasn’t entirely sure what all the fuss was about, but he wasn’t about to complain over free candy.

’Well, whatever the reason, free food is free food. I’ll take it.’

As his parents continued chattering excitedly about the unexpected display of affection, Neo quietly seized the opportunity, his mind already sliding into a familiar, mischievous track.

’Alright, old man. Everyone’s acting like you’re some unshakable iron wall, and Dad practically turns into a nervous puppy just standing near you. Let’s see exactly what kind of monster you actually are.’

[Ding!]

[Do you want to Appraise the Grand Duke?]

[Y/N]

Neo’s lips curled into a small smile as he mentally clicked "Y," his curiosity burning brighter with every passing second.

’Let’s find out why the "Demon of the Battlefield" turns into a scared little kid the moment he steps foot in this mansion.’