Chapter 4 : Ester & Noah

*Lucas's POV:*

'Lucas, huh? Same name as my first life on Earth. I wonder if that's just a coincidence.'

I briefly considered it before shrugging off the thought. 'Meh, who cares? At least I won't have trouble adjusting to a new name.'

I looked around the chamber. The lavish red-and-gold decor, the flickering candlelight, the expensive furniture—it all screamed nobility. This world definitely wasn't Earth. And the woman holding me? Her golden eyes seemed to glow like molten fire, her red hair cascading down like burning silk.

"Lucas…" she murmured gently, pulling me closer to her chest.

Wait, wait, wait…

Hold up. Is this what I think it is?

I was an avid reader of novels in my past life, and if this situation was anything like those… then, damn, I really got reincarnated. And into a family that seemed pretty damn important too.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

Sigh. Well, that's a whole new set of problems I'm gonna have to deal with.

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I barely noticed I had already latched onto my new mother's breast. Instinct was a terrifying thing.

But honestly? I didn't care. I wasn't about to be one of those reincarnators who got all embarrassed over natural bodily functions. I needed food, I was getting food—simple as that.

While I was busy with my meal, my mother started speaking to the midwife.

"Julie, you've done well. Take your reward and rest." Her voice was soft but carried an undeniable authority.

"Thank you, my Lady. And… congratulations. He's a beautiful boy."

I could hear the relief in Julie's voice. Almost like she was just happy to be getting out of here in one piece. Was my mother that scary?

Then she added, "Also… I assume you don't wish for the household to know just yet?"

Mother nodded. "Not yet. Tell the others outside to return to their duties. They can meet him tomorrow."

Huh. Hiding my birth? That… felt like a red flag. First day in this world and I already had potential drama waiting for me? Fantastic.

But Julie just bowed without hesitation. "As you wish, my Lady."

Interesting. So this wasn't strange behavior for her. Meaning my mother was usually like this.

Great. I got a mother who was either super cautious or someone high-ranking enough that secrecy was second nature.

As Julie left, Mother sighed and brushed a hand through my small tuft of red hair. "Your father will be here soon," she murmured, more to herself than me. "He sent word that he found something special for you."

Wait, what? Already? My old man is out buying gifts for me before I'm even a day old?

Damn, Dad. I respect the enthusiasm.

At that thought, my vision wavered, and I suddenly caught my reflection in a polished silver mirror across the room.

Oh.

Oh.

My eyes… They weren't normal. They were a deep, ruby red—glowing faintly, like embers hidden beneath ash.

Mother stared at them too, a flicker of awe crossing her expression. "Your eyes… they're peculiar," she whispered. "Like fire itself…"

I blinked a few times, and the glow faded.

Huh. It reacted to my emotions. Noted.

I'd have to figure that out later. For now, I was just a newborn, and I had bigger concerns.

Like finishing my meal.

Mother chuckled softly, stroking my tiny head. "Eat well, my little fire. Your father will be here soon… the Duke of Ashes."

…Duke?

Wait.

I was born into nobility?

That meant expectations. Responsibilities. Maybe even political scheming.

…

Goddamn it.

I sighed internally, already exhausted. This new life was going to be anything but peaceful, wasn't it?

Not long after, sleep started pulling me under, my tiny baby body unable to fight it. As my eyelids drooped, I felt a warm, protective presence beside me.

Mother's voice was barely a whisper now. "Sleep well, my love…"

I drifted off, the soft sound of her heartbeat lulling me into slumber.

---

As Lucas slept, Ester watched over him with a rare, gentle smile.

Her gaze lingered on his closed eyes. Those peculiar, ember-like irises… the only ones of their kind in generations.

'They say our ancestor had eyes like those…' she thought.

She already knew what kind of commotion this would stir in the family. The moment the others saw him, they would demand answers. Why was a child of their bloodline born with such eyes? What did it mean?

Ester's expression darkened slightly.

She knew one thing for certain—her son would not have a peaceful life.

A hand suddenly rested on her shoulder, pulling her from her thoughts.

"You're worrying too much," came a deep, rumbling voice.

Ester turned her head and found herself looking into the sharp, violet eyes of her husband.

Noah Ignis.

The Duke of Ashes. The Warmonger of the East. The Crimson Lord.

And, most importantly, her husband.

"Noah…" she exhaled, her tense shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. "You're back sooner than I thought."

Noah's gaze softened as he looked at the small bundle in her arms. "I wouldn't miss this for anything."

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, in a voice so quiet it was almost unlike him, he murmured, "He's small."

Ester chuckled. "He was just born, dear."

A smirk tugged at the corner of Noah's lips. "And yet, he already carries the presence of an Ignis."

He reached forward, gently brushing a calloused finger against his son's tiny hand. Lucas stirred slightly in his sleep, his small fingers instinctively wrapping around Noah's.

Noah inhaled sharply.

Ester raised an eyebrow. "Are you tearing up?"

Noah scoffed. "Ridiculous."

But he didn't pull his hand away.

Ester simply smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder.

Together, they watched over their son—unaware of the storm his birth would soon bring.