The maids fluttered around us, making final adjustments to our attire. "You look beautiful, milady," one of them said, smiling. "And Young Lord Ethan looks dashing, just like his father."

I smiled, feeling a surge of pride and love for my son. "Thank you," I said, my voice warm. "Let's go see Grandmother."

We made our way to the greenhouse, where my mother, Countess Wyrmsley, was staying. As we entered, Young Lord Ethan's curiosity got the better of him. "Mom, am I going to a party?" he asked, his voice full of wonder.

I chuckled, kneeling down to his level. "Yes, dear, you're going to a banquet with me tonight. It's a grand celebration, and I'm sure you'll make many new friends."

Meanwhile, my parents, Count and Countess Wyrmsley, sat in the corner, engaged in a hushed conversation. Their expressions were serious, and I caught snippets of their discussion.

"...the budget allocated this year was spent recklessly due to the greedy Zoryth," Countess Wyrmsley said, her voice low but urgent. "They're audacious to appeal to the Emperor to take over the imperial Treasury."

Count Wyrmsley's response was measured. "I doubt the Emperor is involved in this issue. He's not one to accept anything without gaining something."

As we approached, my mother's eyes widened in surprise, and she rose from her seat. "Celeste, dear, come here," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

I stood, holding Young Lord Ethan's hand, and introduced him to my parents. "Mother, Father, I'd like you to meet my son, Lord Ethan Orlo Cubresia."

The room fell silent as my parents took in Young Lord Ethan's features. Countess Wyrmsley's eyes welled up with tears, and she reached out a trembling hand to touch Young Lord Ethan's face.

"Celeste, why didn’t you tell us you had a child with Duke Claude?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "When did you get pregnant?"

I took a deep breath, preparing to explain. "It was during the eastern movement, when the nobles who crossed the land of Perio were killed. I had to keep my pregnancy a secret to protect my child."

Count Wyrmsley's expression softened, and he rose from his seat, lifting Young Lord Ethan onto his lap. "You have the Duke's traits, indeed," he said, smiling. "It must have been tough for you, Celeste, giving birth during such uncertain times."

As we chatted, the head maid arrived, announcing the start of the banquet. "Lady Celeste, Lord Callisto requests your presence in the banquet hall." I bid my parents farewell, promising to talk more the next day.

At the banquet, Young Lord Ethan's excitement was contagious, and I felt more at ease. As we entered the grand hall, the atmosphere turned golden, with the nobles' eyes fixed on us. The messenger announced, "Entering Duchess Celeste Elesilia Cubresia and Her son Lord Ethan Orlo Cubresia."

We walked down the grand staircase, holding hands, basking in the attention. I felt proud to be Young Lord Ethan's mother, determined to be the best version of myself for him.