The Ace at the Apex

In the heart of Capital City, whispers spread like wildfire:

"Hey, have you heard the latest? Lady Wellington has given birth!"

"Is it true?"

"Would I lie to you?"

"But I also heard that the Queen went into labor today!"

"So, the young Lord Wellington and the prince share the same birthday?"

"Quick, look up there! What is that in the sky?"

A gasp seized the attention of the entire street, as the sky was dominated by a blinding golden light that seemed to illuminate the world.

"This must be an omen of divine favor!"

At that very moment, from the depths of the Wellington estate and the inner palace, screams of women and the cries of midwives declaring joy echoed through the air.

A quarter of an hour later, the palace gates burst with activity.

"Congratulations to His Majesty, the newborn prince is a blessing from heaven, born under auspicious signs. He is named Chen Muyang, styled Xuan Cang, and is hereby crowned as the Crown Prince! The empire celebrates with a pardon and a year of tax remission!"

The proclamation traveled down every street, spreading joy and relief.

"Long live the Emperor, may he reign ten thousand years! Long live the Crown Prince, may he prosper for a thousand autumns!"

...

Inside the Wellington estate, King Wellington held his newborn daughter, Mia, with utmost adoration, his eyes filled with disdain as he heard the outside commotion.

"What divine favor? That auspicious sign clearly came for my precious daughter, and it was that boy who stole my daughters fortune."

"Milord, please, be cautious with your words," the pale beauty resting on the bed, Queen Wellington, advised with a tone of helplessness.

"Whos listening? I speak the truth. My little Mia, she is the most blessed, isnt she?"

His rugged voice attempted to soften, only to become more gruff and out of place.

The Queen let out a resigned chuckle.

Meanwhile, the infant cradled in King Wellingtons arms was quite bewildered.

Wasnt she just sleeping in the lair of a great demon lord? How did she suddenly become an infant, unable to even open her eyes?

Attempting to speak, she found no words would come, only infantile coos.

"Ah! Our dear child is speaking! Shes truly my daughter, listen to that delicate little voice! How delightful! She must be calling out for her father, so well-behaved, already seeking closeness with her father at such a young age. Our dear child will surely be closest to her father in the future!"

"I think we should name her Mia! Mia Lin! It sounds so fortunate!" Overjoyed, King Wellington immediately decided on the name for his little one.

"Ah," Mia cooed with her small voice, her name was Mia Lin to begin with.

"Ah, Mia understands her father, it seems she likes the name too. Its settled then!"

As if in response to King Wellington, a bang, bang, bang knock came from the closed door.

"Dad, Dad, open the door quickly!"

"Open the door!"

"We want to see our sister!"

"See sister, see sister..."

Hearing the noisy voices outside, King Wellingtons mood instantly soured. Those five little rascals outside were all there to compete for Mias attention!

"Quiet, or Ill twist your heads off if you disturb my Mia!"

King Wellington threatened in a hushed voice.

Mia: ...

What a twist-off heads, the man holding her must be particularly formidable! For the first time, Mia felt anticipation for her current environment.

In the following conversation, Mia finally understood her surroundings.