Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia Volume 14.5 - Ch 4.4

In Zeltis, the imperial capital of the Vatlantis Empires, a significant conference involving three nations, including Izgard and Baldin, was underway within the palace walls.

Around a grand round table sat Baldin's queen, Landred, and Izgard's president, Gravel, who cradled a tiny infant in her arms.

"Hello everyone, thank you for coming," Gravel announced, her arrival marked by a cheerful disposition and the adorable presence of a baby.

Landred's gaze immediately lit up upon seeing the child. "My, is that child Kizuna and Zelcyone-san's?"

"Umu. He is the only male in this world," Gravel confirmed.

The baby possessed his father's signature black hair, though streaks of purple were interwoven throughout.

"So he is the second child born from a womb," remarked someone present.

All eyes then shifted to the first child, also being held by Gravel. This one had fair, blond hair, reminiscent of her mother, but her skin bore a closer resemblance to her father.

Gravel offered a slightly bashful smile. "This is the first time I've brought her out in public. She's my child with Kizuna."

"Have you named her?" Landred inquired.

Gravel's expression turned conflicted at the question. "I plan to decide that during the christening ceremony, but for now, umm... I'm calling her Kizuna."

"My my, even though she's a girl?" Landred exclaimed, surprised.

"I know that, but against my better judgment, I..." Gravel trailed off.

Grace's eyes widened in astonishment. "This is astonishing. So you have the same thinking!"

"Then..." Grace gently rocked the baby in her arms. "That Zel is also calling this child Kizuna."

"My my, so both of them have the same name as mister little brother. That's troubling," Landred mused, though her expression didn't betray any actual concern.

Grace continued to hold her baby as she approached Gravel. "Here, this is the first meeting of you two."

The two infants, sensing each other's presence, began to stare intently. Whether it was fascination or wariness of the unknown, they remained locked in a silent, unexpressive gaze.

"Oo, looks like they got curious to each other somehow," Gravel observed.

"Certainly, for them to pay attention to the other so keenly like this..."

Suddenly, Landred felt an inexplicable chill pierce her chest.

"This is..."

A sound, yet not a sound, reverberated within her ears, akin to the grinding of immense machinery.

"!?"

Landred sprang to her feet.

"What's wrong?"

"Queen?"

Landred fixed her gaze upon the two babies with a look of profound gravity.

"No!"

Landred's voice suddenly boomed, causing Grace and Gravel to exchange bewildered glances. "What are you—"

"Get away, you two! Don't put those children close to each other!!"

For a brief moment, the two women remained frozen in confusion. Then, their minds raced. Landred's palpable panic indicated something extraordinarily dire.

With a powerful surge, Grace and Gravel launched themselves away from each other.

Landred pressed her fingers together, closed her eyes, and focused, sensing the world's currents. As queen and priestess, she was a unique entity within Atlantis, capable of perceiving what others could not.

"Yes. It's alright now," Landred exhaled in relief, bowing her head deeply. "My sincerest apologies for suddenly shouting."

"No, that's alright—but..."

"More importantly, did something happen?"

Landred massaged her forehead, a frown creasing her brow. "I don't know. But... this feels like..."

"A sign of an AU Collision occurring."

"What's wrong, queen?"

Landred refocused, offering a faint smile. "I will investigate further after this. However, for the time being, I must ask that these children be kept separated."

Grace and Gravel exchanged glances. "I see... that's a bit sad. Although, they could only meet like this this time because we went to the trouble of arranging this meeting. Without it, there would be no chance for them to cross paths."

"I too had to arrange for heavy security to attend this meeting today, so unless we actively create the opportunity—but can you tell us the reason why?" Gravel pressed.

"I still can't say anything definite, but... I felt something akin to an AU Collision."

"What did you say!?" Grace exclaimed. "Then, it's possible to meet Kizuna...?" The two grew excited, but Landred intervened. "It's too early to say. There's no guarantee that the connection will lead to Lemuria."

"!"

"We all witnessed various worlds in our fight against the machine gods. It's also possible that our world will collide with any of those worlds, or even a terrifying realm we've never encountered before," Landred elaborated.

Grace and Gravel pressed their lips together in disappointment.

"But..." Gravel spoke, her eyes fixed on Landred. "There is a possibility, there is hope for that, isn't there?"

Landred returned a gentle smile. "Of course."

Landred's gaze shifted between the faces of the two children once more. "These two children... they possess something."

"Is that because these two inherited Lemuria's blood?"

"That's right, isn't it... Lemuria's..."

"Pillar... Genesis of World Creation."

"Regardless, I want to begin an investigation immediately. The knowledge we obtained from Odin's world will surely prove useful too."

Grace nodded. "Very well. Then I will take this child back to Zel. After that, there is the party." Grace scooped up the baby and exited the room.