After hearing the sound of cheering, Alice's serious expression softened into a joyful smile. Amidst the intense training, the encouragement from her two older brothers filled her heart with newfound strength.
This kind of approval was different from that of a parent. Parental recognition often carried a layer of gentleness, a desire to avoid hurting one's feelings. Even if a child struggled, a parent might still offer words of encouragement. But the approval of one's peers—true equals—was genuine. It was earned. It meant they truly acknowledged her growth and strength.
Hearing her brothers cheer, Alice pushed herself harder, determined to live up to their expectations.
Her Devil Fruit, the Mythical Zoan: Angel-Angel Fruit, was an ability of endless potential. As one of the rarest Zoan types, its powers extended beyond a simple transformation. The Holy Light it granted had multiple uses—offensive, defensive, and even restorative. But at just four years old, Alice had barely scratched the surface of its true power.
Even Caesar, her father and mentor, had yet to fully grasp the extent of the fruit's capabilities. The Holy Light Sword, Light Shields, and Healing Aura were merely foundational applications of her abilities. These were not techniques she could master overnight—they required time, training, and understanding.
What Caesar was doing now was guiding Alice toward unlocking her latent potential. The Holy Light techniques she had developed so far were the result of his tutelage. Yet, for now, she could only conjure and control three Light Shields at once. Any attempt to generate more caused them to shatter like glass and dissolve into the air.
This was not due to a flaw in the ability itself, but rather Alice's youth and inexperience. At just four years old, her control over the fruit's powers was still developing.
After half an hour of sparring with her father, Alice panted heavily, exhaustion evident in her small frame.
She was still a child, after all.
Unlike her two older brothers, she hadn't built the same level of endurance yet. Her stamina, while impressive for her age, could not match theirs.
Seeing her struggle, Caesar decided to end the session.
"That's enough for today," he declared, his tone firm yet gentle. "Alice, you did well. Carlos, Lucius—you both performed excellently as well. Now, take a good rest."
Just as he was about to dismiss them, a sudden commotion broke out nearby.
Caesar turned swiftly—his instincts sharpened from years of battle. But instead of danger, he found something even more urgent.
Regina's water had broken. She was about to give birth.
His eyes widened. Then, a bright grin spread across his face as he scooped Alice into his arms.
"Your mother is about to give birth," he told her softly. "You're going to have a younger sibling!"
Without hesitation, Caesar led the three children toward the delivery room.
---
[Another Son, The Third Prince, Rex]
Outside the delivery room, Caesar waited with his children.
Despite already being a father of three, he still felt a tinge of nervousness. Carlos, Lucius, and Alice stood beside him, their expressions a mix of excitement and curiosity. They understood that their mother was bringing another life into the world, though the concept was still somewhat foreign to them.
Alice, in particular, was the most animated. She adored her older brothers but had always wanted to be an older sister herself. Now, that wish was about to come true.
Yet, it wasn't just their immediate family eagerly awaiting this new arrival.
Throughout the Middle Kingdom, countless people anticipated the birth of Caesar's next child. As their king, Caesar had brought them peace, strength, and hope. To them, his growing family symbolized the kingdom's continued prosperity.
Every second felt longer than the last.
Nestled in her father's arms, Alice hugged Caesar's neck and whispered her thoughts aloud.
"Father, was it the same when I was born?" she asked softly.
Caesar looked down at his daughter, her large, round eyes filled with curiosity. His heart melted instantly.
He gently stroked her forehead.
"Yes," he answered with a fond smile. "It was just as difficult for your mother back then. But it was all worth it when we saw you."
Alice thought for a moment, then scrunched up her nose.
"Will my new baby brother or sister be ugly?"
Caesar laughed. "No, not at all. Babies always look a little strange at first, but they're still the most precious things in the world."
"Why is Mother having a baby now?"
Caesar chuckled at the unexpected question, choosing his words carefully.
"Because your mother and I love each other very much," he said with a warm smile.
As he spoke, he placed a few affectionate kisses on Alice's cheek, causing her to giggle.
Nearby, Carlos and Lucius floated in mid-air, using their newly developed telekinetic abilities. After over a year of rigorous training under their father, their mastery of Haki-infused Mind Power had finally taken shape.
Currently, they could hover for short periods and lift objects up to 100 kilograms. Their abilities were still developing, but their potential was undeniable.
Caesar estimated that by the time they turned sixteen, both boys would possess the strength of top-tier warriors—perhaps even reaching the level of a Yonko Commander.
As for Alice, though she was younger and physically weaker than her brothers, her Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit granted her unparalleled potential. If properly nurtured, she could grow into a combatant rivaling the Marines' Admirals.
Of course, much depended on their dedication to training.
Looking at his children, Caesar couldn't help but feel proud. They were growing into formidable warriors, each one a prodigy in their own right. If he had more children like this, conquering the world would be inevitable.
But for now, his focus remained on the present.
Alice shifted in his arms and asked again, "When will Mother come out? I miss her!"
Caesar ruffled her hair.
"She's working hard, Alice. Just a little longer, and you'll meet your new sibling."
He then lifted her so their faces were level.
"Alice, do you want a little brother or a little sister?" he asked with a teasing smile.
Alice pursed her lips in deep thought. After a long moment, she answered with unwavering determination.
"It doesn't matter," she declared. "I'll love them no matter what—because we're all Mother's children!"
Caesar was stunned for a moment, then his smile deepened.
His daughter's words were mature beyond her years.
Some children resented the arrival of younger siblings, fearing they would lose their parents' attention. But Alice showed no such selfishness. Instead, she embraced her new role wholeheartedly.
Carlos, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.
"Father," he asked, "since Mother Regina is giving birth, does that mean we'll have another brother or sister?"
"That's right," Caesar confirmed with a nod.
Lucius immediately chimed in. "I want a younger brother!"
He already had an older brother and a younger sister—now, he wanted a little brother to play with.
Carlos, however, was more reserved in his answer.
"I already have Lucius and Alice," he said thoughtfully. "No matter if it's a brother or sister, I'll protect them just the same."
Lily, who stood nearby, smiled approvingly.
Though Carlos was still young, he was already displaying the qualities of a true older brother.
Caesar's heart swelled with pride.
Regardless of whether this new child was a boy or a girl, one thing was certain—their family was growing stronger, and with it, the future of their kingdom.
And soon, the wait would be over.
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