People gasped and turned toward the source of the voice, curiosity and tension clear on their faces.

  To their astonishment, the voice belonged to the former patriarch of Drakethorne, Ragnar Drakethorne himself. He wore a crisp military uniform and carried a sword at his waist. Though he was in his seventies, he appeared no older than forty. His hair was so black it seemed to absorb the light, and his red eyes held the intensity of a wild predator.

  Several others followed him, dressed in similar uniforms, appearing to be in their forties and fifties. Each radiated a powerful aura, making the very air around them seem to vibrate.

  Shane and Sera exchanged glances as soon as they heard the shout. They recognized their father’s voice immediately. Shane, however, had sensed his presence from the moment he entered the hall, feeling the overwhelming strength of his father’s paragon rank, which far surpassed his own.

  "Calm down, Father. You’ll wake the child," Shane said, his voice gentle yet firm. He was worried that the boy, who had only just fallen asleep on the throne, might wake and cause further commotion. While magic could lull a person to sleep, they refused to use it on the child, out of fear of potential side effects.

  Ragnar laughed heartily. "Forgive me, my boy. I was simply overwhelmed by joy at seeing my brilliant grandson!" His happiness radiated with every word.

  "Friends, restrain your auras. This is not a battlefield," Ragnar said, half teasing and half commanding, as he gave his comrades a pointed look for letting their battle instincts show.

  Obediently, they drew their auras back, and the atmosphere in the hall finally settled.

  Everyone at the banquet finally let out a breath and relaxed. Tension faded from the room as a sense of ease returned.

  Even the most formidable guests had been on edge, aware that few could rival Ragnar’s strength.

  In an instant, Ragnar vanished from his spot and reappeared beside the throne, where Alex slept peacefully.

  Ragnar reached out, intending to lift the child onto his lap, but Sera stopped him with a single, unmistakable glance.

  "Father, you may hold him if you wish, but let’s begin the banquet first. It is already late," Sera said, her voice steady yet tinged with a quiet plea, as though she knew that if Ragnar insisted, no one could stop him.

  Before Ragnar could protest at being denied his grandson, a knight at the entrance called out with ceremony, "His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, has arrived!"

  As if by instinct, everyone in the hall stood at attention to welcome Emperor James Evernight.

  James Evernight entered the hall with a guard of knights. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with handsome features that commanded attention. His moonlight hair shimmered in the light, and his eyes swept the room with an air of distant authority. Dressed in a tailored suit embroidered with gold and silver, he looked no older than thirty, though he was in his forties.

  James Evernight was hailed as a once-in-a-millennium genius. He had already achieved paragon rank, though no one knew the true extent of his abilities. His reputation alone marked him as a force to be reckoned with.

  As the emperor reached the center of the hall, everyone bowed their heads in respect. He regarded them all and said, "There is no need for such formality. Please, stand."

  Everyone straightened and glanced around, curiosity and anticipation in their eyes.

  Ragnar stifled his irritation at being interrupted from enjoying time with his grandson.

  Shane gently nudged Ragnar and whispered, his tone kind but firm, "You can play with him all you want after the banquet, but for now, try to restrain yourself."

  Ragnar was not pleased by his son’s admonition, but he relented, understanding that angering the emperor would be unwise.

  "I am grateful you came to our son’s naming ceremony," said Shane Drakethorne, Patriarch of the Drakethorne Grand Duchy. He met James Evernight’s gaze directly, his tone respectful. He acknowledged the emperor’s talent, knowing James had reached paragon rank long before he did.

  "You flatter me, Shane. I have known you since childhood. How could I miss such a joyous occasion?" James Evernight replied, his words kind though his tone remained neutral.

  James’s voice was always calm, and his face revealed nothing, so no one ever knew what the emperor was truly thinking. Even Shane, who had known James since childhood, struggled to fathom the mind behind that genius exterior.

  "In fact, I am glad to be here. I have a proposal I believe you cannot refuse," James Evernight added after a pause.

  The entire hall was taken aback that the emperor himself would make a proposal, and in such polite words.

  Those from powerful noble houses, especially the highest-ranking families present, were visibly displeased.