As they entered the grand hall, a wave of applause rolled through the air. The nobles, dressed in elegant silks and embroidered coats, clapped as Aldwin and Mira stepped inside, their presence commanding quiet admiration.
"It's been so long since we've seen him!" someone said. "He was one of the greatest adventurers of his era!"
The crowd parted slightly as Duke Will raised his glass. "Everyone, look, my grandson, Rowan! They finally arrived, though they took their time," he said with a proud grin. "Now, let the ceremony begin!"
At his signal, musicians began to play. The soft hum of violins filled the air, weaving a melody that seemed to glow beneath the chandelier's light. Couples stepped forward to dance, spinning gracefully across the marble floor.
Aldwin and Mira stood near the entrance, watching the celebration unfold. Rowan, dressed in pristine white noble attire, lingered beside them, his eyes reflecting the golden light, filled with quiet wonder.
Then, a familiar voice echoed through the hall.
"Hey! Long time no see!"
Aldwin turned, and his expression shifted into a warm smile. "King Zorqen… it's been far too long," he said, bowing slightly, one hand pressed to his chest.
"Please, raise your head," Zorqen replied, waving his hand casually. "There's no need to be formal with me. We're old friends."
They clasped hands firmly.
"It's been years," Aldwin said. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Ah, I had to come," Zorqen chuckled. "You vanished for eight years, and now I hear you've got a son. I had to meet the boy myself."
Aldwin smiled faintly. "Guilty as charged. Life's been… busy."
Both men laughed, the sound carrying over the music.
Aldwin then gestured to his son. "Rowan, come here."
The boy stepped forward, calm and confident, bowing lightly before the king.
"This is my son, Rowan," Aldwin said proudly.
Zorqen studied him for a moment, then grinned. "A fine young man indeed. Edric told me about him, said he's talented with a sword and has the makings of a great adventurer."
"Did he now?" Aldwin chuckled. "Well, he's not wrong."
Zorqen crouched slightly, smiling at Rowan. "I hope one day you'll become a fine adventurer, perhaps even greater than your father."
Rowan bowed slightly. "It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."
Zorqen blinked, clearly surprised. "Are you truly six years old? You speak so calmly, with such manners." He glanced at Aldwin, smirking. "Strange. You were never known for your manners back in the day."
Aldwin laughed. "He takes after his mother, not me. But when it comes to strength and swordsmanship, he's my son, no doubt about that."
Zorqen nodded. "Good to hear. Ah, I haven't introduced my daughter yet."
He turned slightly and extended his hand toward a young girl standing beside him. "This is my daughter, Velqira. She's also six. Velqira, greet them properly."
The little girl stepped forward gracefully, lifting the edges of her crimson gown as she bowed. Her scarlet hair shimmered under the chandelier's light, cascading down like silk flames, and her golden eyes glimmered with quiet pride.
Aldwin smiled. "You have a beautiful daughter, King Zorqen."
Then he looked at Rowan. "Go on, say hello."
Rowan stepped forward and extended his hand politely. "Hello, Lady Velqira. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Velqira's golden eyes flickered toward him. For a moment, something unreadable crossed her face. Then she closed her eyes, turned away, and walked off, her scarlet hair swaying behind her like a trail of fire.
Rowan blinked in confusion. "Wait, what just happened?" he whispered. "Did I say something wrong?"
The music swelled again, laughter and conversation filling the room as if nothing had happened.
But as Duke Will watched from his seat, his eyes shifted between the two children, and a faint, knowing smile touched his lips.
Rowan looked at Velqira as she walked away, her scarlet hair swaying like a ribbon of fire behind her. Then different nobles began to approach him and his parents, one after another, greeting them warmly. For about forty minutes straight, Rowan found himself bowing, smiling, and exchanging polite words with countless nobles.
When it finally ended, he stepped aside and let out a long breath. "This isn't easy," he muttered under his breath. "I didn't expect to be this stressed out, for real."
He glanced around, nobles chatting, couples dancing elegantly, glasses of wine raised under the shimmering chandelier. Then, as his eyes wandered through the crowd, he caught sight of Velqira again. She was walking alone, a little distance away, her presence quiet yet striking amidst the noise of the hall.
Something about her drew his attention, a faint sense of familiarity that tugged at his chest. Without thinking, he decided to follow her.
Rowan followed Velqira through the grand hall, her scarlet hair trailing behind her like a streak of flame in the candlelight. She moved with grace, silent and distant, until she reached the open balcony beyond the golden drapes.