There was constant nagging going on between Cynthia, Myrine, and Seraphina Moonshade about who would get to hold Alex, as he was passed around like a soft toy from one person to another. The playful banter continued as they all wanted their turn to cuddle with the adorable baby. Suddenly, the door of the room burst open, and a sweat-drenched Elena rushed in, her eyes frantically searching for her little brother. But her focus shifted as she spotted her grandmother, Seraphina Moonshade, standing there.
"Grandmother!" Elena exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice as she ran towards her and enveloped her in a warm hug. Seraphina smiled warmly at her granddaughter and returned the embrace.
"My dear Elena, it's good to see you," Seraphina replied affectionately, her voice full of love and tenderness.
A maid, who followed Elena into the room, was concerned about her sweaty appearance and reminded her to wash up and get cleaned before approaching the young master. However, Elena, in her eagerness to see her baby brother, disregarded the maid's advice, too captivated by the sight of Alex to think of anything else. She made her way straight to Cynthia's side, ignoring the amused glances exchanged between Cynthia and the other family members.
"Elena, dear, you should clean up first," Cynthia said gently, but Elena was already reaching for Alex.
"Just a moment, let me hold him!" Elena insisted with a bright smile, her eyes fixed on her baby brother.
Cynthia chuckled at her daughter's eagerness and carefully passed Alex into Elena's waiting arms. Elena's face lit up with joy as she cradled her baby brother, showering him with affectionate kisses on his chubby cheeks.
"He's so adorable! Look at his little nose and those tiny fingers!" Elena cooed, completely taken with the sight of the precious newborn in her arms. Suddenly a maid rushed in as she announced the arrival of the family head, Alex's father at the city gates.
As the maid rushed in with the announcement of the family head's arrival, the entire household buzzed with excitement. Cynthia and Myrine exchanged glances, their faces beaming with joy, and they quickly made their way towards the entrance of the palace to welcome Alex's father, the Lord of the Winterhaven family. Elena, heeding the maid's advice, hurried off to freshen up before joining them.
At the main gate of the palace, the atmosphere was alive with anticipation as the noble entourage approached. Seraphina Moonshade, the elven queen and Alex's grandmother took charge of the baby, playing with him tenderly as she waited for the family's reunion.
Meanwhile, Cynthia and Myrine, standing side by side, looked resplendent as they waited for their husband and father's arrival. The grand entrance of the Winterhaven family head was always a special event, and they wanted to make it memorable. They were dressed in their finest attire, representing the elegance and grace of the Winterhaven lineage.
As the Lord of the Winterhaven family approached, accompanied by a group of noble guests, his eyes immediately landed on his wife and daughters, who greeted him with warm smiles and open arms.
"My love, welcome back," Cynthia said, her voice filled with affection as she reached out to embrace him.
"Father!" Elena called out, her face glowing with happiness as she rushed to hug him.
The Lord of the Winterhaven family couldn't help but smile warmly at the sight of his loving family. His eyes then fell on the baby in Seraphina's arms, and a mixture of surprise and joy crossed his face.
"Is this our little prince?" he asked, his voice tinged with emotion.
"Yes, dear, meet Alex, our son," Cynthia replied, her pride evident in her voice.
The Lord gently reached out to touch Alex's tiny hand, and a smile of pure happiness spread across his face. The sight of his newborn son filled him with an overwhelming sense of joy and responsibility.
"He is truly a blessing," he said, his voice full of love and adoration.
"My name is Richard Von Winterhaven, your father," smiled Richard as he introduced himself to Alex.
Alex was truly stunned as he looked at the handsome face of his father. With red hair, sword-like eyebrows, dark eyes as if containing an abyss, and a chiseled jaw, Richard was the epitome of handsomeness. Adorned in golden robes, he had a regal aura that made Alex wonder if he was just the head of the family or some sort of king.
'Damn! Is he really just the head of the family and not some King? I mean, look at him! Now I can see why mother fell for him. Both are in a class of their own. This really makes me look forward to my ladykiller looks in the future,' thought Alex as he gazed at his father with curious eyes.
"Look at him, admiring his father. It looks like he wants to walk the same steps as me. Haha, haha, ha," laughed Richard, causing Seraphina to roll her eyes.
'This smug look on his face... first, he took my daughter away, and now he wants my precious grandchildren to walk his path. Humph! Let me see who Alex loves more, you or me,' inwardly added Seraphina as she unknowingly started a playful competition with Richard.
Richard turned back and with open arms welcomed the noble guests.
"My dear nobles, welcome to the capital of Winterhaven Grand Duchy and my humble palace. On the occasion of the birth of my son, Alex Von Winterhaven, I invite you all to this banquet and seek your blessings for my newborn."
Echoes of congratulations could be heard as the nobles simultaneously congratulated Grand Duchess Cynthia and Grand Duke Richard. Some even congratulated Elena and Myrine and pushed their sons and daughters, who were of the same age or a little older, to form connections with the Winterhaven family, seeing it as an opportunity for their own future ambitions.
The atmosphere in the palace was filled with joy and merriment as the celebration for Alex's birth commenced. The noble guests mingled, exchanged pleasantries, and admired the newborn heir of the Winterhaven family. Alex, still in the arms of Seraphina, observed the scene with wide eyes, taking in the grandeur of the palace and the warmth of the family that surrounded him.
Alex was aware of the true nature of the nobles around him, couldn't help but feel a sense of weariness settling in. His cautious nature from his previous life as Harris kicked in, allowing him to see through the fake smiles and honeyed words of those seeking to exploit his family's status and influence.
"I guess those days spent watching animes and reading mangas were not entirely wasted. These nobles are the exact depiction of the characters from those stories: backstabbing, greedy, and opportunistic," Alex sighed inwardly, as if already carrying the burden of his family's political struggles.
With each passing moment, he grew more determined to protect his loved ones and the legacy of the Winterhaven family. He knew that being the heir to such a prestigious name would make him a target for manipulation and deceit. But Alex was not willing to back down. He might be a baby now, but he was Harris on the inside – a person who had faced trials and tribulations in his previous life.
As the banquet continued, Alex observed the interactions between the nobles and his family. His father, Richard, was handling the situation with grace and diplomacy, while his mother, Cynthia, was a picture of elegance and poise. Myrine and Elena, although young, displayed an air of maturity beyond their years as they greeted the guests with genuine kindness.
Alex found himself feeling grateful for his family's strength, yet also anxious for the challenges that lay ahead. He knew that he couldn't rely solely on his previous life's knowledge or the mysterious energy that now flowed within him. The world of politics and magic was far more complex than the anime and manga stories he once enjoyed.
As Alex's thoughts swirled in his mind, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of determination and unease. He was well aware that his journey ahead would be fraught with challenges and dangers, but he refused to let fear hold him back. He had been granted a second chance at life, and he was determined to make the most of it.
"I may not have to deal with them right now, but I won't be caught off guard when the time comes," Alex thought to himself. "I'll hone my skills and knowledge, and I'll be ready to face whatever comes my way."
As he glanced around at his family, he felt a surge of love and protectiveness. His sisters, his mother, and his father – they were his world, and he would do anything to ensure their happiness and safety.
"I may be called the heir now, but I won't forget that Myrine and Elena are just as important. We'll face the challenges together, as a family," Alex resolved.
His eyes fell upon his sister Myrine, who was still playing with him affectionately. He knew that her being in a wheelchair was a result of some illness, and the thought of her pain only fueled his determination to become stronger.
"I'll find a way to help Myrine walk again, no matter what it takes," Alex promised to himself.
As the night continued, Alex's thoughts shifted from the nobles and politics to the mysterious energy that now resided within him. He could sense its power, but he knew that he had much to learn about it.
"I must master this energy and understand its origins. It's the key to becoming stronger," Alex realized.
"But before everything I have to get stronger, much stronger than anyone in this world so that no one can harm my loved ones ever again! Whether nobles, royals or even if their are some gods or devils, I will screw them all before they can even gaze towards my family" little did Alex knows that he jinxed himself at this moment as the future the fate has in store for him was not one of peace but constant conflict, but again it all depends on Alex how he deals with them.
With his resolve strengthened, Alex closed his eyes and let the comforting presence of his family lull him into a peaceful sleep.