The atmosphere in the grand banquet hall shifted as the Elemental Introduction Ceremony came to an end. The nobles and vassals, having observed the ritual with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, now began to form a line to offer their congratulations and gifts to the young prince, Zephyron Eternis, on his first birthday.
It was tradition for the empire's ruling family to receive homage from their subjects during such an occasion, and this was an important moment for the newly introduced prince. Zeph, seated in his cradle-throne, was the center of attention.
As Zeph watched the nobles approach, his sharp mind began to categorize and observe each person. He paid close attention to every word, every gesture, and every expression.
The first royal to step forward was none other than Elysia Eternis, the main wife of Emperor Solon and the official empress of Astaroth. Elysia's presence commanded attention, not just because of her status but because of her elegance and calm aura.
She was a woman in her early thirties, with flowing white hair and deep red eyes that stood out against her pale skin. Her appearance reminded Zeph of his own mother, Selena—there was a shared grace between the two women, an inherent kindness that set them apart.
Elysia approached the cradle, her movements measured and deliberate. She bowed slightly in front of Zeph, her smile warm and motherly. There was no sense of threat or malice in her eyes, only affection.
"Happy first birthday, Prince Zeph," she said softly, her voice as smooth as silk. Her red eyes briefly scanned his small body, her gaze lingering on his face. "You are truly a blessing to our family, and I see much of your father in you already."
Zeph, though unable to respond, felt a strange sense of peace in her presence. There was no danger here, no hidden malice or ulterior motive. Elysia exuded a sense of calm, a feeling of genuine care that made Zeph relax slightly. Her aura was warm, much like the fire that had failed to respond to him during the ceremony.
She then turned to Selena, who was standing beside Zeph with a proud but composed expression. "Congratulations, Selena. You have given birth to a healthy and gifted child. The empire will surely prosper with him."
Selena, always gracious and composed, smiled back. "Thank you, Elysia. Your words mean a great deal to me."
Elysia presented her gift to Zeph—a magnificent baby carriage ornately decorated with gold. The craftsmanship was impeccable, every detail meticulously crafted to reflect the wealth and grandeur of the imperial family. It was a gift fit for a prince, both in its practicality and its symbolism.
Elysia's smile lingered as she complimented Zeph once more, noting how his smile reminded her of the emperor. Then, with a final nod to both Selena and Solon, she gracefully stepped aside.
Next came her son, the First Prince of the Eternis bloodline, Eregon Eternis. Eregon was an eight-year-old boy who carried himself with a pride and maturity beyond his years. He bore his mother's white hair and his father's piercing blue eyes, a combination that marked him unmistakably as an Eternis.
Though young, Eregon had already been groomed for leadership. His posture was straight, his expression serious as he approached the cradle. He bowed stiffly in front of Zeph, a formal gesture that spoke of duty rather than affection.
"Congratulations, Prince Zeph," he said, his tone polite but distant. There was no malice in his words, but neither was there warmth. Eregon seemed to understand the importance of this moment, but he viewed it more as a responsibility than a celebration.
Eregon then presented his gift to Zeph—a wooden soldier toy, intricately crafted and adorned with golden chains. The toy was a symbol of the military might of the empire, a nod to the future role Zeph would play as a protector of the realm.
Eregon's stiff demeanor, while formal, indicated that he took his position as the first prince seriously. He was clearly aware of his place in the family hierarchy.
Selena smiled at Eregon's gesture, her expression soft and maternal. "Thank you, Eregon. Your gift is thoughtful, as always."
Eregon bowed once more before stepping aside, his eyes briefly meeting Selena's. Zeph noted the silent approval in his mother's gaze—she seemed to see the young prince in a positive light, perhaps even with a hint of admiration. It was clear to Zeph that his mother cared for Eregon, even if the boy was not her own.
After Eregon, Princess Anastasia Eternis stepped forward. At just four years old, Anastasia was already a striking presence. Her red hair cascaded down her back, and her sharp blue eyes, inherited from the emperor, gleamed with intelligence far beyond her years.
Unlike Eregon, whose face still retained traces of childhood innocence, Anastasia had an air of cold calculation, her eyes assessing everything around her with a keen awareness.
Anastasia performed a delicate curtsy in front of Zeph's cradle, her movements practiced and graceful. She held the fringes of her dress as she bowed, her gaze never leaving the infant prince.
"Happy birthday, Prince Zeph," she said in a soft, almost formal voice. But beneath the practiced sweetness, Zeph detected something deeper—a genuine interest, an inquisitiveness that she tried to conceal behind her cold exterior. She lingered longer than expected, her sharp blue eyes studying Zeph with a level of attention that suggested she was not just here out of obligation.
Anastasia presented her gift—a small bird toy, simple in design and free of any ornamentation. At first glance, it seemed plain compared to the other lavish offerings, but Zeph sensed that the simplicity of the gift held its own significance. It was as if Anastasia was offering something personal, something unadorned by the weight of expectations. Her expression softened just slightly as she placed the toy in front of him, a hint of warmth breaking through her icy demeanor.
Anastasia congratulated both the emperor and Selena with the same formal politeness as her brother, though her eyes lingered on Zeph as she stepped back.