Next in line was the emperor's third wife, Elana. She was a woman around Selena's age, with striking green hair and sharp red eyes. Her appearance was far more extravagant than the others who had come before her.
She was adorned in jewelry from head to toe, each piece more expensive than the last. It was as if she wanted to outshine everyone in the room, to remind them that she, too, was a part of the imperial family.
Elana approached the cradle with a displeased expression, her bow shallow and insincere. "Congratulations to the emperor and Selena," she said, her voice laced with barely concealed disdain.
Selena, ever the diplomat, smiled and thanked her, but Zeph could sense the tension between the two women. Elana's presence was the first that made Zeph feel uneasy. Her gaze was cold, and there was a faint sense of animosity radiating from her.
She presented Zeph with a golden ornament box, intricately decorated but ultimately useless. It was a gift designed to impress on the surface, but Zeph knew it held no practical value. It was nothing more than a display piece, a shallow gesture meant to show wealth rather than care.
Elana left the dais without another word, her expression unchanged. Zeph made a mental note of her—this was a woman who would not hesitate to oppose him in the future.
After Elana, the line of nobles and vassals continued, each presenting gifts and offering their congratulations. Zeph's sharp mind cataloged each interaction, noting the subtle nuances in their words and expressions.
Most of the nobles were polite, their congratulations genuine, but there were a few who, like Elana, radiated a sense of insincerity. Zeph knew that in the political landscape of the empire, these people would be important to remember.
One of the most notable guests to approach was King Fenwise the Third, the king of Avaroth and Selena's father. He was an old man with a grizzled beard and sharp eyes that spoke of wisdom and experience. He wore a wolf's fur jacket, the symbol of the Mongrel family's strength and loyalty. Beside him stood Edward Mongrel, Selena's brother, both men towering and proud.
King Fenwise's face lit up with genuine joy when he saw Zeph. "Ah, my grandson," he said with a booming voice. "A fine boy, indeed. You've inherited the strength of both your parents."
He presented Zeph with a rare and valuable gift—a cub of the mythical beast Fenrir. It was a powerful symbol of the Mongrel family's heritage, a sign that Zeph was being welcomed into the fold as one of their own.
"Take care of him, Selena," Fenwise said with a wide grin. "This boy will do great things, I can feel it."
Selena's face softened at her father's words, and she accepted his congratulations with heartfelt thanks. The bond between her and her family was clear, and Zeph could sense the love and pride that King Fenwise had for his daughter and grandson.
After King Fenwise and Edward, the rest of the nobles and vassals continued to present their gifts. Lavish items from all corners of the empire piled up around Zeph's cradle—golden artifacts, rare jewels, and even enchanted trinkets that glittered with magic.
Each gift was a symbol of loyalty and respect to the young prince, and though Zeph couldn't express his gratitude, he understood the significance of every gesture.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the grand banquet began. Music filled the air, and dancers performed intricate routines to entertain the guests.
The tables were laden with food from every region of the empire, each dish a testament to the wealth and diversity of the realm. Nobles chatted among themselves, their voices mingling with the melodies and laughter that filled the hall.
Despite the festivities, Zeph felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. The day had been long, and meeting so many people had drained his energy. His eyelids grew heavy, and he fought to stay awake, but the warmth of the hall and the soft hum of conversation lulled him into a deep sleep.