The lights in the palace banquet hall were finally lit.

“Welcome, distinguished guests, to the opening ceremony of the Alliance Conference of the Rojas Empire!”

With a deep and eloquent voice, renowned speaker Viscount Zelton began his introduction, and the doors of the main hall swung open wide.

Guests flocked into the banquet hall, eager to participate in the opening ceremony of the conference and enjoy the evening party.

People from various countries arrived in splendid attire, showcasing different styles and customs.

The nobles of the Empire couldn’t hide their curiosity and endeavored to create an atmosphere of warmth.

It was not only a week-long conference but also a national event with a schedule that included a noble banquet and a special exhibition of products from each country.

During this time, lobbying activities and espionage became more active, turning it into a political festival.

In the midst of it all, there was Louismond, the owner of the Empire and the future Emperor, welcoming the guests from the main seat.

His skillful smile showed no sign of tension, but Princess of Nathan, who was watching him from the side, knew that he had clenched and unclenched his fist several times to relieve his tension.

Janice, who was anxiously observing Louismond for a moment, soon noticed his expression brightening.

‘…She has arrived.’

Even without turning her head, she knew.

Not only the expression of the Crown Prince but also the atmosphere of the party had changed.

The hall gradually fell silent, and the trembling voice of Viscount Zelton, who was introducing the guests, echoed loudly.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome General Commander Kalia Tacskate, the Guardian of the Empire, and Duke Simon Terroan, the Master of Mage Tower!”

Thud, thud.

The sound of sturdy inspector boots hitting the marble floor resounded.

Simon, wearing his ceremonial boots, created a rhythmic sound that resonated throughout the hall.

Through the wide-open doors, Kalia, dressed in the crimson armor of the knights, and Simon, wearing a white suit as the head of the Ministry of Magic, entered side by side.

In Simon’s arms, there was Sasha with a dignified expression.

The onlookers were astonished by the sight of the well-behaved baby dressed in matching clothes with her mother.

“Oh, my goodness!”

“Th-the rumors must have been true!”

“In that case, this baby must be…!”

“Goodness, even without saying it, it’s clear whose child he is.”

The previously hushed atmosphere was instantly filled with an excited buzz.

No matter which country’s nobles or royalties were present, the place that was once calm was now filled with excitement solely because of the appearance of these two individuals.

“Oh my, denying it so vehemently, and yet…”

“I told you so!”

“Somehow, it seemed strange when they suddenly mentioned taking a vakation, but now I see why. Goodness…”

Knowing very well that the murmurs were directed towards her, Kalia stood firmly in front of Louismond, unshaken like a rock.

“I’m a little late. I apologize, Your Highness.”

“You’re not late, Kalia. You’ve arrived on time.”

Bowing slightly and gesturing in respect, she stood alongside Simon, who spoke in a cheerful tone, in front of Louismond.

“If you had been a little later, I would have gone to look for you myself. Both of you.”

“Look, didn’t we come just in time?”

“…Simon.”

“Don’t be tense, Louismond. It’s just the beginning, and you’re already getting nervous?”

Seeing Simon’s relaxed smile, Louismond felt the blood flowing through the fingers that had been cold and stiff just moments ago.

‘He seems so peaceful.’His tense shoulders relaxed slightly.

Yes, it’s just the beginning, and if he gets too nervous already, he won’t be able to handle it.

“Who said I’m nervous? By the way… our Sasha looks incredibly adorable today as well. Kalia’s uniform suits him so well.”

Nodding as if it was obvious, Simon asked Louismond for confirmation.

“Oh, right, the award ceremony?”

“We’ll proceed right after the opening ceremony. We should consider the condition of our little one.”

Saying so, Louismond looked at the baby in Simon’s arms, who was gazing intently at him.

“Kyahoo!”

When their eyes met, Sasha smiled brightly at Louismond.

It was fascinating enough that the baby was calmly nestled in his father’s arms, but seeing his smile at the appropriate time and situation made it impossible not to be moved.

There are children who demand attention when in crowded places, but Kalia and Simon’s child didn’t seem to have any awareness of their surroundings, as if he inherited that from her parents.

‘Anyway, they gave birth to a baby that looked just like them.’

With a gentle smile, Louismond watched as the two people stepped back.

As he gazed into the distance, his eyes fell upon the prince of Akan.

“…Huh.”

The prince of Akan stood in a corner, enjoying a cocktail while keeping his gaze stubbornly fixed on Kalia’s back.

Neither Simon nor Sasha by her side, only Kalia alone drew his unwavering attention.

Soon, Buford, as if sensing Louismond’s gaze, turned his head and met Louismond’s eyes.

With a smirk on his face, he raised his cocktail glass and slightly pursed his lips.

Louismond’s face contorted in surprise as he read the shape of his lips.

‘That’s mine.’

Without realizing it, Louismond took a step forward, but in the blink of an eye, the prince of Akan had already disappeared from that spot.

* * *

During the opening ceremony, a small event took place.

It was the official naming ceremony for Kalia and Simon’s child, Sasha.

After the waltz ended, there was a short break.

It was a time when one could take a rest and go somewhere else, but no one left their seats.

Well, who would miss such an entertaining event?

Being the beloved child of a distant relative and the child of the General Commander who had saved his life multiple times, the Crown Prince wanted to bless Sasha’s future more than anyone else, so he decided to give him the name with heartfelt blessings.

“I, Louismond von Therium, the Crown Prince of the Rojas Empire, bestow blessings upon the future of this little hero.”

Louismond’s fingers, moistened with holy water from the temple, touched the child’s forehead and both cheeks.

As Louismond drew a sacred symbol on his chest, he placed a white opal necklace prepared by him around the child’s neck.

The jewel engraved with the name chosen in advance was a magical representation.

“From now on, the name of this little hero shall be Shaik Tacskate. He shall receive the name of the legendary knight who led the Great Continent’s Holy War.”

Louismond, with courage and composure, gently kissed the child’s round forehead and whispered.

“May you grow up to be brave, wise, and kind-hearted, Shaik.”

Sitting still, the child listened to the Crown Prince’s speech and nodded as if understanding his words.

“Heeheewoo!”

Seeming to be delighted with his name, Sasha revealed his dimples and smiled widely.

It was a very lovely smile that stole the hearts of most of the attendees watching the naming ceremony.

Kalia embraced Sasha, or rather, Shaik, in her arms and looked at Louismond.“May blessings be with the future of this strong family.”

The speech enveloped the three individuals, and Kalia and Simon officially announced that Sasha was their child.

* * *

“Shya! Shya-aaa!”

Drea, dressed in the small wizards’ robes, arrived a little late.

Drea was momentarily startled by the bustling atmosphere of the banquet hall.

But soon, as if deciding not to pay attention to such things, she eagerly looked for Sasha.

“Shya-aaa! Heungheungheong, shya-aaa!”

Startled by Drea’s crying, Derek quickly carried the child and ran towards Simon.

Contrary to coming to the party, he was not at all composed.

Yet, there was a smile on his face, as if he was so proud.

Excitedly watching the reunion between Sasha and Drea with a proud expression, Derek exclaimed while exhaling sharply.

“These shameless creatures didn’t contribute even a speck to Drea’s hatching, but dare to act as if they’re the father. Calling me an uncle and claiming parental rights, causing me so much trouble! Haha!”

Just before the party, there was a battle surrounding Drea within the Mage Tower.

Although the situation was a mess due to the audacity of the masters who dared to challenge, Derek couldn’t hide his sense of accomplishment.

Simon nodded with a calm gesture, getting to the point.

“What about the report?”

“Ah, regarding that…”

Their conversation became secretive.

During that time, Sasha nestled in Hemmie’s arms, and Drea spread her wings wide and clung to Sasha’s back, as if not wanting to let go.

“Shya! Heungheungheong!”

“Hu… Haah.”

“Shya, shya…!”

When Sasha shook his body as if he found it bothersome, Drea fluttered her wings on Sasha’s back, sticking even closer, as if she didn’t want to be separated.

At that moment, the eyes of those around, who had been watching the children with joyful eyes, widened.

“Wings!”

“Then that child must be…”

In fact, Simon and Derek didn’t pay much attention to the gazes of the people, as they had brought Drea along in a confident manner.

The news of hatching a dragon’s egg was bound to spread anyway, so they decided it was better to show it openly.

Moreover, there was also the intention to showcase the accomplishment of successfully hatching the supposedly difficult dragon egg within the Mage Tower of the Rojas Empire.

It was like a childish yet bold proclamation saying, ‘Don’t dare to approach this place where capable wizards exist without permission.’

The children played around in Hemmie’s arms as if it were a playground, but when Kalia returned, she had to scold them.

“You two, what risky thing are you doing to make Hemmie fall?”

“Uh… sob…”

“Kyau… Kiang.”

In a subdued voice, the babies mimicked the behavior of a helpless puppy in front of a quietly scolding Kalia.

How many people could remain unaffected by such a sight?

Eventually, Kalia sighed and with a smile tinged with exasperation, she pulled Drea, who was clinging to Hemmie’s arms, into her own embrace and spoke.

“So, don’t fight, okay? Sasha, don’t bother Drea too much, and Drea, don’t bother Sasha too much. Got it?”

Sasha obediently lowered his gaze as if understanding first.

Although stubborn, Drea sniffled, but in the end, she also seemed to understand and quietly nestled in Kalia’s arms.

Kalia embraced Drea as if approving of her behavior, and she gently stroked Sasha’s head, nestled in Hemmie’s arms.

Simon, who had been silently communicating with Derek through telepathy, watched this scene with a smile. Suddenly, his gaze met the green eyes glaring at him from behind Hemmie’s shoulder.

Immediately, Simon’s face stiffened.

‘…Mother.’

It was Helena.