A week has passed by since the abnormal red gate appeared in the Drakethorne duchy. Everything has returned to normal, but the people who witnessed it still feel the horror to this day.
The world advanced rapidly in technology thanks to loot and treasures from the gate. Machines and technology improved, but were not strong enough to handle the most dangerous monsters. So, people still used traditional weapons and magic.
A grand palace spanned a vast area and was visibly adorned with decorations. Today marked one week since the birth of their heir, Alex Drakethorne.
In this world, nobles and powerful families celebrate their child's first week with a banquet, during which the name is announced to the whole world.
From dawn, maids and servants moved briskly throughout the palace, arranging decorations and checking that everything looked grand and beautiful for the event.
From the gate to the hall, flowers lined both ends of the walkway. Huge decorative coverings hung over the walls and windows, etched with flowers.
In the private chamber, Sera Azurestorm looked after her son, who slept in his crib. He was wrapped in expensive sheets that showed his status as the heir to one of the four grand dukes of the Evernight Empire.
Shane Drakethorne entered the chamber with a steady breath, but there was a look of tiredness around his face as he had been busy the whole week looking after his wife and son to make sure they got enough rest.
He was also busy deciding who to invite and personally wrote the invitation for today's banquet.
Even though their palace was full of servants, Shane chose to care for his wife and son himself. The servants did most of the work, but he did not leave the chamber and kept watching his wife and son's faces all day.
This was Shane's first time as a father. He was overjoyed, even when his son cried and would not sleep. Despite the trouble, he enjoyed it all.
"Honey, why don't you take some rest? You have looked after us all week. You were also busy making sure the banquet arrangements were correct," Sera said to Shane. She was worried, as she knew how hard he had been working.
First, an abnormal red gate appeared. Then, Sera nearly died, but their son saved her. Shane was hurt as well. Their son had healed them both. They still do not know how he did it. The mystery of the abnormal red gate and how their son healed them has weighed on Shane and Sera.
"Honey, did you ask father how Alex was able to heal others?" Sera asked, sitting beside Shane, who gazed at Alex's sleeping face with a gentle smile.
Shane glanced at Sera. "I tried contacting him, but he hasn't replied. I'll be sure to ask him tonight when he returns for the banquet after five years on the battlefield."
Ragnar Drakethorne, Shane's father and former patriarch, is in his 70s. He has spent the last five years fighting on the border after a demon invasion attempt.
"What about mother, will she attend today's banquet?" Sera asked, doubtful. Their mother, former Drakethorne matriarch Nyra BlackHeart, is obsessed with magic. She left after Ragnar departed for the borders and now lives at the magic tower, researching.
"I have told her everything. If anyone knows about this, it's her. She will return. I can already imagine how excited she must be to see her grandson," Shane said, looking at his son. He thought, Your grandmother is going to spoil you a lot.