People were startled and turned to look at the source of the voice.
They were shocked to see that the voice came from none other than the former patriarch of Drakethorne, Ragnar Drakethorne. He was wearing a military suit, with a sword in its scabbard at his waist. Although he was in his 70s, he looked like he was in his 40s. His hair was so black it seemed to devour every trace of light, and his red pupils resembled those of a ferocious beast.
Following him were a couple of people in the same type of attire, looking to be in their 40s and 50s, all radiating powerful auras that made the surrounding air tremble in their wake.
Shane and Sera looked at the one who shouted. From the voice alone, they knew it was their father. Shane, however, had already sensed his presence upon entering the hall, feeling his father's powerful paragon rank, which surpassed his own.
"Calm down, father, you'll wake the child," Shane said to his father, worried that the child, who had just fallen asleep on the throne, would wake up and they would need to put him back to sleep.
Although magic existed to make people sleep, they did not intend to use it, fearing it might have side effects on the child.
"Haha! Forgive me, my child—I just got so carried away seeing such a brilliant grandson!" Ragnar exclaimed, his happiness bubbling in every word.
"Friends, reign in your aura. This isn't the battlefield," Ragnar chided, his tone half-playful, half-commanding, as he eyed his friends still radiating that familiar battle intensity.
They all pulled their auras back in, and finally, the air around them calmed.
Everyone at the banquet finally exhales and relaxes; they had been tense, but now seem at ease.
Even the strongest people were tense because few could match Ragnar's strength.
Ragnar disappeared from his place and appeared on the other side of the throne, where Alex was sleeping soundly.
Ragnar wanted to take the child on his lap, but Sera stopped him with a glance that clearly said no.
"Father, you can carry him if you want, but first we should begin the banquet, since it's already late," Sera said to Ragnar. Her voice was firm, but there was also a plea, as if, should Ragnar choose to carry his grandson, no one could prevent it.
As if Ragnar was not already upset at being denied the chance to hold his grandson, a knight by the entrance called out the most important name in the Empire: "His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, has arrived!"
As if by instinct, everyone stood straight in their places to welcome Emperor James Evernight.
James Evernight entered the banquet, surrounded by knights. He had a sturdy build and a handsome face that could outshine anyone. His moonlight hair shimmered silver under the lights as he entered the hall, and he observed others with an aloof expression. He wore a suit with gold embroidery and silver linen, and though he was in his 40s, he looked no older than 30.
James Evernight was called a once-in-a-millennium genius. He was already a paragon rank, but no one knew his exact level. Clearly, he was a powerhouse on his own.
All bowed their heads in respect as the emperor entered the center of the banquet hall. He looked at everyone and said, "There is no need for such formality. You may rise."
Everyone stood up and looked back.
Ragnar was annoyed that he had been interrupted from playing with his grandson.
Shane nudged the Ragnar off his shoulder and whispered, his tone gentle but firm, "You can play all you want after the banquet ends, but for now, control yourself."
Ragnar was not happy with his son's reply, but he gave in, knowing that angering the emperor would not be wise.
"I am happy you came to our son's naming ceremony," said Shane Drakethorne, Patriarch of the Drakethorne grand duchy. He looked straight at James Evernight, but his voice was respectful, recognizing the emperor's talent, as the emperor had reached paragon rank well before him.
"You are making me feel flattered, Shane. I have known you since childhood; how could I not attend such a joyous moment?" James Evernight replied kindly, though his voice remained neutral.
James' voice was always neutral, and his face was devoid of emotion, so no one knew what the emperor was thinking. Even though Shane had known James since childhood, he still couldn't understand what was going on behind the emperor's genius mind.
"Actually, I'm glad to be here. I have a proposal you can't refuse," James Evernight added after a pause.
Everyone in the banquet hall was clearly surprised that the emperor himself was making a proposal, and in such polite words.
The people from powerful houses were clearly not happy, especially those from the grand ducal houses attending the banquet.