Aldwin read aloud:
"Aldwin. Mira.
I am deeply disappointed in both of you.
You never told me that my grandson was born — nor that he is already six years old.
To think he's never met his grandfather… what a shame.
You are to come to my estate before nightfall, in that very carriage. The celebration of his naming ceremony will be held tonight. The King and several nobles will attend.
And Aldwin — my unreliable son-in-law — we shall also have a discussion. Not just with you, but with my daughter as well. You two have a great deal to explain."
Aldwin folded the letter, sighing heavily.
Mira looked worried. "So… he really found out."
"Yeah," Aldwin said with a wry smile. "He's not happy. He wants us at his mansion before sunset. He's even hosting your naming ceremony, Rowan."
"My… naming ceremony?" Rowan blinked.
"It was," Mira said softly, "but… things were complicated back then. Your grandfather was busy, and…" She sighed. "We never told him about you."
Rowan tilted his head. "So, he's mad?"
Aldwin gave a humorless chuckle. "Mad? Oh, he's furious. But it's too late to avoid it now." He looked at his wife. "We should get ready. The Duke doesn't like waiting."
Mira nodded, brushing her hair aside. "Let's make sure tonight goes smoothly. We'll need to choose our words carefully."
As they turned toward the house, Rowan looked up at the sky.
As they entered the house, Mira moved quickly, organizing everything meticulously. Silver trays, golden utensils, and carefully folded linens — every detail had to be perfect. Rowan, meanwhile, checked the measurements of the two attendants, ensuring everything was ready for the ceremony.
Outside, the carriage waited, polished to a gleaming black with silver accents. As they approached, Rowan's eyes widened. The evening sun reflected off the polished wood and metal, casting long shadows across the cobblestone path.
By nightfall, they were ready. Rowan was dressed in a crisp white noble's attire, elegant and majestic, the kind reserved for formal ceremonies. His father, Aldwin, looked equally commanding, and his mother, Mira, radiant in a flowing gown that shimmered under the torchlight.
They stepped into the carriage, the soft rustle of fabrics mingling with the clip-clop of hooves. Four hours later, the carriage finally approached the grand mansion.
Rowan pressed his face to the window, awe striking him like a lightning bolt. "Wow… this is enormous. My grandpa is a duke? So… this is his house?"
The three of them descended the carriage steps, and there he was — Duke Will, standing proudly at the entrance, his gaze both commanding and warm. Beyond him, the doors of the mansion were wide open, revealing a grand hall bustling with guests in formal attire, all prepared for the celebration.
Immediately, Aldwin spotted Duke Will, his father-in-law. The Duke's presence was formidable, yet his eyes softened when he saw them. He walked forward briskly, bending his head in respect.
"Hey! Come here. Walk faster," Duke Will commanded, his tone strict but not unkind.
Aldwin extended his hand. "Father-in-law, I—"
"Today, Aldwin, you're different," Duke Will interrupted, shaking his head. "You didn't even tell me I had a grandson. Shouldn't you be ashamed?"
"I'm truly sorry, father-in-law," Aldwin said, bowing deeply. "It won't happen again. Next time, if I have another child, I'll make sure everything is done properly."
Mira stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Aldwin's arm. "Father, there's no need for shame. We didn't mean to hide anything."
Aldwin glanced down at Rowan. "And this… this is my grandson?"
Duke Will crouched slightly, meeting Rowan's eyes. "Wow… how are you? I'm your grandfather, Duke Will."
"I'm Rowan," the boy said politely, his voice small but steady.
Duke Will's stern expression melted into a warm smile. "Ah… what a lovely boy. You look just like your mother — even your grandmother."
"My grandmother? Who's that?" Rowan asked, tilting his head.
"She passed away long ago," Duke Will replied softly. "But let's not dwell on that now. Your parents didn't hold a naming ceremony for you… but that changes tonight. I will perform it myself. Come, let us join the guests."
As they entered the grand hall, a wave of applause washed over them. The nobles, standing tall in their elegant attire, clapped enthusiastically. Aldwin and Mira stepped forward, and the crowd's excitement swelled.
"It's been so long since we've seen him!" a voice called out. "He was one of the finest adventurers of his time!"
Rowan glanced around, his young eyes wide at the grandeur. People whispered his name, and then, with a flourish, someone announced, "Look, everyone! This is my grandson, Rowan! Finally, he has arrived. Let the ceremony begin!"
The hall came alive with music. Violins sang, weaving a soft, elegant melody, while couples began to waltz gracefully. Aldwin and Mira paused at the entrance, observing the dance with careful composure. Rowan lingered slightly behind them, still taking in the splendor.