The Grand Entrance: A Night of Expectations and Encounters

Dad and I followed Lana to the Grand Hall. Once there, the guards greeted my dad by his title.

"Hello, sir, Champion of Light," they said as they saluted my father.

My dad nodded and replied, "Good evening, gentlemen. But this isn’t about me, have you forgotten?"

"Of course not, sir. Hello, young master Velanova. Happy Birthday to you."

I smiled at them and said, "Thank you."

"No need, sir. It’s my job."

"Well, shall we make our big entrance, Velanova?"

"Yes, Dad!"

The guards announced our entrance.

"Pay attention! The famous Champion of Light and his esteemed son will now enter."

Most lower nobles and commoners bowed down before the doors opened, showing their respect for my father. Of course, there were exceptions—some dukes and, naturally, the Royal Family wouldn’t bow. But for everyone else, my father was someone to be highly respected.

At that moment, as the Grand Doors to the Grand Hall swung open, I realized how many expectations weighed on me because of my dad.
I just hope I don’t disappoint him today.

As the doors fully opened, I saw nearly everyone bowing. Kneeling, however, was reserved only for the Royal Family.

The first to greet my father was the king himself.

"Would you look at that! Hahahaha, Luke, you still look pretty good for an old bag of bones," King Orion laughed.

"And you’re one to talk," my father shot back. "I won’t let you forget the birthday of your own son, Orion. You should’ve seen yourself—I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time."

King Orion laughed, shook my father’s hand, then placed a hand on my shoulder.

"You look great, young man. You’re the spitting image of your father from years ago."

"T-Thank you, sir!" I said stiffly.

"Don’t be so nervous," someone said behind the king. I looked past him and, as I expected, it was Prince Alistair.

"Happy Birthday, Velanova!" he said, smiling and holding out his hand to me.

"Thank you, Prince," I replied, stretching out my hand to shake his. But before I could, he suddenly pulled his hand back.

"What’s wrong, Prince?"

"Nope, not happening! Call me by my name."

"But you’re from the Royal Family—I couldn’t possibly do that."

"Your dad does the same to mine, so why can’t you?"

"Alright, alright, sorry. I’ll call you by name from now on, Alistair."

"See? Doesn’t that feel much better?"

"Yeah, it does."

He shook my hand excitedly, then leaned in and whispered, "Hey, don’t go snatching my sister right away, big guy."

I turned beet red and blurted out, "I won’ttttt!"

Princess Lyra then approached me with a warm smile.

"Happy Birthday, Velanova!"

"Thanks! And Happy Birthday to you too, though I know I’m a little late."

"Ooooh, you actually remembered to say it to me?"

"Of course! I wouldn’t dare forget."

While I was still talking with the princess, I suddenly felt a very familiar sensation—someone grabbing my head.

"Guess who?"

"Yuna, please let go."

"Awwww, how’d you know?"

"I just do."

"Hmmmm, okay."

"As lively as ever, isn’t it?"

Queen Elara approached us gracefully.

"Happy Birthday, young Velanova."

"Thank you graciously, Queen Elara."

"Look at this brat—he has more respect for the queen than the king!" King Orion teased.

"Well, who wouldn’t?" my father quipped. "You old bag of bones."

"Hahaha, don’t mind him, Orion," Queen Elara said, amused. "He’s nice and respectful—I like this child."

"Thank you, Queen. I appreciate the compliment."

"I’m happy he takes after you, Muri," Queen Elara added, turning to my mother.

"Well, of course he would, Elara," my mom responded, joining in on the conversation.

"Well, let’s stop standing around and go mingle," Alistair said. He and Yuna walked off to join the crowd.

"I’ll go talk with Orion and the other nobles, so go ahead and speak with your fellow age mates," my dad told me.

"I will, Dad."

And with that, I was left with Princess Lyra.

"Should we go look around, Lyra?"

"Yes, let’s."