three months had passed in peaceful silence since Leo's gentle rejection of Vincent's proposal. The tension that once loomed over the territory had slowly waned, like mist evaporating beneath the morning sun. Life in Ravennest had returned to its steady rhythm, and though Vincent hadn't abandoned his suspicions or the investigation altogether, he had set them aside for the time being choosing instead to observe, to wait, and most importantly, to protect.
And now, the calendar read December 4 a day marked not just on parchment but in the hearts of the people.
It was Zach's fifth birthday, and with that age came a declaration that had long been anticipated: Zach, son of Lord Vincent and Lady Vivian, would officially be known as the heir of Ravennest. The people had already seen signs his calm demeanor, his inquisitive mind, and his natural presence in the town square but the announcement made it real, binding.
The entire town burst into life.
The humble homes of the outer walls, the people of Ravennest celebrated the young lord's birthday. But nowhere was the joy more palpable than in the new market district, where Zach had spent many days strolling, playing among merchants, and sharing laughs with Refugee. To the citizens there, Zach wasn't just the heir he was one of their own.
Colorful banners fluttered in the wind, strung between wooden beams and in the under construction market stalls. Children ran through the streets with ribbons trailing behind them, laughing without care. The scent of grilled meats, fresh bread, and sweet pastries filled the air. Musicians played near the fountains, and dancers spun in time with cheerful melodies.
It was not a celebration mandated by nobles, nor forced by wealth or politics. It was genuine. The people of Ravennest had grown to love the boy who waved at every visit, who smiled without pretense, who listened when they spoke.
Zach, of course, had no idea how much weight his name already carried. To him, it was simply his birthday a day to play, to eat more sweets than usual, and to see his mother and father smile.
And smile they did.
Vincent, standing beside Vivian at the heart of the market plaza, looked far more relaxed than he had in months. His thoughts had been weighed down by politics, by threats lurking in the shadows, and by the responsibilities of leadership. But today, as he watched Zach run ahead with Miya, his worries felt distant. Today belonged to family.
Vivian, dressed in a flowing gown of silver and blue, had planned every detail of the event alongside the townspeople. She walked among them with ease, not as a distant noble, but as a mother and as one of them.
The soldiers stood at ease, enjoying the celebration from the sidelines, and even Rendon could be seen laughing with the younger guards as they passed out food and drinks. Albert, ever the reluctant workhorse, had taken it upon himself to organize a small performance by the town's youth something that brought unexpected tears to a few watching parents.
And though no official announcement of Zach's heirship was made in the square, everyone knew. The way Vincent looked at his son, the way Vivian stood proudly at his side, and the way the people celebrated without restraint it was enough.
The plaza was packed.
Banners waved proudly overhead, decorated in Ravennest's colors. The streets, which had been buzzing all morning with the birthday festivities, now focused toward the grand stage that had been built at the heart of the town square. Market stalls were temporarily closed, their owners standing shoulder to shoulder with guards, laborers, and citizens, all gazing up with anticipation.
Atop the stage, Vincent stood in his formal attire not as a father, but as the Lord of Ravennest.
A hush fell over the crowd as Vincent raised his hand.
He began.
"People of Ravennest," he said, his voice firm and clear, "I thank you for gathering here today not just to celebrate the birthday of my son, but to bear witness to an important moment for our town."
The crowd listened intently, many leaning forward.
"From the day I was entrusted with Ravennest, I vowed to protect it, to nurture it, and to guide it toward a better future. But I never walked this path alone. You, the people, have walked it with me. Through hardships and triumphs, you've never turned your backs. And for that, I am eternally grateful."
The applause that followed came like a wave. Vincent let it pass before he continued, his eyes sweeping over the citizens before him.
"Today, as my son Zachariah turns five, I declare him the heir of Ravennest."
Cheers erupted. People clapped, whistled, and raised their hands in the air. In the Plaza where Zach once Visited with Rendon several merchants shouted his name proudly. Others were moved to tears, overwhelmed at being part of such a historic moment.
Zach's cheeks turned red at the attention, but he stood tall beside his father.
"This town has become a home not just to me, but to my family. And I ask of you, not as a lord, but as a father when the time comes for me to step down, I ask you to guide my son, to support him, and to believe in him, as you once believed in me."
"In return, I will begin preparing him. I will teach him the weight of leadership, the meaning of service, and the love it takes to carry this town on your shoulders."
The final words rang out across the plaza like a solemn vow. For a moment, silence returned but not from coldness. It was a silence of unity, of emotion. Then, slowly at first, the crowd began to applaud again. Louder. Stronger.
Zach looked up at his father. He couldn't fully grasp all of what had just happened, but in his chest, he felt something spark a strange warmth… a strange weight.
Responsibility.
Vincent knelt beside his son and gently rested a hand on his shoulder. "You don't need to understand everything now," he whispered with a soft smile. "But remember this day. These people… they are your future."
Zach nodded slowly.
The plaza buzzed with life. Colorful banners danced in the wind, stalls lined up like parade soldiers, and the smell oh, the smell wafted from every corner, a mix of roasted meats, baked sweets, and things Zach didn't even have names for yet.
Zach held Miya's hand tightly as they skipped ahead, a little too far from their parents, though Vincent and Vivian trailed only a few steps behind. The guards followed subtly, giving the family space without letting their guard down.
Everywhere Zach looked, people smiled. Some waved. Others greeted him with joyful cheers.
"Happy birthday, Young Lord Zach!" a group of shopkeepers chorused, bowing lightly as the two children passed.
Zach grinned wide. "Thank you!"
Their first stop was a bakery stall with a golden crusted sign that read Elma's Hearth. The smell of freshly baked cheese buns made Zach's mouth water. Miya was already tugging on his arm.
"We have to try that!" she said, practically bouncing.
The baker, an older woman with flour-streaked cheeks, smiled warmly. "Ah, Young Lord Zach! And little Miss Miya too! Come, come. First one's on the house."
She handed each of them a warm, flaky bun filled with melted cheese and herbs. Zach bit into it, and his eyes widened.
"It's soft… but kind of crispy too," he said, chewing. "The cheese is salty, but not too much and there's something sweet mixed in."
"Elma always adds a touch of honey to the crust," Miya said, already halfway through hers. "It makes it so good!"
Zach nodded. "It's like… it melts in your mouth, then punches your tongue with flavor. I could eat ten."
Vincent chuckled from behind. "Let's pace ourselves, birthday boy."
Vivian smiled gently. "Don't worry, dear. You'll have time to try them all."
The crowd parted again, making room for them as they wandered deeper into the plaza. Zach didn't miss how people stepped aside naturally, bowing their heads slightly in respect but there was no stiffness, no fear. It felt warm. Comfortable.
Their next stop was a skewer stand run by a burly man with a deep laugh. He waved a smoking stick in their direction.
"This is Ravennest's famous fire boar skewer! Glazed with berry sauce and spiced just right!"
Zach took a bite, and his mouth immediately tingled. "Hot!" he said, cheeks puffed.
Miya giggled. "It's sweet and spicy!"
"It's from the redthorn berry," the vendor explained proudly. "Only grows near Ravennest's cliffs."
"You've got a brave tongue, Young Lord," said a nearby woman. "If you liked that, you should try the cold sugar dumplings from Rika's stand over there."
Zach wiped his mouth, eyes already darting ahead. "Let's go!"
The dumpling stall was decorated with icy crystals and pale blue cloth. The treats were served cold and dusted with powdered sugar that stuck to Zach's lips.
"It's like eating snow," he said, "but sweet and soft like a pillow."
Miya smiled at him, sugar on her nose. "I want this every day."
Each stall had something special. Fried river fish that crunched like chips. Honey-dipped nuts shaped like stars. A fizzy drink that tickled Zach's nose and made him sneeze from laughter. The owners welcomed them with open arms, always with cheerful suggestions of what to try next, always treating them not just like nobles but like family.
"This one, Young Lord," a fruit seller called. "Our family's plum candy recipe's been passed down for five generations!"
Zach popped one in his mouth and winced, then grinned. "Sour first, then sweet. It's a trick candy!"
Miya laughed and pointed. "Your face looked like this blehhh!"
He bumped shoulders with her playfully. "You try one then!"
Vivian and Vincent continued to walk behind, hands linked, letting the children lead the way.
Vincent's eyes softened as he watched them laugh and play. For once, he allowed himself to forget his responsibilities, if only for a moment.
Zach, licking syrup from his fingers, looked around the packed plaza. People of every kind had come merchants, farmers, soldiers, even children from the orphanage he visited before. All cheering, all celebrating.
Not just for him, but for everything Ravennest had become.
The sky had darkened into a deep navy hue by the time the family returned home. The stars twinkled faintly above the quiet town of Ravennest, as if still celebrating Zach's birthday in their own silent way.
Inside the carriage, Miya was already fast asleep, her head resting softly on Vincent's lap. Her ribbon had come loose, and her cheeks were red from excitement and all the sweets she had devoured throughout the day. Vincent smiled down at her and brushed a few strands of hair away from her face before gently lifting her into his arms as the carriage came to a stop.
Zach yawned loudly, rubbing his eyes. He wasn't tired at least, that's what he told himself. His heart still buzzed with energy from the celebration, the cheers of the crowd, and the lingering taste of honeyed pastries.
The butler opened the front door of the mansion just as Vincent stepped onto the porch, still cradling the sleeping Miya. Vivian followed behind, holding Zach's hand, her own steps graceful yet weary. Despite the fatigue in their limbs, a warm satisfaction hung in the air around them.
But when they entered the mansion, Zach's eyes lit up with renewed energy.
Neatly stacked in the living room were rows of beautifully wrapped boxes. Ribbons of gold, silver, crimson, and royal blue shimmered under the soft glow of the chandeliers. It looked like a treasure trove had been delivered to their home.
Zach's mouth opened in awe. "Whoa..."
Vivian raised an eyebrow, amused. "Seems like word spread far and wide."
Vincent chuckled as he gently laid Miya on a nearby sofa and pulled a blanket over her. "These must be from the nobles across the kingdom. It's tradition to send gifts for the next heir, but this… this might be excessive."
"Can I open them?" Zach asked with sparkling eyes.
Vincent leaned back with a tired smile and waved his hand. "Go on. Let's see what kinds of things they think a five-year-old needs."
Zach didn't wait for another word. He rushed to the first box, tore open the ribbon, and lifted the lid. Inside was a polished wooden sword, carved from red oak with elegant etchings running down the blade. It had a noble family crest embedded near the hilt in silver.
Zach grinned and swung it lightly through the air. "Oooh! This feels awesome!"
He moved on to the next box this one filled with silk clothes dyed in the finest colors of the capital. Vivian picked up a folded piece, admiring the craftsmanship. "Expensive taste. Probably from Duke Argen's family."
Next came a box of crystal marbles that shimmered like stardust. Zach's eyes widened. "I've never seen marbles like these!" He rolled one in his hand, watching the swirling glow inside. "It's like magic..."
One box after another revealed all manner of surprises: rare sweets from distant towns, a hand-drawn map made by a scholar in the capital, an alchemy toy set for beginners, and even a small mechanical bird that flapped its wings when wound up.
Vivian sat beside Miya, now slowly waking up from the noise. Her sleepy eyes fluttered open, and she blinked at the mountain of boxes.
"Mama… what's all this?" she mumbled, half-asleep.
Zach turned around excitedly. "Gifts! From nobles all over! Come help me open more!"
Vincent chuckled from his chair, rubbing his temples. "Don't tire your sister out, Zach."
"But she has to see this one," Zach said, pulling open a tall box that revealed a beautiful stuffed fox, larger than Miya herself. Its fur was silky and reddish-brown with amber eyes.
Miya's eyes lit up. "So soft!" She waddled over with her blanket still half-draped over her shoulder and hugged it tightly.
One final box remained, smaller than the rest and more elegantly decorated. Zach opened it slowly, curious.
Inside was a letter, written in neat cursive, and beneath it an official seal.
Vincent raised an eyebrow. He walked over, took the letter, and read it aloud.
"To the future heir of Ravennest. May your leadership bring prosperity, and your name be remembered in history. Let this gift be the first of many marks that honor your name. — House Calvane."
Beneath the letter was a pendant. A small silver crest of a lion's head, an ancient symbol of leadership and strength. A political message, perhaps but Vincent said nothing about that now.
Zach held the pendant in his palm, feeling its weight. "Can I wear this tomorrow?"
Vincent ruffled his hair. "Sure. But only if you promise not to brag about it."
"I don't brag!" Zach said, puffing his cheeks.
Vivian laughed softly and stood up, gently guiding the children toward their rooms. "Alright, that's enough excitement for today. It's been a long day, and tomorrow's still another step forward."
Zach looked around at the opened boxes, the food in his belly, and the warmth of his family nearby. He nodded, finally feeling the weight of the day on his eyelids.
As they left the living room, Vincent took one last look at the mess of ribbons, papers, and gifts left behind.
Despite the troubles still brewing outside the safety of their walls, for tonight, everything was peaceful.
And that was more than enough.