They were immediately greeted with a wave of applause from the assembled guests.
Gabriel stepped forward and addressed the crowd.
"We sincerely thank you all for taking the time to attend our son Thomas's birthday celebration today. We hope this will be an enjoyable occasion for everyone.
Additionally, after the birthday festivities, we will be introducing our youngest son, Rafayel, to you all. Please enjoy the evening to your heart's content."
Thomas stepped forward, placing a hand over his chest as he spoke with confidence.
"I am deeply grateful to all of you for taking time out of your day to celebrate with me. Today, I turn ten years old, and I will soon be joining the knight order. From that moment on, I will devote myself to becoming a worthy knight and upholding the honor of the Delmare family. Although our time together today is brief, I hope you all enjoy the celebration."
With that, Thomas bowed his head, his posture dignified and composed.
The hall was once again filled with a round of enthusiastic applause.
As Rafayel glanced around, he overheard various murmurs of admiration from the guests.
"As expected of the son of the Marquis of the Delmure family."
"What an impressive speech."
"I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes in the future."
Whoa… Big Brother is amazing.
That didn't sound like something a ten-year-old kid would say.
Wait, our family is a marquisate!?
After the introductions, their parents and Thomas went off to personally greet the guests, leaving Rafayel and his other siblings to enjoy their meal.
About an hour later, Thomas returned with a broad smile on his face.
"Raffy! Did you see my speech? I worked really hard on it! Let me hug you as a reward!"
Rafayel instinctively tensed, anticipating another bone-crushing embrace.
However, perhaps because of the earlier incident, Thomas was more mindful of his strength this time.
Big Brother did his best… I should be good and stay still.
Deciding to reward him, Rafayel reached up and patted Thomas's head.
However, this only overwhelmed Thomas with emotion, and in his excitement, he forgot all about controlling his strength.
Rafayel once again found himself nearly squeezed to death.
"Father, we've brought Raffy."
"Thank you, Thalia. Greyson, thank you for watching over him as well."
Now held in his father's arms, Rafayel was carried onto the stage where Thomas had given his speech earlier.
"Everyone, I apologize for interrupting your conversations. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce my youngest son, Rafayel. Come now, Rafayel, stand up for everyone to see."
With that, his father gently placed him down on the stage.
Wait, what!? I have to stand!? What if I just flop onto the floor!?
Rafayel who is panicked clung desperately to his father as he tried to push himself up.
"This is my son, Rafayel, who will be turning two this year. At this age, he is still unable to properly greet everyone, but I am confident that, together with his older siblings, he will grow into a fine gentleman worthy of the Delmure family name. I ask that you all keep him in your good graces."