Previously~
Across the room, Thomas sat in a high-backed armchair, his gaze steady as he took in the gathered faces.
"Let's continue with the naming ceremony," he said, voice calm but firm.
—------------------------------------------------------
Location- Duskrane Castle, Duskrane County
Date- 26th, Month of Zephyris, 2007 A.G.
All eyes turned to Edward and Alexander.
Amelia looked at Edward and asked gently, "Honey, have you thought of a name?"
Sophie turned to Alexander, raising an eyebrow. "Darling, did you decide on a name for the baby?"
The two dukes stepped forward together.
"We want our father-in-law to name them," Alexander declared. Edward nodded in agreement.
The room fell into stunned silence. Even the maids holding the babies stared in disbelief.
Sophie was the first to recover.
"Whaaat! I thought you were just taking your time to come up with something beautiful!" she exclaimed.
"Ed, I don't think that's a good idea…" Amelia said calmly, glancing sideways at Thomas.
"Why?" the duo asked in unison.
Henry sighed, his face solemn. "You don't know our father's naming sense, brothers-in-law."
Everyone—from Olivia to Orianne—nodded grimly.
"Come on now," Alexander chuckled nervously, "how bad can it be?"
"I've definitely improved," Thomas huffed indignantly.
Henry stepped forward, a hand raised as if delivering a eulogy.
"Let me tell you about Father's dark history," he said gravely. "He has a… peculiar obsession with middle names."
He shivered. "When I was born, he almost named me Fistorius Warflame Duskrane. Mother had to intervene at the last second."
Sophie burst in, her voice rising. "He wanted to name me Isolde Moonkicker Duskrane! Like—who even wants to kick the moon?"
Amelia blushed, mumbling softly, "He proposed Genevieve Dragonfist Duskrane for me… It sounds like a bar brawler in a tavern."
Henry nodded solemnly. "Thankfully, Mother saved us from a lifetime of mockery."
Edward chuckled weakly, "But maybe he's changed?"
Henry gestured to Orianne. "Orianne, tell them what he wanted to name Vincent."
She sighed, "Cornelius Hoof Duskrane."
Vincent stared at Thomas, visibly horrified. A look of deep disappointment spread across his face.
The dukes both paled.
Thomas, however, looked at them with wide, pleading eyes.
Edward hesitated, then stepped forward. "Maybe… just one last chance?"
Alexander nodded slowly.
Olivia pinched the bridge of her nose. "If you insist."
Thomas clapped his hands together. "Thank you, sons-in-law. You understand me more than my own children." He cast a look at Henry and the others before straightening up with mock dignity.
He examined the babies closely. "Brown hair and green eyes—he is clearly a Leonhart. And this one, black hair with green eyes—he's a Tigranclaw."
He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Hmm…"
Suddenly, his eyes lit up with excitement.
"Yes! I have found the perfect names!" he proclaimed.
A glimmer of hope passed across the faces of Edward and Alexander.
"For the Leonhart…" Thomas began, and Alexander puffed his chest with pride.
"He shall be named—Benedict Smash Leonhart!"
Alexander stumbled backward in disbelief while Edward struggled not to burst into laughter.
Thomas continued undeterred, "Now for the Tigranclaw…" Edward tensed.
"How about… Gorgonius Crank Tigranclaw?"
Edward collapsed to his knees.
Sophie covered her face with both hands while Amelia let out an exasperated sigh.
Dark clouds began to gather outside, the sunlight vanishing as if in horror. A sudden thunderbolt shattered one of the windows.
Everyone turned to stare at the broken window… then slowly turned to Thomas.
BONK!
Olivia smacked the back of his head. "Old man, I am genuinely astonished by your commitment to terrible names."
Henry threw up his hands. "Told you! A monkey flying blindfolded could name better!"
Orianne merely gazed at the babies with pity in her eyes.
'Grandma, bonk him again,' Vincent thought, shaking his head with a sigh.
Everyone turned to Olivia, their unspoken plea written across their faces.
She stepped forward calmly. "May I do the naming?"
The entire room—including the babies—nodded enthusiastically.
Olivia stepped to the platform, examining the babies closely. After a moment, her lips curled into a warm smile.
"For the Tigranclaw… Raphaeldor."
"For the Leonhart… Leonatus."
A beat of silence.
Then an eruption of excitement.
"That's so cool, Mother!" Sophie squealed, hugging Olivia.
"The children like them." Amelia looked down, smiling at the grinning infants.
"Thank you, Mother-in-law!" Edward and Alexander chorused in relief.
"Grandma, you are so cool!" Vincent gave her a big thumbs-up.
"They're magnificent, Mother-in-law," Orianne added sincerely.
"I was just thinking of those exact names," Thomas mumbled, adjusting his tie. Everyone looked at him with a deadpan stare.
KNOCK!
A firm knock echoed through the chamber.
"Enter!" Thomas called.
An elderly butler appeared, bowing slightly.
"Speak, Jonathan." Olivia gestured.
"Yes, Countess," he addressed Olivia, "the preparations for the selection ceremony have been completed. The staff of Castle Duskrane has gathered in the hall. Should I vacate the space?"
Thomas waved him off. "No, leave them be."
Olivia smiled. "It's a joyous day. Prepare a banquet for the staff as well."
The butler bowed again and disappeared—quite literally—into thin air.
Alexander nudged Edward. "Hey, isn't that the guy who used to babysit the twins?"
Edward nodded. "Yeah… crazy, right? A five-star knight reduced to wiping snot."
They shared a laugh as the family made their way to the Grand Hall.
The Grand Hall~
Towering stone walls loomed over them, weathered yet regal. The ceiling arched high, carved with swirling patterns that seemed to move when one wasn't looking. Intricate moldings traced the arches, and old grooves in the walls marked the places where torches once stood vigil.
Sunlight streamed through towering stained-glass windows, casting ribbons of emerald, sapphire, and gold across the floor. A quiet sense of reverence filled the air—cool, ancient, and touched by a faint scent of candle wax and aged wood.
At the center stood a circular platform, simple and elevated slightly, as though waiting for something grand.
A small gathering of nobles awaited the Duskrane family.
"I greet the Count and the Dukes." A tall man stepped forward, dressed in a persian blue suit. His dark blue hair fell into a long ponytail, white eyes devoid of pupils glimmering with recognition.
"Duke Raventhorn," Thomas greeted him with a handshake.
SLAP!
Alexander patted the man's back with casual affection. "How're you doing, Caelum?"
"Tie your hair properly," Caelum retorted with a smirk.
Edward stepped in, extending a hand. "So, it's your third child?"
"You've asked that three times now," Caelum said with a chuckle as he shook his hand. "Now, if you'll excuse me."
Nobles filed in behind him, each offering greetings:
"Count Elric Farrow of Eldenridge."
"Baron Halwin Merrin of Hollowmere."
"Countess Orla Wynn of Windvale."
"Baron Rowan Alder of Hearthstead."
"Lord Garrick Bramble of Emberhollow."
"Baroness Yvaine Cress of Norrowood."
Though powerful, the Duskranes, Tigranclaws, and Leonharts were social outliers—heretics in the eyes of the Fafnir Empire. Only nobles from distant corners maintained ties with them. The rest remained wary, curious how they still thrived with such limited connections.
Countess Wynn whispered to Baroness Cress as they sipped wine.
"I always feel like we owe them."
"They're the only reason we have trade routes with the central territories," Cress nodded.
"They don't ask for favors. They just help quietly," Wynn murmured, swirling her glass.
"They're… big-hearted, I suppose."
Their eyes drifted to Duke Raventhorn, standing tall.
"At least he remains friendly with them," Wynn muttered.
Cress sighed, "He's one of the four Imperial Pillars. No one dares question him."
CLAP! CLAP!
Thomas clapped, drawing attention.
"To all our honored guests—thank you for sharing in our joy."
Applause filled the hall.
"Let us begin… The Selection of Steel!"
A cheer rose as servants entered, laying down various objects on the stone platform:
—A sword, a spear, a golden coin, a grimoire, a pen, a pair of gauntlets, an axe—
—and finally, two crimson oni masks that radiated ancient malice. Their snarling expressions, twisted fangs, and hollow eyes glowed under the torchlight, radiating an aura of raw chaos.
Amelia and Sophie carried Raphaeldor and Leonatus to the center. Edward and Alexander followed close behind. The rest of the family took their seats around the platform.
The babies were gently placed upon the stone, their tiny limbs wriggling as they lay on the cold surface.
GLOW!
The sword lit up first—its golden brown aura streaked with maroon flames.
Then the spear ignited, burning with a deep obsidian glow.
CLAP! CLAP!
"They have awakened sword and spear affinities!" Thomas exclaimed.
Cheers followed—until Vincent leaned forward with a sly grin.
"Awaken something greater, brothers."
The lights vanished. A moment passed—then—
FWOOOSH!
Emerald flames erupted around the two oni masks.
Silence.
Then chaos.
"They awakened the Duskrane trait!" Baroness Cress gasped.
"Another full generation of insanity?" Duke Raventhorn chuckled.
Olivia slapped her forehead. Orianne and the others groaned in unison.
Edward and Alexander dropped to their knees, their dreams of peaceful children shattering.
Meanwhile, Thomas, Henry, and Vincent were grinning from ear to ear.
"I'm excited to see what they'll become!" Thomas laughed.
"Will they be maniacs like us?" Henry smirked, thumbing toward himself.
"Maybe the mask doesn't mean insanity?" Olivia offered weakly.
"Nonsense!" Thomas grinned. "Look at me and Henry!"
"But Vincent too chose the mask, and he's such a sweet child—" Olivia pointed out.
Thomas narrowed his eyes. "You don't know the boy like we do."
Henry whispered to Olivia, "He's the most dangerous of us all."
Olivia blinked, looking at Vincent. He gave her a warm, innocent smile.
'Whatever,' she thought, entirely unaware of how right they were.
The celebration continued until evening. Guests began leaving in their carriages.
Now, only the family members were left- Thomas, Olivia, Alexander, Sophie, Amelia, Edward, Henry, Orianne and Vincent.
A pile of gifts sat near the alcoves, few but plenty. Henry looked at the babies,
"There are still gifts remaining!"
Alexander and Edward were confused. Sophie and Amelia looked at each other.
"What gifts?" Sophie raised her brow.
Amelia glanced around, "Is there someone left?"
Thomas let out a small laugh, "We have yet to give them gifts."
Sophie folded her arms, half-pouting as she looked at the decorations and preparations around them. "You really didn't need to do all this…"
Olivia stepped forward, brushing a lock of Sophie's hair behind her ear with that motherly grace only she possessed. "How could we not, Sophie? They're our grandsons." Her gaze softened as it moved toward the babies. "Their birth is a gift—not just for you two—but for the whole family."
Orianne chimed in from beside her, hands clasped gently at her waist. "It's not just your moment, Sophie. It's all of ours. These boys… they've already made this old castle feel warmer."
Thomas chuckled proudly, his hands behind his back as he rocked on his heels. "I've already started planning out their training chambers. A few weapons racks here and there, maybe a secret dungeon... nothing too fancy."
Sophie turned to him, eyebrows raised. "Father, they're still babies. They can't even hold their own heads up."
Thomas shrugged, "Which is why we start with head strengthening exercises—obviously."
Henry, leaning casually against one of the alcove pillars, grinned wide. "Don't forget about us, dear sisters. They're our nephews too. And as an uncle, it's my sacred duty to spoil them rotten and raise them into absolute legends."
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Legends or lunatics?"
Henry threw his hands up, feigning innocence. "What's the difference in this family?"
Amelia giggled behind her hand, "He has a point."
Sophie sighed, but the fondness in her eyes gave her away. "You're all impossible."
Vincent, from behind Olivia, added quietly with a smirk, "Impossible runs in the family."
"Ok, let's start with Leonatus." Edward stepped forward, taking out a small satin box from his suit. He winked to Alexander, giving him the box. "It's a gift from Uncle Edward and Aunt Amelia."
Alexander chuckled. He opened the box, "Let's see what's inside?".
A brooch in the shape of a lion with his mane and golden eyes gleamed under the light. Two swords crossed behind it.
"You bastard, you copied my idea!" Alexander threw a box towards Edward. Inside the box was a brooch with a tiger head and a flame burning it in the background, engraved on it.
"You copied me, dumbass." Edward chuckled.
BONK!BONK!
...The two men looked thoroughly chastised, standing sheepishly under the stern glares of their wives. Even little Vincent was snickering behind a chair.
Thomas leaned in toward Henry and whispered, "They're already becoming real fathers."
Henry smirked. "Getting bonked is a rite of passage in this house."
Olivia cleared her throat, drawing the room's attention again. "Now that the boys have received their brooches, let's give them their true Duskrane welcome."
Orianne stepped forward gracefully, holding a pair of embroidered white cloaks—each lined with silver thread and trimmed with dusky gold. Their respective family crest was stitched onto the back in muted tones, so it shimmered only in certain angles of the light.
"These are from me," she said, her tone quiet but sincere. "One for each of them. They're still small now, but someday, they'll wear them as they grow older."
Amelia's eyes glistened. Sophie sniffled slightly.
"They're beautiful, sister," Amelia whispered.
Henry popped up. "Alright, alright, my turn!"
He strode over dramatically, pulling out a grimoire with golden ribbon. "This, dear nephews, is a lifetime membership to Uncle Henry's Secret Art of Not Getting Caught Club—Volume One: Tactical Napping and Getting Out of Trouble Like a Pro."
Vincent burst into laughter. Orianne sighed. Amelia covered her face.
"You are not handing them a grimoire on how to be irresponsible!" Olivia chided.
Henry wiggled his brows. "It's called survival skills, dear mother."
Thomas added with pride, "It's practical knowledge!"
BONK!
This time, Olivia bonked both of them simultaneously with a rolled-up invitation card.
"Enough chaos. Now, my gift," she said gently, stepping forward.
From within her cloak, she produced two tiny velvet pouches. She opened one and pulled out a delicate silver pendant shaped like a flame entwined with a vine. The other held a charm of an obsidian star locked inside a crystal cube.
"These belonged to your great-grandparents," Olivia said quietly. "Family heirlooms from the old lands. I've been waiting for the right time to pass them on."
Everyone fell silent again, the weight of history settling gently over the room.
"Thank you," Edward said softly.
Alexander nodded, solemn for once. "Truly."
Finally, Thomas stepped up again, holding a peculiar metal cube in one hand and a compass-like object in the other.
"Oh no," Sophie muttered.
Thomas held them out proudly. "I have made these using old relic blueprints. One is a puzzle cube that sharpens perception and magical sensitivity, and the other is a directionless compass that only works when you're lost."
Everyone blinked.
"…So it doesn't work until it does?" Edward said slowly.
"Exactly!" Thomas beamed. "Genius, no?"
"No," Sophie said flatly.
Thomas turned to the babies. "Ignore them. You'll love these when you grow up. Trust me."
The babies giggled as if agreeing.
"…See?" Thomas said smugly.
Atlast, Vincent stepped up.
"Even I have a gift for them!"