The room was filled with quiet warmth, a stark contrast to the usual regal formality Alex had grown accustomed to. Aliena gently cradled Alex, her touch softer, more open, as if finally allowing herself to relax around him completely.
Samuel stood close by, his usually stern expression softened by quiet affection. He reached out slowly, his finger barely brushing against Alex's tiny cheek. "You've grown quickly," he murmured softly, his voice almost hesitant, as though unfamiliar with such tenderness.
Alex stared back at Samuel, his tiny brows furrowing slightly. 'That's the best compliment you could give a newborn? Come on, uncle. You've got to do better than that.'
Cecilia, brimming with maternal excitement, clapped her hands lightly. "Oh, he has your eyes, Aliena! Look at those little golden sparks, such a handsome young boy!"
Woden, meanwhile, stood a short distance away, his posture rigid, eyes narrowed as he appraised Alex like a weapon being forged. The air around him began shifting subtly, an intensity Alex recognized from his past life—a predator measuring prey. "Hmm, he looks soft," Woden muttered, almost to himself. "Does he truly carry the Finch bloodline's renowned strength? Perhaps we should—"
"Woden Finch" Cecilia's voice cut sharply through the room, her sweet demeanor giving way to an icy command. "He is your grandson, not a new recruit. He's barely days old, for heaven's sake!"
Woden visibly flinched, his intense expression faltering beneath his wife's stern glare. His posture softened slightly, but traces of the bloodthirsty general lingered. "I only meant... to gauge his potential early. It's important to—"
"Potential or not," Cecilia interrupted, her voice gentler but firm, "he is family first. Potential can wait. Love cannot."
Woden cleared his throat awkwardly, the fierce warrior slowly retreating beneath the husband's loving persona. Gradually, the bloodthirsty warrior's eyes softened, his voice mellowing as he conceded, "Of course, my dear Cecilia. You're right, as always. Forgive me."
Alex stared, bewildered. 'Did my grandfather just transition from a bloodthirsty maniac into a docile, loving old man within moments? This family is literally insane. I thought Subaru had it tough, but this might actually be worse.'
Aliena chuckled softly, sensing her child's confusion as she held him closer. Samuel sighed, relaxing his stance, a quiet smile dancing on his lips.
The silence that followed was gentle, even comfortable. The tense atmosphere dissipated, replaced by a familial harmony Alex found comforting yet still somewhat alien.
"Alex," Aliena began softly, her tone gentle but carrying undeniable seriousness. Her golden eyes locked onto his, filled with calm understanding. "We know you're not a normal child."
Alex froze, his heart suddenly pounding hard in his tiny chest. His breath caught, eyes widening slightly in confusion. 'Not normal? Is she complimenting me, or... did they actually notice something?'
Samuel stepped closer, voice calm and measured. "From the very first moment we held you, we sensed something unique."
'Sensed something? Could they mean my rebirth? Or maybe even the system? But how?' Alex's thoughts began spiraling, though confusion rather than outright panic took hold. His training from his previous life kicked in, pushing him to analyze rather than panic.
"Nothing alarming," Cecilia interjected gently, clearly noticing his slight shift in demeanor. "You simply feel extraordinary—just like me, when I was young. I was quite the sensation back in my day!"
Alex felt his confusion deepen, though he relaxed slightly. 'Maybe I'm overthinking. Perhaps they're simply sensing my unusual strength or something superficial? Still, how deep does this go?'
Samuel continued quietly, observing Alex thoughtfully. "Whether you've experienced something extraordinary, or you're just naturally gifted, it doesn't matter. You are one of us."
'Naturally gifted, or extraordinary? Are they really aware of my rebirth? Or is it something else entirely? Who else might sense this?' Alex glanced subtly at each family member, studying their expressions for further clues. The careful, watchful gazes made him cautious.
"You're our family, Alex," Aliena reassured gently, her voice warm and comforting. "Nothing can change that."
A wave of reassurance washed over him, mixing with the lingering uncertainty. 'They accept me regardless? That's comforting, but...'
Before he could fully sort out his feelings, Cecilia clapped her hands together, eyes sparkling mischievously. "Oh! And of course, everyone should know how special your grandmother is! The empire will soon remember the magnificence of Cecilia Finch, all because of my extraordinary grandson's upcoming introduction ceremony!"
Alex's confusion increased, though amusement began creeping in. 'Is she seriously using my birth to boost her own reputation?'
Aliena shook her head slightly, exasperated but smiling. "Mother, don't frighten him. You know preparations take at least a month."
Samuel smoothly intervened, nodding thoughtfully. "The capital alone will need considerable time. It's home to billions, filled with enchanted structures, elaborate rituals, and dignitaries from neighboring kingdoms and federations."
"Speaking of neighbors," Woden's voice turned contemplative, "we'll have guests from the Aetherborn Dynasty and those Yokai Clans. They always make things unnecessarily complicated."
Cecilia laughed melodically. "Oh, come now, Woden, they add excitement! Especially the fox spirits—they bring the most delightful gifts."
"Don't forget," Samuel added cautiously, his expression becoming more serious, "Garfunkel and Klarice are also arriving."
Cecilia's laughter faded, replaced by an expression that was equal parts joy and worry. "My dear brother and sister, it's been far too long. Though Garfunkel's presence always brings its own complications."
Woden nodded slowly, his earlier sternness returning briefly. "Indeed. The previous emperor never comes without reason."
Aliena's expression softened into curiosity. "Have we heard anything from our cousins recently? They're usually the first to make their presence felt whenever Uncle Garfunkel and Aunt Klarice are involved."
Alex listened closely, carefully cataloging this new information about their neighbors, family complexities, and internal politics. It was essential knowledge, even if it was presented lightly.
'Interesting. Looks like things are far more intricate than I first thought.'
As his family continued their friendly banter, Alex quietly observed, gathering his thoughts. He would need to be prepared—not out of fear, but from a calculated caution learned in his past life.
The empire was vast, the politics complex, and he was only beginning to grasp the scale of his new world.