A violent blizzard tore through the night air, wreaking havoc across the Aldrich Territory. Snow and hail battered against the wooden houses scattered throughout the village, their rooftops creaking beneath the relentless storm. Fierce winds howled through the empty streets, carrying sheets of snow that swallowed the roads whole. Not a single soul dared remain outside. The village was deathly silent—so quiet that not even the squeak of a mouse could be heard beneath the roar of the storm.

Overlooking the village atop a gentle hill stood the manor of the Aldrich family.

Though modest compared to the grand castles of dukes and royalty, the manor still carried an air of noble prestige. Built from gray stone and dark timber, the estate stood firm against the blizzard as warm golden light spilled from its tall windows. A wrought-iron gate guarded the entrance while a pair of armored knights stood watch despite the freezing winds. Beyond the gates stretched a courtyard dusted in white snow, lined with frozen hedges and stone pathways barely visible beneath the storm.

Inside the manor, however, the atmosphere was far warmer.

Baron Ashton Aldrich paced anxiously back and forth through the hallway outside the bedchamber, his polished boots echoing against the wooden floor.

His normally composed appearance had long since fallen apart. He bit nervously at his thumb while glancing repeatedly toward the closed door.

Then, with a soft creak, the door slowly opened.

A weary-looking maid stepped out from the room, exhaustion clear on her face.

Before Ashton could bombard her with questions, she gave a tired smile and bowed her head slightly.

"My lord, the baroness is safe," she said gently. "And... congratulations. It’s a healthy baby boy."

The tension instantly vanished from Ashton’s face, replaced by overwhelming relief.

His eyes widened slightly.

"Can I see them?"

The maid gave a small nod.

"Yes, my lord. The baroness is waiting for you."

Without another word, Ashton hurried into the room.

Warm candlelight illuminated the bedchamber, the crackling fireplace pushing back the cold of the storm outside.

The scent of herbs and burning wood lingered in the air.

Lying against the bed was Baroness Elena Aldrich.

Her silver-blonde hair clung slightly to her face, and exhaustion weighed heavily in her eyes, yet despite her fatigue, a gentle smile rested upon her lips.

Beside her lay a small bundle wrapped tightly in blankets.

A very loud bundle.

The baby’s cries filled the room as Ashton carefully approached the bedside. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he lifted the child into his arms.

The crying softened almost immediately.

For a moment, Ashton simply stared.

The child was tiny—far smaller than he expected. Little tufts of dark hair rested atop his head while his small hands weakly grasped at the air.

Ashton found himself speechless.

His wife let out a faint laugh at the stunned expression on his face.

"Say hello to our son, Ashton."

The baron swallowed hard, unable to tear his gaze away from the child in his arms.

"...He’s beautiful," he whispered quietly.

Elena smiled softly.

"Isn’t he adorable?"

A warm grin slowly spread across Ashton’s face as he looked down at the newborn boy.

"I’m certain," he said proudly, "that our Leon will grow up to accomplish great things."