Alaric, when hearing the child in front of him introduce himself as Altair, could only smile wryly, thinking how fate was mocking him.

"You have a really nice name," he praised Altair, making the boy smile broadly at his words.

For a moment both of them looked at each other and Alaric saw his reflection in the pair of Altair's eyes.

If only fate didn't take Aleksis from his side, maybe they too could have a son like this.

That thought made him even sadder. He almost looked as though he was mourning in front of Altair. Finally, he took a deep breath and decided to stay away. If he were to be with this child any longer, he would be reminded even more of his own misfortune and how fate was playing with him mercilessly.

"Aren't your parents looking for you?" he asked after a while.

"Ah... Well, I've asked permission to play here while waiting for our puppy to come. They know I'm here anyway..."

"Puppy?" Alaric asked with interest.

"Yeah... Daddy said we could have a new puppy if we helped write on the invitation cards. And our puppy will be coming today." Speaking of it, Altair's face glowed with joy and happiness. As if it was contagious, Alaric also smiled.

"I'm glad to hear that. You're lucky. I've never had a pet," Alaric said. He only kept plants because they wouldn't die if they're often left behind, he thought.

This child seems to have a very happy family.

"Whoa... What a pity. You can play with our puppy when she comes." Altair held Alaric's hand sympathetically. "We have a very cute dog, but he died of old age, so now Daddy is giving us a new one."

"Hmm... Thank you. I'll stop by when your dog has arrived later," Alaric said with a smile. He held the boy's hand in return. For a moment, they held hands like that, without feeling awkward in the slightest.

"Uncle, are you a guest here? I've never seen you before," Altair voiced.

Alaric nodded. "I came too early, so I'll just take a little walk around here."

"Ah... Okay. There's a lake over there if you liked fishing. There are lots of butterflies over here, and next to it, there's a small forest with lots of rabbits."

"Thank you. I'll be going first then." Alaric let go of his hand and nodded towards Altair. He then walked away from the child, putting his hands into his pockets. He didn't want to linger any longer, as he was afraid that he would become increasingly fond of the child.

Altair only stared at Alaric's back, which was getting farther from him. His head tilted to the left watching the man's movements and, a moment later, a smile graced his face. Altair realized that the uncle was just like him.

At first glance, one would think that he was a woman because his face had delicate lines, but his tall, sturdy body looked undoubtedly manly and masculine.

Of course, that uncle must have often been mistaken for a woman when he was little, just like me, Altair inwardly thought, nodding. But now, as an adult, of course, people would no longer mistakenly thought he was a woman because of his tall and sturdy body. Meaning that, later, when I become an adult, I can look like him. Really manly and handsome!

That thought made Altair happy, humming as he walked back to the Medici Castle.

***

Cars started arriving at the main entrance in the castle yard and one by one the Schneider family members entered the castle to celebrate Aleksis' birthday before she got married tomorrow. Flora and Louis came first and they brought some of the best bottles of wine and a bouquet of flowers, followed by their two children, Garnet and Alexandrite together with their respective wives.

Kara and Jaedith welcomed their arrival at the door with happy faces. Kara, who had been in a relationship with Jadeith for several years, was very happy because she could finally meet and be introduced to Jadeith's parents. They immediately embraced each other and talked warmly.

The luxury car that brought Ned and Portia arrived soon after. Aleksis, who had heard about their arrival, hurried out of the castle to greet them personally.

"Welcome, Aunt Portia ... Uncle Ned ..." She bowed like a perfect lady and, for several seconds, Portia was momentarily stunned to see her.

Aleksis wore a red dress that wrapped perfectly around her beautiful body and showed off her long legs. Her beautiful face did not need any makeup at all, and it made her look so modest yet so charming.

Her thick honey-colored hair extended beautifully on her back, and it framed her face perfectly. Even Portia, who was known as the most beautiful woman in the Alchemist clan, was impressed to see her.

"Good evening," Portia smiled sweetly, staring at the beautiful woman with the perfect manner in front of her. "What is your name?"

"My name is Aleksis Schneider, I'm my father's daughter," Aleksis replied with a friendly smile. "Caspar Schneider."

"Oh ..." Portia and Ned looked at one another in surprise.

Right at that moment, the car carrying Alaric arrived in the yard and stopped right next to Ned's car. Alaric, who had seen his adopted parents standing at the entrance, immediately went out of the car to approach them.

"Father, Mother ..." He greeted them. Portia and Ned turned toward him, and only then did Alaric see the girl who had been talking to his adopted parents.

Instantly he stopped in his tracks and stood fixed in his place. His body froze and Alaric could not take his eyes from the girl.

"Eli ... you came too," Portia smiled at him. "This is Aleksis Schneider, the bride. Lauriel's future daughter-in-law."

For a brief moment, Alaric thought that he was in his Holodeck space because suddenly Aleksis was standing in front of him. His eyes instantly became foggy.

Meanwhile, Aleksis had noticed the newly arrived man and she was immediately impressed.

Was this the famous adopted son of Portia and Ned? she thought. She heard the man call them father and mother before.

"I will look for Uncle Rory so he can come and meet you. He will be very happy." Aleksis nodded kindly and invited her guests inside.

Not only her face ... but her body ... and her voice too ... they all resembled Aleksis'.

Alaric was so confused.