Chapter Two: My Tenth Birthday (Part Two)

"Splash splash splash"

The moment I stepped into the restaurant, applause erupted. Before even entering, I had already prepared myself for this kind of occasion, knowing exactly when to use water magic to fake cry, what to say, and even my speech.

After all, I'm a man who knows how to read people's expressions.

All the servants of the manor were gathered here, including Edna and Alphonse. There were also some important figures, such as Salos, Philip, and the rarely seen Hilda.

"Silphie?"

But the first thing I saw was a girl with long, elfin ears, a white straw hat on her head, and a cheerful smile. She was clapping for me too. Did she come all the way from Buena Village to celebrate my tenth birthday? Ah~ As expected of Sylphie~ What am I going to do, I like you more and more~ It's been three years, and Sylphie has become so, so, so, so adorable~

"Hi~Lu~Fei~"

I ran towards Sylphie; if I could tackle her, that would be the best outcome.

"Ah?"

Just as I was about to pounce on Hilfi, I suddenly found myself being lifted up by the collar by someone. This person was dressed in unusually ornate clothing; although not as luxurious as Philip or Sauros, it was at least clear that he was a nobleman. He glared at me with resentment.

"Father... Father... You've come too..."

"Hey, I'm standing right here as your father, and the first thing you see is your girlfriend?"

"Ah... I'm sorry..."

Paul put me down, and everyone in the hall burst into laughter. This is the kind of atmosphere a birthday party should have.

Hearing Paul's words, Hilfi covered her blushing face and chuckled to herself. However, the young lady in a bright red dress, holding a large bouquet of flowers, didn't look so pleased.

"Happy birthday, Rudius."

Alice shoved the large bouquet of flowers into my hands, revealing a rare, adorable expression.

"Thank you so much."

"Humph."

I accepted the bouquet, while Alice crossed her arms and turned her face away haughtily. I found Alice's reaction today quite normal, given her personality. However, I was still very grateful to Alice, because today's birthday party was probably the result of her "whimsical request" to Sauros and Philip. After all, as the servants were discussing, I don't belong to the Bereas family. If the Notos family believes that Paul's son is under the protection of the Bereas family, then the Bereas family, Paul, and even I will face considerable trouble.

Happy birthday, Rudy.

At that moment, Sylphie also came over, looking at me with a delicate expression. At the same time, she opened her arms, ready to be embraced by me.

"Thank you, Silphie."

I hugged her without any hesitation, even though it might have been a bit too much for Alice.

When I turned around, oh dear, Alice's expression had undergone a terrifying change. Her smile was utterly twisted, a mixture of eight parts anger and two parts arrogance. If this weren't my birthday party, I probably would have been pinned to the ground and beaten unconscious by her.

After letting go of Silphie, I reached out and hugged Alice. I whispered in her ear, "Thank you, Alice."

Alice blushed instantly, her clothes and hair looking as if they had been painted red. She stammered, "..."

"No...you're welcome...who...who...who said it's your birthday today?"

When I turned my head again, I saw that Sylphie's expression had changed as well. Was she angry? No, she was smiling. She didn't seem angry at all, unlike Alice when she was obviously angry. Sylphie gave off an aura of quiet authority, which was quite intimidating, as if she might lose her life at any moment.

Is this the legendary battleground?

Hilda broke this stalemate.

Just as I was getting annoyed by the two of them, Hilda suddenly hugged me. She pressed me against her chest, and I almost suffocated. If God wants to punish me, please send me to hell through the law, instead of choking to death in face wash.

"Ugh! Ugh! Hah... Hah... Hah..."

I managed to break free, but Hilda still held me tightly.

She shouted, "From today onwards, Rudeus is our child! We'll treat you like our own son, and you'll be our adopted son—no! You'll be engaged to Alice!"

As she spoke, she looked at Philip and Paul, "Mr. Paul shouldn't have any objections, right? You agree, honey!"

"Huh?! Husband! Husband! What are you doing! Let go of me! Husband!"

Before Hilda could finish speaking, Philip ostentatiously led her out of the room.

Alice gave an awkward laugh, then composed herself, crossed her arms, and raised her head, saying, "Never mind Mother, I've prepared a gift that will give Rudeus a real surprise today."

"Oh?"

"Hmph, Alphonse, bring out the gift."

"Yes, miss."

Alphonse took out a long staff from the back of the room; just one glance was enough to tell that it must be very expensive.

I took the staff with both hands, and Alice began to introduce it. The staff had a name that perfectly suited it: The Arrogant Water Dragon King.

After listening to Alice's explanation, I hugged her again. "Thank you, Alice."

This time, Sylphie didn't have the same expression as before; it was clear she was happy along with me. However, she put her hands in front of her, looking shy.

"I'm sorry, Rudy, I didn't have time to prepare a gift."

"It's alright, I'm very happy that Sylphie came here..."

Before I could finish speaking, Hilfi kissed me on the cheek.

"This is my birthday present."

Ah, who am I? Where am I? I feel like I've entered paradise.

My face flushed red and hot, and I scratched the back of my head embarrassedly. "Thank...thank you for missing you, Shilufi..."

Then a huge shadow fell over us; it was Sauros, who was completely drunk.

"Everyone! Raise your glasses! Cheers to my grandson Rudius!"

"cheers!"

Chapter Three: My Tenth Birthday (Part 3)

"Mr. Philip, what do you expect a ten-year-old child to do for you?!"

"He doesn't need to do anything. He just needs to get engaged to Alice, and I'll take care of the rest. He can marry whoever he wants and go wherever he wants."

"I'm sorry, I can't agree to that."

……

When I woke up, I was lying on a sofa in the banquet hall, covered with a blanket. Perhaps a servant had put it on me. I only remember Lord Sauros raising his glass to begin the meal, and then Sylphie and I were taken to taste the cake Alice had made.

The unexpected harmony between the two of them:

"Rudius, come here quickly, this is something I personally helped to do."

"Yes, okay."

"You, come here too."

"Yes……"

Although the first dish she made tasted terrible, it was still delicious.

While Alice was enthusiastically describing the dish and how she bought the wand, Sylphie seemed to be constantly staring at the wine in Sauros's hand. However, due to age restrictions, Sylphie, Alice, and I couldn't drink alcohol yet, even though we had secretly had some on Alice's tenth birthday.

As I listened to Alice speak, I nodded along, and somehow I fell asleep.

The next room was the reception room, and I thought I could hear Paul and Philippe's voices. I lifted the blanket and crept to the reception room door, wondering what I could hear. Through the crack in the door, I saw Paul and Philippe inside, and Paul seemed quite agitated.

"Lord Rudeus, what are you doing?"

"Ughhhhh!"

Mr. Alphonse, the butler, suddenly appeared behind me, causing me to scream. At the same time, I pushed the door open.

Upon hearing my call, Paul and Philip's conversation came to an abrupt halt.

They both looked at me at the same time, Paul with a serious expression.

"Rudius, go to sleep."

"Yes, Father."

"Alphonse, take Rudius back to his room."

"Yes, young master."

As I was leaving, Philip gave me a wink. Was he signaling me to do something? In the three years I'd been here, I'd never noticed anything about him. It was only back in the library that we surprisingly hit it off regarding our shared interest in orcs. But sometimes I felt he was looking at me with a strange expression.

Although I was curious to know what they were talking about, sometimes it's better not to ask too many questions.

It seems that Sylphie and Alice have already been sent back to their rooms to rest. Is Sylphie alone in her room now?

"Mr. Alphonse, do you know where Sylph's room is?"

"Are you referring to the young lady who was traveling with Mr. Paul?"

"Yes."

"plz follow me."

"Thank you."

……

"Knock knock knock, is that you, Xilufei?"

She's probably already asleep. Indeed, it would take Paul a whole day to ride from Buena to Roya, meaning they must have set off this morning and are probably exhausted. It wouldn't be right to disturb Sylphie at this hour.

Well then, goodnight, Hilfi.

“Mr. Alphonse, let’s all go and rest.”

Good night, Lord Rudius.

Good night, Mr. Alphonse.

After Mr. Alphonse and I exchanged greetings, we went our separate ways back to our rooms. I hadn't expected Paul and Hilfi to attend today's banquet, given how far Bouyena village was from here, and Paul's stipulation that I couldn't have any contact with my family or Hilfi for the next five years—not even letters, let alone meetings. I really have to thank Paul for allowing me to see Hilfi today.

Back in my room, I naturally took off my clothes and went to sleep. Today was such a happy day, but Paul and Hilfi might be leaving tomorrow, and I'm a little reluctant to see them go. I wanted to spend more time with Hilfi, like giving her a kiss, a hug, or lifting her up high.

Just thinking about Sylphie makes me... hehehe... It's been three years, and Sylphie has become so much prettier. When I go back in two years, she'll definitely be a stunning beauty. Although her size might not have the same potential for development as Alice's, I'm not picky. After all, I'm a man who's going to build a harem all over the world!

"squeak……"

The door was pushed open. Who could it be?

At the same time, I heard the rustling sound of clothes being taken off, and the blanket being pulled back! Could it be... Sylphie!? No, Sylphie is already asleep, and she couldn't possibly know my room.

In that case, wouldn't that leave only Alice?

Alice is pretty good too, Oppai Fairy, thank you.

"No, Alice, but it would be nice to touch it."

Oops, I accidentally blurted out what was on my mind.

"I can't stand it, you little pervert, oh no, what can I do? You're my son, so I'm actually relieved that you have these thoughts."

Huh? Is that Paul?

I turned around, and Paul's arm was draped over me.

"Father, why have you suddenly come to my room?"

"What? Is it not okay? You seem very disappointed."

"Oh no, that's not true. It's getting late. Goodnight, Father."

"OK, good night."

How could I possibly sleep with a grown man lying next to me?

I don't know how long I've been lying here; it's probably already past midnight.

"Rudy, are you asleep?"

"No, Father."

"I want to ask you a question. What are your plans for the future?"

"Father, is that why you're asking?"

"It's nothing, just asking casually."

“Go to La Noah Magic University, and then…”

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like