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At Shupetty’s adorable concern, laughter erupted all around.
This time, there was no pretense—everyone was genuinely enjoying the moment together.
“Does anyone have a candle?”
“Can’t we find one?”
“How about calling the head maid?”
After some ups and downs, the head maid finally brought a candle.
It was an expensive candle with a relief of an angel soaring in flight.
Of course, a birthday cake usually required thin, delicate candles, but those were mostly used by commoners. In the Duke’s household, only thick, sturdy candles were available—there was no other choice.
Soon, everyone turned their curious eyes toward Shupetty.
They were eager to see what she intended to do with it.
“Alright, now we light the candle.”
A youthful voice instructed calmly.
“And now, we have to clap our hands and sing.”
Sing?
In Baratheum, there was no such tradition of clapping hands and singing for birthdays.
Naturally, everyone was curious.
What kind of song would it be?
“Happy birthday to you~! Happy birthday to you~! Dear Ad~ mi~ ral~! Happy birthday to you~…!”
As the baby’s song filled the room, even those who had been in a foul mood since morning couldn’t help but smile.
“This is the best birthday present, Your Excellency.”
“Indeed. For your daughter to compose and sing a song for you herself!”
“I’m so jealous. I wish I had a daughter too… sniff!”
The child, eyes sparkling with excitement, had her hands clasped tightly together, while her father stood speechless, overwhelmed with emotion.
In such a moment, all that was left to do was shower them with praise.
Diegon tried his best to steady his heart, which swelled with emotion at the sweet compliments that felt like sugar.
They say that when you grow older, all you have left is pride in your children—and it was true.
He was proud of his two sons as well, but… the emotions his daughter brought him were indescribable.
“Thank you.”
His low voice carried a tremor.
For Diegon, there had never been a more perfect birthday than today.
***
After a lively dance, it was time for another round of conversation.
The day had passed considerably, and now the sunset was beginning to paint the sky outside the window.
With the cake completely devoured and my stomach full of happiness, I sipped on orange juice.
And not just any orange juice—it was served in a wine glass!
It made me feel so grown-up, and I couldn’t help but feel proud.
But then—
“The Master of Shadows, the Head of House Velarion, and Lady Velarion have arrived!”
A loud announcement echoed from the doorway.
The adults murmured in excitement, gathering near the entrance.
Being small, I couldn’t see who had arrived at all.
Click, clack.
But the elegant sound of footsteps on the marble floor rang clearly in my ears.
“The second moonshadow of Velarion greets the Head of House Pashayen.”
“…….!”
That voice—it was Crescent Moon Sister!
I peeked through the flowing skirts of the gathered guests, my face lighting up.
It was that sister! I’d been wanting to see her so much!
‘I thought I’d have to wait until the friendly match to see her again.’
Excitedly, I bounced on my feet, but sister didn’t look my way.
Well, of course not—
She was in the middle of greeting the Master of the house.
‘The chocolate cake was so good… There’s still a lot left. Should I bring her some?’
Since she arrived late, the beautifully decorated cake had already been eaten up, but I still wanted to give her the prettiest piece I could find.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“Thanks to you, I haven’t gone thirsty.”
“Haha! That’s good to hear. We, too, have spent our nights without fear.”
The head of House Velarion looked exactly like Crescent Moon Sister.
The first thing that stood out was his sharp nose and jawline, as if they could cut through paper.
He was tall and slender, with soft silver hair and striking red eyes.
Even though I didn’t really understand fashion, I could tell he had an impressive physique.
What surprised me the most, though, was how young he looked.
He seemed about the same age as the Admiral!
“Well, well. Since it’s been so long since we’ve met, why don’t we have a private conversation?”
“Indeed.”
With both heads of the noble houses standing together, the atmosphere suddenly felt so overwhelming that I instinctively covered my nose and mouth with both hands.
As I stood there, Sister Diorose turned toward me and gave a small wave.
‘She remembers me!’
Today, I have to ask her about the cats and dogs she raises.
Just as I made up my mind, I overheard some voices.
“Lady Velarion! I heard you’ve already made a name for yourself in the capital’s social circles!”
“The imperial palace is on a whole different level compared to the local society. And yet, even there, they say you carry yourself with exceptional grace!”
“I’m so jealous… I wish I could attend just one of Lady Velarion’s social gatherings.”
A social gathering? Like the ones Angela hosts?
I never really cared about those things before, but suddenly, I was interested.
“Ah, the Lady is coming this way!”
“I want to greet her… Do you think she’ll acknowledge me?”
Ugh, but there are too many people!
If I waited my turn, I’d probably have to stand at the very back.
So, I slowly backed away.
I was already short—if I got buried in a sea of skirts, I’d completely disappear!
“Oh my, how adorable.”
I had planned to wait my turn, but before I knew it—
I found myself being hugged tightly by Sister Diorose.
“I just want to squeeze you! How can you be this cute?”
“…I’m not a doll, you know.”
“Of course, you’re not a doll.”
The beautiful sister smiled playfully.
As I stared up at her, I glanced around and then leaned in to whisper in her ear.
“Can we pretend we don’t know each other?”
“That might be a little difficult.”
“Got it. Then today is the first time we’ve ever met.”
Since we were from rival families, it somehow felt like we shouldn’t be caught acting too familiar.
Nodding firmly, I pointed toward the table.
“Since we’re meeting for the first time today, do you want to eat some chocolate cake with me?”
“That sounds like a great idea.”
This way, everyone would think we were just getting to know each other.
Feeling proud of my plan, I grabbed a piece of white chocolate cake that I had been eyeing.
“Here, this one’s for you. It’s really tasty.”
“Oh no, it looks too good to eat!”
Despite saying that, she cut the cake in half and offered a piece to me.
“Shall we share it?”
“But… but it’s so delicious. You should eat a whole piece!”
“It’s okay. Half is enough for me. Sharing makes me even happier.”
Well… if that’s the case, there’s no helping it!
[The Water Spirit King ‘■■■■’ suggests that we promise to stop eating at this point.]
‘Okay, I promise!’
I still wanted to eat more, but this was an unexpected treat.
As sister and I happily ate our cake together, other young ladies began gathering around us.
“Do you like living in Pashayen?”
“Yeah! There’s lots of yummy food, and everything is great!”
“Oh my, but if you ever get tired of your home, promise me you’ll tell me. You can come live with me instead.”
“Why would I stop liking my home?”
I wished Sister Diorose could live with us too.
Our house was the best!
Thinking that, I happily finished off the rest of my cake.
As I wiped my mouth with a napkin, I suddenly froze.
At some point, Aunt Cecilia had arrived.
“I have a question.”
I had been so caught up in the party and preparing for the Admiral’s birthday that I had completely forgotten about something.
A thought suddenly popped into my head, and I urgently called for Sister Diorose.
Then, lowering my voice, I whispered to her,
“Do shadows ever ripple?”
“Shadows?”
“Yeah. I thought you might know best.”
I hadn’t told the Admiral about this yet.
It had been dark at the time, so I wasn’t sure if I had just imagined it.
Sister Diorose didn’t answer immediately.
But I noticed her long, elegant eyelashes fluttering a couple of times.
Somehow, that felt like a silent confirmation.
I wiggled my toes anxiously.
[The Fire Spirit King ‘■■■■■’ suggests telling the adults as soon as the banquet ends.]
[The Water Spirit King ‘■■■■’ advises leaving the judgment to the adults.]
“Okay, I’ll do that.”
If I had just imagined it, they would tell me so.
But then—
Something happened.
