062
Five waterfalls cascaded down with powerful streams of blue water inside the banquet hall.
Rainbows floating above and soap bubbles drifting everywhere were all products of magical engineering.
The ceiling, draped with deep blue curtains, was adorned with twinkling lights between the folds, adding to the hall’s beauty.
“Have you all heard about the youngest lady?”
“What kind of person must she be for the direct lineage to cherish her so dearly…?”
“I’m so curious.”
The delicate fans in the hands of noblewomen gathered in small groups fluttered gently.
Today’s topics of conversation revolved around three main issues.
The war with other races.
The unexpected visit of the Velarion family head.
And lastly, Shupetty Pashayen.
Rumors were especially abundant regarding Shupetty.
“They say she willingly reached out to help commoners who had fallen on the street?”
“Well, that’s understandable… since she herself is of commoner origin.”
“Still, it shows she has a noble heart.”
“That’s true.”
Eyes filled with curiosity sparkled.
These were people who wouldn’t hesitate to tear others down if given the chance. The fact that they were only speaking positively suggested that the rumors held some credibility.
“I heard she’s now under the family head’s patronage?”
“They say she’s already being treated as the most promising candidate for Resonator awakening.”
“It would be wonderful if she became close to my daughter.”
Noblewomen with daughters of a similar age discreetly placed gifts in their children’s hands.
A silent instruction—offer this to Shupetty Pashayen and befriend her.
“Never forget what happened to Ricardo. Do not upset her under any circumstances.”
“Be careful. The family head cherishes this child.”
Even those from collateral branches patted their children’s shoulders, reminding them repeatedly.
Just as the excitement in the hall reached its peak—
“The ruler of the rough seas. The one who leads the whales. The two pillars of Pashayen—the Family Head and the Resonator—are now entering!”
Creak!
The doors swung open, and with a loud announcement, the Family Head and the Resonator entered. Both were draped in deep blue cloaks, the symbol of Pashayen.
Following closely behind them was the deputy head, Violet.
“Violet is always so intimidating.”
“I agree… I mean, she inherited the Family Head’s temperament exactly.”
“Yes, and I heard that same temperament was passed down to Lord Leviwood as well.”
The once-lively banquet hall quieted down, whispers spreading in hushed tones.
The temperament of the Pashayen Family Head was a well-known topic of discussion behind closed doors.
There was an old belief—those who inherited Pashayen’s legacy also inherited ‘that’ temperament from the ancestral whale.
Cold, rational, and incapable of understanding human emotions.
It was a popular topic because it made for such an intriguing tale.
“But it seems Lady Cecilia isn’t attending?”
“Lord Leviwood is here, though…”
“She’s probably too busy preparing for war.”
The noblewomen never liked the arrogant and self-righteous Cecilia.
Besides, the fact that her hair turned into snakes when she was enraged was, honestly, a bit terrifying.
Because of that, any conversation about Cecilia quickly moved on—just as it always did.
“Oh, the Admiral’s family has arrived!”
“I heard Young Master Elzen has found a partner?”
“A half-elf, no less! I’m so curious. I’ve never seen one before.”
From behind fluttering fans, a strikingly handsome man appeared.
The eyes of the attendees were drawn to his dignified features, which remained impressive despite his age. Their gazes then slowly drifted downward.
“………!”
A baby, with soft pink hair identical to Elzen’s, was nestled securely in Diegon’s arms.
He had chosen to carry his daughter in, not even allowing her to walk, as if she were far too precious.
Standing at the center of the banquet hall, Diegon took a slow, deliberate look around the room.
At that moment, everyone understood.
This was a warning.
I treasure my daughter deeply. Watch your words and actions.
That unspoken message, though brief, was etched clearly into everyone’s minds.
“Well then, now that our main character has arrived, let the banquet begin.”
With the Family Head’s command, the orchestra’s music resounded powerfully.
The banquet had officially begun.
***
“Owaaah!”
As I entered the hall in the Admiral’s arms, the very first thing I did was scan the area for food.
Why? Because the kitchen staff had secretly told me something amazing.
Today, they had prepared an incredibly delicious chocolate cake!
It wasn’t a big cake that would be sliced like at a child’s birthday party. Instead, they had made small, individual portions for easy serving.
I was so excited that I barely slept last night, wondering what it would taste like.
Would it be okay if I had one right away?
Even though I was anxious, I patiently waited for the Admiral to put me down, trying my best to stay well-behaved.
I also made sure to greet everyone politely when they greeted me.
“Alright, you may go now. You should make some friends.”
“Mm, okay!”
But honestly, I was more interested in the chocolate cake than making friends!
‘White chocolate cake, dark chocolate cake, caramel chocolate cake… They all have different flavors!’
Chocolate was both expensive and a rare import, so I didn’t get to eat it often.
That’s why today, I planned to eat ten pieces—one for each flavor.
[The Water Spirit King ‘■■■■’ warns that eating that much will rot your teeth.]
‘Then I’ll only eat nine.’
[The Water Spirit King ‘■■■■’ firmly says you should only have five.]
“Hmph.”
As I reached the long dining table, I pouted slightly at the glowing letters that filled my vision.
But good food should be shared with everyone. Yeah, that’s right!
It wouldn’t be fair if I ate ten all by myself.
“Alright, then I’ll choose my five pieces carefully.”
Even though they all looked the same, I decided to pick the ones with the biggest chocolate decorations on top.
Holding my plate tightly with both hands, I carefully placed the chocolate cakes onto it.
Then, as I gazed down at them, I smiled happily.
“Hey, Chubby. You’re starting with food first?”
“Mm. Brother, you should eat too.”
“I’ll pass on the chocolate.”
“But it’s delicious…”
It’s way tastier than apple pie or roasted sweet potatoes!
If Brother Mikard doesn’t want his, maybe I can eat it instead?
I was tempted, but I quickly shook off the thought.
“We have to share.”
“Oh? You know how to share?”
“Of course!”
But the first bite wasn’t mine.
Even though I really, really wanted to eat it!
Even though I wanted to grab one and take a big bite right away!
I held back, carefully balancing my plate, and hurried over to the Admiral.
“Admiral!”
It was hard to weave through the crowd, but I managed to squeeze my way through!
“Here, this is for you.”
“Hmm?”
“Happy birthday!”
I grinned as I held out the plate, and for a moment, the Admiral fell silent.
His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but then closed again.
After a brief hesitation, he slowly reached out and gently patted my head.
“Thank you, my daughter.”
“Hehe.”
“My little glutton held back from eating just to bring this to me first.”
“Yep! Because the main character has to eat the cake first!”
Diegon stared at the chocolate cake in silence.
The thoughtfulness behind the gesture was so touching that he couldn’t find the words to speak.
‘My heart feels full.’
Was there another child like this in the world?
How could she be so considerate of others?
Everyone knew how much she loved food.
On the way here, she had mentioned chocolate cake at least a dozen times.
And yet, she chose to offer it to him first.
“Oh my! What a kind-hearted child. She is destined for greatness!”
“Indeed! She’s absolutely adorable!”
“Look at that—she’s already taking care of her father. Such a filial daughter!”
Noticing the mood, the nobles around them quickly chimed in with praises.
But it wasn’t just flattery—Shupetty’s actions were genuinely admirable.
“My daughter is definitely a good child. Did I ever tell you how amazing she is?”
Diegon’s lips twitched slightly, pleased by all the compliments.
Just as he was about to launch into a proud father’s speech—
“But there’s no candle.”
“Candle?”
“You have to blow out a candle and make a wish!”
I was serious.
At daycare, we always did it that way.
For kids born in the same month, they would put lots of candles on the cake so everyone got a chance to blow one out.
“If there’s no candle, you can’t make a wish!”
Oh no. What should we do?
