Chapter 111
Leonhard’s eyes suddenly popped open, revealing his bright red eyes. He blinked a few times before breaking into a wide grin and jumping out of bed.
“It’s my birthday!”
He had enjoyed Hestia and Luciard’s engagement party so much the day before that he had no idea when he fell asleep. But the familiar sight of his room and the warm sunlight streaming through the window reminded him that today was his special day.
His little heart started pounding with excitement. Although birthdays were always enjoyable, but this one seemed to be the most memorable.
“Hehe, Mom, Dad! It’s my birthday today!”
He spoke to the portraits of Icarus and Flora hanging on the wall. At first, just looking at them made him sad and tearful. But now, he had gotten used to it—maybe because he had found other people just as precious as them. So, Instead of crying, he had started talking to their portraits every morning and night.
“Hestia and Uncle told me to look forward to today! I wonder what they planned!”
Leonhard giggled, feeling as if the two people in the portrait were smiling even more warmly.
Just then, the door opened, and Daisy walked in. She was surprised to see Leonhard already awake.
“You’re up early, young master!”
“Good morning, Daisy! It’s my birthday today!”
“Of course! I know very well. Happy birthday, young master. Here’s a gift from me.”
She smiled warmly and handed him a small present. Leonhard beamed as he took it.
“Can I open it?”
“Of course!”
Excitedly, he carefully unwrapped the present—and immediately cheered up.
“It’s a stuffed toy! Huh? A teddy bear dressed like a knight!”
“I noticed you’ve been playing with the knight dolls with the youngest Frost boy lately, so I made this one myself.”
“Wow! You made it again? I love it!”
Leonhard happily ran over to his pile of stuffed toys. Over the years, he had received many gifts, but there was a special collection of teddy bears—ones that Daisy had made for him every year since he was born.
Placing the new teddy bear next to them, he could see how they had changed over time.
“I love it! From now on, I’ll sleep hugging this one!”
He picked up the teddy bear he had been sleeping with—last year’s gift from Daisy—and swapped it with the new one.
Daisy’s teddy bears were his most precious toys. He might grow out of stuffed animals one day, but as long as she could, Daisy wanted to keep making them for him.
“Daisy, you’re the best! You have to stay with me forever, okay?”
Leonhard suddenly hugged Daisy tightly. Since he was still small, he only reached her waist, but Daisy bent down and gently wrapped her arms around him.
“Of course, young master. I’ll stay by your side until the very end.”
Seeing his bright smile, Daisy was reminded of Flora when she was little. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away and spoke cheerfully.
“Alright! If you want to have fun today, you need to eat a good breakfast and get ready for the party!”
“Okay! Let’s wash up and go to the dining room!”
“Actually, young master, you’ll have breakfast here today.”
“Huh? Why?”
“You need to get dressed up, and if you go downstairs now, you’ll see everyone too soon. Wouldn’t it be more exciting to meet them all at the party when you’re fully ready?”
“Hmm… That sounds fun! Okay!”
As the maids brought in his breakfast, Leonhard happily received birthday wishes from the servants, officially starting his special day.
“Wow, young master! You look amazing!”
“Who did you take after to be this handsome?”
The maids who had helped dress him up were overwhelmed by his cuteness, gasping in admiration.
Leonhard puffed up proudly.
“I take after my mom and dad!”
“Of course! They were such a beautiful couple.”
“Today, the star of the party is definitely our young master!”
“Obviously! It’s my birthday!”
Leonhard laughed, looking at himself in the mirror.
Since it was summer, he wore knee-length pants and a shirt with a vest. The cream-colored outfit had green and gold accents, making it elegant yet cheerful—perfect for him. His hair was neatly brushed back, revealing his round forehead.
“You’re all ready, young master!”
“Guests must be arriving now. Shall we head out?”
“Yes!”
Leonhard, too excited to stay still, rushed out into the hallway.
As he ran down the corridor, a big smile spread across his face.
He wanted to hear birthday wishes from the Blaze Mercenaries, play with the Frost siblings, and see all the guests who had come for him. But most of all—
‘I want to see Hestia and Uncle!’
They loved him the most, and he was eager to find out what special gifts and party they had prepared.
He had no idea what the party would be like because he hadn’t been told anything.
Unlike yesterday, today’s celebration was supposed to take place in the hall.
When Leonhard finally reached the hall, he caught his breath.
Daisy smiled and asked, “Shall we open the door?”
“Yes!”
Leonhard gulped in excitement and pushed the doors open. He expected a grand welcome with cheers, music, and a dazzling party—
But instead…
“Huh?”
The hall was completely dark.
Confused, Leonhard turned to Daisy.
“Daisy, isn’t the party supposed to be here?”
“Oh my, that’s what I heard. Shall we go inside and take a look?”
Feeling slightly disappointed, Leonhard pouted and stepped inside.
But as soon as he did, the light from the doorway behind him slowly faded.
Then—click.
The door shut, and the room became completely dark.
“Daisy?”
He called her name, but there was no response.
Suddenly feeling nervous, Leonhard turned back toward the door, about to reach for it when—
Ssshhh!
A small sound echoed, and suddenly, bright lights flared up.
The sudden brightness made him squint, but when he opened his eyes fully, he gasped.
“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!”
The once-dark hall was now filled with people.
The grand chandelier sparkled, the room was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and ribbons, and a huge crowd had gathered.
Still stunned, Leonhard focused on two people standing at the front—
Hestia and Luciard.
“Happy birthday, dear Leonhard!”
“Happy birthday to you!”
They walked toward him, carrying a cake.
Leonhard’s lips quivered, and his eyes filled with tears.
Hestia and Luciard hesitated.
“Wait… is he going to cry?”
“See? I told you a surprise was a bad idea!”
They whispered to each other, looking worried.
Hearing them, Leonhard quickly wiped his eyes and grinned.
“Thank you! I was so surprised! I thought I went to the wrong place!”
Relieved that he wasn’t crying, Hestia and Luciard smiled.
“Happy birthday, young master!”
“Blow out the candles before the wax melts!”
“Okay!”
Just before blowing the candles, Leonhard clasped his hands together and closed his eyes.
‘I hope I stay this happy forever!’
Then he blew out the candles in one strong puff.
The room filled with applause.
“Happy birthday, young master!”
“Congratulations on your 8th birthday!”
“Thank you, everyone!”
Holding Hestia’s hand, Leonhard smiled brightly as guests came forward, each giving him gifts.
With so many presents piling up, the room soon looked like a treasure trove.
Then, the Blaze Mercenaries and the Frost family stepped up.
“We heard you’ll start sword training soon, so we all pitched in to get you a good wooden sword. It should last until you turn ten!”
“Wow! I needed one! Thank you!”
The Frost siblings also handed over gifts they had bought with their own money.
“This is the third doll in the knight series! I saved up the money for it myself, so I don’t even have one yet!”
“I got you a fancy quill and ink! Try using them when you study.”
“A glass chessboard! Get better at chess so we can play together next time!”
Leonhard was deeply touched that they had chosen gifts just for him.
Finally, the Frost couple stepped forward with a stunning present.
“It might be too early to use now, but when you’re older, this will be useful.”
“Or you could wear it now! Should we pin it on you?”
It was a large ruby brooch.
It looked just like Leonhard’s eyes, and more importantly, it matched his outfit perfectly.
“Thank you so much, everyone! I love everything!”
Seeing how Leonhard cherished even the smallest gifts, everyone smiled warmly.
After that, he cut the huge five-tier cake and shared it with everyone, officially starting the fun birthday party.
As they chatted and enjoyed the celebration, Eric suddenly realized something.
“Wait a second! The Young Master’s outfit looks just like Lady Hestia and Sir Luciard’s!”
“Huh?”
Leonhard, who had just taken a big bite of chocolate cake, looked confused. He turned to check Hestia and Luciard’s outfits. Then, he looked down at his own clothes.
“It’s true?!”
Just like Leonhard, they were wearing cream and green outfits.
Hestia wore a cream-colored dress with emerald accessories and embroidered details.
Luciard wore a green outfit with a cream cravat, handkerchief, and gold accents, creating a look that perfectly matched Leonhard’s outfit.
“We were wondering when you’d notice. You took so long!”
“Did you match your outfits with mine on purpose?”
“Of course! You once said you wanted to match outfits with us, right? So we planned this as a surprise for you.”
“Do you like it?”
“Yes! It makes us look like a real family! I love it so much!”
Yesterday, Hestia had officially become Luciard’s fiancée, making them feel even closer. And now, with their matching outfits, Leonhard felt like they were truly one.
The bright smile on his face didn’t fade even for a moment.
• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •By Freya• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •
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