“Happy birthday, Feyt!”

The cheerful shout filled the main room of my house, which had been transformed overnight into a vibrant, if modest, party venue. 

Everyone was here. 

Mom and Dad were sitting on opposite ends of the table.

Ricent, my best friend, sitting with trembling excitement. His mom, Aunt Diane, sitting right next to Mom.

Eliza and Ressa, standing brightly at the end of the table. Coincidentally, both of them were in their casual clothes this time.

They all looked at me with eager and warm smiles. 

Our familiar, well-worn wooden table was now hidden beneath a pristine white cloth, and on it sat something I both expected and didn’t.

A cake.

But unlike last year’s charmingly homey effort, this one was… sophisticated. It was perfectly round, coated in a smooth, white icing, and adorned with an assortment of fruits and berries. It looked like it had been sent straight from the capital’s best patisserie into this small room.

“My, you look stunned,” Aunt Diane said, smiling from her seat next to my beaming mother. “You like it? Your mom and I worked really hard on it.”

“Don’t just stand there!” Mom chimed in, grabbing a small knife and cutting a smal slice with ease. She placed it on a simple wooden plate and thrust it toward me, her eyes sparkling. “Come on, come on. Eat it, and tell me what you think!”

Huh. She’s not drunk. 

I reluctantly took the plate. Picking up the fork, I stabbed a small piece. 

The inside was a rich, dark brown. 

Is this chocolate? 

But that was impossible. Chocolate was a luxury, especially to a family in a small village like mine. Where would they even get them from?  

Then, could this dark color come from raisins? Nuts? Bean paste? Would they even work in a cake?

I shook my head lightly. Assuming things won’t help. I’d just have to trust Mom and Aunt Diane’s hard work.

I took the first bite.

…Wow.

How… How is it this good?

“So? How is it?” Mom leaned forward, her expression a mix of pride and impatience.

I was speechless. Like, seriously speechless. The cake was perfectly sweet, the frosting light and not overly sweet, and the sponge was impossibly soft, melting on my tongue. And there was no doubt anymore… it was real, high-quality chocolate.

“This is… incredible,” I finally managed, swallowing the cake that shouldn’t be. “It’s like a cake straight from the capital.” 

But as I gave my praise… something caught my attention.

…How in the hell did this cake get here?

“But… the ingredients. The chocolate, the high-quality flour… this must have cost a lot… W-Where did you buy it?”

“Didn’t we just say?” Mom scoffed playfully. “We made it ourselves, silly.”

Since when did our village sell chocolates??

I took another bite, half-convinced the first bite was a fluke. It wasn’t. 

This wasn’t just a “cake we have at home” kind of cake; this was a professional-level cake, worthy of a high-end patisserie in the capital. Hell, it was even better than most cakes I have eaten as Carine, even with our two different taste buds, I could say that confidently.

“It’s that good, huh?” Aunt Diane chuckled at my visible confusion. “I had the chance to visit the capital recently on some business. I tried a few of the cakes there and even managed to learn a trick or two.”

“You were in the capital?” I asked, my mind latching onto anything other than the cake.

She nodded. “I was. I’d hoped to look you up, but I didn’t know where to start in that huge place.” She leaned forward conspiratorially. “So, yes, I was the one who bought the ingredients.”

“But Aunt Diane… this is too much.” 

I remembered the price tags I saw for chocolate whenever I took a walk around the capital. Though seeing it as Carine didn’t elicit much of a reaction, seeing it as Feyt nearly made my heart jump to the next town.

What if she ended up sending the bill to Mom and Dad? What if they had to eat bread and water soup for the rest of the month just to afford this cake?

“Y-You shouldn’t have spent so much on me. I-I don’t know if we can even repay you…”

“Sheesh, you complain a lot, huh?” Dad cleared his throat gently. “Feyt, you’re worrying too much. It’s your birthday. Just enjoy the cake, alright?”

“Yeah!” Ricent joined in. “My mom and your mom have worked really hard on it since yesterday. Shouldn’t you be a bit happier?”

Aunt Diane’s smile was warm and a little wistful. “You’re a mature one for your age, Feyt. But please, don’t worry about the cost.” She waved a dismissive hand. “The price of those chocolates is nothing compared to the debt I carry with your parents.”

“Debt?” I turned to Mom and Dad. “Seriously? She owed you guys money?”

Mom waved her hand frantically. “No, no, no! It’s nothing like that!”

Dad scratched his cheek, his eyes darting away. “W-Well, it wouldn’t be wrong to say she does… but we never wanted her to owe anything to us.”

“How can I possibly just receive your gift without paying it back?” Aunt Diane responded, facing both of them. “Without you two, I wouldn’t be as happy as I am today. So please, allow me to at least give Feyt the best cake for his birthday.”

“I know, I know! You already said that a few days ago.” Dad leaned back on his chair, facing me. “So, there you have it. Just enjoy the cake, okay? Don’t ruin the mood on your own birthday, got it?”

“R-Right…”

Looking at the sincere, happy faces around me, I decided to let my questions go for now. 

I took another, larger bite of the impossibly made cake. 

…

With the cake officially defeated, the real party began: the part where everyone roasts the birthday boy.

“Look at you,” Dad started, a massive grin on his face. “You look like you’ve got a pole strapped to your back. The capital’s been feeding you well, huh?”

“He looks so handsome!” Mom gushed, her eyes sparkling. “He even got a little chubby on the cheeks!”

I instinctively grabbed my cheeks.

No way, right? Did I really eat too much?

Then Dad’s grin turned evil. “So… How are things with Carine? She’s the one who’s got you standing all straight and proper, isn’t she?” He winked.

I felt my eyes twitch and my face heat up. “It’s not like that! Things are just professional between the two of us.”

“Yeah, sure, sure,” he chuckled, not buying it for a second.

Just as I was sinking into my chair from embarrassment, Mom dropped a bomb.

“Oh! And speaking of impressive things…” she said, her eyes lighting up. “Feyt! The other day, I heard something amazing from Ressa! You were amazing with the flute, weren’t you?!”

My blood went cold.

I flicked my glare towards the blonde-haired woman at the back. She didn’t dare return the gesture, instead opting ot stare at the ceiling. 

I shook my head again. I would deal with her later. I should at least respond before things get awkward.

“Uh. That?” I stammered. “Y-Yeah! I’ve been… practicing. You know. Sometimes. To relax.” 

That was a big fat lie.

But Mom’s face just lit up like a gimmering chandelier. “You have? That’s wonderful! I’m glad you like mommy’s gift! Now then, can you play for us? I want to see your progress!”

A chorus of “Yeah!” and “Please!” erupted from everyone. Even Eliza was looking at me with expectant smiles. Ressa had shifted to looking at the wall, though.

“Man… these walls really do need renovating, huh?” She muttered to herself.

Aside from her, I was cornered.

I had already lied about praticing the flute to Mom… I couldn’t bring myself to lie about not bringing the flute. I had brought it because I had a feeling I might need it, probably to test a theory out or two, but not like this.

“Alright, alright… Let me get the flute.”

And so, with the enthusiasm of a man walking to his own execution, I dragged myself up to my room and grabbed the still pristine flute box from my miscellaneous bag.

Back in the main room, I opened the case with a silent sigh. The flute sat there, judging me… 

I took a deep breath, raised it to my lips…

And a familiar feeling of flow washed over me once more.

The second my fingers touched the surface, it was like a switch flipped. The panic vanished. My lungs steadied. A single, clear note rang out, followed by another.

And then, I just… played.

A melody I’d never heard flowed out, a mix of village simplicity and royal elegance. It was nostalgic and peaceful, wrapping around the room like a warm blanket. Like the wind itself had serenaded my party.

I saw Mom’s hand fly to her chest, her eyes getting misty. Dad’s teasing smirk had completely vanished, replaced by pure, unadulterated shock. Ricent was frozen, being still, probably for the first time in his life.

Aunt Diane had a soft, knowing smile. Eliza’s gentle smile was gone, replaced by wide-eyed fascination. Ressa’s eyes finally looked at me, also with wide awe.

The music just poured out of me, holding everyone captive.

The last note faded into a stunned silence.

No one moved. No one spoke.

Well… that wasn’t a fluke.

The silence lasted for around three seconds.

Then, Mom exploded into motion, clapping her hands together. “Oh, my dear Feyt! That was beautiful! I knew giving you a flute was the best choice!”

Hmm… why do I feel guilty right now?

Aunt Diane let out a long, relieved sigh, as if she’d just put down a heavy burden. “I don’t think I’ve felt that calm in years,” she said, looking genuinely amazed. “Feyt, that was incredible. I have heard many musicians play before, but I have to admit, you’re the best one I’ve heard.”

I feel like she just undermined someone’s entire life with that comment.

She leaned forward on the table, a smirk on her face. “How would you like to play at my tavern sometime? I’d pay you, of course! I wouldn’t mind some calming music to play for that rowdy bunch.”

“Whoa! Yes! You totally should!” Ricent yelled, jumping up from his chair. “You’d be famous! They’ll call you the Music Knight or something!”

“Music… knight?”

This world’s naming sense hasn’t improved, huh?

“I appreciate the offer, Aunt Diane. Had I not chosen to join the academy, I would love to do that. For now, though…”

“Alright, alright,” Aunt Diane conceded with a warm smile. “But the offer stands. If you ever change your mind.”

Looking around the room, at the simplistically decorated room, at the empty plates with cake crumbs, at all their proud, warm expressions… a genuine wave of gratitude washed over me. After all I had been through, I… needed this kind of warmth.

With the impromptu concert over, it was time for the main event.

“Alright, enough gawking,” Dad announced, his voice booming with pride. “Time for gifts!” 

He reached behind his chair and pulled out a beautifully carved wooden object. It was a pen holder, shaped like a miniature, stylized knight holding a quill aloft. The craftsmanship was incredibly detailed. 

“Whoa, Dad, did you carve this out yourself?”

He held a prideful smirk as he held the pen holder. “Yep! All me!” He placed it firmly on the table. “For your studies at the academy. A student needs to keep his desk in order, right?”

“Thanks, Dad,” I said, genuinely touched by the thoughtful, practical gift. “It’s perfect.”

Then, it was Mom’s turn. She looked like she was about to vibrate out of her seat with excitement. “After hearing you play like that, I finally know I have chosen the perfect gift!” She presented a long, sleek case. 

It looked like the case was made with leather. It had clasps to keep itself closed and a handle for carrying. On top of the case held a symbol, or rather, a name.

Torenkeid.

Now… where had I heard that before?

Then it clicked. 

Villius. And his family of instrument makers.

Don’t tell me…

It’s another—?!

Mom opened the clasps.

Inside, resting on plush velvet, was a violin.

I was right!!!

“Do you like it?” she asked, her eyes shining. “I thought you could try a new instrument! Who knows? That could be your Talent, Feyt!”

My mind was reeling. 

First, the impossible cake, now a real deal violin? One carrying his name of all things?!

I stared at my parents, these simple village folk. “Mom… Dad… are we… like… secretly rich or something?”

Dad just burst out laughing. “Don’t be silly! That thing actually costs pretty reasonably. And don’t worry, we didn’t dip into any savings for it or anything.”

It’s almost like they have a secret job or something.

The guilt from the flute lie intensified, now mixed with a heavy dose of performance anxiety. Mom totally had a lot more expectations now.

I can’t even play the violin…

…or can I?

Next was Aunt Diane. She handed me a familiar, lovingly stitched cloth bag. “I’m sorry it’s the same as last year,” she said, smiling apologetically. “Aromatic herbs for your room. It’s the best thing I can make, besides cooking a good meal.” She chuckled.

“Don’t apologize,” I said, taking the bag and inhaling the calming scent. “I love these. They helped me sleep many nights at the estate. Thank you.”

Besides, she had already given me enough with that cake.

Finally, all eyes turned to Ricent. He’d been trembling with barely contained energy this whole time, practically buzzing in his seat.

“So,” I said, turning to him with a warm, teasing grin. “What did you get me? Let me guess… another awesome rock?”

But Ricent couldn’t hold it in anymore. Whatever it was, it seemed that my question was the final push. He exploded to his feet, his hands slamming on the table.

“Feyt!” he announced, his voice cracking with excitement.

I instinctively took a step back. “W-What is it?”

“My gift!” he pointed a finger at me. “Is that you won’t be lonely anymore!!”

I blinked. “Uh… what?”

Did he find a rock in his image or something?

I looked at Mom, Dad, and Aunt Diane. They were all smiling with warm, knowing smiles. Ricent thrust a triumphant thumbs-up at his own chest, his grin so wide it looked like it might split his face.

“I, Ricent, have been blessed with a magical Talent!” he announced.

I blinked. “Huh?”

“And of course, that means—!” He pointed at me again. “I’ll be going to the Royal Knights with you!” he said with a wide, beaming smile.

The world froze.

My brain short-circuited. The pen holder, the violin, the herbs… everything faded into the back burner.

All I could do was stare at my best friend’s ecstatic face and utter a single, intelligible syllable.

“Huh?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep