[If only that wasn’t your birthday.]
[If only you weren’t the nominal host.]
[If only…]
Edward stood lost in thought at his own birthday banquet.
Aside from a few symbolic gestures, the celebration held almost no real warmth for him.
A shy, hesitant voice suddenly broke into his thoughts.
“Edward, happy birthday!”
He did not need to turn around.
He knew exactly who it was without seeing her face or even hearing her voice clearly.
It was Vill-V.
A cute girl dressed in khaki caught his eye.
“Sorry… I’m a bit late this time.”
Her distinctive silver-pink eyes were filled with a complex mix of emotions as she gazed at him with shyness and nervousness.
“Don’t worry.
I knew you would definitely come, so no matter when you arrive, it’s never too late.”
“I don’t mind if you’re late at all.”
Edward gently raised his index finger to correct her words.
The slight smile on his lips and the warmth in his clear eyes showed he meant every word.
Vill-V was one of only four people in the world who truly cared about his birthday.
The other three were his parents and Elysia.
In truth, this girl might have cared about it even more than his own parents did.
“Then… this is your birthday gift.
Happy birthday, Edward.
I hope it brings you happiness.”
“Thank you for remembering my birthday.”
“And thank you very much for the gift.”
Edward gave a small bow in gratitude.
She was one of the only two girls who would hand him a gift in person.
As he looked at the gift box, which now featured dark gold gears and a strong steampunk aesthetic instead of the previous light and immature style, he heard Vill-V speak again.
“Edward, please open the box.”
“Hmm?”
At first, Edward did not quite register what she had said.
It was only when his eyes met her silver-gray ones that he realized.
This had never happened before.
In the past, he would always open the gifts later together with Elysia.
The only exception was the gift from the girl who had traveled with him.
The gifts from others were mostly formalities.
Their real focus was always on Elysia.
Very few people genuinely cared about him, the nominal protagonist of the banquet.
But this time, Vill-V wanted him to open it right there, in front of her.
Edward understood how difficult this must be for her.
Vill-V was extremely sensitive and often struggled with self-doubt.
Having him open her gift on the spot would be incredibly nerve-wracking for her.
Yet here she was, asking him to do exactly that.
“This gift… I hope you can open it yourself.
Right here, at your birthday banquet.”
Vill-V fought against her instinct to look down.
She stared directly at him, her eyes bright yet filled with fear, determined yet fragile.
“Of course.”
A gentle smile appeared on Edward’s face. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
There was no trace of displeasure in his eyes.
Instead, he felt a surge of pride.
This meant Vill-V had taken her first real step forward.
It was not just about opening a gift box.
It was her finding the courage to express what she truly wanted.
“If this gift ends up disappointing me, then on your next birthday, I’ll give you something equally disappointing.”
He spoke in a teasing tone, trying to ease her tension the way he had learned during his travels.
However, this time his words did not have the usual effect.
Vill-V remained visibly nervous.
She gently bit her lower lip as her fingers twisted the fabric of her black dress.
Her silver-gray eyes stayed fixed intently on his hands as he carefully opened the elegant gift box and adjusted the delicate dark gold gears.
The box was surprisingly empty.
Instead of the usual innovative gadgets she used to prepare for him, there was only a formal-looking dark gold document inside.
It was an invitation written in several languages in neat, official text.
An invitation.
Edward’s fingers tightened around the edge of the box.
His eyes widened slightly as he read the contents.
It was an official invitation for him to take the position of owner of the Spiral Workshop.
“Next birthday banquet, I hope you can host it with me… as the owner of the Spiral Workshop.”
Vill-V pressed a hand to her chest.
Her voice was soft, hesitant, yet filled with firm resolve.
This was her first step.
A small step, perhaps.
But it was one she had taken entirely of her own will.
For a girl who had always kept everything bottled up inside, this moment was incredibly meaningful.
It was something truly worth being proud of.