In an inn where many people were staying, a man stood up and started tapping on his glass.
/TINGLE/ /TINGLE/
"Ladies and Gentlemen, can I get your attention?"
""""""….""""""
With everyone being quiet, he looked all around.
"Today is a very important day for my family and me."
"…."
"Today is the day my daughter was born. Therefore, please drink and eat to your heart's content. Everything will be on me."
"Hurray!"
"HAAAA!"
"WHOAAA!"
"Drink with your everything."
"Come grab this one!"
"Thanks for the meal."
Giving a feast.
This is how most of the commoners would celebrate their birthdays in this world.
Sometimes eating happily with your close family if you don't have enough money.
Sometimes, having a feast and drinking party inside such an inn makes people happy.
It was said that the goddess of Light, Celestia, would bestow a good life on those who try to make others happy. And because of that belief, the tradition of giving free meals to others on the day of a person's birth.
"You remembered."
"Of course, how can I forget my daughter's day of coming to this world."
"… Thank you, Father."
With a happy smile on her face, Aliya approached her father, hugging him.
"You're welcome."
Hugging his daughter back, he said with a smile on his face as well.
"Happy birthday, Aliya."
"Happy birthday. Goddess Celestia blesses you."
"Hope you will have a bright future ahead."
With a smile on their faces, the members of the convoy came closer, greeting the birthday kid.
"Thank you, Big Brother Wayne, Akira, and Sister Salma."
Bowing her head slightly, she said with a smile on her own as well.
In the last three months, Aliya changed quite a lot as well.
Although she is not focusing directly on fighting with monsters, she has already overcome the anxiety of fighting with monsters, and she is heading toward new heights.
Her talent in analyzing and managing had already started blooming and showing itself.
She knows this as well.
"Here, take this, Aliya."
"We made this for you."
Two pointy-eared elves came closer to Aliya and then presented a gift.
"Ah…."
It was a box containing a small bottle.
"You didn't need to go this far…."
With a smile, she said.
"No. You deserve it."
"Yes. It will make you more beautiful."
Although it has been five months since I started traveling with this convoy, I still can't get used to their way of talking while complementing each other.
"Thank you. I will treasure it well."
The thing they gave Aliya is the essence of the World Tree.
It can only be found in the Mirkwood Kingdom, and it is a rare product. Although this one is probably diluted to a certain degree, it still has the effect of restoring the youth and making the person using it more beautiful.
"NOW! DRINK, EVERYONE!"
"HOOOOORAAAAAY!"
After everyone else but I gave their gifts, John shouted with a loud sound making others.
And then the party started, with everyone being happy.
*****
In the first place, there was a reason why Aaron was not popular with his peers when he was in college.
It was because he had the principle of never drinking.
Therefore, even though his face was above average and his social skills were good, he was still a bit of a loner type, doing everything on his own.
And, it must be because of that, I don't like drinking aside from some special situations.
But, most importantly, I don't like noisy places where a lot of people gather.
Therefore, after waiting at the party for a while, I left the inn to get some fresh air in the backyard.
However, of course, I was not alone.
"Callius…. You are here."
"Aliya."
Approaching me with a slightly red face, she came closer.
"Why are you here?"
"I wanted to get some fresh hair."
"I see….."
"…."
"But, don't you have something to say to me?"
"….."
"Hmm?"
With her red face coming closer while spreading the smell of alcohol, she locked her bright green eyes with mine.
"I do."
"What is it?"
Grabbing her from her waist, I brought her towards me.
"Happy birthday…."
"You are late…. Why didn't you say it at the beginning?"
Without answering, I brought my face closer and aligned my nose with hers.
"You drank quite a lot, didn't you?"
"No, I didn't….. Hey! Don't avoid my question."
"Okay, then. But, what is this smell coming from this place then."
With my mouth very close to hers, I said, tickling her with my breath.
"….. I don't know."
"Really?"
"Don't you have something to give me?"
Avoiding the question she asked.
"Heh…. Why?"
"….."
"Don't look at me like that. Of course, I have."
"Really?"
"Yes. Turn back and close your eyes."
"Okay."
With a bright smile of anticipation, she turned her back, revealing her neck that was wide open.
'I guess gift-wrapping was a bit unnecessary.'
Thinking that, I opened the box, revealing a necklace with a bright yellow jewel on it.
'Necklace of Celestial Defender.'
It was an item that would defend the person from any attack below the strength of 6-star three times in the game.
I got it as a reward from a dungeon I explored on my own, and I had been planning to give this item to Aliya for a long time.
Although I can use this myself either, I am already planning to acquire such an item on my own, so giving it to Aliya is not a waste.
Slowly bringing my hands towards her neck, I put the necklace on there.
/FLINCH/
Making her flinch with the coldness of metal, probably alerting her body.
"Are you finished?"
"Yes. You can open your eyes now."
Opening her eyes green eyes, she looked at the cold metal touching her neck.
"Ah... It is beautiful."
"It is."
/SMOOCH/
Immediately turning her head to me, she kissed me on my lips.
"Thank you…. I will treasure it."
"I need to say something to you."
"What?"
"I will leave the convoy today."
"Huh?"
With her eyes wide open, she exclaimed.
"Today?"
"Yes. This city is my final destination."
"Ah... I see."
With her eyes getting slightly teary, she turned her body to me.
"When will I see you again?"
"You know the answer, don't you?"
"I know."
"From the moment you heard, I am applying for Ark."
"Yes."
"We will meet there, don't worry."
/SMOOOCH/
"Hmm?"
Getting surprised at the sudden feeling of soft lips on mine, I looked into her teary eyes.
'Then, let me stay with you tonight.'
That was what those eyes were telling.
'If that is what you want, then so be it, you birthday girl.'
With that thought, I closed my eyes following the kiss….
