"CONGRATULATIONS on your eighteenth birthday, son."
Julian smiled at his mother's warm greeting.
Tonight was the eve of his birthday celebration. But the banquet that Emperor Auro prepared for him would be held tomorrow night. Thus, only he and his mother were celebrating in his room right now.
[I invited Father but it seems like he won't make it.]
Again.
"Your father is busy, Julian," Lucina Mroganna, his mother, said while slicing the cake that she personally baked for him. "Please understand that your father is a busy man. He runs the empire with His Majesty."
"I understand, Mother," Julian assured her. "I'm just glad that I get to spend my birthday with you."
His mother smiled and put the slice of cake on his plate. Then, she handed him a fork. "My precious son, your marriage partner has been decided."
