After a week, the long-awaited birthday finally arrived.
Currently, a dejected Alden is rehearsing a speech inside his room. His face contorted periodically along with his speech, even Alden thought that it is just plain stupid.
"Mom, Dad, Jenny and Charles, and maybe auntie Idril if she is actually on time. Finally, I turn 6 and am having my first birthday. I thank you for all your support until now and am deeply grateful. I only have one request, that is, I wish to know about my gif—--Argghhhhhh!"
Alden has been practicing since 9 in the morning, so he had already said this line for 2 hours straight. Yet, it has proven to be an uncrossable obstacle even till now. The reason is very childish.
'No matter how I put it, I still sounded like I am dying from 6th-grade syndrome! Unaccpetableeee!'
Lamented Alden with his face burning red, not even dare to look at himself in the mirror.
'Lord Astaaaa! Do they even know what kind of gift I am referring to, this is just too much! Tormenting your own apostle on his birthday! A devil!'
After the not-so-heated discussion with his Lord, Alden has furiously looked for a way to express his will over the next week. But there are no records of any 'the tower' in the books or any concept about 'gift'. The instructions his Lord had given were also very detailed that the plan has already been finalized and Alden's only job now is to act as a messenger bird.
"Calm down! You can do this, you are handsome!"
The silly reassurance actually works a bit, especially in his case because, indeed, the birthday boy's currently looking dazzling. It is an undeniable fact.
Dressed in a newly tailored silver suit that perfectly matches his eyes. The already perfect Alden was even more stunning. It was a rare dress-up occasion, and he felt a bit uncomfortable.
He must possess at least 10 more of these, as Sylvia always bought them and nag him to wear proper clothing more often. But Alden's choice of clothes for his daily activities are always simple shirts and pants, sticking to the minimalist lifestyle that no one force on him.
His daily outfit is always so plain that, if not for his looks, random kids walking down the streets would likely look wealthier than him. But Alden didn't care, it is not logical to roll around or train in tuxedos.
'Besides, I don't want to wear them too often, this feels a bit stuffy now.'
The suits were something that Alden himself would were on a daily basis in his past-life, attending various meetings and fulfilling his duties. But ever since reincarnation, he had a weird dislike for anything he would normally do or encounter before. It was not too obsessive, Alden just think it was kinda like a little guilty pleasure for him.
For example, mother.
That is how Alden used to always address his mom, earlier in this life too. This is a little etiquette that he had strictly followed as an heir, paying his respect to his caretaker in the public.
The word in itself has done nothing wrong, but to Alden, 'mother' is not such an approachable person, she is more like an ideal, or a role model. She is rather far away.
The word itself just lack warmth for Alden.
'Well, Sylvia is truly a mom. The word mother doesn't suit her at all.'
The random topic successfully distracted Alden from his current distress, he giggled inwardly a little, then took a careful look in the mirror again and clicked his tongue.
'Tsk… too handsome indeed.'
The malnourished 3 years old is now nowhere to be found. Standing up straight and starting back at Alden is a tall and tone boy, with brown hair that is getting darker as he grew up, and light grey eyes that are still shining mysteriously. Although he of course does not possess raging muscles like his dad, the young body that has diligently practiced martial arts over the years is certainly very lean and well-built for his age.
Alden nodded satisfactorily at his image then steeled his resolve once more. It was close to the time of the party, and he didn't want to be late at all for this stupid reason.
"Alright, it seems like rehearsing isn't going to work, so I will just wing it the whole way! They say my beauty is a weapon, I will use it properly this time! Charming people have the right to be crazy once in a while! Yeh."
At the same time as the silly prep talk, a knock on the door sounded.
The door in question was not even closed, so the knock itself is just for politeness reasons. With Charles standing outside, looking a bit embarrassed, most likely for Alden's sake.
"Ehrm, master Alden, are you in the middle of something? Should I go tell everyone to wait for a little, it sounded pretty serious…"
"No… Charles, I am ok. Just, ehrm, you didn't hear nothing, right?"
"Not a single thing beautiful master."
"Tsk. It is my birthday, so behave."
"Of course. After today, though…"
Alden's relationship with the maids is both very good. There is no master-servant kind of connection with them, who are both precious members of the Drukas' household. Charles and Jenny are more like his friends, and they often accompanied him around the manor or Dreycott.
***
Alden and Charles walked together to the backdoor opening up to the garden, the location of today's party. The Drukas have 2 druids who receive buffs on nature terrains, so it was only natural. Nowadays, they rarely even eat indoors anymore, except for in the morning, when everyone is still too sleepy to move around too much.
The sun was shining especially gently today and even in the middle of summer, the air is very cool and refreshing. Alden stepped outside.
""Happy birthday Aldennn!""
It has been a while since he last heard his real name.
The whole family cheered together for Alden as soon as his figure appeared. Everyone's face radiates happiness and warmth as they scream, making the already nice weather a bit better.
"Wahhh, thank you so much, everyone! Wow auntie Idril, you are here too? What a surprise!"
"Tch… Idiotic niece, of course I am! I wouldn't miss your welcoming for the world!"
Alden smiled at his disheveled-looking aunt, who still has twigs in her's green hair. Clearly, someone has reminded her near the time of the party, and the forgetful fairy had just rushed here not long ago. But Alden appreciates it all the same!
It was a very cozy event, with only 6 members of the main family attending it, but this is basically this world's meaning of a birthday. Except for the nobles, of course, where it was a whole grand event and a debut for the young masters, but the Drukas are not nobles.
They simply gathered around at noon, while the sun is still up, and have a simple huge celebratory feast. Today's menu is, of course, trolls blood pudding, Alden's favorite along with a couple of other funny-looking items, all very rare monster meat and very delicious. Even Idril contributed a little, bringing wild berries that are currently being placed at the corner of the 3 meters long table, even the person in question didn't even bat an eye for it once.
The atmosphere is very lively, and people threw Alden compliments throughout the whole meal, wishing for his good health and future growth.
Although it was not rare for the Drukas to sit and eat together, just because of the fact that they showered him with due affection on his special day, Alden felt very happy and loved.
Alden rarely celebrates his birthday in the past ever since he turns 15, he didn't want to bother his busy mother more than necessary, So most of the time he would get a congratulation a day or two late, when they gather for dinner. But now, as he was drowning in affection from all sides, Alden felt that all the years of loneliness seem so far away. That past was more like a nightmare he had woken up from, and the present was the warm reality.
He just smiled softly, it was a bit of an ungrateful thought, but there is no one there to judge him. If feeling content and happy is a sin, then Alden would seek for death himself!
Everyone was having fun, and the end of the party gradually drew near. it was now time for Alden to receive his birthday presents! People stopped what they were doing to focus on this main event.
The first gift was from Jenny and Charles.
The lively Charles shouted even before they gifted the present.
"Pretty Al, we took a lot into thought and consideration! Although we don't have a lot of funds, we use a bit of connection to get this custom made! It is top-notch!"
"Charles, you are being too much. But It will suit you very well, young master, happy birthday to you."
Alden nodded happily with an innocent smile. Based on how they're talking, it will likely be another suit, but he appreciates the thought. Besides, Alden did indeed look fabulous in formal clothing.
"Here you go!"
"Uhhh…"
But it was a knife.
No, a dagger, a beautiful blue blade dagger with a wrapped black leather hilt! Its length was a bit too long for the current Alden and could be considered a semi-shortsword. But he is currently in his growth spurts, and would probably be able to fully utilize it in about 2 years. Alden could see the thought being put in this very well…
But it was still a fricken dagger! And the 6 years-old receiver was currently in a dazed, not knowing how to react. Fortunately, he doesn't have to.
"Ohhhh, what a beautiful dagger, it is made using the moon steel? It's rather rare lately, hahaha, Al didn't even know to react, he must be really grateful! You should thank them, son!
Liam's eyes widen a bit and eagerly comment.
"Oh, it is about time Alden had his first dagger. Is it made by Ulgar? I can see an enchantment?"
Even the gentle Sylvia comment casually, seemingly happy about the situation.
"Hoho, it is indeed! We begged master Ulgar to give us a discount, he only accept it after we told him it was for Al! He even sends his regards too!"
"Yes, his dwarf craftsmanship is getting even better nowadays. It has a sharpness enchantment on it, the young master could use it for a very long time."
With everyone's casual interaction, Alden just sighed in regret of his past peacefulness.
Ulgar was a dwarf and Dreycott town's only blacksmith, his works it truly impressive and everyone regard him highly. Receiving something with his brand is a high honor for the town folks, but it is very regretful for Alden.
He cussed inwardly, holding the blue dagger that was currently a bit big for his hand.
'I was tricked! This world is vicious! Everyone lives so peacefully in Dreycott that I was mistaken about the current situation! It was all a facade!!'
But still, Alden has a little smirk on his face, he kinda likes the beautiful dagger. Even on Earth, if someone gifted you a badass-looking dagger, it would likely be welcomed too. It was a man's romance.
Or so Alden hopes, trying to rationalize his excitement. He thanked the girls honestly, Ulgar's works are never cheap.
The gifting then casually continues in a circle. And to Alden's absolute horror, the category seems to be very similar, as if everyone has agreed beforehand.
Auntie Idril gifted Alden a slingshot that seems to be made crudely, but it was something made with some weird woods and contains her blessing. She guarantees its performance with a very smug look.
His normally gentle mother chooses to give him a pair of exposed-finger gloves with a bright smile. According to her, It has a very rare enhancement, 'strength', that she seeks both heaven and earth just for Alden. Saying it will be very useful for his martial arts.
Liam, as usual, was the most intense. He gifted Alden a plain silver bracelet, but it was actually a sub-space item that contain about 5 square feet, which is huge! Alden's mouth gaped open when he heard the explanation, he was feeling touched for receiving an artifact that he actually felt very useful, until he check the content. Inside, to his utter shock, the space was already half-full with almost every kind of weapons in existence! None of them were enchanted like the previous gifts, but the sheer amount made Alden tremble in fear. It was akin to having a nuclear bomb on his wrist as an accessory.
'Monsters… they want me to die…'
[Understood, processing…]
Alden once heard in his past life, that the closest place to death, is also the safest. That was what an instructor told him once he pick up a sword, intending to practice some kendo. Needless to say, the unbothered young master back then immediately put down his weapon without further exchange and walked right out.
It was not because he didn't understand the remark, it was rather the opposite, and he agree with it very much. To hold a weapon, also means that you are a step closer to danger yourself, and Alden didn't want no trouble! It was not like Alden could always have a sword with him to point at the kidnappers, anyway. On Earth, he would rather solve problems with negotiation and money.
'To be gifted a mountain of weapons on a single day… A giant death flag… hahhh, System, please analyze all of the gifts for any hidden ability and update their current data based on what we just heard'
Alden sighs, but he also understands that his situation is now different. The people that gifted him these equipments are also the same people that love and cared for Alden ever since he could remember. So they only have goodwill toward him, and he will surely need these someday.
But that thought doesn't really bring comfort to Alden at all. His hands trembled a little as he imagined a dark cloud looming over his future's roads.
But, without even giving him any breaks, a familiar white window manifested immediately afterward.
- The God of Adventure wishes to see you at his tower.
'...Right.'
It was time for this ungrateful son to make another request.