Illaria smiled widely when she saw Dante coming. She quickly got off her chair, ran as fast as possible, and hugged Dante tightly.
"I thought you forgot about this day and wouldn't come." the girl's voice sounded shaky, whether it was because she was holding back tears or was too happy that the person she had been waiting for since noon had finally arrived.
For a few moments, Dante was surprised to be suddenly embraced by Illaria, but he immediately showed a gentle expression and knelt in front of Illaria to hug the child.
"Happy eleventh birthday, Illaria." Dante stroked Illaria's long hair. "It is impossible for me to forget your special day, sweety."
Dante then gave her a bouquet of flowers and a gift he was carrying. "I've even prepared a bunch of gifts for you."
The smile on Illaria's face grew even more when she opened Dante's present and saw a big teddy bear inside.
