Li Lin spent the entire afternoon accompanying Caitlyn, shopping for various odds and ends and beautiful clothing.
A few days passed, and Miss Kiramman's 18th birthday arrived.
Since last night, the Kiramman household had been bustling with activity, all for this crucial day.
In reality, rather than an adult ceremony, it was more of a social gathering for the Kiramman family to strengthen connections.
Not only the Kiramman family but every family in the upper echelons of society held such banquets for their offspring upon turning 18.
These events often served as a platform for young men and women from different families to socialize and potentially form connections.
Following the tradition of Piltover, the adult ceremony generally had four stages: the host's speech, blessings and gifts from elders, blessings and gifts from peers, and finally, the commencement of the feast and dance.
However, the latter two stages were the most crucial.
If any family showed interest in the protagonist of the ceremony, they would purchase the most precious gift to present.
Once this phase concluded, all the elders would leave the hall, leaving the time ahead for the young ones.
At this point, the protagonist of the ceremony would dance the first social dance with the peer of the opposite sex who presented the most valuable gift, regardless of personal feelings.
If the protagonist was male, he would politely invite the female to dance, and if female, she would accept the invitation.
After the first dance, the onlookers would witness the peers socializing and inviting each other to dance, fostering relationships within and beyond families.
If the protagonist harbored feelings for the one who gave the most valuable gift, they could decline subsequent invitations from other peers.
However, if they did not fancy their first dance partner, they were free to invite or accept an invitation from another peer to express their stance.
Li Lin found this traditional adult ceremony rather peculiar, but he had to adapt to the local customs.
After all, when in Rome...
Yet, he couldn't bear to see Caitlyn dance with other men, making the choice of a gift a dilemma.
As the only daughter of the prominent Kiramman family in Piltover, Caitlyn's beauty was well-known throughout the northern district.
This attracted not only genuine admirers but also those seeking to climb the social ladder or win the favor of the council.
They could come from smaller families or other top-tier families, but compared to them, Li Lin's current connections were inadequate.
They had various means of obtaining rare and exotic treasures, while the gifts Li Lin could purchase were merely the best in Piltover.
Unless he sought Lady Cassandra's help, but Li Lin doubted she would assist him.
A mere artisan attached to the Kiramman family aspiring to court the councilor's daughter...
Li Lin could already envision the scene of Lady Cassandra "humiliating" him if he took such a course.
Fortunately, he hadn't spent the 1125 blue essences he had saved up before.
This "currency" could be used to purchase a relatively precious magical item from the Essence Store.
Gifting was an art.
First, one needed to understand what the recipient liked and then select a gift that was both presentable and befitting their status.
In other words, the gift's value wasn't the only consideration; the appearance should match the occasion and the recipient's preferences.
For example, Caitlyn wasn't fond of gems or jewelry.
But during such an adult ceremony, Li Lin couldn't just gift her another sniper rifle, her favorite, right?
That would be a breach of etiquette, a display of poor social skills, and might even embarrass the Kiramman family.
The Essence Store had plenty of good options for Li Lin.
After much deliberation, he finally settled on an item perfect for Caitlyn, one that would undoubtedly surpass others:
A heart-shaped crystal pendant in shades of purple.
[Eleisa's Miracle (Epic): Legend has it that, aside from ascending Mount Targon, those with the most devout belief in the celestial spirits of Mount Targon would also receive blessings from the stars, just like Eleisa.]
[Attributes: 1000 Health, 1500 Mana, 5 Health and 10 Mana regeneration per second, 30% Spell Power.]
[Ability Effects]
[Passive]
[Eleisa's Devotion: All effects of this equipment are only effective for females.]
[Stellar Ruby: Provides an additional 2000 Health and 2000 Mana.]
[Mind's Insight: The wearer can perceive the thoughts of ordinary people (usable by mages only).]
[Indomitable Will: The wearer's spirit and will are unaffected by negative magical effects.]
[Blessing of the Celestial: When suffering fatal damage, grants a celestial magic shield that can block all damage types, equivalent to 100% of maximum health, lasting until out of combat. If the magic shield shatters, immediately restores all of the wearer's health and mana (cooldown: 7 days).]
[Miracle from the Stars: Upon the wearer's death, the equipment will shatter, infusing the wearer with life force, restoring all health and mana.]
The properties of this equipment are off the charts, providing the wearer with an extra two lives, and it's only priced at 925 blue essences.
If it weren't effective only for women, Li Lin would have bought it for himself long ago.
Of course, giving this equipment as a gift to Caitlyn is still a great choice.
After all, she is just an ordinary person, involved in a rather dangerous profession.
Even though Caitlyn's archenemy, "C," is already dead, Li Lin still worries about her safety.
This equipment could effectively alleviate his concerns, and spending 925 blue essences is no big deal.
As the afternoon arrives, Caitlyn's coming-of-age banquet is about to begin.
After carefully selecting a suitable gift box, Li Lin places "Eleisa's Miracle" inside and temporarily locks it in the Hextech chest.
Then, he goes into the bathroom, takes a meticulous hot shower, and dresses in the tailor-made gown with Piltover's emblem sewn by Lady Cassandra in white and crimson hues.
Just as he is fixing his hairstyle in front of the mirror, his door is knocked.
Without opening the door, Li Lin knows it's Caitlyn. It's her unique way of knocking.
"Coming, coming…"
As soon as he opened the door, a familiar scent of violet flowers wafts in.
Caitlyn's hair is still damp, as if she just took a bath.
She's wearing casual clothes, revealing flawless, slender legs. Her small, exquisite feet, without socks, are nestled in summer sandals. The toes, neatly trimmed and translucent, occasionally curl, displaying a rosy crescent moon. She hasn't changed into tonight's evening gown yet.
"Li Lin!"
As the door opens, Caitlyn impatiently pushes him aside and enters.
Then, she turns and locks the door, wearing a mysterious expression.
The fragrance on Caitlyn continues to tease Li Lin's senses. He quickly composes himself, surprised, "What's this about?"
"What kind of gift did you prepare for me tonight?" She blinks, locking eyes with Li Lin. "Don't tell me you didn't prepare anything?"
"How is that possible?" Li Lin chuckles. "I won't tell you now, but it won't disappoint you."
Caitlyn's expression turns less cheerful, shaking her head, "As long as it's from you, I won't be disappointed... But that's not the point."
"I heard from Mom that a young man from the Medarda family will prepare a valuable gift for me tonight. I'm afraid your gift won't compare to his."
Pausing, she continues, "I secretly entrusted the housekeeper with money I earned from these months of solving cases and my pocket money to prepare a gift. Use mine tonight..."
Hearing Caitlyn's words, warmth fills Li Lin's heart. It seems she cares about me after all...
"Do you only want to dance with me tonight?" he teases with a slight smile.
"Come on, I'm serious!" Caitlyn extends her slender, fair fingers and playfully pokes Li Lin's cheek. "Do you really want me to dance with other men?"
Li Lin gently grabs her attempting-to-retreat hand. "Of course not."
Unable to pull her hand away from his large, strong hand, Caitlyn's face turns red, and her mind becomes chaotic.
"You, release me quickly..."
Shaking his head, Li Lin leans toward Caitlyn.
"What are you doing?" she panics, her voice slightly trembling.
Facing the approaching face, Caitlyn tries to step back, but she's already pressed against the cold wall.
With no way to retreat, her face, as red as a ripe apple, can clearly feel Li Lin's warm breath on her cheek.
Due to being in such a situation for the first time, facing Li Lin, Caitlyn's mind goes blank, not knowing what to do. She can only close her eyes in resignation.
However, the scene she imagined did not unfold.
Li Lin only leans close to her ear and says, "Trust me, no one's gift can surpass mine... Also, what are you expecting me to do?"
"You!"
Hearing this, Caitlyn angrily opens her eyes, only to see Li Lin's face full of mischief. Wrath quickly covered her face.
Immediately, she pushed the young man in front of her, covering her scorching cheeks and rushed out the door.
"I hate you!"
(End of this chapter)
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