HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Inside a villa, the hall floor sparkled like gold, with superb decorations and a ceiling that seemed to be worth a fortune, showcasing the costly materials used.
A group of people stood together, surprising today's main character; some held decorations imprinted with "Happy Birthday."
The shout startled Rose, who was amazed and surprised. "Brother, I'm sure this is your work," she said, turning to her brother with a surprised look.
Damien chuckled, "Yes, I had a part in this. Which brother wouldn't want to celebrate his sister coming of age? Also, it wasn't just me; I had some help from your friends, making this surprise birthday party a success."
Rose smiled, "You're the best brother," and pecked her brother on the cheek with joy.
"Hey, do you want to make all the guys hate me? You know the number one beauty of the main clans just pecked me," Damien teased.
"What do you mean? Who would dare touch my brother?" Rose pouted, and they both fell into laughter.
Draco, who saw this party arrangement, sighed, his face turning gloomy for some reason, as he fell into deep thought.
"Draco, give me a few moments," Rose's voice woke him from his thoughts. With a forced smile, "Sure, I'll wait for you."
Rose noticed something was wrong with Draco but wanted to ask; however, her brother dragged her away to change her clothes.
As she left, Draco found an inconspicuous place to stand. If he had known there was such a noble party, he wouldn't have agreed to come.
Finding a place to stand, he admired the hall; it was big and classic, like a castle, able to contain more than fifty people.
"Good evening, everyone. I sincerely thank you for making this surprise birthday party a success. Without your attendance, I wouldn't have been able to complete this party," Damien's voice was full of politeness and appreciation.
"Mr. Damien, no need for all this. We're more than happy to be here," a black-haired handsome young man replied politely, cupping his hands; the crowd backed his words, all saying "Yes."
Draco eyed the young man with surprise, feeling some pressure from him, showing his strength couldn't be taken lightly.
"He's Casper Night, young master of the Night Family," Draco heard a familiar lady's voice and turned right to see a familiar face.
Surprised, "Sharon, it's a surprise to see you here. I wonder what's your standing in your family?" Draco said, gazing at Sharon, who wore a green gown, her black hair tied in cute braids; her beauty was just a little below Rose's.
Sharon giggled, "I guess it's not a surprise to see Mr. Draco here."
"So, he's from the main clan," Draco muttered to himself.
"While we wait for the main character of the day, let's get to know each other more and entertain ourselves with the assortment being passed around," Damien said; each individual began talking to one another.
"I hope the deaths in the simulation didn't affect you much," Draco asked, taking a cup of drink passed around by the waiters.
Sharon took one, sipping, "No, it just made me realize how weak I am."
"Same here. If that were real, that would be the end of our story," he chuckled.
"Sharon, is that you? Why the hell are you staying in such an inconspicuous place?" a familiar voice sounded in Draco's ear.
Seeing the owner, it was Casper Night, the young master of the Night Family.
It looked like he had underestimated Sharon's standing in the Emberwood Clan.
"Just here to sightsee the crowd. I don't want to be bombarded by guys," she said sarcastically.
"I get; as Rose's childhood friend and closest female friend, guys after her want to know more about her habits. You're the best choice," Casper grinned.
Draco, hearing this, was shocked, taking a look at Sharon; he had never thought she and Rose were childhood friends.
Taking a look at Casper, he saw that he wore a purple suit, complementing his handsome figure; his watch was also purple, with the embroidery of a lily.
Also, he could see pride and arrogance etched in his tone.
"Aren't you part of this? You still haven't given up on chasing her," Sharon queried.
"Why would I give up? As you know, I'm her childhood friend, rich, handsome, and have a strong background. I'll try my best to make her mine," Casper protested, his voice sounding narcissistic.
SPLASH!!!
Both Sharon and Casper looked at Draco, who spat out the drink he was sipping in shock.
"Don't mind me. You can continue your speech," Draco said, scratching his head.
Sharon nodded, but Casper didn't want to let it go, noticing a drop had splashed on his shoe. "And who might you be?"
"He's a friend Rose brought," Sharon replied, her tone warning Casper to back off.
"Oh, Casper Night, young master of the Night Family. May I be opportuned to know your name?" Draco asked politely, though his tone betrayed his annoyance.
Draco wanted to shout, "I know your name; don't disturb me!" but instead said, "Draco Xandros, it's a pleasure meeting you."
Casper's eyes widened in surprise. "The SS-Ranked Awakener of the Luminari Academy."
Draco nodded. "Yes."
Casper's surprise gave way to arrogance upon hearing Draco's reply. "And may I ask about your relationship with Rose?"
Draco was taken aback by the question. "I guess she's already told you," he said, gesturing toward Sharon.
"Yes, but I want to hear it from your mouth," Casper pressed, his tone dripping with arrogance.
Draco was infuriated. Learning Casper was one of Rose's pursuers erased any goodwill he might have had. He felt an intense animosity toward Casper.
"If you want to know, go ask her," Draco snapped, his tone fierce.
Casper's eyes narrowed, a glint flashing through them.
"What's happening over there? Isn't that Casper from the Night Family?" someone asked.
"I wonder who dared anger him."
"That's the SS-Ranked Awakener of the Luminari Academy."
"Tsk, did he think he could raise his head proudly just because he awakened an SS-Ranked Talent?"
"I heard Casper also awakened an SS-Ranked Talent."
"I pity him for angering the Night Family, known as the assassin family."
The crowd looked at Draco with pity, aware of Casper's identity.
Meanwhile, Casper's ego swelled, fueled by the crowd's murmurs.
"So..." Draco realized why Casper was arrogant; he had also awakened an SS-Ranked Talent.
"I don't think I have an obligation to answer that," Draco said firmly.
"Draco, is that you?" a familiar voice asked.
Draco's eyes lit up. "Blum..."
He turned to see Blum approaching, dressed in a black suit with a white shirt.
"Who has the audacity to interrupt Young Master Casper?"
"That's Blum Nacort, the young master of the Nacort Family, a business clan almost on par with the main clans."
"What about the other?"
"No idea, but to be able to stand with the young master of the Nacort Family, his background isn't to be underestimated."
Draco was able to hear the crowd's murmurs.
"So, you're the young master of the Nacort Family. I thought you said you were just an ordinary member," Draco said.
Blum grinned. "It's not my fault. The family asked me not to use my identity for anything in school."
"Whatever," Draco said, shaking his head.
A cough interrupted their conversation, and they turned to see Casper.
"Young Master Casper, it's a pleasure meeting you," Blum said, cupping his fist.
"Draco Xandros, we will meet again," Casper said, walking away.
"He's just too arrogant," Draco said.
"Let's leave him. Did you bring a birthday gift?" Blum asked.
Meanwhile, Draco's expression turned gloomy, and Blum and Ming exchanged knowing glances.
Just then, gasps of surprise filled the room as Rose walked down the stairs, wearing a stunning purple gown with lily embroidery, her flowing black hair making her look like a goddess.
Draco's mind was in chaos, captivated by Rose's beauty. Her smile intoxicated him, but the moment was shattered when Casper approached her.
"May I have the pleasure of dancing with you?" Casper asked elegantly.
The crowd shouted, "Say yes!" leaving Rose no choice but to take his hand.
"I would be in your care," Rose said, her voice sending shivers down the spines of the men.
As they danced, Draco's face darkened, his body growing uncomfortable.
Blum noticed and teased, "Are you jealous?"
Draco's face darkened further, his grip on the glass cup tightening.
"Hey, don't crack the glass," Blum joked.
Draco looked at the cracking glass, then at Casper and Rose dancing, and sighed.
"I'm coming," Draco said, handing Blum the cracked glass as he went to find Damien, Rose's brother.