The long-awaited birthday—though not so eagerly anticipated—had arrived. Like a mannequin adorned in exquisite attire, Gwen stood motionless as several maids, including Molly, fussed over her, dressing her in a gown far removed from her usual preferences.
In truth, Gwen would have preferred her typical nerdy getup, but her father and Molly had insisted she at least wear something appropriate for the occasion. She had reluctantly agreed to don the school uniform but refused to compromise on her "unsightly" face. Even today, as the maids dolled her up in an opulent gown, she clung to her resolve.
"NO WAY! Absolutely not!"
Gwen winced, covering her ears to block Molly's shrill protests. Born as a Space Master, she had sharp hearing and sight. She could hear someone's whisper-like voice in the crowd, let alone one shouting right in her ear. How painful it was!
"My lady, you must not wear those hideous glasses! Your eyes are the most beautiful I have ever seen, and your face is enchanting. You can't mar it with that charcoal powder!"
"But…"
"No buts! The master will be so proud to see you looking your best."
"I don't think my father minds," Gwen muttered.
"Even if that's true, I mind! And what a coincidence—I'm the one dressing you."
"..."
"Please, my lady. Just for today."
Gwen sighed and rubbed her temples. "Molly, you've become quite bold lately, speaking so casually to me."
"Why not? You asked me to speak casually and I already consider you my sister! Don't worry, I'll treat you like a proper lady in front of others for decorum's sake."
Gwen stared at her maid, speechless. Respect was the least of her concerns. What she truly needed now was… an escape.
Still, she let Molly cleanse her face and apply makeup, styling her hair into a graceful cascade. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, Gwen begrudgingly acknowledged Molly's skill.
Her thoughts wandered, imagining her master and senior disciples standing around her, admiring her transformation.
"My youngest disciple's beauty is unparalleled," her master might say.
"The fifth sister looks stunning. I'd rather no man lay eyes on her," her third senior brother would grumble.
"Do you want her for yourself? No man can claim my baby girl," her second senior sister would declare protectively.
"That's unfair to her, second sister. Gwen deserves happiness. Don't worry, your fourth brother will find you the perfect husband," her fourth senior brother would add, his boyish smile softening his firm tone.
"Hm? My Gwen Gwen is getting married? That man must pass my test first," her eldest senior brother would tease, his devilish grin vivid in her imagination.
Gwen scowled. "What test? Every test he devises ends in disaster," she muttered. Her eldest senior's meddling ensured no one dared to court her, not that she cared.
A strange ache bloomed in her chest. She missed them all—even her infuriating eldest brother, whose antics never failed to enrage her.
"Do you like it, my lady?" Molly's voice broke through her thoughts.
"It's… fine. Thank you."
"Wonderful! Everyone will admire you today," Molly beamed.
Gwen sighed, unmoved by the prospect. "Molly, I'll endure this just for today. Tomorrow, I'll return to my usual self."
The maid misunderstood her reluctance as discomfort with her beauty. Gwen didn't mind looking good; she simply didn't want to attract undue attention. Here, she had no sect, no master, and no senior disciples to shield her. While capable of defending herself, her uncontrolled power posed a greater threat to those around her. Until she met the four divine envoys, it was safer to suppress her magic.
A knock at the door interrupted her musings. Molly answered it, returning moments later with an apologetic look.
"My lady, I must attend to an urgent task. Will you be all right on your own?"
"Go ahead," Gwen replied, waving her off.
Once alone, a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Such a shame, but I can't stay like this." She smeared charcoal powder on her cheeks but hesitated when reaching for her glasses. Molly's plea echoed in her mind.
Just for today.
She felt like fulfilling her maid's earnest plea, so she decided to honor her maid's wishes. Her eyes could remain visible for one day. Besides, the black marks on her cheeks should suffice to ward off undue admiration.
The main hall buzzed with activity, guests mingling and vying for the master's attention. Among them was a group of Gwen's schoolmates, who harbored thinly veiled hostility toward her.
"Master Hall, thank you for inviting us to your daughter's birthday," one of the girls gushed, her saccharine smile poorly masking her disdain. "Miss Gwyneth is such a sweet, kind-hearted child. You're fortunate to have her."
Rocco Hall offered a polite smile. He knew better. Sweet and kind-hearted? Impossible. His daughter's senior brother had described her as someone utterly indifferent to love or life itself, saving others only when it suited her interests.
And he could feel it when the daughter called him 'father' for the first time. There were no heartfelt emotions or attachments.
"But did you know, your daughter is seeing someone at school?" the girl added slyly.
"Oh?"
"Yes, she's dating Clayton Hawk, the Lady Knight Hawk's only son."
Rocco raised an eyebrow. Clayton Hawk? He'd met the boy before, an unremarkable figure known for his good-for-nothing but his looks. "Are you certain?"
"Absolutely. Everyone saw her confess her feelings, and Clayton accepted," the girl said, her tone dripping with feigned innocence.
The other students nodded eagerly, supporting her tale. They expected outrage, imagining the Telekinesis Master might even cancel the celebration and ruin Gwyneth's coming-of-age party. However, the master ruined their expectation. Instead of angry, Rocco's face lit up with delight.
"Well, well," he said, his mood visibly brightening. "Where is she?"
The girls' smug satisfaction crumbled into confusion as Rocco left the hall, a spring in his step. They had hoped to sow discord, not see him so pleased!
What kind of parents want to see their daughter seeing someone useless? Not to mention, Master Rocco's position was one rank higher than Lady Hawk's. The girls would never understand what was on the master's mind.
Rocco navigated the winding corridors, searching for Gwen. When he turned for the umpteenth time, his footsteps stopped when he saw the figure of a girl wearing an elegant light green dress and her hazel eyes gleaming with an otherworldly beauty.