From that day onwards, Rei began talking with Lily and Hanna a bit more, trying his best to connect with them. Lily and Hanna saw Rei trying to connect with them, so they also tried to connect with him.
Rei was trying his best now to forget the injustices that happened in his past life and live his current life.
Rei practiced swordsmanship with Hanna in the morning, which made her very happy, and he sometimes complimented Lily's food, which made Lily happy too. Emilia would also train Rei in his element manipulation, and Rei honed his skills well. Slowly but surely, Rei's cold heart was healing. He could feel a little happiness now, though his cautious side had not faded. He was still cautious around the girls who would try to approach him and give them a bad eye.
One day, after practicing elemental manipulation when Rei and Emilia approached his home, laughter and chatter filled the air. The house stood adorned with colorful banners and streamers, vivid decorations casting a festive glow over the gathering. The air was thick with the aroma of baked treats and fresh flowers, mingling with the lively sound of conversations.
Rei's steps faltered slightly as he remembered the occasion. It was Hanna's first naming ceremony—a momentous event celebrated every ten years in this world.
Rei had recently learned that calendars exist in this world, too. They are currently in 73 Jein. 2 years is considered as 1 jein.
The naming ceremony was unlike any ordinary gathering. Birthdays didn't exist in this world; instead, each individual celebrated the anniversary of their naming, a sacred event where they get their last name, which marks personal growth and identity. The ceremony itself was rich with tradition. Guests gathered not just to celebrate but to bestow recognition and a title upon the individual, a symbolic gesture that carried meaning for the next decade.
Inside the house, the main hall had been transformed. Soft, golden light from lanterns bathed the room, reflecting off intricate tapestries hung for the occasion. A circle of polished stones was arranged at the center, representing the individual's connection to the world's elements and their journey. Hanna stood near the circle, a mixture of excitement and nerves flickering in her expression.
As the guests arrived, Rei noticed their glances—a mix of judgment and wariness directed at him. Most of the attendees were Hanna's friends from school, and their whispers didn't go unnoticed. The misunderstandings surrounding Rei's demeanor had painted an unfair picture of him in their eyes. They believed he bullied Hanna, fueling a narrative far from the truth.
The sting of their looks rekindled Rei's guarded nature. The progress Emilia had worked so hard to nurture began to unravel. Sensing this, Emilia quickly intervened, leading him away from the guests. Her determination to keep the ceremony from devolving into conflict was evident.
Hanna, meanwhile, had been watching from a distance. A sigh escaped her lips as she saw the interaction. Deep down, she craved recognition and admiration from her brother. This day, her special moment, was supposed to bring them closer. Yet her plans seemed to crumble before her eyes.
Emilia turned to Rei with a soft smile, her voice calm yet reassuring. "Don't worry about their actions. Let's just enjoy this celebration."
Rei nodded reluctantly, recognizing the futility of clashing with the other kids. Together, they stepped back into the hall.
The ceremony began as the room fell silent. Hanna was guided to the circle of stones by a family friend, who stood in as the ceremonial officiant. Words of blessing were spoken, a prayer for strength, wisdom, and resilience. The stones at her feet glowed faintly, each one pulsing with a soft light as if resonating with her presence.
A delicate harp melody filled the air as the next part of the ceremony unfolded. Hanna stood poised and serene, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke her vows of growth and commitment for the coming decade. The guests, despite their earlier skepticism, watched in admiration as she carried herself with grace and poise. Finally, she was granted the last name Millford, which was the last name of Lily. Before Hanna and Rei's birth, Thomas and Lily had decided that if they had a son, he would take the last name of Thomas, and if they had a daughter, she would take the last name of Lily. Hanna's name now was Hanna Millford.
The celebration was in full swing as Rei finally stepped out of his room, the three handwritten books clutched in his hands. Downstairs, the laughter and chatter filled the air, underscored by the occasional clink of glasses. As he reached the gathering, his gaze found Hanna surrounded by family and friends, her youthful excitement lighting up the room.
Lily stood with a thoughtful expression, her voice soft yet clear as she suggested, "How about the title 'The Sunflower Child'? After all, Hanna has always loved visiting the sunflower fields."
Hanna wrinkled her nose, clearly not thrilled by the suggestion. "Oh no, I wanted a cool title!" she protested, crossing her arms.
Lily smiled gently, smoothing a strand of Hanna's hair. "Now, now. Don't forget, your title reflects your childhood, the things that make you uniquely you."
Hanna huffed in mild frustration but said nothing more, her gaze drifting toward the gifts awaiting her. "Fine," she said, albeit grudgingly. "Let's get to the gifts then."
Lily stepped forward first, presenting her offerings: a delicate set of jewelry, an elegant dress in Hanna's favorite colors, and a silk ribbon. "These are for you, my dear," she said warmly. "You'll look beautiful wearing them." Hanna smiled, thanking her mother as she admired the shimmering pieces.
Next, Thomas approached with his practical, sturdy gifts. He handed her a finely crafted dagger with an intricately etched hilt, a pair of durable boots perfect for exploring, and a set of artisan tools wrapped in leather. "For when you need strength and resourcefulness," he said with a proud nod. Hanna grinned, clearly pleased with the functional items, and thanked him enthusiastically.
Then came Rei's turn. He stepped forward, feeling the weight of the three books in his hands. For a moment, there was silence as all eyes turned to him. Hanna's gaze held a flicker of something unspoken—anticipation, perhaps? He extended the books toward her, one by one, saying simply, "These are for you."
Hanna's fingers brushed over the covers, her eyes wide with curiosity as she read the titles: physics, chemistry, and mathematics, all handwritten by Rei. Her lips curved into a soft smile as she looked up at him, nodding in gratitude. This was the first time he had spoken directly to her in such a meaningful way, and it showed in her expression.
Finally, Emilia stepped forward, her presence drawing warmth into the room. She handed Hanna a beautifully carved magic wand, a thick book filled with her personal records and notes on magic, and a guidebook to casting spells. "For your journey into magic," Emilia said with a smile. "I hope these will help you grow even stronger." Hanna accepted the gifts with an excited nod, her eyes lighting up as she thanked Emilia.
As the gifts were exchanged, the room buzzed with energy. Each offering was a reflection of its giver: the love and refinement of Lily, the practicality and strength of Thomas, the knowledge and growth Rei offered, and the magical promise from Emilia.
And while Hanna marveled at the gifts, Rei stood back, observing quietly. The title "The Sunflower Child" now seemed fitting in its own way—a reminder of Hanna's bright, optimistic spirit that often reminded others of sunshine, even if she didn't realize it herself.