Chapter 28: Birthday Party

“Brother!”

“Aurora, Azer! Hahaha, what are you two doing here?!”

Azrael beamed at the sight of his young siblings. As they ran toward him, he extended his arms and caught them both in a big hug. His eyes softened with affection as he looked at them.

“Hahaha, alright, you two, that’s enough. Let your brother up so we can go inside and start the party.”

Azela laughed as she approached the restaurant's entrance and saw the three together. It had been a while since she had seen all her children together, and the sight of them laughing brought a warm feeling throughout her body.

“Mom! Dad! When did you all get here?!”

Azrael felt a mix of joy and shock. The letter had only arrived that day; he never expected to see his family so soon.

With Winston’s help, Azrael stood and walked into the restaurant with everyone else. The sight inside made him widen his eyes in surprise.

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The restaurant featured a long table seating eight on the left and a set of tables on the right. On the right tables, there was an assortment of vegetables mixed with white sauce, a stuffed duck, some beef glazed with orange sauce, a large pot of steaming soup, a roasted avian bird, and a large boar with a fruit in its mouth.

Strings of various colors adorned the roof and walls, and right below the crystal chandelier was a large banner stretching from wall to wall that read “HAPPY BIRTHDAY AZRAEL!”

When Azrael felt a tap on his shoulder, he turned around to see Winston, Zer, Han Byul, the twins, and his parents. Their laughter and smiles made him grin.

“Don’t just stand there, Az! We’re starving! Let’s go eat.”

At Winston’s insistence, Azrael laughed and headed toward the food. Once everyone had served themselves, they gathered at the long table. After sitting down, Azrael looked at his parents and asked the question that had been on his mind.

“How did you guys get here? Shouldn’t you be busy with instructing, Dad?”

At Azrael’s question, both his parents glanced at Winston before Byrael answered.

“Your friend Winston here sent us a letter a couple of months ago, asking if we could come for your birthday party. Since we were only three days away, I mentioned you to Count Lemmenier and requested time off to see you. He was quite interested in you. When you come home after the Rising Stars Tournament, he wants to meet you.”

“You always seemed so happy when you talked about your family, Az. I thought you’d enjoy spending your birthday with them too, so I sent a letter to your parents. Who would have thought they were so close?” Winston added with a grin.

“Winst!!!”

“Oi! Az, get off me!”

“I could just about kiss you right now.”

“OI! HAN BYUL, GET HIM OFF ME RIGHT NOW!”

Laughter erupted in the room at the comedic scene between Azrael and Winston. Azrael chuckled as Winston extended his arms and pushed Azrael’s face away. He truly felt grateful to his best friend for going through so much trouble for him. With warm eyes, he looked around at everyone at the table.

“Thanks, everyone. I’m really lucky to have such a loving family and great friends. I’m at a loss for words…”

A hand rested on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Han Byul smiling brightly. As he took her hand, a cough came from across the table.

“Ahem So, son, why don’t you introduce your friends to us? We know a little about Winston from the letters, but we’ve never formally met.”

Realizing his oversight, Azrael felt a bit embarrassed. Winston, Zer, and Han Byul chuckled at his reaction. After giving them a glare, Azrael began the introductions.

“So, as you two already know, Mom and Dad, the person on my left is Winston. He’s also my roommate.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, sir and ma’am. My name is Winston Wozeal from the Sunder Kingdom.”

Winston bowed and then took his seat. Byrael and Azela smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. Before Azrael could continue, Zer stood up and began his introduction.

“How do you do, Mister and Misses Celeste? I am one of your son’s best friends, Zer Aiur from the Rhostaz Kingdom.”

As Zer bowed, Byrael showed a puzzled expression.

“Maybe I’m mistaken, but if you’re from the Aiur clan in the Rhostaz Kingdom…”

“I am the son of Prime Minister Renston Aiur.”

Both Byrael’s and Azela’s eyes widened in surprise. Though they knew Winston’s family was prominent in the Sunder Kingdom, they hadn’t realized the Aiur clan’s high status.

As they started to rise, Zer waved frantically to stop them.

“Mister and Misses Celeste, please don’t stand on ceremony. You are the parents of one of my best friends. Please, stay seated.”

Azrael had almost forgotten Zer’s noble background. He then remembered Han Byul’s status and turned to her, noticing a mischievous smile on her face.

‘She… she couldn’t be thinking of doing that, could she?’

Once Zer sat down, Han Byul stood up with a bright smile and dropped a bombshell.

“How do you do, Mister and Misses Celeste? I am Han Byul from the Rhostaz Kingdom and Azrael’s girlfriend. Please treat me well.”

Han Byul bowed to the stunned Byrael and Azela. Azrael’s face went pale. He stared at Han Byul in disbelief as a chill ran down his spine. Turning slowly, he saw Azela’s face twitching with a smile. Behind her, he imagined a female ghost with a hannya mask and a kitchen knife.

“Ho ho ho… Azrael, my dear son… Would you care to explain this situation to your mother?”

‘Master… why is it that every woman besides you is so scary…?’

‘Chunyong, Bonghwang, Samjokko… It was a pleasure knowing you three…’

‘’’We wish Master a safe trip to the Netherworld!’’’

‘…Wait a second, even you too, Samjokko?!’

As the three elementals prayed for their Master’s safe journey (?), the unlikely hero Byrael stepped in.

“Um… did you just say your name was Han Byul and that you’re from the Rhostaz Kingdom?”

“Yes, Mister Celeste.”

“…If I’m not mistaken, the second princess of the Rhostaz Kingdom is also named Han Byul…”

“That’s me, sir.”

“EH?!”

Both Byrael and Azela were taken aback. Azela had joked about even a princess not escaping her inspection, but who would have thought he would date one? Before they could regain their composure, Han Byul began to calm them down.

“Please, Mister and Misses Celeste, there’s no need for formalities. It’d be much more comfortable for me if you just act normally.”

Though hesitant, Byrael and Azela relented when they saw Han Byul’s smile. The atmosphere remained a bit awkward as everyone continued to eat and talk. It didn’t last long, though, as Azer and Aurora began to argue about whose elemental Azrael would prefer after the meal.

“Brother will definitely like Wangso better! He looks so cool and majestic!”

“Hmph, as if brother would like that fat cow of yours. Dooroomi is much prettier and more elegant!”

The twins’ argument was endearing. Azrael laughed, stood up, and patted both of them on the shoulders.

“Haha, alright, you two. Enough arguing. Why don’t you both bring out your elementals in ethereal form so that brother can see them?”

Azer and Aurora nodded. After a few moments, two smoky forms appeared on the ground. One was silver, representing steel, and the other was white, symbolizing light. The smoky shapes solidified into a bull and a crane.

Just as his mother had described, Wangso was an imposing figure with thick muscles and glistening bronze armor. He looked ready to charge through enemy lines at any moment. Dooroomi, on the other hand, was a beautiful crane that evoked the image of a full moon in the night sky.

“Waaah! The crane is so pretty, Azrael!”

At the sight of Dooroomi, Han Byul rushed forward and gazed at her with wide eyes. Azrael chuckled inwardly as she looked like a little girl seeing something truly beautiful.

“Brother! Whose elemental is cooler? Mine or Aurora’s?”

“Stupid Azer! Of course, brother is going to say Dooroomi! Whoever thinks Wangso is cooler must be blind!”

“What’d you say?!”

As Azer and Aurora began to argue again, Azrael kneeled in front of them and looked at them lovingly.

“I think both Wangso and Dooroomi look very cool. Brother declares this match a tie!”

“Eh? Again, brother?!”

“You always say everything is a tie between us!”

The whole group burst into laughter at the twins’ shocked faces, which quickly turned into pouts. Azrael stood up, wrapped his arms around both siblings, and lifted them with a laugh. The twins let out surprised yelps.

For the rest of the evening, the group enjoyed themselves as Azrael played with his siblings. It was a truly pleasant surprise for him. As he looked around at everyone, he secretly wished the day would never end. However, as often happens, time seemed to accelerate, and the sun began to set.

As everyone stood at the entrance and prepared to leave, Azela pulled her son aside. After a long hug, she withdrew a small object from her pocket. It was a necklace.

“My dear, lovely child, once again, happy thirteenth birthday! You don’t know how blessed your father and I feel to have such an amazing child like you. For your gift this year, we gathered our money and decided to buy you this necklace.”

Azela handed him the necklace. As Azrael examined it, he saw that the pendant was shaped like a large tear made from green, glass-like material. A message was inscribed around the perimeter.

No matter how lost you feel, no matter how hopeless a situation seems, always know that you have a home to return to and a family that loves you.

Azrael’s eyes misted as he read the message. With such a loving family, how could he ever feel hopeless or lost?

“Thank you, Mom! Thank you, Dad!”

Azrael rushed forward and hugged his parents, who had just arrived behind her. The twins, seeing their parents and brother hugging, quickly joined in. With a laugh, the whole family embraced, and Winston, Zer, and Han Byul looked on with warm feelings in their hearts.

In the continent of Xiosu, it was customary for only family members to give gifts on birthdays, with the exception of the coming-of-age birthday at eighteen years old. Those parties were grand festivals where friends would also give gifts for good luck in future endeavors.

After seeing his family to their hotel, Azrael rode back to the academy with his best friends. Although he wished to stay with his family longer, there were many preparations left for their departure to the Felsia Kingdom the day after tomorrow. He still remembered the worried look on his mom’s face as she reminded him to be careful at the tournament. His father had only given him a supportive slap on the shoulder and advised him to do his best.

When they reached the dormitories, Azrael and Han Byul parted ways with Zer and Winston, who went to their beds. The couple walked silently to Han Byul’s residence, their fingers intertwined, communicating their feelings without words.

At Han Byul’s estate door, they faced each other and gazed into each other’s eyes.

“Thank you for everything today. It was an amazing birthday.”

“There’s no need for thanks between us. Anyway, it was Winston’s idea to invite your family. I only reserved the restaurant and arranged the food.”

“Still, you guys didn’t have to go that far. I really did luck out with becoming best friends with you three.”

“Ahem Best friends?”

“Haha, fine. Two best friends and the most amazing girlfriend. Happy?”

“Hehe, you get a passing mark, Mister Celeste.”

“Alright, you should go in; it’s late. Good night.”

At that moment, he raised both arms and placed them on either side of Han Byul’s head. Closing his eyes, he leaned forward to kiss her forehead. As he pulled away, she knew what was coming and closed her eyes. When his lips left her skin, she opened her eyes to see Azrael smiling at her.

“I know I’m not supposed to give you a birthday present, but screw it.”

Han Byul wrapped her arms around Azrael’s neck and pulled him forward, kissing him on the lips.

Meanwhile, within a keep in the Rhostaz Kingdom, eight hooded figures knelt behind a man. Without glancing backward, he gave the hooded figures their mission.

“Go to the Felsia Kingdom and await Princess Han Byul’s arrival. She should arrive in three weeks. Follow her as if you were her shadow. Be vigilant, though; we don’t know who dealt with Kel at the academy, and the King most certainly has sent guards to protect his daughter. Look for opportunities when she is alone.

When you get the chance… kill her.”