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Chapter : 15
“I will escort you to the gate of the castle.”
“You’re the only one who uses the front door properly.”
“…See you next time.”
Hiel lightly waved his hand at Kael, who replied with a blank expression.
Then, suppressing a feeling of regret, he left the child’s side.
Albert saw Hiel off all the way to the castle gate, then stared blankly as the golden dragon disappeared into the southern sky.
“Papa…”
“What is it?”
At Kael’s question, Hiazelki shook her head.
She was still dazed, and also distracted after noticing the strange mark on her ankle. So she didn’t fully process what had happened—but she had met a golden dragon.
It was definitely a dragon she remembered.
‘I should have said thank you… I’m a proper young lady…’
Hiazelki pouted slightly and looked out the window.
* * *
In the deep winter where the air felt like it would freeze the lungs, it was the last day of the year.
For this day, the entire castle had been decorated with colorful ornaments.
Excited footsteps headed toward Hiazelki’s room.
It was probably Yuri who had been looking forward to today the most.
“Lady! Happy birthday!”
Yuri opened the door with a bright smile.
“Good morning, Yuri.”
Hiazelki was already awake, standing by the window and watching the snow-covered outside.
Since winter had begun, this had become part of her morning routine.
“Today I’ll make you extra pretty! Though you’re already pretty!”
Yuri proudly rolled up her sleeves and began dressing her.
A pale blue-white dress with snowflake lace decorations, shining softly yet elegantly.
White stockings and white shoes decorated with snowflakes.
Her now-grown coral-colored hair was braided to one side and left hanging.
A thick light-blue cloak was placed over her shoulders, making her look like a winter princess.
Yuri murmured in admiration.
“I made this, but it’s amazing. Maybe I’m a genius?”
“…Are you done now?”
Tired of waiting, Hiazelki sighed.
“Ah, just a moment.”
Yuri sat her back down and placed a snowflake hair accessory on her head.
“Here. This is my gift.”
“A gift?”
“Yes! Because today is your birthday!”
Hiazelki blinked in confusion and stared at Yuri through the mirror.
‘It’s my birthday… so why is she giving me a present?’
She didn’t understand why people received gifts on birthdays.
Before she could ask, the door suddenly opened.
“Hiya, are you ready?”
“Yes, Papa. I’m ready.”
Hiazelki quickly ran to Kael.
He had tied his usually loose hair back neatly with a pin.
Seeing him dressed differently, she admired him.
“Wow, you look so cool today! Papa looks great!”
“…Hmph.”
Clearly unused to praise, Kael looked away for a moment before replying calmly.
“Dragons are naturally beautiful beings.”
‘Ah. Yes. Sure.’
Hiazelki quietly accepted it and took his hand.
Today was her birthday—she decided to endure it.
Hand in hand, they headed to the banquet hall.
Everything in the castle had been prepared, even though the hall had never been used before.
The servants had worked hard to prepare it.
When she arrived at the door, Hiazelki felt nervous and took a deep breath.
When the doors opened—
It felt like a place filled with happiness.
Lisa and Albert smiling.
Kael holding her hand tightly.
Delicious food and decorations filling the hall.
And most of all—
“Happy birthday, Lady!”
“Congratulations, Lady!”
Everyone smiled and welcomed her.
“Thank you…”
Feeling like she might cry, she lowered her head and thanked them.
But soon she was laughing and enjoying the party.
“Yuri, did you already give your gift?”
“Yes! It felt like it wouldn’t be complete without it. I might really be a genius.”
“Then everyone should give theirs now.”
At Albert’s suggestion, Lisa nodded.
Hiazelki bit into an éclair made by the chef, completely absorbed in the sweetness.
“Lady, come here for a moment.”
So she followed Yuri, still eating another éclair.
The chef, Team, rolled in a giant cake.
“Wow!”
A two-layer cake decorated like a snowy landscape with whipped cream.
“It’s chocolate cake inside, your favorite.”
“Thank you, Team!”
Lisa gave her a pretty dress, and Albert gave her a book.
She accepted them and tilted her head.
“But… why do you give presents?”
A brief silence fell.
Kael, slightly flustered, paused.
“Because it’s your birthday, Lady.”
“Do you receive gifts on your birthday? But…”
Birthdays were good days, but she didn’t understand the gifts.
Kael couldn’t answer—he didn’t understand humans well enough.
Instead, Lisa stepped forward and knelt to meet her eyes.
“Lady.”
“Yes.”
“Giving gifts on your birthday means we are happy you were born into this world. It means we celebrate you turning six, and we’re thankful you grew up healthy.”
“I’m… happy I was born?”
“Yes. Because of you, we can all meet like this.”
At those words, Hiazelki lowered her head.
The warmth in her chest felt like sunlight.
She gently placed her gifts aside and hugged Lisa.
“Thank you, Lisa.”
The servants looked on warmly.
Kael nodded slightly as if understanding.
Just then—
BANG!
The door opened loudly.
“I’m here!”
Startled, Hiazelki looked up.
“Jiel!”
She smiled brightly.
Jiel rushed in.
“I missed you, kid!”
“So did I, Jiel!”
But before Jiel could hug her, Kael snatched her up first.
“You’re late.”
“Hey! Don’t interrupt our reunion!”
“Give me what I asked for.”
“Seriously? I came all this way for that!”
“It’s a birthday party.”
“…Birthday?”
Jiel turned to Kael.
“…So that’s why…”
“Stop talking and give it.”
“Ugh!”
Then he smiled at Hiazelki.
“Happy birthday, kid.”
“Thank you!”
“I didn’t have time to prepare anything, so take this.”
He pulled out a huge flower from his pouch.
A flower as big as her face, pale sky-blue petals surrounding a white bell-like center.
“Wow…”
“This is called Winter Lady.”
“Winter Lady?”
“It’s a rare flower.”
At Kael’s sharp look, Jiel reluctantly handed it over.
Kael gave the flower to Hiazelki.
“Happy birthday, Hia.”
“Is this for me?”
“Yes. My gift.”
Albert wiped his eyes, murmuring that their master was giving gifts now.
“Thank you, Papa.”
Kael looked at her smiling face and almost smiled himself.
Jiel leaned closer and held her small hand.
“This is my gift then.”
He gently touched the flower and lowered his voice, as if sharing a secret.
