> Ellie PoV

“Good morning Ellie ~♡!” (Kira)

“Kira!” (Ellie)

*Mmmmnnnnwah*

“Fufufu, how’s the first kiss of the new year?” (Kira)

I snuggle up even closer against Kira.

“Especially delicious!” (Ellie)

“I’m glad ~♡!” (Kira)

That’s right, today is officially the first day of the new year.

It finally sounds like it’s calmed down outside.

The last two weeks were pretty intense.

Just like Kira said all sorts of crazy weather happened.

The worst part was the hail that started falling on day four, it rattled incessantly against the tower for three full days.

Our yard was filled to the brim with ice cubes!

Then the sun showed up for about half an hour.

It painted the slowly melting ice in a dazzling green, it was really beautiful!

Ah that’s right, apparently the sun changes color gradually.

Kira neglected to mention that part when we first talked about it.

Since we saw it in the middle of the season, it was a bright green.

I’ve never seen a green sun before, it was quite mysterious!

However, Nano was not as impressed.

The all-important preparations were not in place, you see.

So in the end, Nano had to be rebooted.

Other than that, we spent a peaceful two weeks holed up inside the tower.

Ariel had to share a room with Kelly, though.

That little bungalow guest house outside was too exposed for the extreme weather.

And finally, the all important day is here!

New year?

Season change?

Ministry of Progress?

Those are unimportant details!

“Happy birthday, Kira!” (Ellie)

That’s right, today’s the day we celebrate the birth of the greatest and most wonderful person in the universe!

“Thank you so much Ellie ~♡! It means so much to me that I can share it with you ~♡!” (Kira)

Well, she wasn’t actually born on this day.

Probably.

She has no idea what her actual birth date is since she was adopted at a very young age.

The orphanage had no idea either.

Therefore, Esteemed Father chose to celebrate it on the first day of the first month.

Seemed to be related to some religious thing.

As for me, I was in a different situation.

Nano knows my actual birth date, but it’s meaningless in this world.

So me and Kira decided we would celebrate my own birthday on the day I was reborn.

The second day of the third month - the day we met.

“Now then, I wonder what sort of present you’ll give me ~♡!” (Kira)

Kira is playing coy.

She knows full well what her present is.

I slide under the covers so I can give it to her!

“Hnnn… Mmmm… A very slippery present, is it? Haahn!” (Kira)

It’s my complete, undivided attention!

We’re going to spend most of today with just the two of us!

Just like the day after we shared our first time!

We already warned everyone in the house not to disturb us until the evening.

That’s when we’ll have a big birthday party to celebrate with everyone else.

But until then, we will thoroughly enjoy some quiet time together.

“Hyaahaahn!” (Kira)

Well, figuratively quiet ~♡!

* * *

“Happy birthday Kiressara!” (Everyone)

*Clap clap clap clap*

We were greeted with a chorus of congratulations and cheering when we entered the room.

Kira is blushing fiercely at the sincere welcome as we walk over to our seats.

We lost track of time so she’s a bit late to our her own birthday party.

We’re holding it at our official residence in Runetap.

The invitations were sent out well in advance.

The preceding Autumn season puts everything in gridlock, so planning ahead is important!

Kira takes the seat of honor at the head of the long table and our guests line up in front of her.

In Ferseit, it’s traditional to present their gifts and well-wishes before the party goes into full swing.

Mine is obviously first.

Since I’m the wife.

“Once again, Happy birthday Kira. Thank you for being born.” (Ellie)

I hold out my present to her.

It’s not wrapped though.

Apparently it’s in poor taste to actually giftwrap things.

“Ellie? But I thought…” (Kira)

“This and that are completely different.” (Ellie)

Earlier, she gave back as much as she received, so I don’t feel like it was enough.

Besides, it’s something I really wanted to give her.

She curiously accepts my second present.

“Oh, it’s heavier than it looks. What is it?” (Kira)

“This, is a PLR-45 Sidearm. This weapon was one of my earliest and most reliable allies!” (Ellie)

Nano managed to recreate it almost perfectly using parts from a few PLR-76 Rifles!

The dull blue polymer surface is comfortable to the touch while the sleek contours give it a certain charm.

The comfortable grip and hefty weight fill you with confidence!

I really should have thought of this sooner!

Well, the cartridges we have on hand are limited, but it’s extremely reliable in a pinch!

It’s obviously not loaded right now though.

Gun safety is important.

“I’ll show you how it works later!” (Ellie)

“Okay! I’m looking forward to it! Thank you, Ellie ~♡!” (Kira)

She gives me a small hug and gently puts it away behind her.

Satisfied with the result, I take my own seat right next to her.

Next is Esteemed Father.

“Ah, would you look at all these people! And to think just last year it was only the two of us!” (Ernest)

“Dad…” (Kira)

“Enough about that! Here you go, sweetie!” (Ernest)

He hands her a round golden brooch with an intricate design.

I’m guessing it’s something religious again.

“Thanks, dad.” (Kira)

She gratefully accepts it and pins it on her clothes with a smile.

Yup, it looks good.

Esteemed Father makes way for the next two adorable gift-givers.

“Here Mom! This is from the two of us!” (Lara)

“Yeah! We made it ourselves!” (Sophie)

It’s a simplistic wooden cart with a strange shape.

Closer to a small box with wheels, really.

However, a disproportionately large wooden horse is pulling it and five wooden pegs stick out of it like passengers.

The one at the very front is painted a pale orange.

The two behind it are placed right next to each other, with one painted blue while the other is red.

And behind those are two noticeably shorter pegs painted brown.

It looks like our little traveling party back when Sophie and Lara first entered our lives.

“Ohhhh! How precious!” (Kira)

Kira lets out a small squeal of delight.

“Thank you, girls! I love it!” (Kira)

She bends over and gives them a quick hug while kissing each of their foreheads.

“Hehehe! Great success!” (Lara)

“Mommy that tickles!” (Sophie)

Giggling happily, they move back to their seats.

The mini-cart is also put away gently while Kelly steps up.

“Here ya go, Red! This is something me and Nano made!” (Kelly)

She holds up a tiny, ornate, silver-colored box.

It’s a size that fits perfectly in one palm.

The slight green tint probably means it’s made of Mithril.

“Oh, this looks pretty! What is it?” (Kira)

“Pour a bit of your mana into it!” (Kelly)

“... It won’t explode, right?” (Kira)

“It won’t explode. I stake my life and my mug on that promise.” (Kelly)

Kira shoots her a distrusting look before focusing back to the little box.

{It’s a music box. An innocent little creation courtesy of mine and Ellie’s old world. With a magic touch of Kelly’s inspiration, of course.}

“That last bit doesn’t really put me at ease… Alright. Just this once!” (Kira)

*Click*

The little box opens on its own.

*Ting, ting tong, tin-tin-tong-tong-ting. Ting. Ting. Ting-tong.*

Refreshing, quiet chimes are heard while a tiny drum spins around inside.

*Click*

And then closes itself back up.

“Wow!” (Kira)

Looks like Kira is amazed.

This is my first time seeing something like this as well!

“It actually didn’t explode! Thank you so much Kelly! You too Nano!” (Kira)

Kelly nods with a self-satisfied face and gives way to the next person.

Ah, I see.

All she really wanted from Kelly and Nano was [A Thing That Did Not Blow Up].

{Ellie. Don’t forget to teach Kira about regularly cleaning and maintaining that PLR-45.}

…

Oops.

I’m really glad Nano can broadcast to individual earpieces right now.

“Right.” (Ellie)

I whisper gently under my breath.

“Hmm? Did you say something Ellie?” (Kira)

Kira tilts her head slightly at my out-of place word.

“Nano was just reminding me about something minor.” (Ellie)

She narrows her eyes at me.

Nothing escapes her notice as usual!

“Ellie… is there something you-” (Kira)

“Mistress!” (Ariel)

Ariel came to my rescue!

“Please accept this one’s humble offering. This one sincerely wishes Mistress would use this in good health!” (Ariel)

The impact of her sudden appearance and questionable present seems to have derailed Kira’s thought process!

Thank goodness!

“... Thanks. Off you go now. Far away from me.” (Kira)

Kira gingerly hides away the leather whip while shooing Ariel away with a disgusted look.

Ariel gives a small smile before stepping to the side.

The less said about that, the better.

Olboun is next.

Apparently when he heard Kira was having a big party, he insisted he be invited.

He’s just a bit lonely since he only got to arrest Kira once during the 12th month.

A merchant had sold us some not-so-well-preserved meat.

When Kira demanded a refund, he refused, things got a bit violent and his stall mysteriously caught fire.

The smell of burning rotten meat then wafted from it and caused quite a big disturbance.

I wasn’t able to ‘Enforcer’ the situation...

“Here ya go! A special present from everyone back at the south gate! To our favorite customer, happy birthday!” (Olboun)

He hands her a small dagger in a fancy-looking leather sheath.

The wooden handle is beautifully engraved with floral patterns and a single red gem is embedded in the guard.

“Yer gonna be a big shot in the capital soon, right? Every big shot needs a fancy letter opener!” (Olboun)

Kira curiously unsheathes it and reveals the sleek blade.

“Wow. It’s beautiful, thank you very much, Olboun!” (Kira)

“Hope it serves you well!” (Olboun)

“Yes… sure…” (Kira)

Kira’s face is cramping up slightly as Olboun leaves with a wide grin.

Theoretically speaking, it can be used to open letters.

Although it looks sharp enough to cut open a whole lot of other things just as easily.

Kira carefully sheathes the Letterminator 4000 (tentative name) and puts it away with the rest of the gifts.

And last but not least, mister Picorio.

“Happy birthday, Mrs Quasse. I wish you good health and fortune. Here, a token of our continued friendship.” (Picorio)

He hands over a 30-centimeter tall wooden statue.

It’s a figure of Kira and me casually standing side by side while linking hands.

This has a lot of details and looks to be molded with magic rather than carved.

Not to mention the expertly painted and vivid colors.

Very lifelike!

Kira’s slightly cramped expression immediately softens.

“Thank you Picorio. It’s quite lovely.” (Kira)

“My pleasure, Mrs Quasse.” (Picorio)

He bows slightly and goes back to his seat.

Since the gifting phase is over, Kira stands up and addresses everyone present.

“Thank you all for coming here. Your continued support, friendship and love really makes me look forward to each day with a smile. Now then, let’s properly get this party started!” (Kira)

Nano’s butler-like androids start serving food and drink to everyone.

“Alright! Now that the boring stuff is over, let’s get pissed!” (Kelly)

“I won’t lose this time!” (Olboun)

“Hah! In your dreams, baldie!” (Kelly)

Looks like Olboun and Kelly immediately start drinking.

The kids are happily chatting with Picorio about pleasant smelling flowers that grow during the Winter year.

Ariel is… looking longingly at that whip.

I’m really glad I can’t hear her thoughts right now.

As for Kira, she’s just sitting there, eating her vegetable stir-fry and enjoying the noisy atmosphere.

She really must have wished for a lively birthday like this.

Oddly enough, it feels like something’s not quite right.

Something out of place, I can’t quite put my finger on it…

Oh!

That’s it!

How careless of me!

“Kira, can I see that Lettermin- I mean, letter opener real quick?” (Ellie)

“Sure, here you go!” (Kira)

I take Olboun’s gift from her and unsheathe the beautiful blade.

Yep, this will do nicely!

*SLICE*

I suddenly jumped and slashed at my own seat while doing a front somersault.

The whole party grinds to halt and stares at me.

“SCREEEEeeeeee…” (High-pitched voice)

It writhes slightly while letting out a fading screech.

“Must have snuck in during the Autumn.” (Ellie)

They all nod understandingly and resolutely stab their own chairs with their dinnerware.

Good, looks like this was the only one.

Those sentient chairs are a nuisance.