The night before he turned 6, Joanne took him for an ‘important talk’ and they left the newly refurbished church which now had un-cracked paint and relatively new furniture.

However, this talk was nothing more than some nonsense about living life to the fullest and pursuing your dreams. You know, the usual parent lecture, that Daron had received despite his great marks.

Nearing midnight, the two decided to stop their walk and return to the church, and Daron had already realised what was happening. He had Sirious in his mind after all, constantly displaying the date, and any related events.

“What have you all planned for tomorrow?”

“Sigh. You never forget, do you?”

“How can I forget my own birthday?!”

“Anyway, at least act surprised like you do every year. Thank the kids a lot for their efforts. Maybe shed a fake tear.”

“Tch, you know, Priestess Joanne, I am the youngest here?”

“Yet you behave as though you are my age.”

“Touché” Daron smiled and stopped the conversation with Joanne, admitting his defeat and continued on his way home.

“SURPRISE!!!”

The four kids, and two employees he had; Sharon and Jack, all jumped at Daron as soon as he entered. Thankfully, his 6-year-old body did not instantly collapse, and formed some resistance against this force, allowing Joanne to intervene and prevent everyone from fling out the door of the church and tumbling onto the ground.

“Now, now, let us first cut the cake.”

Over the past 2 years, once Daron was earning enough money through the business, he had restarted the tradition of celebrating birthdays, which had stopped in the church due to a lack of money. He had even done so for the employees whom he had hired around 1 year ago. Now, it was finally his birthday, and the tricks he had taught everyone for the others’ birthdays were now being used on him.

The gang had created a cake, which was more like sweet bread than anything. They also dressed themselves, and the church up.

After some more chatting and eating the sweet bread Daron had decided to name bread, since things like baking powder, ovens, etc weren’t invented yet, the group decided to see the two employees off, and then go to bed.

The next morning, Daron was in a good mood, and after discussing it with the others, they decided to make today a special day at the restaurant.

He put up a large sign at the door of the restaurant that said,

“Free food on the house for the first 40 customers in celebration for Daron’s birthday!”

Quickly the first 40 customers, which was basically houseful, were filled, and he began serving to them.

Soon, they were done, and the restaurant closed for business within 2 hours of opening.

While everyone was leaving, he overheard a few customers talking about something interest and called them over.

“What is this about?”

“Oh my, Little Daron. Did you not hear? Today, Lord Zack is starting a talent recruitment mission where he is searching for talented knights to be his daughter’s bodyguard. Naturally, due to Lady Zoey’s age, only those below the age of 8 are allowed to enter the selection program.”

“Oh!” Daron’s eyes twinkled as he finally found a way to enter the castle and learn how to become a knight, and that coincidentally happened to be on the day he turned eligible for this training.

Although it seemed odd, it was still beneficial for Daron, and so he had to take this opportunity.

Sending the gossipers away, Daron went to Joanne and the kids and told them he wanted to participate in the selection.

Joanne hesitated for a few seconds before nodding, while the kids simply smiled.

“I’m going to help run the business.” Said Lily.

Hans and Greta also nodded along in agreement.

“I-” Just as Mako was hesitating at this decision that could alter his life, Daron added.

“The business can be handles by Priestess Joanne and the two employees, and will provide enough for everyone at the church. If you wish to continue working here, then do so as you wish. If you wish to leave, then leave. I have no control over you guys. Just go do whatever your heart desires. And Mako, stop mumbling to yourself. Have some confidence in yourself. Among everyone present here, you were the only on to save up your money. You were the only one who thought about the future. Unlike theses oafs, you actually have a plan, just like I do. Just follow that plan you fool. Don’t hesitate.”

After saying his piece to Mako, Daron turned around walked to the door, said one last goodbye the bunch of oddities he had called family for the past 6 years. Suddenly, it was as though thunder struck him as he suddenly recalled that his family was not 5, but 6 people.

With chock, confusion and fear covering his eyes, he turned to priestess Joanne, who seemed to have understood what happened.

She suddenly appeared behind Daron without anyone realised what happened, spoke a few words in his years, and reappeared back to where she originally was, and no one except Daron realised what had happened.

His eyes still trembling, he left the restaurant, heading for the castle, the words of Joanne still lingering in his mind.

“The Head Priestess’ name was Anna Croft.”

He did not care about the name nor anything else within the words except the single word ‘Was’.