INTERLUDE : HAPPY BIRTHDAY

“Lili don’t eat so quickly and chew you food properly.” Mom said pointing the spoon at intended person. But she paid no heed.

“But it’s so tasty that I want to finish it off quickly and eat the ice-cream. I might not be able to eat them anymore for a while.” Lili sounded desperate and the victim here.

“Don’t speak while eating.” Mother retorted.

After sometime when we were finished with the dinner and Flora came to get the plates, mother looked at me and asked.

“Alicia I have seen you working so late at night recently. You should sleep early and if anything is troubling you just ask.”

“Everything is fine….” I might have sounded a little odd there. But there is no escaping from mother’s all knowing senses. I was sure I had excellently buried all the trails and my work a secret. Maybe she even knows about that.

“Big sister have you thought of the cake you are going to make on my birthday.”

“Still working on it.” yes there is only one week left now for Lili’s birthday to come. And for a month she has been so excited about it.

“Big sister when is your birthday. You never told me.”

“Huh…” I was speechless.

“Don’t tell me it already passed by when I was not here.”

“Actually I don’t know…when is mine.” I did not try to hide the fact.

“That’s not possible.” It seems that Lili won’t be leaving me off the hook without a proper answer.

But it’s true, I don’t know the day I was born and if I look at my status window it only shows years with no mention of month and dates. So, I didn’t really know what to say to Lili.

“I know Lili why don’t you two celebrate your birthdays on the same day.” Mother as usual came to my rescue but the plan was something she decided all on her own.

“We can do that…” Lili enquired.

“Why not? As long as you are up for it.”

“But you don’t really have to do it specifically for me. I am fine with not having a birthday.”

It was really okay with me, not having to celebrate one. Even in my previous life I did not celebrate my birthday even if I know on which day it was. It was just like a normal day. I don’t think my guardians even remembered on which day it was or maybe that they were too busy to wish me. Not like even if I celebrated it by buying a cake someone would accompany me while cutting it or I knew someone whom I could invite and have a party with.

“Yes… I am all for it. I want to celebrate my birthday with big sister.”

Then without my affirmation everything seems to have been decided in advance, but I was now looking forward for that day to come. Maybe this could prove to be a totally new experience for me…. Because that is one of my goals in this new life.

The day came and we were already sitting on the dinner table with a huge blueberry cake in front of us made from the same fruits we got from the ice forest.

“Lili, it’s about time to cut the cake.”

“But what about the gifts.”

“That is after you cut the cake I suppose.” Father explained Lili and questioning within himself the probable reasons why presents are given after cutting the cake.

Maybe because the giver can be sure of that they get a piece in return for their present. But didn’t I bring the present with the intention to give in the first place. But if I did work in creating a present then shouldn’t there be a reward for me. But isn’t that too selfish. But I am the one thinking of it then what does that make of me… Ah it’s no use there are just too many… But’s. Maybe that’s what father would be thinking with the tensed up creases appearing on his faces.

“Big sister why don’t you cut the cake with me.”

“No you go first, it’s totally fine with me only celebrating and it’s not necessary if I don’t cut one.”

“But didn’t you and Flora work hard to make the cake. So…”

Lili grabbed my hand just like that, and carried me to the spot. Putting the knife in between our hands she slashed through the cake like a samurai. Maybe her method was too rough and violent for the cake in the first place. Maybe it felt more like she was slaying a monster.

Mother and father started clapping.

“Happy birthday Lili and Alicia.” Both of them congratulated us at the same time.

It all happened so quick for me to follow that I broke in a smile.

“Thank you.”

Flora served us the cut pieces of the cake next and presented us with the dishes which she and I had prepared this evening.

Mostly it was a barbeque party because Lili likes grilled and smoked stuff. We had bite-size, juicy pieces of meat, chicken skewers, sausage wieners, fried noodles and lots of sliced vegetables, though mostly neglected. And I had to finish them off, wasting food is a sin.

Everyone seems to like the new flavoured blue berry cake and the good response was making the business idea of farming it on a large scale just that tempting. But I will need land to cultivate that. Or maybe not, I can just simply transport myself to the forest. But if I rely on a single place others might discover my business secret. There’s just too much on the plate to think off. But getting worried about these silly ideas might be not worth it in a birthday party where everyone is having fun.

Even if it’s only us four and Flora again, it totally feels like a new atmosphere. Because the next part consisted of Lili’s birthday present.

It was first mother and father’s turn. They came forward with a small pink wrapped box and gave it to Lili, who without any reservation and in haste nibbled through the nicely packed wrapper and unsealed the cover.

From inside came out a bracelet with a red ellipsoid crystal attached in between of a golden bracelet. Lili without further ado put it on her right hand and it rather looked cute on her outfit.

Suddenly mother passed me a similar gift box.

“It’s your birthday too Alicia.”

I did not question but with a “thank you” humbly accepted the gift.

From inside came out a white bracelet and on top of which a blue pearl with a similar shape and size to that of Lili’s was fixed. While I put it on my left hand, the bracelet got camouflaged with my white outfit and the blue pearl like a small gemstone embedded on my wrist.

“Big sister and I have similar looking bracelets.”

“Well, with these two magic crystals you should be able to contact each other whenever you want without restrictions. No matter how far apart you are you can even roughly pin-point each other’s location.”

I thought there was some meaning behind it, so it is something like a communication magic similar to phones of my previous world. Well the location system helps to know where Lili is anytime if I wanted to meet her in the outside world.

But next was my turn, the part I was most excited about was giving a present to Lili. The thing on which I had been working so hard on till late nights.

I pushed a large green box in front of them which apparently looked heavy and the shaking made it look even more suspicious.

“Big sister, is that my gift. What can it be, to be so huge?”

“Just wait and see.” I smirked. Maybe I was too excited to surprise her.

From Lili I had heard that school is a thing only for the nobility and those who can afford it. So, in this world where they have only few schools, people have to travel to other countries to get the best education from the best institute. So, just that the noble students can study properly without being affected with changes in their daily life, the staying are well equipped with all kinds of recreation equipments and facilities. And also allows students to bring with them attendants to serve under and take care of them. Since Lili needs to hide her identity, she cannot have an attendant from the outside world; otherwise she might not be able to live normally in the demon academy.

“So…. Ta-daa.”

The giant cardboard lid flipped open and I was waiting to see the excited faces of everyone and their cheers for my exceptional work, especially I was looking forward to that of Lili’s. Since the gift was meant for her.

“What’s that?”

“Is that an alien?”

“No, I think it’s a joker, you see in parties.” Wait what’s with mother’s and everyone’s comment.

I turned back at the gift and a figure in black odd suit was standing in front of me with two long daggers in her hands. What that person wore was a half covered black mask from chin to nose leaving only pink eyes to be seen. The black jump-suit which looked a modern combination of a track suit and a ninja-uniform fit tightly on the wearer’s body.

“But, why are you in your combat uniform.”

“Because my job is to protect everyone from the shadows and keep Lady Alicia safe.”

“Not for now…. Just go in.”

“But why… I want to be in this dress. I like it this way.”

“Don’t force me too…” I started pushing her head back inside the huge box which could have easily fit two people like her, while she was doing her best to resist.

“Nooo….” She cried.

“Just change already back into the uniform.”

“Isn’t it this one.”

“Not the one made you wear the last night, but the one I asked you to wear today.”

“But I like that one the more.”

I was finally able to press her in and tightly shut the lid.

“Nothing wrong, just a few moments.” I replied to others confused expressions.

‘Something is wrong!’ Thought Lili.

‘Something is definitely wrong!!’ Thought Father.

‘Isn’t this similar to abduction!!!’ Thought mother.

“Ta—daa…” the lid of the box from inside flung open with a bang and a cute girl almost the same age as Lili was standing in front of them now. She was wearing a maid outfit similar to Flora, with purple hairs tied in a ponytail using green scrunches. With the glamorous leap she made out of the box circling twice mid air and with the gut-pose she landed on the ground made her look like a circus performer.

But the claps from the watchers made it look okay for now.

“My name is Rose. From today on I will be serving Master Lili. I excel at wind magic. But my original job is of a spy and my hobby is to dodge lasers and infiltrate enemy’s castle to get my hands on secret scrolls. Did I do it right this time Lady Alicia.” She looked at me with her bright pink eyes. Why did I make them so adorable, just blame my imagination.

I wanted to slap myself for teaching her those things or giving her that kind of personality from one of my fantasy life characters of a spy who trained his life underground and when she ventures into the outside world - finds herself fighting against a corporation that wants to get their hands on ancient relics. So before they can collect them, this spy would every time by chance tumble upon a ruin and by her instincts complete each one of them and then with those relics repel the plans of evil corporation to take over the world.

Well, that’s how Rose primarily sees this world. The same goes for Flora she was primarily designed to be a maid who likes cute things and is obsessed with cleanliness whether it’s of house or the enemies.

Lili quietly walked to her and suddenly holding her hands and staring into her eyes she said, “Be my friend.”

“Yes I will be.” It seems that Rose too cannot resist Lili’s childish charms.

“You are so cute.” And after that Lili started her doll like treatment towards Rose, though it seems that she is not liking it that very much with the resistance she is putting. Maybe it’s better to teach her about people’s personal space, but for now it will serve as a lesson for Rose.

Am I trying to get back at Rose, maybe… definitely not. It will be a good bonding session for both of them.

Yes, that’s right… Rose will be accompanying her to the outside world like an attendant and look after her.

“Big sister is she my birthday present.”

“Yes, she will take care of you in the outside world and she can make the same dishes as me. You like it.”

“Yes.”

“Please take care of me from now on Master Lili, though my cooking skills might not hold a candle to Lady Alicia who stands above all. But I will do my best to protect you and fulfill your every demand.”

The next day came and we had all collected near the teleportation station which was near the forest. Lili looked happy that she was this time going to be accompanied by someone whom she considered a friend and since they are of same age they were hitting together at it well.

“Lady Alicia, if you ever need me then please contact me. I will be ever ready to infiltrate the enemy’s base and do everything as you command.”

“Then take care of Lili for me and I hope that you enjoy the outside world for now too.”

“Thank you for thinking about me so much. You are my creator and always so kind to me. Will do.”

It seems that these humanoid robots (golems) I make are deeply attached to me for some reason. But I don’t think I have done something that good for them to be this thankful to me. The same goes for Flora who always appears to be so attached to me and always stands near me when I am at work or studying. She herself helped me a lot while making Flora and designing her body parts while condensing the refined molten magitie ores with her water control magic.

“Goodbye mother, father, big sister and Flora. I will be leaving now and try to come home soon.”

All of us said our goodbyes, but we tried to keep this short because it would just get that difficult to leave for her. I wondered what would be like that for me. I too want to live here forever. But there are things I have to do and someone out there is still waiting for me.

White light swirled on the magical circle drawn on the floor and in the next instant the two vanished from our sight, while I hoped that we could reunite soon.

***

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