Chapter 8: The Best Birthday
Chapter 8: The Best Birthday
“H-HIS reply came…”
Today, Oriana welcomed her seventeenth birthday. She was currently staying at the Elsha estate, located within the capital.
Gentle autumn sunlight streamed across the floor of her room. Oriana’s sky blue eyes lit up as she clasped the envelope with trembling fingers.
In accordance with Amanecer’s social customs, Lagen Magic Academy had a long three-month break from mid-autumn until the start of winter. This was the only opportunity for students, who came from far away to attend school, to return home and visit family.
Most traveled via a magically powered ship. Instead of sailing the high seas, this vessel chugged along tracks laid out across the country. It was known as the Enchanted Voyager, and its accommodations were separated into three levels: elite class, first class, and second class.
Thanks to being magically operated, the Enchanted Voyager made for a smooth, speedy ride. Since its viability didn’t hinge on weather, it was the country’s primary mode of transportation, used far and wide. Its path didn’t encompass every corner of the nation, but the tracks were laid out in such a way that it stopped by all major towns. Naturally, there was a station in the Amethyst Dragon Region, where Vincent lived.
The letter Oriana had received must’ve ridden the Enchanted Voyager all the way from Vincent’s homeland to the capital.
“Oriana, do you have a moment? Oh, is that a letter?” Yana asked as she stepped inside the room.
Even on the Enchanted Voyager, a roundtrip would take a substantial amount of time for an exchange student like Yana, so she didn’t return to her homeland, even during these long breaks. For the last couple of years, she’d been spending her holidays in a hotel, but this year, Oriana had invited Yana to her family’s estate since it’d be their last break before graduation. Thus, she and Azraq were both staying with Oriana.
“Ehe… Ehehehe,” Oriana giggled, unable to restrain herself.
“Oh ho ho,” Yana snickered. “I see Mister Tanzine’s reply finally arrived.”
Oriana grinned and nodded.
Yes, Oriana had spent her break diligently writing letter after letter to Vincent, and his response had finally come—today of all days! What a wonderful birthday this was turning out to be! Oriana was already happy enough with the well wishes from Yana and her family—as well as the mountain of gifts they’d given her—but this letter was by far the best present of all.
Oriana never expected Vincent to reply. She’d grown accustomed to the silence, having repeated this same cycle the past four years. Plus, there was never anything particularly important in the letters she sent him.
Most of all, she was shocked at who had delivered his reply.
“Miguel delivered it personally,” boasted Oriana.
“Mister Ferveira? How lovely! Well, you should take your time reading it then. I’ll go keep him company in the meantime.”
Indeed, Miguel Ferveira had hand delivered Vincent’s letter to her. His family reigned over the Hydrangea Earldom, whose lands were adjacent to the Amethyst Dragon Region. Since the two were childhood friends, it made sense they’d communicate frequently, even during break. Oriana had no idea whether an errand had brought him here or he was simply bored of the countryside. Either way, Miguel had returned to the capital first, bringing Vincent’s response along with him.
“Thank you! Oh, bless you, Yana! I adore you!”
“Haha! And I you.” Yana left the room, a bounce in her step.
It was poor manners to abandon one’s guest and retreat to one’s private room, but the only reason Oriana had done so was because Miguel had graciously urged her to go and read the letter. She’d protested at first, although her feet had a mind of their own as they brought her to the door. Miguel had waved her off, and once convinced it was all right, Oriana had dashed upstairs.
Oriana used a letter opener to break the seal. There was a dry, crinkling sound as she pried it open.
Miguel must’ve brought it all the way to the Elsha estate so she could read it for herself before anyone else glimpsed the contents. Normally, if one sent something through the post, it wound up in the butler’s hands, since he managed all incoming mail. It was an important part of his job to confirm the contents of any correspondence. Oriana took no issue with that. However, as a girl in love, she wanted to be the first to read Vincent’s letter.
Things had been going pretty well since the incident in the lounge, at least as far as Oriana knew. Granted, the last things she could remember were Vincent carrying her to the infirmary and feeling so embarrassed, she’d wanted to dig a hole and burrow into it.
Things hadn’t entirely gone back to the way they’d been before, but their reconciliation had given birth to a new relationship between them. Vincent had begun calling her Oriana and treating her like a friend. With that, she was over the moon.
Vincent had stopped treating her coldly, and she’d taken his requests to heart. There were still times when she’d look at him and remember Vince, but she was comparing the two less and less. Now that they were friends, Oriana felt more comfortable acknowledging Vincent as Vincent.
They were getting along well. Vincent showed her respect, and since the two had already discussed their feelings, they’d stopped walking on eggshells around each other. This was especially true in Oriana’s case; she no longer spent all day and night keeping watch, trying to protect him.
The sense of urgency that’d weighed on her so heavily finally felt so much lighter. Maybe that was because she’d shared the burden of her knowledge with Vincent. Instead of navigating the darkness blindly by herself, Oriana now had him walking beside her, holding her hand. Just that was enough to put her at ease.
Filled with a sense of satisfaction, Oriana pulled out the letter.
Dear Oriana,
Are you faring well? Thank you for your lively letters. I am sure you must be enjoying yourself, completely oblivious to the fact that you caused such a fuss here at home for me by sending letters every single day.
“Yep, I sure am enjoying myself!”
Apparently, her unending stream of letters had forced his hand to where he’d no choice but to write to her. Oriana had no idea what fuss it must’ve caused, but surely someone must’ve scolded him for not responding after seeing how frequently she wrote him.
Ah, what a good feeling!
Oriana smiled to herself and continued reading.
Thanks to you, now the entire region is interested in my reply. I suspect the contents of my correspondence would be exposed to the entire country if I were to send it through the post as one normally does. Since Miguel is headed to the capital anyway, I have entrusted it with him. I trust, for your benefit, he won’t try to open it and read it for himself.
Oriana paused to recall how she’d left Miguel behind in their parlor, sipping a soft drink. She spun around, facing the direction he was in, and put her hands together in silent thanks.
I will leave my grievances with you at that for now.
I confess that the reason I didn’t write to you sooner was simply because I did not know what to write. My days aren’t filled with entertaining anecdotes like yours, and I don’t anticipate you want something formal and obligatory. In fact, I didn’t even know if you wanted a response at all.
Vincent may have had a point about it being difficult to reply to the letters she’d sent to him. From what she could remember, some of the topics she’d covered included: making juice, getting some textile she’d been wanting for a cheap price, the type of noodles she’d eaten that day, how a five-year-old local boy had professed his love for Yana, how Azraq had witnessed the scene and then tried to duel the boy, that she’d gotten better at painting her nails, and how her father’s pearl aquafarming business was gaining momentum.
But even she didn’t always have something interesting to write every day. Nonetheless, she was overjoyed at how genuine he was being in his reply.
On another note, I’ve been receiving doctor’s exams as I promised, to give you peace of mind. So please don’t worry.
I plan to return to the capital three days before the opening ceremony.
I will see you again at school.
P.S. I had a muffin with lemon on top for breakfast this morning.
Oriana was thrilled that he was finally opening up to her about how he felt, although the conditions he’d given did sometimes bring her anguish.
“Aah, I do so adore you!”
Not being able to tell him as much directly had been difficult.
A muffin? she thought. That’s so cute! He’s killing me! He actually went out of his way to write such a cute comment at the end of his letter? And even mention it had lemon on it? He must have really liked the lemon I put in his pasta before. Ahhh, cuteness overload!
Her eyes swept over the postscript again.
P.S. - I had a muffin for breakfast this morning, with a slice of lemon on top of it.
“Gaaaah! Too adorable! You’re the best, Vincent!”
Oriana squirmed in place, clutching the letter.
❦❦❦
“MIGUEL! Thank you so much! And again, welcome to my home!”
As a consequence of her reconciliation with Vincent, Oriana had also resumed her friendship with Miguel as well.
She skipped down to the guest room as soon as she finished reading her letter. Since this was her family’s home, she made no attempt to suppress her joy. The staff were already accustomed to how energetic she was.
“I said as much earlier, but it’s good to see you in such high spirits.” Miguel stood to greet her as she waltzed in, his attire perfectly suited to the friendly nature of his visit.
Oriana pinched the edge of her skirt in a curtsy, and in turn, Miguel put a hand on his chest.
“Yeah, I’m feeling great! Every day’s been a blast with Yana and Azraq here! Go on, have a seat!”
Miguel grinned as he plopped himself down on her sofa. He didn’t have a lollipop stick protruding from his mouth today.
“So, Azraq is here too,” he remarked.
“He has to be, since Yana’s here. I think he’s probably out in the stables right now, isn’t he?”
“That’s correct,” said Yana. “He has been learning your methods for rearing horses. Azraq enjoys being around them. In Ete Karima, he rode constantly.”
Oriana took her seat beside Yana, who’d entertained Miguel in her absence. A servant brought an extra cup of tea for her.
“So what brings you here, Miguel?” asked Oriana.
“My dad sent me on an errand. Going all the way back home again seemed silly, so I decided to stay in the capital. Anyhow, I was surprised by how new and enormous your place is. I mean, my family’s place is pretty huge, but we’ve been using it for centuries, so it’s ancient.”
The wealthier a family was, the more weight they placed on old customs. One of the most famous examples was how the opening of the Enchanted Voyager had been delayed because aristocrats with ancient bloodlines had stubbornly opposed it.
The Elsha family was what most people called new money. However, her father didn’t feel inferior simply because of his profession as a merchant. Whether the nobles reviled him for his greed didn’t concern him; he had builders employ the most cutting-edge architecture when erecting their lavish mansion.
“Ehehe,” Oriana giggled. “My daddy works hard. If you’d like, I’d be happy to let you meet him. I’m sure he’d be delighted too.”
“Oh! Certainly, I’d welcome the opportunity. Will you introduce me as your future husband?”
Oriana clapped her hands. “Now there’s an idea! We can put a blond wig on you, and you can tell him you’re Vincent Tanzine! That should speed our union along. What do you think?”
“I think your plan is full of holes…!”
The three enjoyed some tea and sweets as they continued their cheerful banter, but after a short while, Miguel began staring at Oriana.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Actually, Ori, I didn’t just come here to deliver Vincent’s letter.”
“You said your father sent you on an errand, right?”
“That’s why I returned to the capital. It’s not why I came to your house.” Miguel continued staring straight at her.
Oriana peered back at him. Miguel was no less handsome than Vincent; his looks were good enough that the Royal Theater Company could easily make him their leading man. His gaze was so heated that it was starting to unnerve her.
“Um…then what could you have possibly come here for?”
“Oriana, I have an embarrassing confession to make. Would you mind listening?”
She jumped. Beside her, Yana’s eyes were gleaming.
“Uh…um…sure,” Oriana finally managed to eke out.
Miguel kept a solemn expression, eyes still fixed on her.
Um, what’s up with his face? D-Don’t tell me by ‘confession’ he means… No, no, no! No way! I’ve never sensed anything like that from him before. What’s going on here?! And Yana’s right here! We’re in the middle of the parlor! No, don’t tell me… He can’t be…
Sweat poured down her forehead. On the off chance that he really was about to profess his love, she’d lose a precious friend.
“I…” he began.
Crap, what do I do?! If he’s about to say what I think he is, I’d rather leave my seat. I know it’s disingenuous, but I just want to stay friends!
“To tell the truth…”
“Miguel,” she interrupted, “um…”
“I brought them. Pajamas, I mean.”
Oriana jerked her head up. The moment she saw him grinning from ear to ear, she realized she’d been had. She clenched her fists.
You jerk! I knew you worded it purposefully, so I would misunderstand! That’s the only explanation!
Although Oriana wanted to smack him over the head for his mischief, she restrained herself. She prided herself on her kindness, after all.
“Hm? Pajamas?” Oriana tilted her head, still incensed at his little game.
Miguel mimicked her, cocking his head as well.
Damn him, he’s too cute!
Seeing how adorable he was triggered a memory of something he’d said to her before.
“Well, at least you know who you should invite to your girls’ party next time, should you want to have one.”
“Oh!” Oriana exclaimed. “Miguel!”
When she had that blowout with Vincent before, Miguel had gone out of his way to seek her out—to assure her he’d have her back. All the emotions she felt back then welled up again and she began trembling.
Miguel grinned shyly. “I didn’t get an invitation, but I came anyway.”
“Don’t forget, Miguel. While we’re on break, I’m just a merchant’s daughter, while you’re the eldest son of the esteemed Earl Hydrangea. I can hardly send you an invitation to a girls’ party, when your status is leagues above my own.”
Although there was no hierarchy at the Lagen Magic Academy, the same wasn’t true once they left for break. Oriana would need to climb a whole Dragon Tree (metaphorically speaking) to be on the proper footing to send such a personal request to the heir of an earldom.
“I’m happy you came, though,” she added. “What do you like to drink? Champagne? Wine? I’m happy to offer whatever you wish—even brandy from my daddy’s private collection.” Oriana grinned.
Thus began the Elsha estate’s first pajama party.
❦❦❦
A carpet was laid out in the garden and numerous sheets were hung from a tree around it. The ground was covered in flower petals and the burbling of water could be heard from the nearby fountain.
The servants hauled a long sofa out from the mansion, as well as a table with an overflowing assortment of desserts and snacks. A mixture of sweet and spicy scents filled the air: the former from the vibrant fruit cocktails and the latter from some foreign incense. Magic lamps were strung about the tree branches and partitioning screens, giving the area a subtle glow.
Oriana had made a casual request to her father about having a pajama party, but the affair turned into something much more lavish than she’d intended. It was hardly a surprise, though. Her attendees included the heir of an earldom and the princess of a neighboring country. If they were going to call this a party and it had the Elsha name attached, it needed a fitting degree of extravagance.
Still, it was a pajama party, which meant it would be odd to hold it in the same venue as one would a banquet or ball. Yana suggested they have it in the garden at sitting tables, similar to how they did back in Ete Karima.
Both Miguel and Yana seemed pleased with how everything had turned out.
After placing down some cushions she’d collected from the house, Oriana—now pajama-clad—plopped down on the carpet that’d been laid over the ground.
“Happy birthday, Oriana!”
“Yes, happy birthday!”
“Thanks! I never got to see anyone from school before on our breaks, so I was happy enough being able to visit with you both. But I’m even happier I get to celebrate my birthday with you like this!”
They clinked their cocktail-filled glasses together before drinking.
“You look adorable in those pajamas,” said Yana.
“I brought out my newest ones for this occasion!” Oriana flashed a grin at her friend as she stood up, spinning in a circle to show off her nightwear.
The fabric was baggy on her, making it hang from her body. The older, more conservative generation would probably raise their brows at the design, but for a seventeen-year-old girl, nothing was more important than being cute. She wore a white nightgown with a blue collar.
Yana was clad in an elegant maxi dress-type gown, which suited her slender, toned body. She was wearing a thick cardigan over it—something Azraq had forced on her—but it only accentuated her subtle charm.
“You both look really good in your pajamas, too,” Oriana told her friends.
Miguel was fiddling with his hair, which Oriana had already braided for him. His pajamas had an androgynous design that didn’t quite seem like ordinary men’s nightclothes. Knowing Miguel, he’d probably chosen them out of consideration for her.
“Hey, Miguel,” said Oriana. “You’re tall, attractive, considerate, and an earl’s son. How come we’ve never heard of you dating anyone?”
Given his age, it was almost unnatural how there were no signs of him being romantically involved or even interested in anyone. Even when there were rumors, it was little more than exaggerated gossip. Oriana had thought he already had a fiancée, but apparently, that wasn’t the case.
“Is it because you and Vincent are always attached at the hip?” Oriana guessed.
Yana put a hand to her mouth. “Oh dear! Miguel, are you going to be our poor little Oriana’s arch-rival?”
If that was the case, Oriana wasn’t confident she could beat him.
As she deflated, Miguel laughed. “I’m rooting for you, Oriana.”
Oriana lifted her glass to her lips. She got the sense Miguel was evading the question, but maybe he didn’t want to discuss his own love life. For the sake of their friendship, she decided to change the topic.
She swirled the cocktail in her glass around as she said, “It’s too bad Azraq wouldn’t join us for our pajama party—or PP for short, as I’m going to call it.” The drink’s sweet scent tickled her nose as she took a drink, the fruity alcohol pouring down her throat. “His hair would’ve been perfect for braiding.”
“Come now,” said Yana, “it would be cruel to expect Azraq to be as affable as Mister Ferveira.”
Oriana glanced at the bodyguard in question, who’d excused himself the moment he’d heard they were having a girls’ party. He was standing a short distance away with the other servants, keeping watch.
So he refuses to participate himself, but he won’t stop Yana from joining us, Oriana mused.
Azraq wasn’t affable, admittedly, but he was accommodating. He wasn’t like your stereotypical hardheaded bodyguard. It was also clear how much he cared for Yana.
“Since we’re all at this party together, I’d prefer if you called me Miguel.”
“Thank you, Miguel. You may call me Yana then, if you like. We should get along swimmingly, since the two of us get to be Oriana’s first.”
“Yana,” Oriana scolded. “Watch the way you word things! You make it sound… inappropriate.” She blushed.
Yana was referring to being the first party guests Oriana had ever hosted, but the implication seemed almost sexual.
The princess snickered, playing it off.
Oriana reached toward the bowl of nuts. They were lightly roasted, making them fragrant and delicious. “By the way, Miguel,” she said. “You’re not going to challenge Azraq to a duel?”
She brought it up since she suddenly remembered how popular Yana’s trial was among the male students. Yana generally bore witness to all of the duels. Although no real swords were used for these matches, that didn’t make them any less violent. If Azraq ever suffered a wound, Yana would accompany him to the infirmary no matter how minor.
“Challenge him for Yana’s hand, you mean?” Miguel asked. “I’m more the type that prefers for the cute girl to approach me for my hand, rather than the other way around.”
“Oh?” Yana turned toward him. “Then you won’t challenge Azraq for me? What a pity…”
“Princess, if that’s your desire, I’d be more than happy to oblige you whenever.” Miguel lifted his glass, and Yana laughed, clinking hers against it. The sound echoed through the dimly lit garden.
“In that case, allow me to give you a special tip on defeating my knight: Azraq’s weak in the mornings. If you aim to challenge him, you’ll want to do it early in the day.”
So Azraq wasn’t a morning person? Oriana recalled one early morning when she ran to him for help. Wracked with guilt, she turned her apologetic gaze toward Azraq. He was standing upright, poker-faced and staring straight back at them.
“Yet you still believe he can win even if you divulge his weakness. Now that’s love,” Miguel said, voice barely above a whisper so Azraq couldn’t hear.
Oriana glanced at the princess. Yana was wearing the softest, gentlest smile Oriana had ever seen. The lamps around them bathed her in a soft glow.
“Yes,” said Yana. The effects of the liquor filtered through, infusing her voice with a sweetness, but there was also a tinge of agony as well.
Oriana knocked her drink back, downing her cocktail as she pretended not to notice the feelings Yana wanted to keep hidden.
❦❦❦
“MY lady, there is a guest at the front entrance for you,” the butler said anxiously.
Despite the late hour, Oriana was still in the garden nursing her drink.
“A guest? At this time of night? For me?”
“I tried to gently turn him away before offering to let him wait in the parlor, but he declined, stating he wouldn’t stay long.”
“All right. I’ll go see him now then.” Oriana lifted herself from the sofa, the alcohol making her legs unsteady as she walked.
Yana stretched a hand out after her, concerned. “Are you sure you can make it by yourself?”
“Yep. Sorry, but I’ll have to excuse myself. I’ll be back in a few.”
“Take your time,” said Miguel.
“Aww, don’t tell me you guys plan to do fun stuff without me?” Oriana left them with that comment, laughing as she followed the butler into the house.
❦❦❦
“NO wayyyyy?!” Oriana let out an earsplitting screech as they were halfway to the front door.
Shocked, the butler froze in place. He spun around to face her, but Oriana was already long gone—having leaped as swiftly as a rabbit, jetting right past him and straight toward the door.
“Vincent?!”
“Oriana, what are you wear—”
“What is this?! Why are you here?! Oh, this is so great! Woohoo! I can’t believe it!!!”
Vincent caught Oriana in his arms as she flew at him. Flustered, he patted her on the back before grabbing her by the shoulders and peeling her off. Oriana tried to cling to him again, but he forced her back. Although they’d become friends, she was still generally barred from excessive physical contact, but he would occasionally allow her to latch onto him. Today, however, was apparently not one of those days. He wore a stern look on his face and his arms stubbornly kept her at bay, refusing to bend.
Oriana clicked her tongue and backed down. Vincent’s shoulders sagged with relief. He pulled off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, as if to cover up her pajamas. Oriana had entirely forgotten what she was wearing up until that point. She pulled the jacket open to show off her clothes.
“Take a look! Pretty cute, right? It’s brand new!”
“Yes…very cute,” he said, turning his head away and closing his eyes.
Oriana pressed closer. “You’re not even looking, are you? Come on, turn your eyes toward me!”
“I already saw enough. You’re adorable. Now…please close the jacket.” He chanced a glance through half-hooded eyes before closing them again.
Left with no other choice, Oriana obeyed. Although she was wearing pajamas, they weren’t particularly revealing. It was no different than loungewear.
Darn him! He never gets to see me in my nightclothes, so I was hoping this’d be my chance to show off to him.
Oriana’s reluctance shone through on her face. Once she’d firmly shut the jacket, Vincent flashed her a troubled smile.
“Sorry for coming without warning so late. I heard Miguel was still here…”
“You’re more than welcome whenever,” said Oriana. “Did you need Miguel for something? Should I go get him for you?”
“That fool! So, he really is still here… My apologies. I’ll drag him home with me immediately.”
Then he really must have some kind of business with Miguel, she guessed.
Oriana turned to the butler waiting behind her, shooting him a look. He quickly excused himself and headed toward the garden.
“Let’s wait in the parlor until Miguel comes. Would you prefer something warm to drink or something cold?”
Vincent shook his head. “No, I’ll be out of your hair momentarily.”
“Are you in a hurry?”
“It is late, after all.”
“That’s fine with me.” Oriana shrugged.
“Well, it shouldn’t be.”
Vincent didn’t seem willing to bend on the matter. Oriana took a seat on a nearby bench and patted the spot beside her. Resigned, Vincent plopped down.
“Hey, so when did you eat that lemon muffin?” Oriana asked, kicking her feet back and forth. Until Miguel came, it was just the two of them.
Vincent’s eyes widened. The bench wasn’t very wide, so there wasn’t much space separating the two. When he turned his head toward her, their shoulders brushed.
“You already read my letter?”
“Of course. I was overjoyed to get a response. Thank you for that, by the way.”
Vincent was caught off-guard; apparently, he hadn’t expected her to read it so quickly.
“Yesterday,” he answered haltingly. “I, uh…ate it yesterday.”
“Really? Then your trip here to the capital must’ve been pretty sudden.”
“I suppose.” Vincent screwed up his face and grunted.
According to the letter he’d written to her just yesterday, he’d originally planned to stay in his region for two more weeks.
“Did something come up? Something you need Miguel for?”
“You could say that.”
“There you go, giving me vague answers again.” Oriana sighed, puckering her lips in a pout.
Vincent recoiled, flustered by her reaction.
Before their conversation could continue any further, the butler reappeared with Miguel.
“Hiya, Vincent.”
“Miguel! What are you doing in nightclothes too?!” Vincent jumped to his feet, holding his head in his hands as Miguel confidently strode up in his pajamas.
“You got here faster than I thought! I didn’t figure you’d make it today.”
“I squeezed myself onto the Enchanted Voyager as it was making its last trip for the night.”
“Aww, there’s no fire! You didn’t have to rush.”
“You’re the one who sent me a letter saying you’d be staying at the Elsha residence! I figured you were here stirring trouble…”
Apparently, that was the reason for his hasty visit.
That’s it? He came all the way from his region just for that?
Oriana gaped at the two boys. True, she’d kept Miguel here so he could stay the night. In high society, regular balls and evening parties were the norm. It wasn’t unheard of for someone to stay the night at someone else’s estate. Even during the off-season, people would often stay with friends for a month or two at a time.
That said, staying for a prolonged period with a friend of the opposite gender who’d yet to be married wasn’t a good look. Since Miguel had only barely made it back to the capital, Oriana suspected people wouldn’t pay his stay with them much mind if it was only for a day.
“Miguel, we’re leaving,” Vincent spoke in a low growl that she’d never heard from him before.
“Aw, no way! I already got permission to stay.”
“I said we’re leaving.”
“C’mon!”
Vincent fixed him with a silent glare.
“Tch.” Miguel pulled a face, spinning around to face Oriana. “Guess I’ll see ya around at school then. Say bye to Yana and Azraq for me.”
“Uh, okay. Sorry I wasn’t able to entertain you properly…” Oriana was still in a daze, unable to digest the situation.
Miguel let out a strangled laugh as he stepped closer, leaning his face toward hers. His breath smelled faintly of alcohol as he whispered, “Happy birthday.”
Oriana blinked several times. It wasn’t until she registered the implication of his words that joy bubbled up from her chest, giving her goosebumps. “Oh, Miguel! You’re the greatest!”
“I know.”
She offered him the most affectionate smile she could.
He’s given me the greatest birthday gift ever!
Miguel’s present for her was luring Vincent there. Thanks to him, it was turning out to be a wonderful birthday!
Oriana had no way of guessing what must’ve been written in his letter that was so troubling, it’d convinced Vincent to come all this way. But there was no denying Miguel’s clever ploy had been successful.
Miguel whistled merrily to himself as he slipped out of the mansion. He was probably making his way to Vincent’s carriage, which was parked at the end of Elsha’s porch.
“I should be off too,” Vincent said curtly. Her secretive exchange with Miguel had clearly put him in a bad mood.
“Wait, Vincent! At least let me see you off at your carriage,” Oriana blurted out.
I don’t want to part with him yet.
There were only a few dozen steps to the end of the porch. That didn’t buy her much extra time, but she wanted to be with him as long as she could. Oriana had called after him without thinking, but she knew he’d probably rebuff her.
To her surprise, he nodded. “All right, if you’d like.”
“Yes, I would!”
I never realized how much closer people get after they have a fight and reconcile their differences. So this is the power of friendship!
It was only now that Oriana understood the difference; he’d never have permitted her to accompany him like this back when she stuck to him like glue without considering his feelings.
The butler brought Oriana a cardigan, which she traded for Vincent’s coat, handing it back to him before they started out the door. Vincent followed a step behind her.
Outside, the frigid winter wind caressed her cheeks. Oriana was close to tears; a wave of happiness washed over her, spreading warmth through her chest.
Oriana was walking uncomfortably slow, but Vincent didn’t attempt to hurry her along. He matched her pace, falling in step beside her.
Vincent peered down at her, brows drawn in confusion as he asked, “What in the world were you doing in those clothes?”
“Engaging in debauchery.”
“D-Debauch…?!”
“I’m only kidding! We were having a feast in the garden, following the traditions of Yana’s home country. Since it was also a pajama party, we were all in our nightwear.”
Vincent was your stereotypical aristocrat. That wasn’t a bad thing, of course, but he abhorred the violation of their cultural norms. Hearing of their party surely wouldn’t please him.
As Oriana predicted, he was scowling. He opened his mouth to say something but quickly shut it again. Then he turned his gaze to her face, noticing the blush on her cheeks.
“Were you drinking?”
“Only a little,” she admitted. “Us girls were only allowed to drink what my daddy permitted.”
“Are you being honest with me?” Vincent asked, despite the answer being obvious. At seventeen, children didn’t always follow whatever their parents told them. He knew that from personal experience.
“This stays between the two of us, but I actually had a teensy bit of the stuff he gave Miguel.” Oriana grinned at him conspiratorially.
“Despite not having a child, thanks to you, I now understand the anguish fathers all over the country feel.” Vincent smiled wryly. “I am sure he’d a good reason for keeping that liquor out of your hands.”
“Oh, please! Miguel was the only boy here, and besides, we had dozens of servants all around us.”
“If you’re with any man other than me, there’s no guarantee you will be completely safe.”
Vincent had a strange way of wording himself. That almost sounded like something a father would say.
“Fine,” Oriana conceded. “Then I’ll invite you next time.”
“Please do.” She expected him to give a snort of laughter at her offer, but he simply nodded.
Oriana stared back at him, wide-eyed. He was frowning, as if the only reason he’d agreed to her offer was because he had no other choice. It was the bitter expression you’d expect to see on a teenager’s face, but not Vincent’s. Oriana was at a loss for words.
“Uh…then no joke. I really will invite you, okay?”
“So be it.”
“So be it as in ‘Go ahead’ or as in ‘Don’t bother’?”
“Enough of your inane questions. I’m leaving.” Vincent had kept her piddly pace up until now, but he suddenly sped forward with long strides.
“Wait! Wait, hold up! That means I can go ahead and invite you, right? Thank you, Vincent! It’s a promise!” Oriana gave chase, grabbing his arm and using both her feet to slow him to a screeching halt.
Vincent glanced back at her with a soft chuckle. “Fine.”
“Agh, you’re gonna kill me!”
Crap. I almost blurted out my adoration for him. Do I really like him that much? …Okay, yes, I totally do!
Oriana was prohibited from using the words ‘adore’ or ‘like’ around him, but at the same time, she couldn’t hide her feelings. Her hands twitched, her face contorted, and her body jerked. She was like a monster writhing in its death throes.
Vincent gave her an exasperated look. “So this has been the real you all along.”
“‘Real?’ What’s real?”
“I always thought you were exaggerating your affection so you could stick beside me.”
“You thought I was forcing myself to profess my adoration? That’d be quite the hurdle. It’s not a word to be used lightly.”
“Yes, you have a point.”
Judging by his expression, it didn’t matter whether she was forcing herself to say it or not; he still didn’t want to hear it. Although now that she thought about it, the adoration she felt for him wasn’t the same as it’d once been. Previously, she thought her feelings for Vincent were a given since she had memories of loving Vince in the past. It was different now. She found his every word and action endearing.
Well, whatever the case, the fact is that I like him and I still can’t tell him that.
If she wanted to continue being at his side, she had to maintain the boundaries he’d set for them as friends. The overwhelming joy she’d experienced a moment ago seemed to dry up in an instant.
There were only a few more steps until they made it to his carriage.
That’s it. Only another minute or two before we have to part.
Once he went on his way, they likely wouldn’t see each other again for a while. Oriana had never longed for the school’s opening ceremony this much before.
The driver cracked the door open for Vincent, and he took that as his cue to bid her farewell.
“I appreciate you accompanying me this far. It’s chilly outside, so please return to the—”
“Vincent!” Terrified at their impending separation, she blurted out his name to stop him. He’d already faced the carriage, but the urgency in her voice prompted him to slowly turn back toward her.
“Hm?” His voice was so gentle. It was probably the first time he’d spoken this softly to her.
Oriana’s eyes grew misty. Vincent was actually waiting for her to speak. She’d never realized before how precious, how valuable, and how tender these few seconds were as he focused all of his attention on her.
Desperate to swallow back the tears, Oriana forced herself to smile. “Um, actually…today’s my birthday.”
“It is?” Vincent looked genuinely surprised. He turned his gaze back to the carriage and Miguel, already seated inside, waved at them. Vincent frowned bitterly. “Now I see. It seems I owe Miguel my gratitude then. Happy birthday, Oriana.”
“Thank you. I’m glad I was able to see you today.”
“Me as well.”
“So, um… Could I have my birthday gift?” Oriana blurted the words out as a last-ditch effort to prolong their time together.
Vincent’s face sank with guilt. “I’m sorry. I didn’t bring anything with me when I came. I promise I will have something prepared for you in the next few days.”
“No. I don’t want that! It has to be today!”
He blinked at her, troubled. “Is there something specific you desire?”
His expression was so precious, it made her heart hurt. That by itself made it worth using her birthday as an excuse to keep him a little longer. As she stared at his furrowed brows, an idea suddenly struck her.
That’s right. There is something I want!
“Yeah!”
“What is it?” Vincent asked.
“Just for today, let me tell you that I adore you!” Oriana kept her voice as light and energetic as possible, feigning inebriation as she grinned up at him. She knew Vincent was a deeply loyal friend. Her victory was assured.
As she anticipated, he scowled, lips thinning into a frown. “You certainly know how to hit me where I’m weakest.”
“Ehehe!”
“I’m not complimenting you.”
“Ehehe!”
Despite his reluctance, Vincent didn’t refuse her.
Oriana stared down at her feet to hide the expression on her face as she grabbed his coat, squeezing the fabric between her fingers. If she leaned her head forward a bit more, she could bury her face in his chest. Sadly, that’d be a clear violation of the friendship boundaries.
“Vincent?”
“Yeah?”
“I adore you more than anything!”
“…Yeah.”
She infused as much emotion as she could into her voice. His acceptance of her affection was so moving. Her joy overflowed, bringing her to tears.
“Happy birthday,” Vincent muttered absently as he stroked her head. His touch was careful and delicate, as if he was weighing how much physical contact was appropriate between friends.
To make it easier on him, she bowed her head forward. Her whole body was trembling. Euphoria swept over her, running from the tips of her fingers all the way to her brain.
“He he ehe…”
Oriana laughed, if only to distract from the love she felt that threatened to spill out at any moment.
Oriana watched from the safety of the porch as the carriage pulled away. She waved after it.
This was the best birthday she’d ever had.