The glorious day had finally arrived.
The birthday of the king of Elyndria.
From the palace gates to the farthest streets of the capital, the entire kingdom was celebrating. Silk banners fluttered in the wind, golden ribbons wrapped around pillars and balconies, and the city seemed brighter than usual. Music drifted through the air while people laughed and celebrated in every corner.
Inside the royal palace, preparations were even grander.
The four princes of Elyndria stood outside the private chamber of their father, the king. Each of them held a carefully prepared gift.
The eldest prince Ravel stood calmly with a small wooden case in his hand.
Beside him, the second prince Marcus looked rather proud of himself.
The third prince Adrien leaned casually against the wall, holding a decorative box.
And finally, the youngest prince Nael stood slightly behind them, clutching his own small box nervously.
Marcus broke the silence first.
"So," he said with a grin, "what did you all bring for Father's birthday?"
He lifted his box slightly.
"I found the legendary Arlov sword that he wanted for his collection."
Nael's eyes widened instantly.
"Wow, brother! Let me see!"
Marcus chuckled but pulled it back teasingly. "Later."
Ravel spoke next in his usual calm tone.
"I bought an ancient military manuscript."
Marcus immediately turned toward him with interest.
"How did you even find that? Let me see!"
Adrien then casually raised his own box.
"Mine is simple," he said. "A one-year supply of Father's favorite pastry."
Marcus blinked. "That's it?"
Adrien smirked. "The one Mother banned him from eating."
Marcus burst out laughing.
"That's actually dangerous."
Then all three brothers turned toward Nael.
"And you?" Marcus asked. "What did you get?"
Nael straightened slightly.
"Secret."
But inside, he was nervous.
What if Father didn't like it?
Next to him, Leo noticed the tension. Leo quietly placed a reassuring hand on Nael's shoulder and gave him a small pat.
Nael looked up at him briefly and felt a little calmer.
Just then—
The large golden doors opened.
A servant announced, "The princes may enter."
The four brothers stepped inside together.
At the center of the chamber stood the ruler of Elyndria, King Aurelian, beside his wife Queen Marlia.
All four princes bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Father. Greetings, Mother."
Then together they said,
"Happy birthday, Father."
The king smiled warmly at his sons.
"Come then," he said. "Let me see what trouble you all prepared for me."
Marcus stepped forward first and presented the Arlov sword.
The king's eyes immediately lit up.
"Well done," he said approvingly.
Next came Ravel's ancient military book, which the king examined with clear interest.
"Excellent," he murmured.
Then Adrien handed over his gift.
The moment the king saw the familiar pastries inside the box, his entire face brightened.
"My favorite—"
But before he could finish, Queen Marlia suddenly snatched the box away.
"No."
The king coughed awkwardly.
"This… is my gift," he protested weakly. "You cannot interfere."
Then he looked at Adrien again.
"Thank you for this marvelous gift."
Adrien smiled innocently while the queen narrowed her eyes at both of them.
Finally—
It was Nael's turn.
Nael took a small nervous step forward.
His hands tightened around the box as he held it out.
"This… is for you, Father," he said quietly. "I made it."
The king looked surprised.
"You made it yourself?"
Nael's head lowered slightly, and he hid his hands behind his back.
"Yes."
Adrien immediately looked at Leo suspiciously.
"Did Leo make it?"
Leo shook his head calmly.
"No. It's all Nael. He practiced for three whole days and nights without resting."
Nael instantly turned red.
"Leo—shhh!"
But it was too late.
The king opened the box.
Inside lay a carefully crafted wristband, simple but beautifully made.
For a moment, the room became quiet.
Then the king suddenly stood up.
Before Nael could react, he pulled his youngest son into a tight hug.
"Thank you, my dearest son."
Everyone in the kingdom knew one thing clearly—
The youngest prince was the soul of the emperor.
The king then gently grabbed Nael's hands.
But when he looked closely, he frowned.
There were small cuts across Nael's fingers.
The king immediately kissed his hands gently.
"Why did you work so hard?" he said softly. "Look at your hands—they're torn."
Nael puffed his cheeks slightly.
"I'm not a delicate girl."
The king smiled warmly.
"For me, you are."
And he hugged Nael again.
Queen Marlia finally clapped her hands once.
"Alright, enough sentiment," she said firmly.
"Everyone prepare for the banquet."
Then she pointed toward the princes.
"And you four—go get ready."