Chapter 188: Chapter 188 Dangerous magic
Drake was practically glowing when the plate was placed in front of him. His slice of cake was bigger than his own little hands, and his eyes sparkled brighter than the candles had a moment ago. He dug in at once, cheeks puffed like a chipmunk as he chewed, while Alina stood beside him, trying hard not to laugh.
"Drake," she said softly, shaking her head with that patient teacher-smile of hers. "Don’t do that next time. You have to wait for your turn properly."
Crumbs clung to the corner of his mouth as he paused dramatically, holding his fork mid-air. "Teacher," he said with utmost seriousness, his round eyes locked on hers. "You have to believe me... it happened automatically. The cake was calling me. Calling me! And I—I just couldn’t resist!" He stuffed another big bite into his mouth before she could scold him again, muffling, "See? It’s dangerous magic!"
The babies sitting close by burst into giggles, Boo nearly rolling off his chair as he whispered, "Cake spirit possessed Drake!"
Alina pressed her lips together, trying to look stern but failing when her shoulders shook from laughter.
"Please, Miss Alina." Dante’s deep voice cut through the chatter. He gestured toward the empty seat beside Drake. "You should eat as well."
Her heart gave a little flutter at his tone, unexpectedly gentle, and she quickly thanked him before sitting down. The moment she took her seat, Drake scooted closer, shielding his plate as if she might steal from him instead.
"Don’t worry, teacher," he whispered through a mouthful, cheeks bulging. "If cake calls you too, I’ll protect you!"
Alina laughed helplessly, finally taking a bite of her own cake. "No need, Drake! Cake isn’t calling me," she said with a soft smile.
Drake froze mid-chew, his cheeks puffed out like a squirrel. "But teacher... what if cake whispers later?" he asked dramatically, pouting as though this was the gravest injustice in the world.
Alina only shook her head, chuckling, while the rest of the children had already dived into their slices.
Sable sat happily in his chair, carefully nibbling one piece at a time. He looked so content that he smiled at everyone who happened to glance his way, showing all his little teeth proudly as if he wanted to share his happiness with the whole hall.
Luna, on the other hand, was a whirlwind. She had her fork in one hand, her other fist clenched like a warrior, and she was eating so quickly that Boo rubbed his ghostly eyes in disbelief.
"Teacher, I think Luna is competing with the cake itself," Boo whispered, tilting his head. "At this rate... the cake will run away in fear!"
Vlad Jr. ignored the chaos completely. With his little pinky raised and posture perfectly straight, he cut each bite with a precision that would make any noble proud. He chewed slowly, elegantly, as though the cake was part of some royal banquet. The sight was so serious it only made Boo giggle louder.
"More, please~!" Drake shouted suddenly, holding his plate high above his head. His cheeks were still sticky with frosting.
One of the maids chuckled at his enthusiasm and quickly served him another generous slice. Drake’s eyes sparkled as if the world had just been saved.
On the long feast tables around them, the variety was endless—rows of colorful sweets, crunchy fried treats, fresh fruit, and even small savory bites. The smell of sugar and spice filled the air, and the children’s chatter mixed with giggles and squeals of delight as they reached for more.
Finally, after the feast, the atmosphere grew quieter. Excitement gave way to nervous energy as the children realized it was time to present their gifts. Tiny hands fidgeted, some babies clutching their packages as though the fate of the world depended on them. Lucien sat neatly on the couch, a small coffee table placed before him, looking both happy and a little overwhelmed by all the attention.
Boo, of course, couldn’t wait a second longer. He floated forward with a dramatic spin, landing on the table with his arms spread wide. "Ta-daaa~~! For birthday boy!" he announced in his spooky voice and plopped the bouquet of sparkling ghostly flowers right into Lucien’s lap.
Lucien blinked, then smiled warmly. "Thank you, Boo." His voice was soft but sincere.
Boo beamed, his little round form glowing faintly as he clutched his cheeks in delight. "Hehehe, Boo’s flowers look so pretty with Lucien! Now you must keep them forever and ever! They’re Boo-proof, not even ghost wind can steal them!"
The other children groaned at his dramatics, but Boo was too busy twirling happily in the air to care. He kept sneaking glances at Lucien, clearly overjoyed that his bouquet was being held so carefully.
After Boo’s dramatic bouquet presentation, the next one to shuffle forward was Rocky. His little steps were hesitant, his stone-like markings glowing faintly as he clutched a tiny pouch tied with a bright red ribbon. He stopped in front of Lucien, cheeks faintly pink, and held it out with both hands.
"H-Happy birthday, Lucien~~" Rocky said in his soft, timid voice.
Lucien’s eyes brightened instantly. Carefully, he set Boo’s flowers on the coffee table, then reached for the pouch with a gentle smile. He tugged at the ribbon, untying it slowly, and when he peeked inside, his crimson eyes lit up.
Inside was a small collection of pebbles. Rocky had thought giving just one would seem stingy, so he offered more. One pebble was colorful, while the others were the prettiest he had ever found.
Lucien looked up at Rocky, surprised. "They’re... beautiful."
Rocky shifted on his feet nervously, his fingers tugging at the hem of his shirt. "I... I picked the prettiest ones. From my collection..."
"I like it!" Lucien said warmly, his voice full of genuine appreciation.
The words hit Rocky like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. His little stone shoulders straightened, and his nervous frown melted into the brightest shy smile. His cheeks flushed deeper as he watched Lucien run his fingers across the rocks as though they were precious gems.