"Birthday..."
In the warm candlelight, Nahida's small lips parted.
She gazed at the light in the darkness, holding her breath subconsciously.
Would she have a birthday too?
In her heart, Nahida asked herself softly.
Her emerald eyes sparkled even brighter, like stars.
She wanted to reach out, but hesitated.
"Happy… birthday."
Nahida's eyelashes trembled slightly as she held her clasped hands in front of her.
She was like a wary stray cat.
She lowered her head and murmured softly.
Suddenly, she was afraid it was just a dream.
That beautiful dreams, upon waking, would be devoured by malice.
Countless times she had opened her eyes to find herself back at the day of her birth.
It was a nightmarish memory…
In a chaotic world, crimson blood mist stained the sky.
The land was desolate, devoid of its former verdant vitality.
Nahida slowly stood up, shocked by the appalling apocalyptic scene before her.
The world seemed to be left with only her.
"Save me…"
In her ears, the forest wept.
The howling wind whipped up dark and ominous substances.
Knowledge that must never be brought into this world, capable of even eroding the Irminsul.
The last sound abruptly ceased.
"No, don't!"
Nahida trembled, wanting to do something.
But she found herself powerless.
As a newborn Lesser Lord Kusanali, she possessed little divine power.
She was a fragile new sprout, needing time to grow.
If only, if only she could find the sun, then she could protect those she cherished.
Nahida thought this in her heart.
At this moment…
The followers of the Lesser Lord Kusanali, who called themselves the Grand Sage, discovered her.
"My God, we've finally found you. Everyone has been eagerly awaiting your presence."
He grabbed Nahida and was about to leave, his face filled with excitement.
"It hurts."
Pain flashed across Nahida's face.
She noticed the Grand Sage's expression and her eyes widened slowly.
The Grand Sage's profile was illuminated by the crimson sky.
His face contorted like a devil's.
He whispered:
"No matter who it is."
"As long as they can continue to protect Sumeru, guide the Akademiya, and bestow knowledge…"
"It doesn't matter who becomes the God!"
Suddenly, people gathered around, saying something.
"…"
Nahida seemed to hear news of someone's passing.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
The man who called himself the Grand Sage fell into complete despair.
He finally realized that god had left them forever.
And Nahida, who had just been discovered, was too weak.
"It's alright, just wait for me…"
Nahida, enduring the pain from her reddened wrists, tried to comfort them with a smile.
But…
In reality, Nahida's eyelashes trembled.
Painful memories flooded her, making her body grow cold as if plunged into an ice cave.
She closed her eyes gently.
No, it shouldn't be like this.
She had already…
"I'm ready, let's take a look quickly."
Suddenly, a voice whispered in her ear.
"…"
This voice was Qin Yu's.
Nahida trembled slightly and opened her eyes subconsciously.
Before her, the candlelight still flickered.
The women were gathered around the candlelight, smiling as they watched the little angel, their gazes gentle.
"Happy birthday."
Everyone lightly clapped their hands and offered their blessings.
"Everyone…"
Nahida murmured, feeling a little flustered.
The scene from her dream was happening before her eyes.
Everyone was gathered, celebrating her birthday.
Her heart felt warm, and she was so happy.
"Take a look."
A warm hand grasped her wrist, its touch gentle.
"Brother Qin Yu?"
Nahida turned her head, Qin Yu's profile reflected in her eyes.
He was her sun.
Considerate and gentle, completely different from the Grand Sage in her memories.
"What are you waiting for?"
In the candlelight, Qin Yu smiled slightly, his gaze encouraging.
No matter what had happened in the past.
I am here now.
I won't let you suffer anymore, Nahida.
"...Mm."
In the candlelight, Nahida revealed a faint smile, gentle and healing.
Thank you, my sun.
She turned her head and held out her hands.
On the table, a birthday cake was placed before her.
The delicate cream was bathed in candlelight, casting a dreamy, hazy glow, shimmering.
It was adorned with various fruits and small desserts, looking delicious.
Like a treasure from a dream.
"Is this for me?"
Nahida asked softly, her eyes growing ever more gentle.
So Qin Yu had also prepared a gift for her.
And he had deliberately kept it a secret for so long.
"Of course."
Qin Yu stroked Nahida's head and smiled.
Now, you are the little angel who enjoys all the world's favoritism.
Do whatever you want, boldly.
"I want to share it with everyone… to taste together."
Nahida tugged on Qin Yu's hand, eager to share this birthday gift.
The others smiled knowingly.
Is this the little angel? Too cute.
"Alright."
Qin Yu nodded and was about to cut a slice for Nahida.
Nahida stared intently at the cake, her gaze full of anticipation.
*Slap!*
Suddenly, someone slapped Qin Yu.
"Qin Yu, are you an idiot!"
A lively voice, tinged with displeasure, rang out.
Qin Yu paused.
"Yoimiya, what are you doing now?"
He looked at Yoimiya, who was puffing out her cheeks in the candlelight, and said helplessly.
"On such an important day, how could Yoimiya-nee-san be absent!"
Yoimiya snorted, giving Qin Yu a sidelong glance.
Qin someone was being disliked.
"Little sister Nahida, this is for you!"
Yoimiya ran to Nahida's side and crouched down.
She extended her hand, her smile radiant.
"Huh?"
Nahida blinked.
In Yoimiya's outstretched palm was the candy she had just received.
"Can I really have it?"
Nahida exclaimed in surprise.
"Of course."
Yoimiya patted her chest.
Such a cute girl had to be spoiled!
So, can I hold you for a bit?
"I have a gift too."
Kageroumaru took out several blooming branches from the vase's floral arrangement.
She held the flowers and approached Nahida.
"It's flowers…"
Nahida accepted them, her eyes sparkling.
"The flower cart jiggles and jiggles, Nahida opens her eyes."
"This time, many people are accompanying Nahida for her birthday."
"So happy."
She whispered, her smile filled with happiness.
She raised her hand, intending to tuck the flowers into her hair.
"I'm glad you like it."
Kageroumaru, captivated by the adorable little angel, poked her cheek.
"Then, let me help."
Kamisato Ayaka smiled and also approached Nahida.
She wove the flower branches into a garland and gently placed it on Nahida's head.
"Thank you, Ayaka-nee-san."
Nahida's small hands supported the flower crown as she happily swayed her body.
She was like a forest sprite.
"So cute."
Qin Yu's eyes lit up, and he murmured.
The little angel was too cute.
"Wow, so beautiful."
Yoimiya held Ayaka's hand, her voice filled with excitement.
As expected of her good friend, so skillful.
"...It seems everyone came prepared."
Sandalphon propped her chin on her hand, looking thoughtful.
She didn't seem to have anything to give Nahida on hand.
"Alright, I only have this."
After a moment, she took out a small mechanical toy.
It was in the shape of a carriage.
"Sandalphon-nee-san, what is this?"
Nahida took it and gently caressed it.
She could discern its exquisite and extraordinary craftsmanship.
"I heard you mention a flower cart earlier, so this is for you."
"You are my first little guest before opening for business."
Sandalphon smiled, glancing at Qin Yu.
He doted on this little girl so much, she couldn't fall behind.
Besides, Nahida was truly adorable, and she also liked this white-haired loli.
"Then I…!"
Keqing watched from the side, feeling troubled.
Unlike Sandalphon, she truly hadn't brought anything.
Should she give away the Rex Lapis plushie?
"Oh, this toy can be powered."
Sandalphon suddenly said.
"I'll do it!"
Keqing reacted, and lightning flickered from her fingertips.
The next moment, the flower cart toy began to operate.
Drip-drop…
It played cheerful music and circled the small cake.
The little figures in the flowers danced, full of joy.
"It's a flower cart…"
Nahida sniffled, her emerald eyes becoming watery.
Since her birth, she had been confined for hundreds of years.
She had never imagined that so many warm and sincere blessings would become a reality.
Everything had changed after she found the sun.
Her nose felt sore, and her vision blurred.
She rubbed the corners of her eyes, unable to speak.
"Don't cry, Nahida."
The women gathered around Nahida, concerned.
"…"
Only Qin Yu stroked her head, sighing softly in his heart.
"Are you happy?"
"...Mm!"
Nahida looked up and nodded slightly.
Her exquisite smile was filled with emotion and happiness.
Sometimes, tears were not a sign of weakness or sadness.
They could also be a sign of release and growth.
"Then?"
Qin Yu smiled and looked at the women.
The women nodded and extended their hands simultaneously.
"Happy birthday, Nahida."
"…"
Amidst the blessings, Nahida also extended her hand, placing it on everyone else's.
"Happy birthday, Nahida!"
In the candlelight, Nahida tilted her head and smiled.
Thank you, my sun.
Qin Yu…