In Sylveria's opulent room the three friends snuggled under the covers, sharing whispers and secrets in the dim light of Sylveria's chamber, Isla's mention of needing to visit her parents sparked a realization among the trio. Their birthdays, previously a distant concept, now loomed closer, a shared milestone in their new lives. Sylveria's curiosity piqued, she posed the question that had been nagging at her. "When's your birthday, Isla?" The swordswoman's reply, the 1st day of Fall, elicited gasps of surprise from both Isao and Sylveria.
"Wait, what? That's...that's mine too!" Isao exclaimed; her eyes wide with shock. Sylveria's jaw dropped in disbelief as she processed the revelation. "You mean...we all share the same birthday?" Sylveria asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Well... The goddess did reincarnate us at the same time in this world." Isla said with an aloof expression. Her nonchalant explanation offered little comfort to her astounded companions. Sylveria and Isao exchanged worried glances, their minds racing with the implications of this unexpected synchronicity. "It could lead to confusion, misunderstandings..." Sylveria pointed out, her brow furrowed in concern "And missed opportunities to spend time together on our special day!" Isao added, her expression somber. The normally bubbly girl seemed genuinely troubled by this revelation.
"Ah... Sylv, you are a princess. Then let's just celebrate our birthdays all together and invite my family and Isao's family to the castle for the celebration. Isao's parent are nobles, and my parents now serve the Lavender house, so I see no problem." Isla said with a gentle smile.
Sylveria's initial reservations melted away as Isla's thoughtful suggestion took root. The idea of celebrating their shared birthdays together, surrounded by their families, filled the princess with warmth and excitement.
"That's a wonderful idea, Isla!" Sylveria exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "I'm sure my parents would be delighted to host such a gathering. And with your family and Isao's attending, it will be a fun indeed."
Isao, too, seemed pleased by the plan, her earlier concerns forgotten in the face of this joyful prospect. "Yes, let's do it! It'll be amazing to have everyone together, especially on our special day." As the three friends continued to discuss the details of their joint celebration, a sense of camaraderie and belonging settled over them. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of their new lives, they had found solace and support in each other's company.
On their special day, Amidst the opulent décor and lavish festivities of the joint birthday celebration, the three girls found themselves navigating a whirlwind of activity. Lords, ladies, and numerous courtiers bustled about, engaged in lively conversations and cheerful jests. The castle hall resounded with laughter and music, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that belied the initial nerves felt by Isao and Sylveria upon inviting their friends' extended families.
"Hey, Sylv, Isao... This is kinda awkward. Are royalty birthday parties really this many people?" Isla asked, she was annoyed wearing a beautiful white robe. Isla's candid remark drew amused glances from Sylveria and Isao, both of whom were thrilled by the novelty of this massive gathering. "Isn't it grand, Isla?" Sylveria chimed in, twirling in her elaborate gown. "This is truly a day to remember!" The room buzzed with excitement and anticipation as the trio, resplendent in their finest attire, mingled with the assembled nobility. Isao's radiant lavender kimono (Heian era violet floral kimono), Sylveria's gown (light sky-blue dress Princess Ball Gown Sweetheart Off Shoulder), and Isla's majestic white dress (Pure white hanbok court dress) created a dazzling display of youthful elegance that left many awestruck.
Isao, particularly, reveled in the attention, her cheeks flushing pink as she giggled and politely declined the proposals from enamored suitors. "I'm still just a kid, and I want to fall in love for real someday," she explained with a coy smile, her innocent charm disarmingly effective. Meanwhile, Sylveria faced a different kind of admiration, with dukes and earls presenting their eligible sons as potential suitors. The princess handled the situation with poise, graciously deflecting their advances while maintaining a respectful tone. "I am very flattered, my lords, but please understand that my father is looking this way." Across the lavish hall, King Edric's granite visage darkened further, his royal bearing straining to conceal the annoyance brewing beneath. The doting patriarch, typically unfazed by courtly machinations, seethed silently as noble sons paraded before his cherished youngest daughter, eager to secure a future alliance. Sylveria, oblivious to her father's mounting ire, navigated the situation with poise, deflecting proposals while maintaining her royal composure.
Meanwhile, nearby, Isla remained serenely aloof, her attention focused on a nearby serving platter rather than the eager young men courting her attention. Her blunt declaration – "I'm a commoner" – drew an involuntary smirk from Sylveria, who quickly schooled her features to retain her dignified smile. She hadn't yet prepared Isla for the delicate dance of social interactions expected at such an occasion. Isao's composure faltered at Isla's blunt rejections, almost causing her to stumble. "A-Are you alright, Lady Isao?" nearby nobles asked with concern. Regaining her poise, Isao forced a smile but cast a sharp glance at Sylveria. The look clearly questioned why Isla hadn't been taught a more graceful way to decline suitors. Feeling the weight of Isao's disapproval, Sylveria avoided her gaze, guilt written all over her face.
Isla's dismissals were as varied as they were cutting. She called herself a mere servant, unworthy of suitors, or bluntly deemed them too weak for her. Even a terse "Tsk, annoying." was enough to send admirers fleeing.
From Isla's perspective, her approach was simply a reflection of her straightforward nature. Her responses ranged from factual "I'm a commoner; you'd make me your mistress, not your wife." to outright dismissive.
Sylveria's quick thinking saved the moment as she skillfully redirected the nobles' attention to Isla's promising future rather than her current bluntness. Her carefully worded remarks highlighted Isla's raw talent while encouraging patience until she matured. Meanwhile, Isla's growing love for sweets proved a more effective distraction than diplomacy. Spotting an opportunity, Isao swooped in to rescue her friend from further awkwardness. "Look, Isla, so many cakes!" Isao exclaimed, grinning mischievously as she pulled Isla toward the dessert table. Isla's eyes lit up, and the two quickly vanished into the sweet-filled chaos of the grand hall.
Sylveria's calm explanation eased the tension among the nobles, turning their offended looks into nods of understanding. They acknowledged the truth in her words—Isla, though unconventional, was a prodigy under Sylveria's guidance. The princess's reputation as a mentor to exceptional talents reassured them, her presence calming the emotional storm. Relieved, Sylveria watched the nobles' attitudes soften, grateful her diplomacy had smoothed over the situation. Her thoughts briefly wandered to Isla and Isao, imagining their delighted faces as they enjoyed the desserts at the table.
King Edric's warm chuckle echoed through the hall as he watched his youngest daughter, Sylveria, laughing with Isao and Isla. His eyes gleamed with affection as he leaned toward his eldest son, Crown Prince Maxwell, who stood dutifully by his side. "It's a joy to see Sylvie so carefree, even if only for a moment." the king said softly, pride evident in his voice. "Her usual reserve makes moments like these even more special." Maxwell nodded thoughtfully. Though he held no resentment toward his siblings, he understood the need to remain fair and impartial as the future king. Attending Sylveria's birthday celebration was a reflection of his commitment to family, even if it meant putting personal preferences aside.
As Lord Lavender moved through the lively hall, the nobility's attention lingered on his daughter, Isao. Her striking beauty and unconventional style, especially her lavender kimono, had sparked their curiosity.
"Your daughter's unique charm truly stands out. Are her clothes an eastern design?" a charming noble commented, his eyes admiring Isao's elegant attire.Lord Lavender hesitated, caught off guard by the question.
He had no idea how Isao had acquired such an exquisite garment. Yet, noticing the delicate lavender petals on the fabric—a subtle nod to their family crest—he managed a wry smile. "I must admit, her tastes often surprise me," he replied. The curious nobles turned their attention to Isla's humble parents, acknowledging the commoner family's presence among their ranks. Their eyes sparkled with intrigue as they examined Isla's immaculate white robes, a stark contrast to the more ostentatious garb adorning the majority of the nobility.
"Pardon my question, good ma'am and sir, but your daughter Isla has a peculiar outfit too." one of the inquisitive nobles ventured, his tone gentle yet probing. "Pure white robes reminiscent of a dynasty in the east, are they not?"
Isla's mother beamed with quiet pride, recognizing the growing popularity her daughter's unique style commanded, even among the traditionally snobbish nobility. She inclined her head in appreciation, her husband offering a slight smile of approval beside her.
As the festive atmosphere began to dissipate, Isao and Isla made their way to their respective families, their parents bidding them farewell with warm smiles and grateful hearts. Exhaustion from the day's events quickly caught up with the trio, and upon entering Sylveria's spacious bedchamber, they simply collapsed onto the plush mattress, too weary to bother with removing their attire. Sylveria, Isla, and Isao nestled together, their bodies intertwining as sleep claimed them. Soft snores and gentle rustlings filled the air as the three friends slipped into a deep slumber, their dreams no doubt vivid and filled with memories of the joyous celebration they had shared. The peaceful scene served as a tranquil conclusion to a remarkable day, one that would undoubtedly be etched in their minds for years to come.
