Birthday 1
The giant bird died a gruesome death. Li Yan glanced at the giant bird, whose body had been pierced with several large holes, and couldn't help but sigh for it. Of all people to mess with, it had to provoke this group of ancient magicians who liked to hide their Mana.
Fern was overjoyed at the death of the giant bird. This was the first Monsters she had killed, and this real battle was enough to demonstrate her efforts over the years.
"Perfect accuracy, perfect power, perfect timing. Fern, your Normal Attack Magic casting speed is almost on par with mine."
Frieren stroked her chin, analyzing the situation. Watching Fern deal with the Monsters so swiftly and decisively, she couldn't help but feel happy for Fern.
Frieren's praise made Fern look expectantly towards Li Yan. All these years she had been working hard to study magic because Li Yan believed she had a talent for it. Seeing Li Yan busy with magical research every day, she wanted to help Li Yan in the field of magic.
"Junior Sister, you've said all the lines I wanted to praise you with. Of course, you truly are worthy of being my Fern. How could a mere Monsters possibly harm my darling Fern?"
Li Yan nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and reached out to gently stroke Fern's head.
Feeling the gentle pat on her head, Fern blushed slightly; her Godfather's praise made her feel that everything was worthwhile.
In the 27th year of the Era of Himmel's Passing, Fern had been traveling for a year, had grown a lot. Sitting in the simple carriage, Li Yan couldn't help but marvel at how carriages still existed in this era. Frieren lay lazily on Fern's lap, using the spot that Li Yan also wanted to use as a pillow.
"The sky is blocked."
Frieren looked at half the sky and couldn't help but reach out and push it. Sensing something was wrong, Fern blushed and glanced in Li Yan's direction before unceremoniously reaching out and lightly patting Frieren's head.
"Lady Frieren, please don't do this!"
Fern's puffed-out cheeks and gentle pats forced Frieren to weakly endure the sight of only half the blue sky. This familiar scene involuntarily reminded her of a scene from a thousand years ago, when she too could only see half the sky.
"Fern, your birthday is in a few days. What kind of gift would you like?"
Looking at Fern, who had grown into Giant Piranha Plant, Li Yan felt a surge of satisfaction. Raising the little mushroom had taken a lot of effort; he was afraid of dropping it if he held it in his hands, afraid that it wouldn't get enough exercise if he carried it, and worried that it might float away at any moment if he walked around.
"I actually like anything my Godfather gives me."
Fern stroked the white ahoge on Frieren's head, a blush creeping onto his face.
"Ugh, is it Fern's birthday again? Choosing a gift is so difficult."
Frieren squinted, her tone tinged with confusion. Clearly, choosing a gift was still too much for her. After thinking for a long time, she remembered the Magic Potion she had recently found in her senior's room. It was said to be Magic Potion that all boys liked, capable of dissolving clothes.
"Lady Frieren, the value of the gift is not important; what matters is your sentiment. I will appreciate whatever you give me."
Fern spoke earnestly, gently stroking Frieren's hair. Over the years of her travels, she had inherited Li Yan's daily tasks of waking Frilian up and combing her hair. Her daily routine consisted of waking Frieren up first, then combing Frieren hair, and finally having her Godfather get up and comb her hair.
"Fern, I've got it all figured out. I guarantee you'll like that gift."
With a determined look on her face, Frieren decided to give the bottle of Magic Potion that boys liked to Fern, so that Fern could easily remove the defenses of the person he liked in the future.
The carriage moved slowly, passing through many villages. These villages were peaceful and serene. Li Yan, who was on her way to a certain place, did not intend to stop here, and the carriage continued on its way.
In the Bokari Small Town, it's Fern's birthday today. Li Yan got up early and, having booked the entire hotel, planned to prepare a sumptuous breakfast for Fern. He had also considered the gift: a priceless red agate in his Storage Alternate Space, an ancient magical artifact said to possess wondrous magical effects. Li Yan, who obtained this artifact from the Underground Labyrinth, hadn't yet figured out its effects, though he wondered if something was missing.
Exquisite desserts, papaya milk that Fern loves to drink, fruits carved into various cute little animals, perfectly roasted roast duck, crispy and spicy pickled fish, and pine nuts with a touch of sadness.
Li Yan fiddled with the key in her hand, then gently pushed open the door to Fern's room. Fern was still asleep, resting her head on a pillow and hugging the Ōtsutsuki Frieren doll that had been given to her for her birthday last time.
"Fern, it's time for breakfast. Today is your birthday. Whatever you want, whatever you want to do, your Godfather will make it happen."
Li Yan sat by Fern's bedside and called out softly.
"Um... good morning, Godfather."
Hearing the familiar voice, Fern opened her eyes in a daze. Looking at the familiar figure in front of her, a smile involuntarily appeared on her face.
After combing Fern's hair, Li Yan led Fern to begin their raid on Frieren's room. When they pushed open the door to Frieren's room, they were greeted by a white-haired Elf who had already kicked off the covers and was fast asleep in a thin white nightgown.
"Godfather, wait for me a moment, let me get Frieren dressed first."
Fern slammed the door shut with a puff of cheeks. Li Yan scratched his head. Although he had seen it all before, he was too embarrassed to say anything because Fern was so serious.
After some fuss, the door slowly opened, and Frieren sat listlessly in her seat, her eyes half-closed in sleep. Her long hair had been styled into a single ponytail instead of the familiar pigtails; clearly, Fern had given Frieren a new look.
Frieren's single ponytail gave Li Yan a refreshing yet slightly regal air, but her squinting eyes distorted that inherent regal quality...
At breakfast time, Fern was surprised to see the table full of delicious food. She had no idea that her Godfather was a good cook, and quite skilled at it at that. Every dish looked incredibly appealing.
"Wow, I never expected to get to eat a meal cooked by my senior brother."
Frieren gazed at the food on the table with a touch of nostalgia. The familiar plating and the fragrant aroma of spiciness made her heart flutter.
"Try it, Fern, there'll be cake later."
Li Yan sat down in the chair and placed a chicken wing on Fern's plate. The fragrant chicken wing made Fern swallow hard. She sat down in the chair with an extremely ladylike demeanor, picked up the chicken wing, and took a small bite with a bit of caution.
"This tastes... so delicious."
Fern couldn't help but widen her eyes in praise. She had eaten many delicious dishes during her travels, and the cuisines of different regions were all different, but this dish was definitely in the top five.
"I'm glad you like it, take your time eating." Seeing that Fern was pleased, Li Yan also smiled.
Frieren was no slouch either. She trusted her senior brother's cooking; it was top-notch. Without his prompting, she had already begun her battle with the food.
After breakfast, Fern shook her head, rubbing her slightly full stomach. She couldn't eat any more cake, and Li Yan could only shake her head regretfully as it would serve as dessert for lunch.