First Birthday
To prevent Dugu Qing from being ambushed by the Demons again.
Frieren, Dugu Qing, Fern, and Stark rested in the town for another two weeks.
Dugu Qing's injuries have finally healed, and his spirit, physical strength, and magic power have all returned to their peak.
The group packed their bags and continued their journey, crossing mighty rivers, climbing towering peaks, dodging frigid currents, and slaying the attacking dragons, pressing onward.
Several months have passed in the blink of an eye.
The temperature in the air dropped rapidly, and water droplets froze instantly.
On November 1st, Dugu Qing received birthday gifts from Frieren, Fern, and Stark.
A Grimoire, a white bodysuit with gold trim, and a pair of gloves.
He was wearing new clothes, and together with Frieren, Fern, Stark, he bought a strawberry cake that was two meters tall.
On the cake, layers of pure white cream are stacked up like rolling mountains. The edges are decorated with fresh strawberries, gilded sugar flowers, and chocolate figurines, creating distinct layers that make it look like a pagoda—solemn and magnificent, yet full of childlike fun.
"Hey sir, do you want it delivered to my door?"
The waiter looked at the stunningly beautiful Dugu Qing, his smile exceptionally genuine.
"No need, just take it to the only square in town!"
Dugu Qing pushed open the door and, accompanied by his friends and waiters, arrived at the square.
The snow-white cake was pushed to the fountain, its fluffy, sweet aroma and rich milky fragrance spreading with the wind, quickly attracting the attention of passersby.
Dugu Qing smiled gently, summoned a piece of red paper, and wrote large, elegant characters on it.
" On Dugu Qing's birthday, all attendees can enjoy a free cake."
Stark hung his head and tugged at Frieren's sleeve with his finger.
"Isn't this a bit too extravagant for a birthday celebration!"
Frieren lightly touched her lips with her slender index finger, a gentle smile appearing in her eyes, and softly offered a suggestion.
"This is Dugu Qing's first birthday celebration, so the grander the better."
Fern took the advertising flyer from Dugu Qing, held it horizontally, raised it high, and pasted it on the tree.
Passersby, travelers, and merchants were all captivated by Dugu Qing's good looks and flocked forward to enjoy the fragrant, milky cake.
It was the first time in Dugu Qing's life that he had ever cut a cake. His fingers trembled with excitement as he carefully sliced the sweet and fluffy cake into pieces and distributed them to everyone.
The crowd took the sliced cake, some standing, some sitting, gathered around the square, and gently bit into it. The sweet, soft cream melted on their lips, and relaxed smiles spread across their faces.
Soon, most of the town's residents received cakes. They strolled the streets, bought snacks, and chatted enthusiastically, creating a festive atmosphere as if it were Chinese New Year.
After the cake was completely distributed, everyone said their goodbyes and returned home.
The bustling square gradually returned to tranquility.
Dugu Qing leaned against the bamboo pole, her fingertips holding the last piece of cake covered in cream. She raised her arm to her lips and gently took a bite.
The smooth, sweet cream melted on his tongue, a taste he had never experienced before.
Looking at the fountain, he felt that his missing piece in life had become a little more complete.
How does it feel to celebrate your first birthday?
Frieren, Fern, Stark looked at Dugu Qing expectantly.
"Celebrating my first birthday in my early twenties was a little nerve-wracking. But I don't have any regrets, so it was alright!"
Dugu Qing looked relaxed, having shed his burden.
"Don't worry, being in your twenties is equivalent to being 20 days old in a human's life. You'll have many more opportunities to celebrate your birthday in the future."
Frieren walked to Dugu Qing's side, reached out her slender hand, and gently patted his head.
"Although it's pitiful that you're only celebrating your birthday now, Dugu Qing, the thought that this is the first birthday I've ever spent with you makes me incredibly happy."
Fern looked at Dugu Qing tenderly.
"That's right! Celebrating birthdays together is the best! I think we'll celebrate together again next year!"
Stark took out a napkin and wiped the cream from the corner of his mouth.
After finishing the cake, the group cleaned up the trash in the square and rested at the hotel for the night.
The next day, they embarked on their journey again.
Two months later, the group spent a rough New Year in the wilderness, without delicious food, grand fireworks, or crackling firecrackers.
Only hard bread, howling cold wind, and deep, long night.
The following day, the group continued their journey, striving to leave the Northern Plateau as soon as possible.
In the 31st year of the Xinshi Era, in the Ernst Region of the Northern Plateau.
A gust of cold wind blew by, Stark shivered from the cold, exhaling a puff of white breath.
The weather has gotten so cold lately.
Frieren, carrying her suitcase, said calmly, "Just bear with it! There's a village ahead! We'll be able to rest soon."
Dugu Qing stood between Frieren and Fern, constantly casting Air-Conditioning Magic, his hands radiating warmth to dispel the chill from Frieren and Fern.
Frieren and Fern quietly approached Dugu Qing, nestled in Dugu Qing warm embrace, their faces filled with enjoyment.
Stark glanced at Frieren and Fern, then couldn't resist sneaking up behind Dugu Qing, pressing his chest against Dugu Qing's back, and reaching out with his hands.
"Stark, what are you doing?"
Before Dugu Qing could speak, Fern was shocked and shoved the savage Stark aside.
Stark awkwardly scratched his head. "Dugu Qing is hot! Besides, you all had Dugu Qing warm you up, so why can't I?"
Looking at the passive, stiff-limbed Stark, Dugu Qing felt a surge of sympathy and lowered her standards slightly.
"Okay! You can stick close to me, but you can't hug me."
Stark nodded heavily, his chest pressed against Dugu Qing's, his body gradually warming up.
Fern looked at Stark, shrugged, and felt a chill run down his spine.
"Stark, you should do some push-ups to warm up!"
"No."
The group moved slowly forward. Suddenly, Frieren realized that beyond the mountain lay the Empire's territory, and she began to speak eloquently.
"Did you know? We're almost at the Empire. The Empire is the largest of the Northern Countries, and they have a powerful army, so it's quite safe within their borders. Our journey from here on out will be relatively easier."
Stark nodded knowingly. "I see. We're finally going to cross the dangerous Northern Plateau! That's great."
Fern recalled his days on the Northern Plateau, where he was frequently ambushed by Demons and monsters, and life was like hell. Now that it was about to end, his mood immediately became very beautiful.
The group walked and talked as they entered the village.
An old man sunbathing at the village entrance, seeing the bizarre scene of Frieren, Fern, Stark surrounding Dugu Qing, couldn't help but smirk and burst into laughter.
"Haha, what a weird combination!"