The Banquet

When did the sisters finally get ready and step out? Velansel glanced at her pocket watch: ten o’clock.

From seven to ten, three whole hours were spent together in the room. No one knew what they did.

What was clear was that they emerged hand in hand, Felicia beaming with satisfaction, while Selina, flushed and head bowed, avoided eye contact, looking like a shy bride teased in private.

Their attire was flawless.

Felicia, the elder sister, ensured Selina was impeccably dressed.

The starry purple gown from yesterday fit perfectly, and Selina’s silver hair was elegantly styled in a princess updo.

Everything was perfect, allowing Cuibis, who’d been on edge, to finally relax.

Though she missed the heart-fluttering scenes, slacking off briefly was a fair trade.

“Alright, it’s about time. The ministers are waiting in the Crystal Hall, eagerly awaiting today’s star, the little birthday girl,” Felicia said softly, leaning close to Selina.

The shy Selina buried her head deeper.

Heaven knew how complex her feelings were waking to Felicia’s face first thing in the morning.

Recalling last night’s childish sobbing in Felicia’s arms, the overwhelming shame nearly drowned her.

Her cheeks stayed flushed, but compared to yesterday, the subtle distance during their close moments had faded.

Their sisterly bond was not just mending but growing warmer.

The maids, watching discreetly, relaxed. Seeing the princesses so close was a relief and a heartwarming sight.

Due to their lingering, breakfast was skipped, but it hardly mattered.

The banquet offered plenty of food, making dining a minor detail.

Escorted by the maids, the sisters reached the Crystal Hall, already packed.

Unlike Selina’s fourth birthday, which invited allies from beyond the Elven Kingdom, creating a chaotic spectacle, this was a family banquet, exclusive to elves.

Yet, the turnout exceeded expectations, underscoring the immense reverence elves held for their royals.

The sisters’ grand entrance pushed the lively banquet to a climax.

All eyes locked onto Selina and Felicia, bearers of the revered Ancestor God’s blood, their presence magnetic.

Felicia worried that the newly memory-restored Selina might feel timid or awkward, but she was mistaken.

Selina gracefully exchanged curtsies and conversed naturally with a duke’s daughter, easing Felicia’s concerns.

Elves were elegant, polite, and orderly. Despite their fervent adoration for the princesses, rivaling devotion to gods, they maintained disciplined restraint, calmly lining up to speak with them.

Interacting with elves was a pleasure; their grace ensured no discomfort or overstepping.

But courtesy didn’t skip protocol.

As Selina conversed with ministers, Cuibis, tasked with recording gifts, felt her hand go numb.

The nobles’ offerings were extravagantly precious, filling five pages of her notebook with no end in sight. Safely storing them in the princess’s treasury was no small feat.

Selina handled the interactions with ease. As the former Thief Saint, her skills weren’t limited to speed—stealth and disguise were second nature.

Previously, impersonation required makeup and mimicry, but now, with a legitimate identity, a touch of her old persona sufficed without raising suspicion.

Some observant ministers noticed changes.

Last year’s lively, kind Second Princess had run off to play with unicorns during her fourth birthday.

Now, though still gentle and kind, she’d shed her childishness for a more refined, mature grace.

More striking was her back, faintly glowing with golden light. Discerning nobles recognized it: three Sacred Marks, surpassing even Felicia’s.

In just a year, the Second Princess had matured.

Many ministers felt reassured, seeing a bright future for the Elven Kingdom with such prodigious princesses.

Under Empress Karina’s leadership, the kingdom thrived, a legacy likely to continue through her daughters.

Mid-banquet, Karina’s arrival prompted the elves to kneel in respect, a formality even Selina and Felicia observed with curtsies.

“Rise. Today’s a joyous occasion—no need for formalities,” Karina said with a light chuckle, approaching Selina. Her maternal gaze rested warmly on her beloved daughter.

“Selina, happy fifth birthday.”

A mother’s heartfelt blessing.

Selina looked up, her emerald eyes meeting Karina’s, free of any other emotions, reflecting only mutual warmth.

“Thank you, Mother.”

Her eyes sparkled, a bright smile blooming as she replied.

A daughter’s perfect response to her mother’s blessing.