21.

“If you have any specific food you’d like, please let us know.”

Serenity’s meal began with a salad featuring fresh sprouts and tangy dressing. As befitting the reputation of a restaurant known for not skimping on ingredients, the crisp vegetables boasted freshness.

“Here you go.”

Cordelia cut Serenity’s steak into bite-sized pieces, along with her own steak. Her proficient knife skills were still evident.

The well-cooked steak, infused with spices, enhanced the flavor of the meat. Despite its thickness, the tender meat melted in the mouth. It was tempting to call the chef over and ask how it was prepared.

The chicken, cooked directly in the oven, was no different from the steak. The smoky flavor from the crispy exterior and tender interior was delightful. It felt like being at a festival.

‘Who knew eating could be this enjoyable.’

It wasn’t just about surviving. She realized once again that simply sharing a meal could create pleasant memories.

‘Life is more colorful than I thought.’

Serenity became curious. How many experiences had she missed out on just by being born in the wrong place?

Cordelia, noticing Serenity lost in thought, asked with concern, “Is the food not to your liking, Serenity? You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to. We can go somewhere else.”

“No, it’s really delicious! Please have some too, sis.”

“I am having some.”

Indeed, Cordelia was eating a considerable amount. Working in the Knights required stamina comparable to that of an average person’s stomach, which made Serenity’s portion seem relatively small in comparison.

However, Cordelia didn’t acknowledge this.

‘People should eat at least this much.’

After finishing her fourth steak, Cordelia sliced a new piece of meat and placed it in front of Serenity. Serenity chuckled and picked up the sliced meat with her fork.

‘Yeah, I should just focus on the present.’

With renewed determination, Serenity resumed eating.

When they could no longer eat any more due to feeling too full, they pushed their plates away.

“Dessert will be served later.”

Rather than feeling disappointed by this statement, they felt grateful. Serenity’s stomach was protesting that it couldn’t take in anything more.

After the table was cleared, tea was served. Cordelia handed Serenity a document from her bag. It was undoubtedly the same document she had been looking at earlier with a serious expression.

‘It seems like work is really busy.’

While pondering if there was anything she could help with, Cordelia handed the document she had been examining to Serenity.

“Here, Serenity. It’s your birthday present.”

“…For me?”

“Take it. It’s a gift chosen not only by me but also by Father and Mother. They deliberated over it for a long time.”

“…What is it?”

Serenity hesitantly accepted the document from Cordelia’s hand.

It was a document about a territory. The seal of the Zeros family was stamped at the bottom. As Serenity read the tiny writing, her eyes widened. Cordelia smiled contentedly.

“They’ve given me a territory in my name?!”

“It’s a territory in Artera, known for its art even among Zeros’s territories. Many artists reside there. Of course, there will be professional managers assigned, but how you manage the place and the profits generated from there in the future will be up to you.”

Artera.

The birthplace and hometown of the famous painter Naren. Even during her time in Julie, she had heard of that name. Of course, she didn’t know it was a territory of the Zeros family, but it was known as a famous place just by the name of the city. A city suitable for living with a moderate size and filled with artists. That was Artera.

Serenity was taken aback.

“What if I mess up?”

“I trust that you won’t mess up. That’s why I’m entrusting it to you. You’re also a part of the Zeros family.”

Cordelia was receiving training to become the successor of Zeros. However, she wouldn’t be responsible for all the family affairs now. With Serenity back, she also had to gradually start working as a member of Zeros.

This task could be burdensome and overwhelming for Serenity. Cordelia understood that.

“We’ll always be here for you. You can ask us if you need anything. It’s natural to feel awkward and inexperienced when starting something new. But through that, you learn and improve. That’s what being human is about.”

Of course, there was another significant reason.

“And this place is the territory Father nurtured with you in mind. It’s where Mother stayed before you were born.”

“…”

“In Artera, there’s a lake we love. It’s a clear lake nestled among trees in the forest. There are many boat rides on the lake. The flower petals that fall from the blossom trees match your hair color perfectly.”

That territory reminded Serenity of herself. And it was also the place where she could have been born.

The biggest reason Cordelia wanted to gift Artera to Serenity was because of this.

“Let’s go there together in the summer.”

Cordelia paused for a moment. She clenched her fists.

After spring comes summer.

The season they couldn’t spend together, couldn’t experience together.

The time that couldn’t exist for Serenity.

“In the fall, let’s go see the autumn leaves, and in the winter, let’s go see the snow. Let’s see and experience many things according to the seasons.”

Every moment is so precious.

“There are still many things we haven’t done together. Will you give me the chance to be with you, sister?”

She didn’t want to miss a single moment spent with her.

Serenity felt the same way.

With a heart as full as Cordelia’s, Serenity nodded her head.

“…Of course.”

She wished this moment could last forever.

‘A gift given because they trust me.’

More than the fact that it was a territory.

More than the fact that its profits would be entrusted to her.

She was overwhelmed by the fact that it was a gift given because they trusted her.

‘People who can love me just as I am.’

Serenity stood up and approached Cordelia. Cordelia, already standing, smiled brightly.

“Can you hug me once?”

Before Cordelia finished her sentence, Serenity embraced her tightly. It was a warm hug.

* * *

On the day of the birthday party.

Serenity, who had been up since dawn, soaked her body in the bathtub. The bathtub, filled with warm water and flower petals, soothed her tired body early in the morning.

As Serenity sat lazily in the bathtub, the maids and servants bustled around.

“How’s the water temperature?”

“It’s just right.”

Warm water flowed through her hair. The servants massaged every inch of Serenity’s body, including her scalp, inside the bathtub. After the comforting and pleasant bath, a soft fragrance enveloped her skin. The sensation made Serenity feel good.

When she returned to her room, Serenity started drying her body and hair. A pleasant fragrance emanated from her smooth skin.

“The dress you’ll wear today was prepared by Duke and Duchess together!”

Adele handed Serenity a well-packaged box.

As she untied the silk ribbon wrapping the box and opened the lid, a silver dress came into view. The silver dress, shining like stars, was made of soft silk material. The bottom of the silver silk dress spread out widely, resembling fluttering waves. Pearls were embedded along the hem, which perfectly complemented the silver dress.

“It will look absolutely stunning on you!”

Adele had been excited from the moment she laid eyes on the dress.

She also took out the diamond necklace Serenity had. The diamond necklace, neither too big nor too small, beautifully adorned Serenity’s neck, which might otherwise have looked empty.

There was no corset-like shapewear under the dress. It was a consideration from her parents, who cared more about Serenity’s health than her figure.

As Serenity began to wear the dress she received as a gift, she felt like a princess from a distant land, captivated by the feeling.

‘Who would have known that Ragtag Julie would throw such a party and even make me wear a dress.’

“We’ll start with the makeup.”

With the polite voice of the maid helping with the makeup, colors began to appear on Serenity’s face.

“Your skin is so clean that there’s hardly anything to do.”

The maids shaded Serenity’s lips and eyelids. Instead of drawing lines on Serenity’s eyes, they emphasized her long eyelashes. The lashes naturally accentuated her eyes. Flowers bloomed on her lips, slightly darker than Serenity’s natural hair color. Her cheeks were already blushing shyly.

Her hair was neatly combed, with the ends slightly curled. The half-up hairstyle added elegance. Beads were placed around the slightly gathered section to give a luxurious feel.

“Wow….”

All that came out of Serenity’s mouth as she examined her reflection in the mirror was admiration. Although she usually helped with makeup before going out, today, she had clearly put in extra effort. Even Serenity, who didn’t know much about makeup, could tell it was different.

Yes, Serenity Zeroes looked truly beautiful.

And she didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. The dress gently hugged her body without squeezing, giving her a feeling as if she were wearing pajamas. There was no problem moving around.

Preparation was complete.

“Duke Yustian and Duchess Jane are looking for you.”

Serenity turned her body in the mirror.

“Oh, I should go meet them.”

Serenity smiled dazzlingly.

She was clearly the protagonist of the day, no matter who looked at her.

* * *

“Serenity! You look so beautiful!”

Jane hugged Serenity tightly. Yustian, who followed behind Jane, looked at her with a puzzled expression, then stroked his chin with a serious expression.

“It seems like there are already many people eyeing her. We can’t marry off Serenity so soon. Should we cancel the party today…?”

“Marriage? Serenity won’t marry anyone unless it’s with someone she loves. Besides, you. Have you forgotten who today’s party is for?”

“Well, I understand. Serenity, do you like the dress?”

Yustian, who was flustered by Jane’s words, changed the subject.

“Yes, I really like it.”

“After this party, we’ll make time for you to visit your estate. Your health has been improving, and you’re almost fully recovered, so it seems like a good opportunity.”

“Yes, I’d like that.”

Having her own estate felt like a real responsibility as a member of the Zeroes. She wanted to work hard.

There was much to explore at the estate. Plus, going there would make it easier to escape from the surveillance network of the Zeroes.