22.

Perhaps I could find a way to kill Julie in the estate. It might be easier to finish the job here than to deal with it elsewhere. Jane and Yustian won’t be around either.

“But it might feel lonely.”

I’ll miss everyone, but I’ll have to endure it.

“Serenity, it’s your first birthday spent together with us.”

Jane, with tears welling up in her eyes, hugged Serenity even tighter. Her voice was choked with emotion.

“Thank you for being born, Serenity.”

“Thank you for being born.”

Julie couldn’t believe those who said being born was a blessing. But Serenity could now believe those words. She was living a blessed life.

“Having you with us is a great fortune.”

Someone who was a source of strength just by being there.

Serenity was that person for the Zeroes.

For the first time, Serenity thought to herself, ‘I’m glad I was born.’

That’s why I can be this happy.

* * *

As if announcing the start of the party, the doors of the Zeroes’ mansion opened. Almost all the families who visited had come to leave their family mark on Zeroes, whether for commercial or power-related reasons.

But of course, there were also those who came for different purposes.

“Happy birthday, Serenity Zeroes.”

Dante stood in front of Serenity. His neatly tied silver hair was arranged without a single strand out of place. His sharp eyes pierced through Serenity as if scrutinizing her.

It wasn’t intimidating. His demeanor, which seemed even more composed today, seemed like a form of self-defense.

“It’s been a while, Dante Odrayen.”

His polite words were devoid of any excess. Dante, who wanted to continue the conversation with Serenity, hesitated to leave. Of course, there were still many people Serenity had to welcome. Serenity smiled broadly at Dante.

A figure towering over others. Wyatt, with his crimson eyes visible amidst his black hair, approached her.

From his sharp forehead to his jawline, his neatly groomed black hair, and his black coat and tie that complemented his hair color perfectly, were enough to steal people’s attention.

His appearance, known as a masterpiece created by God, was unrealistically perfect.

Serenity inwardly sighed and greeted Wyatt.

“It’s been a while, Serenity Zeroes.”

“…Nice to see you again.”

Wyatt didn’t pay much attention to Serenity’s lack of formal address. After greeting her, he glanced around. Standing with his arms crossed, he stood slightly askew, raising one eyebrow.

“It might be quite inconvenient for me to take you away right now. I probably shouldn’t take you.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

‘Why is he saying this?’

She couldn’t help but notice his quick wit. Yet, he pretended not to know, staying there without a clue, which was absurd. It felt similar to when she was looking at Dante earlier.

Anyway, since Wyatt came to see Serenity, she had no reason to refuse him, especially now that he appeared at the party. It’s not like he didn’t know that, so it was strange that he was creating such an excuse. Pondering why he was acting like this, Serenity made one assumption.

‘He’s trying to build trust to gain points.’

He was grateful for even the smallest things to make Serenity speak about Julie. Wyatt was a prince, and it wasn’t common for such a person to show consideration.

Of course, Serenity was not fooled by his behavior at all.

“Let’s set aside some time to talk when we’re inside later.”

“Understood. Since Dante also mentioned it…”

“Dante?”

“…Aren’t we supposed to meet together?”

Serenity asked with a puzzled expression. All three heirs were supposed to come to the party today, and since Dante also said he wanted to meet Serenity, she assumed they would all talk to each other…?

Wyatt furrowed his brow slightly.

“Right.”

“…Then why?”

“At first, it’s you and me. Just the two of us.”

Serenity was perplexed.

‘Why did he furrow his brows when he agreed?’

Feeling bewildered, Serenity nodded her head. Wyatt, upon seeing her, raised the corners of his mouth with a satisfied expression.

Turning away from Serenity, Wyatt paused in his tracks, as if something had crossed his mind.

“Oh, I forgot to congratulate you on your birthday.”

Turning his head back, Wyatt faced Serenity with an indifferent expression. His sidelong glance briefly met Serenity’s before disappearing.

“I sincerely congratulate you on your birthday.”

Seems like that was all he wanted to say, as Wyatt promptly walked down the hall. Nobles followed behind him in a line.

In the hands of the servants standing behind Wyatt, gift boxes were carried. Under the command of the butler, the gifts were promptly transferred to the rooms. Just the gifts brought by the people so far would fill several rooms and then some.

“Happy birthday, Serenity Zeroes.”

Clagen approached with a polite greeting. He was the last among the guests Serenity had to welcome.

“Thank you. Welcome.”

Returning Clagen’s greeting, Serenity headed alone towards the hall where everyone was waiting for her.

Since Clagen was the last to arrive, they went to the hall together alone. Of course, Clagen had intended for this. Like Dante, who had arrived first, he waited and waited again inside the carriage. For the sake of his image makeover.

Clagen spoke first.

“There were a lot of people attending, so it must have been tiring for you to greet them. Plus, Dante was the first guest to arrive, so it must have been even more awkward.”

“Not really. But how did you…”

“I waited to come in last.”

“Why did you wait until the end?”

“Because my impression might not be good, there’s no need to appear first and spoil Serenity’s mood. And if you’re the last, you can earn points by walking with her.”

Serenity Zeroes. If Clagen realized one thing from her, it was that she could be honest in front of her. There was no need to be fake or wear a mask in front of her. Since everyone seemed to know everything anyway.

Serenity responded with a puzzled face.

“…You’ve had some weird thoughts.”

Whatever he did, Clagen was still Clagen.

“Looks like you’re not impressed.”

“Was I supposed to be?”

“No. I understand it’s another failure this time.”

Clagen chuckled. There was no pretentious smile in his shrugging gesture.

“You’re good at hitting where it hurts.”

Serenity responded with a bright smile. Her response was internal.

‘Well, I don’t have to impress you.’

Whether Clagen knew about Serenity’s inner thoughts or not, his gaze was solely fixed on Serenity.

* * *

As Serenity entered the hall, the nobles’ attention was focused on her. Far away, Cordelia waved her hand towards Serenity. The Zeroes couple was also present.

Approaching them, Serenity could see everyone in the banquet hall. She saw Dante, Clagen, and even Wyatt. Yulia was a bonus.

With a steady heart, Serenity accepted the glass offered by Cordelia.

“Welcome to the celebration of Serenity’s birthday.”

“Hope you’re having a good time.”

“Have a good time.”

From Yustian and Jane to Cordelia, they all offered Serenity their blessings for her birthday. There was no need to raise their voices; the sound was already resounding. Among them, Serenity smiled happily again.

‘Yes, this moment is good.’

After taking a deep breath, Serenity spoke up.

“Thank you all for coming. As it’s my first birthday after waking up, it feels new to me. I want to continue living like this, experiencing and learning a lot. Please take care of me.”

It was a heartfelt statement.

Clap, clap. As Serenity finished speaking, applause filled the room. Serenity downed the glass she was holding.

The sweetness of the wine filled her mouth.

“Hello, Serenity.”

As soon as she was in a situation to talk to people, Yulia was the first to approach her. Yulia had been thirsty for an opportunity to talk to Serenity. She was annoyed by the lack of contact from Serenity since her last visit. Of course, she couldn’t complain about it.

“Have you been well? I was worried because I haven’t heard from you since the last visit, but now you’ve invited me to your birthday party. I’m just grateful.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Serenity replied briefly, accepting all the words. She didn’t ask about Yulia’s well-being. Yulia could only take the bait Serenity threw. Just like she approached her now.

“Um, will you visit our mansion next time? There’s something I want to discuss about Julie Liv…”

“What’s the matter with Julie Liv?”

“Oh, nothing! It’s just about finding a way for Julie to wake up…”

‘She’s bringing this up late because she thinks there’s no way to get to me except through Julie.’

Serenity finally agreed.

“Let’s do that.”

That’s what she had hoped for.

Yulia smiled widely with relief at Serenity’s words. Serenity looked at her with an indifferent gaze, then turned her gaze to the person who approached her closely.

No, she had no choice but to turn her gaze.

“Now, can we have a conversation?”

Because that person was Wyatt.

Yulia blinked her eyes back and forth between Serenity and Wyatt.

“Um, Serenity and His Highness…”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but Serenity quickly caught her thoughts.

Since when did they build enough camaraderie for the prince to request a conversation?

There seemed to be no need to explain.

Wyatt gestured for Serenity to follow him.

“Where would you like to talk?”

“Let’s go to the reception room. I’ve asked the people of Zeroes to prepare it.”

As the two walked away, Yulia looked at them with dismay.