Birthday Presents II

After Braudain went back to his seat and sat back down while earning a sympathizing gaze from everyone, Clara and Corleona stood up together and went to Philip

"..."

Philip observed their actions. Their faces are full of sorrow and sadness after they heard the story from Braudain. They were also feeling fear and admiration towards Philip after seeing him in a new light or new darkness, especially when Philip changed their fates earlier

In just a moment, Clara and Corleona arrived in front of Philip as Corleona stayed behind Clara since she urged Clara to go first

"..."

"What Braudain said is true... Our former kingdom, the Kingdom of Cladis in the continent of Disastrule, was a kingdom that is known as the Kingdom of Gifts and Treasures. That ended when the demon lord invaded and destroyed our kingdom..."

Tears formed at the corner of Clara's eyes. The bridge of Corleona's nose crumpled as she resisted to tear up and bear the pain

Of course, Clara spoke in broken English, but not as broken as Braudain since she studied well enough and learned fast

"I also refused to accept Sir Jude's help because we, Saykranians, will try our best to earn or create the gifts ourselves... Therefore, since I just transmigrated into Earthenmana, I don't have anything except for the personal belongings I have..."

Clara lifted her arms and placed her left fingers over her right ring finger. She held the ring on her ring finger and took it off

"This is an inheritance ring from my father, the king, King Pol, that he gave me when I was a child. There's nothing special about it, it's just a metal ring, but it's very special to me because this the last remembrance of my beloved father..."

"Then, why gift it to me?"

"Because I know, that if you have this ring, me and my father, as well as the entire Saykranian race behind us, will live forever... You are like an eternal light that will protect everything that you choose. So, with you having this, our race will live on forever, even if we're gone"

Clara declared with a sad tone, to which made Corleona burst her tears. She let it flow down her cheeks without making a sound as she grinded her teeth and clenched her fists tightly that it could almost bleed

The other were touched to the point that they could also cry. The strings of their hearts were tugged as they felt sympathy, extreme pity, and sorrow

The gods remained indifferent though as they couldn't care less. But deep inside, Sai was feeling guilt and regret. She keeps on feeling human emotions the longer she's with Alucard and living in the mortal world

"That's a pretty big burden that I have to carry..."

Philip commented, to which made Clara worry and feel depressed on the off chance that Philip won't accept the gift

In all honesty, Clara's gift couldn't be called as a gift. It's more like an ultimatum or a burden. It's like a curse or charcoal that Santa shoves into Christmas socks that belonged to naughty kids

There was no way that Philip would accept this kind of gift, but knowing this, everyone wasn't worried at all. They already know Philip's personality and traits

"But I accept your gift! I will carry that burden for you, as I promised... Don't worry"

Philip reached his hand and let Clara drop the ring on his palm

"Ah-"

Clara broke. She let go of the ring and it landed on Philip's palm

"Uuu~~"

Her tears suddenly gushed out and she couldn't hold back sobbing

"Uwa~"

She immediately turned around from embarrassment and to avoid letting Philip and the others see her crying. She burried her face on Corleona and she comforted her by placing her right hand on Clara's head

After a few moments, Clara calmed down and stepped backwards. It's Corleona's turn for her to give her gift. Philip properly placed Pol's Inheritance Ring next to the Purple Scale

Corleona stepped forward and immediately extended her left arm with his fist facing down

Philip placed his left hand under her fist to catch the gift that she's going to drop

"..."

"..."

There was an awkward silence between them as Corleona wouldn't let go of her gift. Her arm began to shook and Philip observed her

"Tell me your story..."

Philip pulled back his hand and decided to listen to Corleona's story first

"My story... I was supposed to be the mext successor of the throne... But I refused it because of the impending war. Clara took all of the responsibility of the next successor while I took the responsibility of protecting the human race of Saykranians alongside Polem... It was a difficult ordeal. I had to carry the whole world behind my back with all of my comrades..."

"..."

"During our journey, we found the Sacred Mana Lake guarded by the Sacred Spirit... I was chosen to douse my body in the lake and imbue sacred mana into weapons, armor, and artifacts. This is one of those artifacts that broke when it saved us when you were too late..."

"..."

"Like Clara and Braudain... We are a race of unconditional gift givers. I'm giving this gift because I heard you are loved by mana and might possibly be the new avatar of mana... I could still feel lingering sacred mana in this amulet, but I cannot make use of it now. On the other hand, you, considering your power, you'll definitely have use for it... So, take good care of it"

"Alright, I will... Thank you"

Philip lifted his hand back up and Corleona drop the Sacred Mana Amulet on his palm. Philip immediately placed it next to Pol's Inheritance Ring and both Clara and Corleona began to walk back to their seat with their eyes burning from tears

"..."

Everyone was quiet and they waited for the next people to come forward

Rue and Satou stood up and walked towards Philip as a head researcher and assistant researcher relationship. Rue has a fancy looking paper bag on her hand, that's closed with a ribbon in the middle, and Satou is holding a small box

Different people have different types and kinds of gifts. As for the Saykranians, they never had a concept of wrapped gifts. They just give their gifts straightforward and not surprising them. So, this will be new experience for the Saykranians also

Satou walked first in front of Rue because he figured that it would be better, considering the contents of Rue's gift. He already knew everyone gift to Philip because of his ability, but of course he'll never spoil it for him

"Philip..."

"..."

"When Rue asked me to go with her and leave the military base six months ago, I didn't understand why until she told me it was your request... I appreciate that you let her choose to bring me or not and I'm lucky that Rue chose to bring me too!"

"..."

"So, I'll be giving you one of my important researches that I could never figure out what it is! I've been researching this for several years, but there were no progress in discovering it..."

Satou extended his hand forward and presented a small box that almost looked like a box containing an engagement ring. Even if that's the case, no one reacted differently, but of course, the idea of Satou proposing to Philip did fly past their minds

Philip grabbed the small box from Satou and inspected it before opening the lock

"..."

What Philip saw is a gem, crystal, jewel, or diamond in the middle of the box, surrounded by a soft red cotton cloth as it's fixed in the middle. The object inside is black in color, more like a shadow or tinted glass, almost like smoke

"This is what I would call a Black Diamond... Black diamons do exist, but this diamond is not quite like the rest. Unlike Carbonados and treated black diamonds, which are fake black diamonds, this diamond is more than natural, but not supernatural. The bizarre part of this diamond is not just its appearance, but it's about its molecular structure"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you want me tell you everything?"

"Hm... Maybe tell me the quick tldr?" (Too long, didn't read)

"Basically, the molecular structure of thus diamond is doubled. The original structure has an identical structure placed on top of the original one. I never seen one before and it's conceptually and theoretically impossible in the Laws of Physics. There's no bonds between identical structure. They're just on top of each other perfectly"

"Interesting..."

"I'm giving this to you because I am on a road block and I don't have the means to breakthrough it. On the other hand, you're a powerful person, powerful being, I'm sure this will be more useful to you and you probably can unlock the secrets of that diamond"

"I see... Thank you. I'll inspect it later!"

"Alright, that's all for me"

Satou slightly bowed reflexively and walked back to his seat. Rue stepped forward as Philip closed the small box and placed it next to the broken Sacred Mana Amulet

"Here, this is my gift"

Rue just reached the paper bag towards Philip

"Thank you"

This is a casually gift giving like any other. There was nothing special inside the bag, like the previous four people, because this is the only thing she could think of gifting him as an ordinary woman

Of course, Philip didn't open the paper bag for now because of privacy. He also feels awkward when opening gifts in front of everybody when everyone's looking at him, expecting some sort of reaction

He then placed the paper back below him, next to the chair because it would be strange to put it on the table next to the small gifts

Rue didn't care if Philip would check the gift on the spot or not and she just went back to her seat

"Fu~ It's my turn"

Sheena stood up and walked towards Philip with nervous steps. She's also holding a fancy wrapped rectangular box and she's hiding it behind back

"..."

"Happy birthday!"

Sheena simply greeted Philip as she reached the wrapped box. She also looked away, as if she's extremely shy. Her cheeks are also red

"Thank you!"

Philip grabbed the box and placed it below him

"I hope you'll appreciate the gift!"

"I will!"

Sheena immediately turned around and ran back to her seat. Celine immediately stood up and walked towards Philip. She's also holding a plain looking paper bag on her left hand

"Happy birthday!"

Celine greeted Philip with a warm soft smile

"Thank you!"

Philip grabbed the paper bag on the handle and as soon as he grabbed it, Celine moved forward and swiped her finger through Philip's hair

The softness of Philip's hair caressed Celine's fingers instead and then she leaned forward

"Chu~"

She gave a light smack on Philip's forehead, to which everyone was pleasantly surprised that Celine did it

"Take care of your beautiful hair..."

Celine said in a soft tone and smile

"I-I will..."

Philip was slightly blushing, especially since he just reminisced about what happened earlier in Celine's room

Celine then turned around and went back to her seat, unperturbed by the stares that she's receiving from everyone. Philip also placed the bag next to Rue's gift

The next person to stand up is Bari. She also brought Mei'er and Marielle along with her. Marielle walked instead of being carried by Bari, while holding Bari's left hand. Mei'er is also capable of walking, but she looks more like a robot or lifeless body. Although, her body is full of color, including the Crystal Flower that keeps floating above her head

As she walked past everyone, the gods has their eyes on the Crystal Flower

"Philip..."

Bari muttered as she reached Philip

"..."

Philip stayed silent after he nodded and Bari could only smile

"Go ahead, Marielle..."

Marielle let go of Bari's hand and stepped forward

"..."

She raised her head to look at Philip with warm and sparkling eyes

"Thank you for saving me and changing my life!"

Marielle exclaimed joyfully

"You're welcome, Marielle! As long as you and your mother is happy, okay?"

"Okay!"

"..."

There was a few seconds of silence as Marielle was thinking of something

"Are you trying to earn my mom's love?"

"Wha-?"

"Marielle!"

"...!"

"!!!"

Marielle asked a surprising question with an innocent face. Philip was stunned, Bari was embarrassed, Tenshi had a smug face, and the other had an expression of disbelief, but expected outcome

"No no no no..."

Philip immediately tried to deny it. Even if what Marielle said was true, he doesn't think that he would see Bari that way since she's already a mother of two children

It would be good if Bari fell for him because it will only empower the [Love Shard], but he doesn't think that it would be moral

In addition to that, even if Bari is tens million of years old and she looks quite young, her age would be roughly 30 to 31 years old on Earthenmana when converted. The age gap is way too large

'Wait... Oh god!'

Philip realized to late after he talked to himself in his head. He subconsciously looked at Bari and his eyes widened

"..."

Bari's face is flushed and red as she's avoiding Philip's gaze. She looks like she's a teenager who just fell in love or something

'No...'

The closer Philip looked at Bari, the more he could see

'No...!'

There was a faint pink light dousing over Bari from above

"...!"

It was the [Love Shard] that's hovering, spinning, rotating rapidly above her head

'NOOO-!!!'

Philip screamed internally because Bari would be added to his Harem List at this point

"So, mom doesn't have a chance?"

Marielle kept adding fuel to the fire and made both Phili and Bari incredibly embarrassed