Chapter 10: Birthday Gift

I sat around for a very long time.

There's nothing much to do inside.

"I wonder what the others are doing? "

I remembered my birthday last year.

The Guild Leader prepared a feast, Miss Oliviere gave me a bracelet, and Patricia was as loud as ever. The people from my division greeted even me with a banner...

"Ahhh... I'm getting sentimental again... "

I lied back down to let time pass by.

"Waaahh... this is so boring..."

I raised my legs on the wall while lying on the bed.

I was really bored out of my mind.

I've done nothing for the whole day.

*Click*

"I'm back! "

"Wha-!"

I fell down on the floor.

"Huh? What are you doing over there? "

"I-I!... I was!... "

Waaaahhh! That was so lame!

I covered my face with my hands.

"... I brought some food?..."

"..."

"I guess I'll put this in the fridge. "

Joshua put something inside the refrigerator.

"Uhm... I'll go change my clothes for a bit. "

Joshua entered the dressing room.

I quickly stood up and sat back on the bed.

Joshua exited the room and headed towards the table.

"I bought pizza for dinner. " he said.

He grabbed a box and took off its cover.

"Pizza? "

"Yes. Pizza. He showed to box to me.

It appears to be some sort of a flattened bread with tomato sauce, topped with chunks of meat, various vegetables, and cheese.

"Grab a slice. " Joshua said.

I took one of the slices and took a bite.

"!"

"How does it taste? Do you not like it? "

"This is good! "

I took another bite at the slice.

"Ah. You like it. There's more of this for you. Don't be shy. " Joshua said.

I took another slice from the box.

We finished the box after some time.

"I'll head out for a bit. I received a message from the store. The need a few more hands to help. I'll be back soon. "

Joshua left the room.

Ahh... I'm all alone again...

"I wonder what everyone is up to over there... "

This is just sad...

For a long time, I was alone..

After my parents died, I had no place to call my home.

I was forced to steal. Forced to kill.

At a young age, I became a ruthless criminal.

Running away from the authorities, hiding in the sewers, I was no different from the scum of the earth.

One fateful day, I was finally cornered.

A civilian tipped my position to a gang I stole from.

I was unable to fight back. I was beaten to half dead.

Howerver, that same day, my master found me.

As bloodstained as I am, he did not hesitate to take me as his own.

He treated me like his own daughter. We were like a family.

Things were going great for us until we got dragged into a war.

Master trained me in the art of swordsmanship.

Eventually, I became a part of his mercenary group, as much as he wanted to keep me away from it.

But I like it more that way. I would be able to protect the ones I love.

However, just like last time, fate was cruel.

I saw master fall, right in front of me.

The mercenary group was slaughtered.

All of my friends, my allies, they're all gone.

Once again, I was left alone.

Pushed to the brink of madness, I had nothing in my mind except revenge.

I threw myself into dangerous situations without caring for my survival.

Just this once, fate decided to be my ally.

The man who killed my family, the man who killed my master, was the same person.

Learning this, I was roped into joining the revolution.

The revolution was successful. We were able to overthrow the corrupt nobles and bring justice to the people.

My goal was reached. I had my revenge.

There was nothing left for me.

I just waited for the sweet embrace of death.

However, this changed two years ago when I was invited to join the Iron Rose Guild.

Everyone was so kind to me.

Although they say that I've stiffened up after joining the guild, I still felt at home when I was with them.

"And now... I'm all alone again. "

I wish I could spend this day with them...

I wish I could be with them again.

"Perhaps this is the fate for someone like me. A bloodstained murderer probably has no place with them... "

Tears flowed from my eyes.

I gripped my legs tightly.

I put my head down to hide my tears.

"I'm back. "

I said upon entering the room.

"..."

"Hmm? "

I saw Amelia clutching her legs to her chest.

Her head is down.

"Amelia... "

I muttered.

She looks rather sad... Is she crying?..

She probably misses her friends...

I took out the box from the fridge.

Would this even do anything?..

"Well... There's no harm in trying... "

At least she would be able to celebrate her birthday with someone.

I prepared two plates and utensils.

She appears to be deep in her thoughts.

I opened the box.

The cake looks simple yet beautiful. A chocolate cake topped with strawberries.

"I really hope she would like this. "

"Amelia. "

Joshua called to me.

"I have something for you. " he said. "Could you come over here for a second? "

"..."

I didn't respond.

"I see... "

Joshua's voice carried a hint of dissapointment.

"W-wait for a bit... " I told him.

"Please turn around... "

He turned around.

I wiped my tears from my eyes and took a deep breath.

"You can turn back now... What is it? "

"Here. "

He grabbed something from the table and showed me a beautiful chocolate cake.

"Happy Birthday Amelia. " Joshua greeted me.

"..."

"Is there something wrong? "

I was surprised by this. I thought Joshua had no money? And even if he had some, this would never cross my mind.

"T-thank you very much... "

I can't look at him in the eye.

"You're 21 now right? " he asked.

"Yes..." I replied.

"Ahh. You've grown into a fine young lady. "

W-what?!! What is this guy saying?

"Wha-what do you mean?! " I exclaimed.

"I'm saying that you grew into a such fine young lady. " he replied.

"A-ahh... I-I... Uhh... T-thank you. "

Waaaahhhh I'm so embarrassed...

I covered my face with my hands.

"Ahem. A-anyway! Let's eat the cake, shall we? " Joshua said.

"S-sure!! Let's do that shall we?!! " I replied.

Uwaaaaaaa... What am I doing?

You grew into a fine young woman? Saying stuff like that randomly?

I sound like a sleazy bastard.

Her face is really red.. Is she pissed off? Or is she embarrassed?

Still... That was completely impulsive of me...

Dammit. If only I had experiences like this, this probably wouldn't be as awkward...

But I said the truth.

She really is beautiful.

She's much more beautiful in person than in the game.

Wahhh... What's up with him?! Saying things like that...

Joshua began slicing the cake.

He served a slice on each plate.

"Here you go. "

He handed me a plate.

I cut a small part from the slice and ate it.

Mmh?! This is!

This taste is familiar.

It's delicious. This cake tastes similar to my favourite cake...

Ahhh... I remember the time master bought that cake for me.

It was nothing special. Just a regular cake. And yet, it was the best cake I've ever had.

I remember specifically requesting the second division for that cake last year for my birthday.

I remember fun times we had...

We held a huge party.

Patricia was so drunk,she made a ruckus.

Mrs. Oliviere went 'Ara ara'.

And even the Guild Leader was beyond saving.

Ahh... I sure miss those times...

"Are you okay? " Joshua asked.

"Hmm? "

"Why are you crying? Is there something wrong? "

I touched my cheek and noticed that tears were flowing.

"Oh! I-It's nothing! I was just remembering something! "

"Alright. If you say so. "

We finished eating the cake.

It was delicious.

Though I'm celebrating my birthday in another world, it's not that bad.

One small gesture changed my mind.