1.5 years later…
Sally: "Sweethearts, let's go shopping! We only have four days until His Majesty's birthday banquet."
Thomas: "It's been a while since we had a good family shopping trip."
Evelyn (big sis, 89): "Indeed, it has."
Austin (big bro, 151): "Hmm."
Celes (81): "Let's gooo!"
Chris (70): "Ugh 😫 I wanna stay home!"
Marylyn (135): "Shut up, Chris. I'm excited!"
Celestial: "I wanna buy a flowery choker… and pretty hair accessories~!"
Everyone piled into the luxurious winged carriage.
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🌸 Celestial's POV
> I really don't wanna go to that banquet… but whatever. Let's just bear with it.
---
As they stepped off the carriage…
Thomas: "No gold accessories today. The royal family will be wearing it—we don't want to outshine them."
Everyone: "Understood! 🎗️"
---
🌸 Celestial (shopping):
> Hmmm… black & white, or pink & white?
Let's go with pink and white—bracelet, choker, and hair accessories. Hehe!
---
🏰 At the Banquet Hall…
The hall sparkled with divine light. Nobles bowed.
The Seraphyne family greeted His Majesty with grace.
But Celestial?
She stood out like a celestial rose among dry leaves.
She looked the prettiest and cutest girl there—hands down.
From across the hall, Nora and Albert frowned deeply.
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💭 Nora's POV:
> Tch. She's stealing the spotlight again.
I'll "accidentally" spill juice on her. She can't touch me—I'm royalty.
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💭 Celestial's POV:
> Tsk. That bit— I mean, Nora... heh. I know exactly what she's planning.
She saw Nora approaching with a full glass of juice, ready to cause a scene.
Just before impact—
Whish!
Celestial vanished from Nora's line of fire…
And reappeared right next to Sally.
BAM!
The glass hit the floor. Juice splattered everywhere.
Everyone glanced over… then immediately went back to what they were doing.
Nora just stood there… embarrassed, red-faced, and speechless.
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👑 The King's POV:
> That Seraphyne girl… how did she do that?
Only adults over 20 can move like that. Did Duke Seraphyne teach her?
Or… is she just a natural-born genius?
---
The banquet finally came to an end, and everyone returned home…
...to fall into their comfy beds and sleep. 😴💤
---
But Celestial?
She stayed up on the rooftop, her wings spread wide.
Eyes closed. Breathing slow. Aether gathering in gentle waves around her.
> "They think I'm just cute.
Let them think that."