In the grand dining hall, the Dwight family gathered around the long table, which was adorned with exquisite dishes thanks to Zhao Shi's culinary skills.
Candles flickered gently, casting a soft glow over the gathering. The aroma of the feast wafted through the air, making mouths water in anticipation. Although a few members were missing, the atmosphere remained warm and inviting.
For this special occasion, Zhao Shi and Pooella were also seated at the table, joining in the celebration.
Spark's usual aloof expression softened a little as he watched Alice, dressed in the beautiful gown chosen by his mother.
The young girl's eyes sparkled with excitement as she took in the festive atmosphere. Seated beside her was Sophia, her elegant features glowing with pride, and opposite them, Duke Renard, Spark's father, who had also joined the celebration with a rare smile on his usually stern face.
"To Alice's awakening," Duke Renard declared, raising his glass in a toast.
"May she grow strong and wise, and may her future be as bright as the stars." His voice was deep and resonant, carrying the weight of his authority and the warmth of his love for his granddaughter.
Everyone echoed his words, lifting their glasses in unison. Alice beamed, her cheeks rosy from all the attention. The candlelight danced in her eyes, reflecting the joy and excitement of the evening.
Taking her first bite of the dish before her, Alice's eyes sparkled, and she eagerly reached for another. Seeing her reaction, Spark's mother also took a spoonful and couldn't help but cover her mouth, thoroughly enjoying it.
"This is delightful," Sophia praised.
"Hmm, this is good," Renard added.
Zhao Shi nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Lord, Lady."
Spark felt a sense of satisfaction. He knew Zhao Shi's cooking would impress them. Zhao Shi was indeed a master of his craft.
As they dined, Alice's attention was drawn to Spark, who was taking a sip from his glass. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she asked with innocent curiosity, "Father, what's that red juice?"
Spark looked down at his glass, a small smile playing on his lips as he replied, "It is something adults drink."
Alice's eyes lit up with interest.
"Can Alice also drink?" she asked, eyeing his glass with a mixture of curiosity and eagerness.
Alice accepted the cloth with a warm smile, her gaze curious as she ran her fingers over the smooth material. "Thank you, Uncle Zhao."
As Alice placed the gifts beside her, all eyes turned to Spark. He was sipping on his glass, his usual aloof demeanor slightly shaken as he realized that he hadn't prepared anything for this special occasion. His mother's gaze bore into him, making it clear that he couldn't let Alice down.
Clearing his throat, Spark raised his hand and slowly removed a ring from his index finger. The ring was simple, made of brass with no ornate design.
"Ahem... Here, Alice," Spark said, his tone attempting to be nonchalant. "Take this. It's my gift to you."
Alice's wide eyes fixated on the ring as she reached out to take it. "What is it, Father?"
Spark hesitated for a moment and said. "I fought off a big villain, and after he lost, he gave me this ring. It's powerful—it will protect you."
Alice's eyes sparkled with wonder, her imagination running wild with thoughts of her father as a hero fighting a big villain.
"Father fought against a villain, like in the stories?" she asked, her voice brimming with excitement. She was never more thrilled than when hearing tales of heroes and villains.
"Yes," Spark nodded.
Meanwhile, Renard and Sophia exchanged glances. Their eyes narrowed slightly as they looked at the ring, a hint of skepticism in their expressions. To them, it appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary brass ring, lacking the grandeur of the other gifts.
Sophia's gaze sharpened as if she were silently questioning Spark's claim. Pooella's lips twitched, while Renard maintained a stoic expression, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of doubt.
Spark, sensing the unspoken skepticism, could only offer a wry smile before returning to his glass of wine. He took a slow sip, trying to maintain his composure.
"Thank you, Father!" Alice exclaimed, slipping the ring onto her index finger and admiring how it sparkled in the light, blissfully unaware of the adult's silent exchange.
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A/N: This marks the end of the volume 2. This should be enough for build up, as I have introduced most of the people close to spark and those important later on.
Keep supporting. Thank you!
-Duck out.