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THE VILLAINOUS BIRTHDAY CONUNDRUM — hypothetical user birthday story event ⊹₊⟡⋆

summary: crown and vogel team up to make your birthday the best yet… but one can only expect so much when asking villains to work together.

notes: hypothetical story event obtained during (your) kate’s birthday - inspired by this post!

( 𝜗𝜚⋆ ) PROLOGUE

[ PALACE LOUNGE - NIGHT ]

Victor: “Now, I’m sure everyone is wondering why I called you boys here so late.”

Liam: “What’s with the serious face? Is there an important mission coming up?”

Jude scoffed.

Jude: “Knowin’ Queenie’s aide, it’s probably rubbish.”

Victor: “No, it’s something far more important…”

Victor’s serious expression suddenly turned into a gleaming smile.

Victor: “... It’s Kate’s birthday tomorrow! Yay!”

There were shocked faces all across the room, followed by light smiles and sighs of relief.

Jude: “Tch. That’s what ya’ called us here for?”

Liam: “Whew, I’m glad it’s nothing serious!”

Harrison: “There has to be a better way for you to tell us this ya’ old goat.”

Victor cleared his throat.

Victor: “Now boys, this is of utmost importance! Our dear robin has done so much for us, so it’s up to us to ensure her birthday is a success!”

William’s laughter rang throughout the room.

William: “How fun!”

Jude: “...What if I’m busy?”

William: “Oh? Well, how about we format it as a mission?”

Victor: “Good idea Will! Let’s call it, Operation: Birthday Success~♡”

Jude: “Tch. How annoyin’…”

Ellis: “Come on Jude, it’ll be fun. I’m sure it will make Kate really happy… I wonder how happy she’ll be?”

Victor: “Very happy! And to ensure this will be a success, I’ve split us all into teams!”

Alfons: “As long as I’m not partnered with that big oaf—”

Victor: “Elbert, Alfons, and Roger—you three are in charge of decorations!”

Alfons: “.........”

Roger: “Haha! What luck huh?”

Victor: “Jude, Ellis, and myself will be in charge of making the cake and tasty dinner!”

Jude: “Just great…”

Suddenly, the door to the palace lounge opened up to reveal the members of Vogel.

Darius: “Oh? I was wondering what all that noise was…”

Nica: “What’s happening here? Sharing state secrets?”

William: “Quite the opposite. It’s our dear Robin’s birthday tomorrow.”

Darius, Nica, and Ring’s eyes widened in shock.

Darius: “...Oh. (•_•)”

Ring: “W-What?! Really?!”

Nica: “There’s hardly any reason to shout, brother…”

Roger: “Haha, you got all excited like a pup Ring!”

Nica: “So it's the spatzi's birthday… But that still doesn’t explain what you all are doing here.”

Alfons: “We’re having a competition to see who can make Kate the happiest on her birthday.”

Elbert: “...Competition?”

Alfons: “Why not? It’ll be much more fun than us just splitting into teams.”

Nica: “How fun. How about we add gifts into that bet? Whoever gives the Robin the best gift will surely make her the happiest.”

Darius: “Hm, I don’t usually pay attention to the birthday’s of mere humans, but this seems interesting.”

Victor: “Of course! The more the merrier! That’s why Vogel and William will be in charge of gifts!”

Liam: “What? No fair! How will the others get gifts if we're in charge of something else?”

Harrison: “Better question… Did you know that Vogel would show up?”

Victor: “Nonsense, William would have joined you and Liam to distract Kate. But since Vogel is here, it’ll be better if someone from Crown joins them.”

Darius: “I can’t say I’m happy with a chaperone, but if it’s Lord Rex… I don’t mind.”

William: “I assume Vogel isn’t quite familiar with Kate’s interest. I’ll be glad to offer assistance.”

Victor clapped his hands dramatically, leaping up from his chair.

Victor: “Splendid! Now are there any objections?”

Alfons & Jude: “I have a few—” “Damn right I have—”

Victor: “None? Good! Now get ready my Cursed boys, let’s prepare for tomorrow!”

( 𝜗𝜚⋆ ) CHAPTER ONE

[ KATE’S BEDROOM - MORNING ]

Kate: (Mmh…)

I blinked my eyes a few times, adjusting to the bright sunlight streaming into my bedroom.

Kate: “Oh right… today’s my birthday.”

A soft smile spread across my face as I stretched. Birds sang beautifully outside the window, their melodies almost like a sign that today was going to be a good day.

Kate: (I still have a report to type from yesterday’s mission, and I’m sure Victor’s planning a dinner party later today. I should make the most of my day before then!)

After making my bed, I got dressed and headed towards my door. But when I opened it—

— SCREEN FLASHES WHITE —

Harrison & Liam: “Surprise!”

A cascade of streamers and glitter fell from the air around me as soon as I opened my door. Beside me stood Harrison and Liam, who had bright smiles on their faces.

Harrison: “Happy birthday, Kate.”

Liam: “Yeah, happy birthday! Did you like the streamers?”

Kate: “Are you kidding? Of course I did, that was so magical!”

Liam giggled.

Liam: “I told you she’d like it!”

Kate: “Well, what brings you two here so early in the morning?”

Harrison: “We’re your escorts.”

I tilted my head.

Kate: “Escorts?”

Liam: “We’re going to make sure you have the best birthday ever!”

[ CAFE - MORNING ]

For breakfast, Liam and Harrison took me to a brand-new café that had recently opened. Even though it had been open for a few days, it was already known for its sweet breakfast treats and charming ambiance.

Kate: (That being said…)

Kate: “I’ve heard that some people reserved a seat for this café months before opening, how did you two manage to get us a spot?”

Liam winked at me, leaning closer to whisper in my ear.

Liam: “Let’s just say that being a famous actor grants you a lot of opportunities.”

Harrison: “And don’t worry about being modest. Eat as much as you like, we’ll pay.”

My eyes widened.

Kate: “I can’t possibly ask you to—”

Liam shook his head, holding a finger up to my mouth.

Liam: “That won’t do Kate! We’re going to make sure that you don’t have to lift a finger during this day!”

Harrison's grin then turned wicked.

Harrison: “You’re stuck with us Kate, and we aren’t taking complaints.”

[ CROWN CASTLE KITCHEN - MORNING ]

Victor: “Alright my Cursed boys, are you two ready to make the tastiest dishes ever?”

Jude: “...Why do ya’ have to be so loud this early in the morning?”

Victor: “Well, we certainly can’t cook on low energy!”

The trio stood in the kitchen, each of them—including Jude—adorned in an apron. In front of them were various bowls, pots, and trays, each filled to the brim with ingredients.

Ellis: “Hey Jude, how about we make Guinness Stew? The last time we tried to, it burned before Kate could taste it properly.”

Jude: “Hm? It wouldn’t be too bad to see that dopey grin on her face.”

The look that appeared on Jude’s face was a bit concerning, but he quickly grew serious, grabbing a bowl of water to wash the carrots nearby. Then, he paused.

Jude: “......”

Jude: “... I never said a damn thing about this recipe to ya’ Queenie’s aide, so just how did ya’ get all the ingredients here?”

Victor skillfully ignored Jude’s questions, tying his long hair up into a ponytail.

Victor: “Let’s see, as for me… I’ll make my ultra buttery scones with extra butter and her favorite cake!”

Ellis: “Hey, how happy do you think Kate will be tonight?”

Jude: “As happy as I’ll be once ya’ stop yappin’ and help me peel these potatoes.”

Ellis: “Really? I can’t wait to preserve her happiness tonight.”

Victor: “Less talk about killing, and more chopping~!”

( 𝜗𝜚⋆ ) CHAPTER TWO

[ MARKETPLACE - AFTERNOON ]

In front of a flower shop…

Elbert: “Al… Is this arrangement beautiful?”

Alfons: “Hm, it’s alright, but not as beautiful as that one.”

Elbert, Alfons, and Roger have been in the flower shop for so long, a crowd started to gather outside.

Roger: “Why not this one? It’s the lil lady’s favorite color.”

Alfons scoffed.

Alfons: “It might be pretty, but flowers also have a pesky thing called meaning attached to them. We don’t want to send the wrong message to Miss Robin.”

Roger sighed, his eyes trailing back to the crowd of women standing in front of the store.

Roger: “Well we better make it quick. We might not be able to make it through the crowd out there.”

Elbert: “Hm… I think I want this one.”

Alfons: “Not bad Elbie. But do try to remember these flowers are for Miss Robin.”

After finally settling on table decorations, the three then went to the next store to purchase balloons.

Roger: “Hm?”

Roger paused in his step, suddenly holding his hand out. The suddenness of the action caused Alfons to run into his arm, which in turn caused Elbert to run into him, almost dropping the bags.

Elbert: “What’s wrong Roger?”

Roger: “... I can hear the lil lady. She’s with Harrison and Liam, and they’re heading this way.”

Alfons and Elbert froze, their eyes widening.

Alfons: “Well that’s just perfect.”

Elbert: “We can’t let her see us.”

Roger: “Let me see if I can find Liam. I’ll tell him to lead her away from here.”

Roger peeked around the corner, using his ears to listen for Liam’s voice. Once he spotted him, he waited until Liam made eye contact.

Liam jumped, clearly surprised to see Roger. His shock only deepened when Alfons and Elbert peeked their heads out as well.

Quickly, Liam placed a hand on Kate’s shoulder and turned her around, flashing a wide smile.

Alfons: “Ahha! I’ve never seen someone’s eyes get so wide.”

Elbert: “That was close…”

Roger: “You’re telling me.”

Roger sighed, though only he knew how close they had come. Not only had they narrowly avoided Kate, but he could hear Vogel and William nearby as well.

By the time all the shopping was done, it was already evening time.

[ CARRIAGE - EVENING ]

Roger: “...Hey Al, can’t you hold those balloons closer? They’re blocking my view.”

Alfons: “I fear there is nothing more I can do. We are in an enclosed space.”

Roger moved the balloons aside, looking at the two men that sat across from him. Beside them were a multitude of bags—much more than what was required to buy.

Roger: “Say… you two didn’t happen to do any extra shopping?”

Elbert: “Hm!”

Alfons sighed.

Alfons: “Well if you make such an incriminating noise, he’ll have no choice but to believe it.”

Roger laughed loudly, pulling out a bag of his own.

Roger: “I guess we all did some secret shopping. I haven’t forgotten about the competition, you know.”

Elbert: “Just how beautiful do you think Kate will be tonight?”

As that quiet question sat in the air, the trio could only imagine how the night would progress.

( 𝜗𝜚⋆ ) CHAPTER THREE

[ MARKETPLACE - MORNING ]

Nica: “So… what exactly does the Robin like?”

Darius: “Most female humans enjoy dresses and jewelry right? Tell me, does the Fairytale Keeper like such things?”

William: “That may be true, but our little Robin has desires much deeper than that.”

Ring, walking a little behind the group, stopped in front of a store. On display was a beautiful bracelet, its surface engraved with what looked like swans.

Ring: “Woah…”

Noticing that his brother fell behind, Nica turned around to see what caught his interest.

Nica: “Is that what you want to give the spatzi?”

The tips of Ring’s ear turned bright red as he backed away from the display window.

Ring: “Eh?! W-Well, I don’t know much about gifts or women… I just thought that it looked… c-cute.”

Darius: “Hm, you would still choose jewelry after William told us the Robin wasn’t superficial?”

Ring: “W-Well…”

William then approached the group, his laughter soft.

William: “I’m sure the robin will take any gift given to her with open arms as long as it comes from the heart. You should do what you desire, Ring.”

Ring hesitated for a moment before steeling himself with resolve.

Ring: ‘I-Is that so? Well then, if you excuse me!”

Ring ran into the store, returning a few minutes later with a small bag in his hand.

Darius: “That was quick. ( : ౦ ‸ ౦ : )”

William: “I guess the guard dog really is quick on his feet.”

Nica then turned his attention to a store across the street.

Nica: “How about we go there?”

[ DEPARTMENT STORE - AFTERNOON ]

As soon as the group entered the store, they immediately split into pairs. Nica and Ring went in search of a gift, while Darius tagged along with William.

As the twins walked past many shelves filled with trinkets, Nica grumbled.

Nica: “Hm, all of these things don’t suit the Robin at all.”

Ring: “How about we try the next store?”

Nica: “Good idea.”

Moving onto the next store, Nica’s eyes widened once he laid eyes on the perfect gift.

Ring: “E-Eh?! Nica, are you sure this is the right store?!”

Ring’s eyes widened in shock as he followed his brother into a risqué-looking store. Mannequins wore lingerie and garter belts, and a variety of bold, provocative items were on display.

Nica: “Relax Ring, even if you want to see the Robin in these outfits, that’s not what I came here for.”

Nica: “... This is perfect.”

Ring’s face grew redder with each passing moment in the store. Meanwhile, Darius and William wandered into a dress shop, where William’s expression lit up as he let his fingers glide over the soft fabrics.

William: “I wonder which one the Robin would like best?”

Darius: “... There are so many scents here. Perhaps we should close our eyes and pick?”

Although Darius had a smile on his face, it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

William: “Oh, you’re sensitive to smells right? How about we pick a dress we think the Robin would like and decide between them?”

Darius: “Of course! Leave it to William to come up with the best ideas! ( ˶°ㅁ°) !!”

The two split up, searching for a dress they thought would look best on Kate. After a few moments, the two returned and presented the dresses to one another.

William & Darius: “.......”

William & Darius: “Ahaha!”

The dresses in each of their hands were beautiful pieces, although it was clear that it wasn’t chosen without bias. While William held a stunning red dress, Darius held a beautiful gold dress.

Then, both pairs of eyes were drawn to a sparkle in the corner of the shop. It was a dress—not overly extravagant, yet elegant—and in Kate’s favorite color.

Darius: “Ah…”

William: “That one is perfect…”

Seeing the look on William’s face, Darius stepped aside with a smile, folding his hands around his cane.

Darius: “That’s a nice gift William, I wonder what I should give Miss Fairytale Keeper?”

William was momentarily surprised. He didn't expect Darius to step aside for him.

William: “I’m sure you’ll find something before the day ends.”

Just as William said those words, something nearby caught Darius’ eyes. It was a robin plushie, similar to the owl plushie Kate gave him some time ago.

Darius: “How cute. It’s the Fairytale Keeper.”

William appeared beside Darius, a light smile on his face when he saw it.

William: “Feeling sentimental? I’m sure the Robin would love it.”

Darius suppressed a scoff. There was no way he felt sentimental for a mere human.

( 𝜗𝜚⋆ ) CHAPTER FOUR

[ DEPARTMENT STORE - AFTERNOON ]

Nica: “So this is where you two were?”

Darius: “Nica and Ring? Have you two finished shopping?”

Ring: “Yes!”

William: “Perfect, I suppose we should head back now?”

[ MARKETPLACE - AFTERNOON ]

Ring: “I’m very curious to know what everyone got?”

Darius: “Fufufu, that’ll have to wait until the party. I can’t wait, I hope there’s baumkuchen.”

Nica: “Oh?”

Ring: “Isn’t that…”

Darius: “Miss Fairytale Keeper?”

All eyes turned to the sight just in front of them. Liam was hastily leading Kate away by the shoulder just as Alfons, Elbert, and Roger watched from a nearby street corner.

The ridiculousness of the situation made William burst into laughter.

William: “Ahaha! What a close call!”

— SCREEN FADES TO BLACK —

After spending a fun day with Harrison and Liam, the three of us were finally on a carriage back to Crown Castle.

Kate: (I did so many things with Liam and Harrison, I barely had time to think about writing my report…)

Harrison: “What’s got you smiling over there, Kate?”

Kate: (Hm?)

My hands immediately went up to my cheeks, and sure enough, I was smiling.

Kate: “I was just thinking about how much fun I had. Even though I had a report due, that was the last thing on my mind as I spent time with you two.”

Liam: “Aw, how sweet! If you thought you’re time with us was great, wait until you see what everyone else prepared for you.”

Kate: (Ah… I knew it.)

Kate: “I had a suspicion that everyone was up to something when the two of you took me out this morning.”

Harrison: “I guess it wasn’t really a surprise since that old man throws parties for everyone’s birthday.”

Liam: “But this year we wanted to do something extra special, so we all worked together to make you the happiest!”

A sweatdrop appeared on my forehead.

Kate: (The happiest? I bet Ellis was ecstatic when he heard that.)

The carriage finally stopped in front of Crown Castle, and before I could step out, both Liam and Harrison extended their hands out to help me.

Kate: “Thank you.”

Kate: (I can’t lie, I am liking the special treatment I’m getting.)

[ MAIN HALL - NIGHT ]

As the two of them escorted me inside, we were met with William, who stood waiting.

William: “Ah Kate, Happy Birthday.”

I smiled upon hearing his words.

Kate: “Thank you, William!”

He signaled to Harrison and Liam, who stood behind me, before extending his arm.

Kate: “William?”

William: “Allow me to escort you to your room.”

I tilted my head in confusion, wrapping my arm around his.

Kate: “Um, I know where my room is though?”

A soft laugh left his lips.

William: “I know, but I wanted to personally give you my gift.”

My eyes widened as my face began to warm.

Kate: “Everyone has been so attentive to me today, if this keeps up I might start wanting special treatment always.”

William smiled.

William: “How lovely it is to hear your desires. If that is truly what you wish, I would be happy to grant that for you.”

After we reached my door, William stepped aside and opened it with a smile.

William: “After getting dressed, come down to the dining room for the festivities.”

[ KATE’S ROOM - NIGHT ]

On my bed lay a medium-sized parchment, tied with a deep red ribbon. Beside it sat a card, topped with a delicate rose. I knew immediately it was William’s gift.

After reading his heartfelt note, I untied the ribbon and unfolded the parchment to reveal the most stunning evening gown.

Kate: “This dress—just how many paychecks would it have cost me to buy something like this?!”

The dress was almost too precious to even consider wearing, but since it was from William, I made sure to put it on.

Kate: (It fits me perfectly…)

With a light twirl, I wore a smile on my face before I headed towards the dining room.

( 𝜗𝜚⋆ ) CHAPTER FIVE

[ DINING ROOM - NIGHT ]

My hands reached to push open the doors, and then—

All: “Happy Birthday Kate!”

I covered my mouth with my hands, my eyes widening at the breathtaking scene before me. The dining room had been transformed into a magical place, filled with colorful balloons, streamers, decorated candles, and the most mouthwatering assortment of food I had ever seen.

Kate: “Wow, this place looks amazing! I can’t believe you guys did all of this for me!”

Victor: “You can thank these lovely boys over here!”

Victor stood beside Roger, Alfons, and Elbert, wrapping a large arm around them.

Victor: “They’re the ones who were in charge of decorating!”

Alfons: “Though I loathed working alongside that oaf, seeing that pleased look on your face is more than enough.”

Roger: “It sure is lil lady, Happy Birthday.”

I could barely contain my smile as I made my way to the table. Not only were members of Crown present, but Vogel was there too.

As I walked, I felt countless eyes on me. Roger let out a whistle, and Liam gasped.

Liam: “Wow, what a beautiful gown!”

Roger: “You really went all out, hm?”

I giggled humbly.

Kate: “I have no one to thank but William, he gave me this dress.”

At once, all eyes widened and turned to William. All except Darius, who kept a closed-eyed grin.

William: “As expected, you look even more beautiful in it than I imagined.”

As I took my seat, my eyes turned over to the intense collection of food placed around the table. In the middle, the centerpiece was a beautifully decorated cake.

Kate: “I can only guess that you prepared the food Victor?”

Victor shook his head.

Victor: “This time it wasn’t just me! I got help from Jude and Ellis!”

My eyes widened. It was easy to imagine Ellis helping Victor—but Jude?

Kate: (I wonder how much Victor paid him…)

Jude: “What’s with that look, princess?”

Kate: “Huh?”

Jude: “Yer looking as if there’s no way I would’ve helped cook.”

Kate: “Well… you’re not exactly the type to go out of your way for things like this…”

Jude: “I didn’t have much of a choice.”

Ellis: “What Jude means to say is that he did it out of the kindness in his heart.”

My eyes widened.

Kate: “Kindness… in HIS heart?”

Jude: “Tch, stop puttin’ words in my mouth.”

Victor: “You should have seen him! Jude was terrifying in the kitchen—he didn’t allow a single mistake!”

I couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of Victor’s mouth. I knew Jude was kind—even if he showed it in difficult ways. But I didn’t expect him to put so much care into my birthday. I turned to Jude and gave him a bright smile.

Kate: “Thank you, Jude.”

Jude: “…….”

Jude: “Yer welcome, princess. But make sure ya’ eat every lost drop. Don’t want my hard work to go to waste.”

Kate: (Eek! I guess it was too much to expect him to be kind the whole night.)

Kate: “Just when did you guys plan this? I hadn't the slightest clue.”

Ellis: “We’re much better at keeping secrets than you Kate.”

Jude smirked.

Jude: “It’s true. Your face would always have this dopey look. Straight giveaway that yer lyin’.”

Kate: “Hey! I’ve been working on it these days!”

Harrison: “So… you’ve been lying to people? I mean, isn’t that the only way to practice?”

Kate: (Well—)

Nica let out a chuckle.

Nica: “Next time you need someone to test your lying skills, come to me. I have no issue staring into your adorable face, Robin.”

My face began to flush with warmth.

Kate: “...Um, no thanks, I’m good!”

Besides, I practiced in my mirror. And they didn’t need to know that…

Before long, I found myself laughing. The sheer silliness of the conversation was too much to resist.

Ellis: “Say, how happy are you right now Kate?”

Kate: “Oh—”

Darius: “She’ll probably be happier once she receives her gift.”

Kate: “Gift?”

Darius narrowed his honey-colored eyes, a sharp smile on his face as he tilted his head.

Darius: “Vogel partnered up with William to find you the best gifts.”

Victor: “Yes! Of course, all of Crown is excited to see what you four picked out for our dear Robin!”

William: “You’ve already seen my gift Kate, so shall we start with… Ring?”

Shocked that he got picked first, Ring jumped up.

Ring: “M-Me?!”

Nica: “Haha! How great, you’re going first brother!”

Elbert: “It’s almost as if his tail is wagging…”

Roger: “Ring does act like an excited pup!”

Ring nervously made his way around the table to my side. Then he held out a small black box towards me, the tips of his finger red. As he spoke he averted his eyes.

Ring: “Um, I’m not very good with gift giving. But… you helped me pick a gift for Nica, so I wanted to give you something in return. You don’t have to open it right away…”

Alfons: “It’s almost like a schoolboy confessing to his crush.”

I took the box from Ring and opened it. Inside was a beautifully crafted bracelet, its surface adorned with intricate swan engravings. To top it off, it was from that high-end jewelry store on Main Street.

Kate: “It’s so beautiful Ring! Thank you so much!”

Ring: “I-It’s nothing…”

As Ring went to take his seat, Nica patted his shoulder.

Nica: “See, it wasn’t so bad.”

Liam: “Who's going next?”

Nica: “I am.”

Nica got up and walked up to me, holding out a thin long box.

Nica: “Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Robin.”

Kate: “Woah!”

I opened the box to reveal a beautifully decorated fan, complete with porcelain handles and delicate lace trim along the fabric. But what caught my eye most were the characters from my favorite play, meticulously painted on the fan’s surface.

Kate: “How did you know…?”

Nica: “Well, you do talk a lot about that play. It was only natural to think of it as your favorite.”

Kate: “Thank you Nica.”

Darius: “I suppose it’s my turn next?”

As Darius approached, I felt a twinge of intimidation. I wasn’t sure what kind of gift he might have for me.

Darius: “What’s with that look on your face? What did you think I’d get you?”

Kate: “I can’t say…”

Darius: “Fufu, well, I got you this gift because it reminded me of your adorable cheeks.”

Darius held out a cute Robin plushie, the size of his palm. Funnily enough, it did have a striking similarity to Kate.

Liam: “Aw! How cute!”

Alfons: “What a fitting gift, my dear.”

As I took the soft plushie, all I could think about was the day Darius joined William and I on an outing. The two ended up having a competition, and as a gift I gave them both lemonade, and Darius a stuffed owl.

Jude: “That’s it? You’d think a guy like that would get something crazy.”

Then, a single tear fell from my eye. Who knew Darius remembered that small gift enough to get a similar one for me?

All: “Kate?!”

Kate: “I love it!”

All: “…EH?!”

Darius: “Fufu, I knew you would.”

William: “Only those two truly know the meaning behind the gift. To outsiders such as ourselves, it seems strange.”

Kate: “Thank you so much for the gifts—”

Roger: “Hold it, lil lady, we’re not done yet.”

Kate: "There's more?”

Ring: “But I thought we were in charge of gifts…?”

Nica whispered into his brother’s ear, a knowing smile.

Nica: “We were, but I’d doubt these men would leave it up to us. After all, they all want to make Kate the happiest.”

William: “And when did you have time to get gifts?”

Darius: “Around the same time we were in town getting gifts.”

Roger: “That’s right. I alerted Liam to change course.”

Kate: (No way… so everyone was in town earlier today? I can’t believe I didn’t see them…)

Roger handed me a bag, and inside was a stunning necklace with a detailed bird perched on the pendant. Alongside it lay a book.

Kate: “A handbook on parlor games?”

Roger: “You’re so earnest to win whenever we play cards, and so I thought I’d give you a book to help out.”

Kate: “Wow, thank you Roger! This will be really useful.”

Harrison: “That’s awfully generous for someone who constantly challenges Kate to games.”

Roger shrugged.

Roger: “I think card games are all the more fun when everyone knows how to play.”

Elbert: “I guess I’m next…”

Elbert: “I wasn’t sure which perfume you liked, so I got you this bottle.”

Elbert handed me an ornamental perfume bottle. The glass was adorned with miniature cherubs and flowers, and a soft puff rested on the nozzle for spraying the fragrance.

Kate: “This is beautiful! I’ve never owned anything like this before…”

A smile appeared on Elbert’s face at the compliment.

Alfons: “Oh my. With all the great gifts, I fear mine will look cheap.”

Alfons handed me an envelope. Inside were three tickets. My eyes widened once I saw the first one.

Kate: “No way! You really got me tickets to this play? But it’s been sold out for weeks now!”

Alfons: “I have my ways.”

I continued to look over the tickets. They were not only for the most sought after plays, but they had the best seats in the venue. Not even my letter carrier paycheck could give me seats like these.

Kate: “These aren’t cheap at all Alfons… Thank you so much for the—”

I paused once I flipped over the last ticket. Suddenly my face turned red as I read over the title.

Kate: “…Alfons, I think you might have mixed in the wrong ticket.”

Alfons: “Did I?”

Victor: “What’s wrong Kate, your face has turned red like a tomato!”

I slid the ticket across the table towards Alfons to jog his memory.

Kate: “What’s this about front row seats to a strip show?!”

Roger: “Ahaha!”

Victor: “…Oh dear.”

Alfons: “That’s no mistake my dear, I bought it just for you!”

Kate: “May I ask why?”

Alfons: “No reason! But if it makes you nervous to attend alone, you can bring a plus one. I’ll be happy to volunteer as—”

Kate: “No thanks!”

Victor: “Alright let’s switch the topic! I also bought you a gift!”

Ring: “Huh? But weren't you in the castle cooking all day…?”

Victor: “Yes I was!”

Victor then pulled out a comically large box from his coat and placed it in front of Kate.

Victor: “Ta da! Happy birthday Kate!”

All: “…..”

Harrison: “…Just where were you hiding that?”

Victor: “You know a magician never reveals his secrets~!”

Kate: “Woah, this box is huge! I wonder what’s in it…?”

As I opened the box, a smile spread across my face at the sight of a music box. But this wasn’t like the ordinary one I owned—this one was brand new, gleaming, and adorned with gold embellishments.

Kate: “Victor—you didn’t!”

Victor: “I did! That music box of yours has been giving you trouble recently, so I decided to buy you this one!”

Liam: “Woah, that doesn't look cheap!”

Nica: “How unfair… we only had a day to get the Robin a gift but this is clearly something you’ve been saving up for.”

Kate: “Thank you Victor, I love it!”

Nica: “I almost feel sorry for whoever has to go next after that. How about you, Jude Jazza?”

Jude: “… Ugh.”

Jude then turned to me and handed me a book.

Jude: “I seen ya’ eyeing this book when we’re out on a mission. So I got it for ya’.”

Kate: (Oh yeah!)

The book Jude gave me was a newly published story by my favorite author. I had wanted to buy it myself, but it was selling out quickly at every bookstore.

Kate: “Thank you Jude, I really wanted this book!”

Jude: “Yer welcome.”

Ellis: “Hm, I went a bit more creative with my gift.”

Ellis handed me a slip of paper.

Kate: “A Get-Out-Of-Work voucher?”

Ellis: “Yup. Remember when you told me it would make you happy if Jude gave us a day off? Well I made a voucher you can use at any time if Jude asks you to do something you don’t want to.”

Jude: “… The hell?”

Roger: “Hah! Well, that’s certainly one hell of a gift!”

Jude: “That only works if I give it to her myself, ya’ loon!”

Ellis: “You mean it's void?”

Jude: “Of course it’s void!”

Roger: “Come on Jude, it’s the lil lady’s birthday.”

Ellis: “Think of the time I spent making it too!”

Jude: “No one asked ya’ to make it. That’s a shortcut of a gift if I ever heard of one!”

Ellis: “I just thought about what would make Kate happy.”

Hearing their conversation brought a smile to my face. I couldn’t help but feel tempted to tease Jude even more.

Kate: “Thank you Ellis, I can’t wait to use it!”

Jude: “Are ya’ daft? I said it’s void.”

Ellis: “You’re welcome Kate.”

Jude looked between the two of them and sighed.

Jude: “Do what you want. Just know the day you come back from that break I’m working ya’ to the bone.”

Harrison: “I guess it’s our turn?”

Liam: “Yup, save the best for last!”

Harrison pulled out a heavy box and placed it in front of me.

Harrison: “We had fun today, but Liam and I could tell that in the back of your mind you were still worried about making sure you finished your reports.”

Kate: (Ack! How did they know?)

Liam: “So, we got you this!”

Liam opened the box to reveal a brand new typewriter.

Liam: “You mentioned that the keys would get jammed sometimes, so we decided to get you a new one.”

Kate: “No way! Thank you so much!”

I looked at the brand new typewriter, the shiny, untouched material calling my name.

Alfons: “On that note, whose gift made you the happiest?”

As soon as Alfons posed the question, everyone leaned in, eager to hear my response.

Kate: (Hm?)

I looked around to all the gifts surrounding me, then to the food, the decorations, and then the faces of all my friends beside me.

Kate: “I can’t choose. Everyone here took so much time and effort to prepare this day, and give me a gift. You all made this day incredibly special, so you all made me the happiest.”

Everyone around me froze, seemingly at a loss for words. It was as if the same thought had struck them all at once. Then, one by one, they smiled at me.

Victor: “Cheers to another lovely year Kate, let’s make this night the best yet!”

Ellis: “Hey Kate, is this the happiest you’ve ever been?”

Kate: “I’ll probably be happier when I eat all this good food, wouldn’t you agree Ellis?”

Ellis: “Yes, Jude made his Guinness Stew, make sure to try it. It’s not burnt this time.”

Roger: “Harry… are you sure it’s a good idea to eat the cake first?”

Ring: “I’ve never seen so much food!”

Nica: “Yes, make sure to eat well brother.”

As Nica watched the dining room dissolve into chatter, he turned to Darius who had a pleased expression on his face.

Nica: “What are you smiling about Dari?”

Darius: “Hm, I’m just thinking about how much Crown cares for the Robin. It almost makes me want to take her aaaaaaaall for myself.”

Nica wasn’t sure if Darius was being serious or not, so he chuckled nervously in response.

And so, my birthday carried on late into the night, filled with games, delicious food, and me, blissfully unaware of the quiet competition unfolding beneath it all.

Fin.

after the story finishes, i can imagine you can obtain william’s letter saved in your memories, as well as a special avatar item (the dress you wore during the story!)