Before going on the World tour, it's to say few days after their returns fromm Exodus.
The Freya's academy, the free trade zone.
This place is where the students can set up stalls and sell their stuff for credits or barter them for their desired items. Due to the sheer number of stalls and items, a lot of people come here every day to buy and sell stuff. There are even those who are hoping to cash in on fools who have got eyes but not the skill to appraise treasures.
Today, there was a couple here who don't look like they are here to trade or sniffing for treasures.
Maria crossed her arms while tapping her arm with her index fingers. Judging by her annoyed expression and furrowed brows, she was not very amused at the moment.
Meanwhile, the guy at her side ignored her expression and kept dragging the girl from one stall to another while throwing jabs at the ridiculous items that were on display. Although the girl didn't reply, he still found ways to keep the monologue going. He has been doing this for the past two hours.
The two of them were just window shopping but when they toured the whole place once and the guy actually suggested turning back and check out the stalls one more time, even a fool would know that the guy had ulterior motives.
Maria was gradually building up her fury as the character appeared at her temples. Watching Alex talk to himself while revisiting stalls made her angrier.
She finally snapped, she stopped and she made sure Alex stopped by blocking off his path. She yelled at him.
"Alex, what are you doing?!"
Alex was caught off guard by Maria's sudden outburst. He smiled at her while shrugging.
"Hey, you are talking like I am trying to pull something here."
Although her eyebrows are still furrowed, at least her anger died down a bit.
"Well yeah, but you can't keep doing this."
"Ha? Do what thing?"
Raising an eyebrow, her lips twitched. She lowered her head before she unleashed her howling skill.
"What do you mean what?! I am talking about you dragging me through the stalls five times without buying anything!"
Alex raised his hands and made some space between the two of them. It was not because he wanted the Ice Empress's face further away from him, he just wanted to avoid getting hit by saliva which had been in the air. If he wanted her saliva, he would much prefer getting it from the source.
"Well, calm down, Maria my dear."
Alex beamed at her.
"Just treat it as me having a psychotic episode. Come on, let's get loose…"
"I am not doing this with you!"
Maria rolled her eyes at him and she turned around.
"I am going home.."
"Please don't!"
Alex grabbed her by the hand. He pulled her back despite her protest.
"It's not like you have anything better to do at home, just relax and kill some time with me."
Maria asked him in a slightly begging tone.
"Alex, can we stop with the mind games? If you got something to say just say it, don't make me jump through all these hoops…"
Alex rubbed his cheek and he clenched his hold on her hand.
"You don't have anything better to do right? Come browse the stalls with me, is it that hard?"
Maria wanted to say something but she couldn't resist Alex's puppy eyes. And so, she got dragged along by Alex like a helpless kid.
They went around the stalls until the sun went down.
On their way back home, Maria was fuming, her footsteps were hastened as well so it didn't take a genius to figure out that she was mad. Alex followed her while trying not to anger her anymore. From an outsider's point of view, it was like they were having a lover's quarrel.
It was only to be expected, he made her follow his meaningless journey around the free trade zone. She was known for her patience but there was a limit, a limit our MC tested repeatedly today, so he was lucky she was only mad at him.
When Maria slammed the villa's door open while fuming, the scene that unfolded in front of her surprised her.
"Happy birthday!"
Luna, Gracier, Sakuya, Artemia and Sera greeted her as pop sounds were being made. Confetti and colored stripes draped a stunned Maria's head. At the same time, Alex subconsciously grinned.
On the brightest lit wall of the hall is a banner with "Happy 18th Birthday, Maria Alexia Rosares!" written on it, there are a bunch of magic lights that made the place looked really festive like they are celebrating Christmas or something.
Luna smiled and she hugged Maria who is still stunned.
"Happy birthday, Maria"
Finally returning to her senses, she gasped at Alex, the others who are all smiling at her.
"Today's my birthday?" She wondered shocked.
Alex laughed out loud.
"It's the 5rd day of the March, don't tell me you forgot your own birthday?"
Maria stopped for a second and she gawked at Alex.
"So you made me be with you all day long so the preparations for my birthday can be made?"
Alex smiled but he didn't say anything. Maria lowered her head, she felt really moved and warm.
She thought that with what awaiting them soon meant that she won't be able to celebrate her birthdays anymore. Alex sure gave her a big surprise today!
Sakuya brought out the cake. She gave Maria boxes of gifts while wishing her a happy birthday as well.
"Happy birthday my sister."
Maria received the gifts with a large smile.
"Thanks!"
"Don't forget me! I've got a gift as well!"
Gracier presented her gift while jumping and yelling, needless to say, it brought a huge smile to Maria's face.
"Thank you very much Alexandra.''
"Artemia, your gift from me!"
Artemia gave Maria a gift which she accepted with a smile as well. She was as happy as a penguin being buried under a ton of fish.
The others followed with their gifts as well, even Leon and the others who weren't present also sent their gifts.
Maria felt satisfied with her life in this other world. It's the first time she felt like this since theirs reincarnation.
Even if her family isn't here with her, she had great friends by her side so she couldn't complain much. Moreover…
Maria looked at Alex who was watching her. Putting a hand on her chest, a hint of passion flashed in her green eyes.
She had an important person by her side.
A series of explosions happened in the air and beautiful fireworks dotted the sky.
Today was a surprise, a pretty nice one.
°°°°°°
Night time.
As Alex laid there on his bed, he propped his head up with his arms. Looking at the moon, he can't help smiling in a satisfied manner.
It brings him so much satisfaction to see Maria beaming non-stop. It was all worth it.
He had always been afraid that the girls might not be happy with their current lives, therefore he decided to do his utmost for this, to make them happy. Soon Alex became lost in thoughts.
After a bit of time, somebody knocked on Alex's door, he quickly returned to his senses.
Frowning, he had an intrigued expression. Who could it be at this ungodly hour?
"Who's there?"
A slightly tense voice came from beyond the door.
"I-it's me, Maria…"
''Maria?…"
Alex was a bit confused. It was already deep in the night what business does she have with him? Could it be that she has something to say about the birthday party?
He got up from his bed and he opened the door. Maria in her dark blue pajamas stood in front of his room.
She blushed a bit and she fidgeted, her behavior struck Alex as odd.
'What is she up to?'
"What's the matter, my lady?"
Alex scanned her to see if he could pick something out.
Maria lifted her head and she hesitated for a bit before she voiced her thoughts in a mosquito-like voice.
"About today, thank you…"
Alex shook his head while smiling. He enjoyed the Ice Empress's flustered look but he replied anyway.
"Here I was thinking about what you might be trying to say. Didn't you say thank you at the party?"
Maria pursed her lips. She lowered her head and went silent. He wondered if saying thanks might be asking too much from this tsundere here.
Maria vigorously lifted her head back up and she stood on the tips of her toes to give Alex a peck on the cheek.
Alex couldn't believe what just happened. When he saw how Maria was blushing deep red, he almost laughed out loud at how clumsy the Ice Empress was.
His reaction made Maria blush even more. She tried retreating but was Alex going to let her go just like this?
Hell no.
This chapter is updated by freew(e)bnovel.(c)om