The month following the engagement ceremony passed in a peculiar rhythm that left Raze feeling like he was living someone else's life. News of the betrothal spread across the kingdom and beyond with speed that suggested gossip traveled faster than any message crystal network. Every town square apparently featured discussions about the commoner who'd somehow secured the princess's hand, opinions ranging from genuine celebration to barely concealed outrage.

Letters arrived daily at his Castle Town estate, nobles seeking audiences or alliances, merchants proposing business ventures, and occasionally anonymous correspondence suggesting his accomplishments were either fraudulent or evidence of dark cultivation techniques. Raze burned those last ones without reading beyond the opening lines.

His administrative duties consumed substantial time, Logan organizing regular meetings with officials from across his domain. Infrastructure projects were progressing, corrupt bureaucrats were being systematically replaced, and the Dragonheart Knights were taking shape under Oziel's uncompromising standards. The knight order had reached fifteen members, each one vetted thoroughly before receiving the house crest.

The manor construction in Clearwater had begun, foundation laid and walls rising with speed that suggested the contractors recognized this project's importance. Raze visited twice during the month, inspecting progress while meeting with local officials who seemed cautiously optimistic about having their Count actually present rather than governing through distant proxies.

Sophie thrived at Castle Town Academy, her natural charisma making her popular despite being the newest student. Mittens accompanied her everywhere, the hybrid creature's presence initially causing concern before people adjusted to seeing a prehistoric predator wrapped around a ten year old's shoulders like a particularly exotic scarf.

The Astorian delegation had departed three days after the ceremony, their Prince offering final pleasantries that carried edges transforming courtesy into thinly veiled threat. Raze hadn't heard from them since, though Harold mentioned receiving diplomatic correspondence that suggested Astoria was recalibrating its regional strategy.

Fedora visited his estate frequently, their betrothal providing an excuse for spending time together that protocol might otherwise restrict. They'd walk the grounds discussing everything from governance challenges to childhood memories, the conversations flowing with ease that made the political nature of their alliance feel almost incidental.

Slith remained coiled around Fedora constantly, the tiny serpent having claimed her bonded human with possessive certainty. The princess seemed delighted by the creature's presence, often absently stroking scaled hide while reviewing documents or attending meetings.

Bephe never left Raze's side, the small apex predator's loyalty absolute despite its prehistoric origins. The creature slept at the foot of his bed, followed him through daily activities, and occasionally demonstrated disturbing intelligence by responding to complex instructions without requiring verbal commands.

The month had been productive, stable, almost comfortable in ways that made Raze's transmigrator instincts scream warnings about impending disruption.

What Raze didn't know was that Sophie had been planning something elaborate behind his back for the past week.

She'd gathered his companions in secret, timing her conspiracies for moments when Raze was occupied with administrative duties or cultivation training. The meetings occurred in various locations throughout the estate and palace, careful coordination ensuring he never accidentally discovered their planning.

The first gathering had taken place in the palace gardens, Sophie somehow convincing Fedora to attend what the princess initially assumed was a simple social visit. Oziel, Mariabel, Kael, and Aslan had arrived separately, each one curious about why Sophie had requested their presence with such insistence.

"I've gathered you all here," Sophie had announced with seriousness that seemed incongruous on her ten year old face, "because we have a problem."

"What problem?" Mariabel had asked, golden eyes showing concern.

"Raze's birthday is in two days," Sophie had declared. "He's turning eighteen. That's coming of age. And nobody's planning anything."

The revelation had landed like a concussion spell among the assembled group. Fedora's expression had shifted immediately to calculation, recognizing the significance. Eighteen marked official adulthood in this kingdom, milestone that typically involved ceremony and celebration particularly for nobility.

"How did we not know this?" Mariabel had said, accusation directed more at herself than anyone else.

"He didn't mention it," Sophie had replied. "He treats it like it's not important, but turning eighteen is a big deal."

Oziel's scarred face had shown something approaching concern beneath his usual stoicism. "Coming of age for Count and future crown prince isn't something that should pass without acknowledgment."

"Exactly," Sophie had confirmed. "Which is why we need to plan a proper celebration. The problem is Raze is annoyingly observant about his own estate. We need to distract him while we organize everything."

The conspiracy had grown from there, Sophie coordinating with efficiency that suggested she'd inherited organizational capabilities from spending time around royalty. Tasks were distributed, plans were made, and an elaborate distraction scheme was developed.

Kael had agreed to handle logistics, his methodical nature perfect for managing complex coordination. Mariabel would oversee decorations, her artistic sensibilities ensuring appropriate aesthetic. Oziel would coordinate security, recognizing that gathering this many people required protection. Aslan volunteered to arrange entertainment, his connections throughout Castle Town providing access to musicians and performers.

Fedora's role became keeping Raze occupied and oblivious on the day itself, task requiring activities that would consume hours without raising suspicion.

"Shopping expedition," Fedora had suggested. "His wardrobe genuinely needs expansion. I can take him to various stores, maybe the spa, keep him away from the estate the entire day."

"I'll come too," Sophie had volunteered immediately. "He won't suspect anything if it's both of us, and I can help make sure he doesn't try to cut the trip short."

They'd coordinated with King Harold and Queen Eleanor, the royal couple immediately offering support for celebrating their future son in law's coming of age. Harold had even suggested inviting nobles from across Castle Town, transforming a simple gathering into an event that would acknowledge Raze's status properly.

The planning had consumed the entire week, meetings held in secret while Raze remained completely oblivious to the conspiracy forming around him.

Now, as the day before his birthday arrived, the final preparations were falling into place.

Raze woke that morning with no indication anything unusual was occurring. He went through his normal routine, cultivation practice followed by breakfast, review of administrative documents Logan had prepared, brief training session with Oziel in the estate grounds.

Sophie appeared at lunch wielding a schedule that seemed oddly specific.

"Fedora's picking us up this afternoon," Sophie announced casually. "She wants to go shopping and asked if we'd come along."

Raze looked up from the report he'd been reading, mild confusion evident. "Shopping for what?"

"Clothes, mostly," Sophie replied with practiced innocence. "She mentioned you need a better wardrobe now that you're Count. Said something about your current attire being adequate but not appropriate."

"My clothing is fine," Raze protested.

"Your clothing is functional," Sophie corrected. "But apparently that's not the same as suitable for your station. Fedora was pretty insistent about fixing it."

The explanation seemed reasonable enough, if mildly annoying. Raze recognized Fedora had a point about his wardrobe being limited, most of his possessions still consisting of practical cultivation gear rather than formal attire appropriate for nobility.

"Fine," he agreed with resignation. "How long will this take?"

"Few hours probably," Sophie said, carefully avoiding mentioning that the shopping expedition was specifically designed to consume his entire day. "Maybe stop by the spa too since we'll already be out."

"Spa," Raze said flatly.

"For proper grooming," Sophie replied, maintaining her innocent expression despite internally celebrating how easily he was accepting the distraction. "You're Count now. Apparently that comes with grooming expectations."

Raze returned to his documents while Sophie departed, presumably to prepare for the outing. What he didn't see was her immediately finding Mariabel to confirm the distraction was proceeding as planned.

"He agreed?" Mariabel asked quietly.

"Completely oblivious," Sophie confirmed with satisfaction. "We'll keep him occupied all day tomorrow. That should give you enough time to finish decorations and get everyone assembled."

Mariabel smiled, golden eyes bright with anticipation. "This is going to be good. He'll never see it coming."

The afternoon proceeded normally, Raze handling various administrative matters while his household quietly prepared for tomorrow's elaborate deception. Servants had been informed about the surprise celebration, their coordination ensuring Raze wouldn't accidentally discover anything suspicious.

Evening arrived with Fedora visiting for dinner, the meal passing in pleasant conversation that gave no indication of the conspiracy she was orchestrating. She mentioned the shopping expedition casually, presenting it as something she'd been meaning to arrange for weeks.

"Your wardrobe genuinely needs expansion," Fedora said over dessert. "You've been promoted faster than your clothing budget could accommodate. Tomorrow we'll address that properly."

"If we must," Raze replied, recognizing arguing would be pointless.

"We must," Fedora confirmed with a smile that Raze found vaguely suspicious but couldn't identify why. "Sophie and I will make a day of it. Shopping, spa, maybe lunch somewhere nice. You'll survive."

After Fedora departed, Raze retired to his quarters with Bephe following faithfully. The small apex predator settled at the foot of his bed while Raze reviewed cultivation manual, unaware that his entire household was quietly celebrating their successful misdirection.

In the estate's lower levels, Mariabel was coordinating with servants about decoration placement. Banners bearing the Dragonheart crest were being prepared, streamers in blue and silver were being organized, and the main entrance hall was being transformed into a celebration venue.

Kael worked with Logan on guest logistics, the two of them coordinating invitations and managing responses. Nobles from across Castle Town had accepted enthusiastically, many of them seeing this as an opportunity to curry favor with the future crown prince.

Oziel reviewed security arrangements with members of the Dragonheart Knights, ensuring tomorrow's gathering would proceed without incident despite the number of attendees expected.

Sophie moved between different preparation areas, her enthusiasm keeping everyone motivated despite the late hour. Mittens accompanied her everywhere, the hybrid creature seeming to understand something special was being planned even if it couldn't comprehend the specifics.

At the palace, King Harold and Queen Eleanor were making their own preparations. The royal couple had commissioned an elaborate cake from the kingdom's finest baker, the dessert designed to serve dozens while displaying appropriate grandeur for celebrating a Count's coming of age.

"He truly has no idea?" Eleanor asked her husband as they reviewed the plans.

"According to Sophie and Fedora, he's completely oblivious," Harold confirmed with amusement. "The shopping expedition should keep him occupied the entire day while we finalize everything."

"Good," Eleanor said with satisfaction. "He deserves proper celebration. Eighteen is a significant milestone, particularly for someone who's accomplished so much despite his origins."

The night passed with Raze sleeping peacefully, unaware that elaborate conspiracy was reaching its final stages around him.

Morning arrived with Sophie appearing at breakfast radiating barely contained excitement.

"Fedora's picking us up in an hour," Sophie announced. "Are you ready for our shopping expedition?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Raze replied, noting his sister seemed unusually energetic but attributing it to simple enthusiasm about shopping.

He dressed in casual attire suitable for moving through Castle Town's merchant district, Bephe trotting at his heels as he prepared to depart. The small apex predator would accompany them, refusing to be separated for extended periods.

Fedora arrived precisely on schedule, her carriage bearing a royal crest that ensured their shopping expedition would attract attention. She wore elegant day dress that managed to look both formal and practical, hair arranged in style that suggested considerable preparation.

"Ready?" Fedora asked with a smile that carried notes Raze couldn't quite interpret.

"For shopping," Raze confirmed. "Still not enthusiastic about it."

"You will be," Sophie said mysteriously. "Trust me."

They departed the estate, Raze settling into the carriage while Sophie maintained running commentary about everything they passed. The capital's shopping district occupied several blocks near the palace, stores catering to nobility's excessive demands.

Behind them, the moment their carriage rounded the corner out of sight, the estate erupted into coordinated activity.

Servants began final decoration placement, transforming the entrance hall with speed that suggested military precision. Mariabel directed operations with an artistic eye, ensuring every banner hung perfectly and every streamer created a proper aesthetic effect.

Kael confirmed final guest arrangements, coordinating with Logan about arrival schedules and managing logistics for gathering this size. The administrative precision required was substantial, but both men handled it with practiced efficiency.

Oziel positioned his knights throughout the grounds, security measures that would appear subtle to guests but provided comprehensive protection. He'd even arranged for additional palace guards to supplement his own forces, courtesy of King Harold's support.

The Dragonheart Knights who weren't on security duty prepared their formal presentation, rehearsing the ceremonial acknowledgment they'd developed specifically for this occasion. Fifteen warriors coordinating movements with precision that spoke to Oziel's training standards.

Musicians arrived and began setting up in designated corner, their instruments tuned and ready. The performers Aslan had arranged included some of Castle Town's finest, artists whose services typically required booking months in advance.

Food began arriving from various sources, contributions from across Raze's domain as officials sent their regions' specialties. The tables along the walls gradually filled with dishes representing every town under his governance, culinary demonstration of the territory he now commanded.

The elaborate cake from the royal palace arrived in a specialized carriage, servants transporting it with care that suggested dropping it would constitute treason. The dessert was masterwork, three tiers decorated with blue and silver icing forming intricate patterns around the Dragonheart crest rendered in remarkable detail.

Gifts accumulated on designated table, packages from nobles and officials who wanted their contributions visible. Each one carefully wrapped and labeled, the collection growing until it covered the entire surface.

By midday, the transformation was nearly complete. The estate that Raze had left that morning barely resembled the celebration venue it had become.

Meanwhile, Raze was being subjected to exactly the elaborate distraction Fedora and Sophie had planned.

The tailor visit consumed two hours, measurements and fittings and fashion consultations that made Raze question whether shopping was actually more torturous than combat. Sophie provided enthusiastic commentary throughout while Fedora selected items with a practiced eye that suggested she'd done this before.

The jeweler visit added enchanted accessories to his growing collection of purchases, rings and bracelet and pendant that provided both aesthetic and functional benefits. Mittens knocked over the display with a crash that made everyone wince, though the jeweler graciously dismissed the damage when he registered who was shopping.

Lunch at a restaurant that apparently required reservations unless you were royalty, the food exceptional but presented so elaborately Raze felt guilty eating it.

The spa visit was simultaneously relaxing and uncomfortable, treatments whose purpose remained mysterious despite explanations. He emerged feeling pampered and vaguely violated, while Sophie looked delighted with her own grooming results.

Additional stops at bookstore and cultivation supply shop, each one consuming time with practiced efficiency. By the time they finished, afternoon had transitioned into early evening.

"Ready to return home?" Fedora asked, tone carrying notes that suggested she knew something he didn't.

"More than ready," Raze confirmed. "This shopping expedition was exhausting."

"But successful," Fedora replied with satisfaction. "Your wardrobe is now appropriate for your station."

The carriage departed toward his estate as sunset painted the sky. Sophie and Fedora exchanged glances he pretended not to notice, their expressions showing anticipation that made his instincts scream warnings about something being off.

They arrived as twilight deepened, the estate's windows glowing with more light than usual. Raze noticed but dismissed it, assuming servants had simply illuminated extra rooms.

He dismounted from the carriage, Bephe immediately trotting to his side. Sophie practically bounced with barely contained excitement while Fedora maintained a composed facade.

The front doors opened as they approached, Oziel appearing in the entrance with expression that might have been amusement.

"Welcome home, Count Dragonheart," Oziel said formally. "We've been expecting you."

Raze stepped through the doorway into the main entrance hall.

The space was completely transformed. Decorations covered every surface, banners bearing his house crest alternating with streamers in blue and silver. The chandelier blazed with enhanced lighting making everything glow. Tables lined the walls laden with feast sufficient for small army.

And people. Dozens of people filled his entrance hall, their faces turning toward him as he entered. His household staff, members of the Dragonheart Knights, officials from his domain, nobles from Castle Town, and standing prominently near the center were King Harold and Queen Eleanor.

"SURPRISE!"

The shout came from everyone simultaneously, volume sufficient to make Raze actually flinch backward. Bephe's visible heart accelerated dramatically, the small apex predator clearly startled by the sudden noise.

Sophie appeared beside him, grin splitting her face. "Happy birthday, Raze! You're officially an adult now!"

Raze stood frozen, brain struggling to process the scene. The shopping expedition. The careful timing. The elaborate coordination. All of it had been a distraction, conspiracy to keep him away while everyone transformed his estate into a celebration venue.

"You," he said, looking at Sophie, "have been planning this."

"For a week," Sophie confirmed proudly. "And you never suspected anything."

Fedora stepped forward, hand finding his arm. "Eighteen years old," she said quietly. "Coming of age. That's worth proper celebration."

King Harold approached, expression showing warmth. "Count Dragonheart. Happy birthday. Eighteen is a significant milestone, particularly for someone who's accomplished as much as you have."

Queen Eleanor joined her husband, smile maternal. "We couldn't let this pass without acknowledgment. You're family now, or will be soon enough."

The gathering erupted into motion, people approaching to offer congratulations while servants circulated with refreshments. Music started from somewhere, musicians providing a festive atmosphere.

Raze recognized faces throughout the crowd. Logan stood near one wall, satisfaction evident in his expression. Mariabel waved from across the room, golden eyes bright with delight. Kael observed from his analytical distance, though even he looked pleased. Aslan had somehow acquired the drink already, silver eyes amused.

Domain officials were present, administrative heads who'd traveled from their towns specifically for this. Their presence suggested Sophie's conspiracy had extended far beyond simple household coordination.

"You actually surprised me," Raze said, finding his voice. "I didn't expect this at all."

"That was the point," Sophie said triumphantly. "Elaborate planning, careful distraction, and you walked right into it."

Fedora guided him deeper into the gathering, people parting to allow passage. A table near the center held elaborate cake, the dessert decorated with his house crest in blue and silver icing. Surrounding it were wrapped packages, birthday gifts from apparently everyone present.

"This is too much," Raze said quietly.

"This is appropriate," Fedora corrected. "You're a Count, future crown prince, and person who's earned respect through actions. People want to celebrate that."

The evening progressed in a blur of conversations and congratulations. Nobles approached with formal well wishes mixed with subtle political positioning. Domain officials expressed genuine appreciation for his governance. The Dragonheart Knights stood in formation, their presence both ceremonial and protective.

King Harold eventually called for attention, the crowd quieting as the monarch raised his glass.

"To Count Dragonheart," Harold said, voice carrying across the gathering. "On his eighteenth birthday and official coming of age. May his future prove as remarkable as his recent past."

"To Count Dragonheart!" the crowd echoed, glasses raised in unified toast.

Raze stood amid the celebration feeling simultaneously overwhelmed and grateful. In his previous life, birthdays had been quiet affairs barely acknowledged. This was different, transformation of a simple anniversary into event requiring coordination across his entire household and beyond.

Sophie appeared beside him again, Mittens coiled around her shoulders. "Did we do good?" she asked.

"You did wonderful," Raze confirmed, hand resting on her shoulder briefly. "Thank you."

The celebration continued late into the night, his eighteenth birthday marked with enthusiasm that suggested everyone had been waiting for an excuse to properly acknowledge everything that had occurred in recent months.

And standing in his estate surrounded by an unexpected family, the transmigrator who'd once been nobody allowed himself to simply accept it.

This was his life now. These people were real. And somehow they'd decided he was worth celebrating.

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