The celebration reached new intensity as the initial surprise settled into genuine festivity.

Music swelled from the corner where musicians had positioned themselves, the melody transitioning from background accompaniment into something that demanded attention.

The crowd shifted naturally, creating space in the entrance hall's center that transformed the area into impromptu ballroom.

King Harold raised his hand, commanding silence with gesture that spoke to decades of authority.

"Before we proceed further, tradition demands the opening dance.

Count Dragonheart, if you would honor us by dancing with your betrothed?"

The crowd parted, creating a clear path between Raze and Fedora.

The princess stepped forward with grace that made her movement seem effortless, hand extended in invitation.

Her blue eyes carried warmth mixing with amusement at his visible discomfort.

"You remember the basic forms?" Fedora asked quietly as he took her hand.

"Barely," Raze admitted. "The engagement ceremony didn't provide enough practice for confidence."

"Then follow my lead," she replied, guiding him toward the cleared space. "And try not to overthink it."

They reached the center as music shifted into waltz, tempo measured and elegant.

Fedora's hand found his shoulder while his settled at her waist, their other hands clasping as they began moving in time with the melody.

The crowd watched with attention that made Raze acutely aware of every step, every movement potentially subject to scrutiny and judgment.

But Fedora's presence somehow made it manageable, her skill compensating for his limitations as she guided them through the dance with practiced ease.

Slith remained coiled around Fedora's free arm, the tiny serpent apparently content to experience the dancing from her bonded human's perspective.

The creature's scaled hide caught light from the chandeliers, creating a shimmer effect that added to Fedora's already striking appearance.

"You're doing well," Fedora said softly, voice pitched for his ears alone.

"I'm faking it desperately," Raze replied.

"Welcome to nobility," Fedora said with slight smile. "We're all faking something."

The dance continued for perhaps three minutes that felt simultaneously longer and shorter.

When the music concluded, applause erupted from the assembled guests.

Raze and Fedora separated with appropriate formality, though her hand lingered in his briefly before releasing.

"That wasn't so terrible," Fedora observed.

"Ask me again when my heart rate returns to normal," Raze replied.

Other couples began joining them on the floor as music resumed, the dancing becoming general rather than focused performance.

Raze started to retreat toward the relative safety of the crowd's edges when a young woman approached, her elaborate gown marking her as nobility from one of the Duke families.

"Count Dragonheart," she said with a curtsy that displayed practiced grace. "Would you honor me with a dance?"

The request was perfectly polite and completely impossible to refuse without creating social incident. Raze recognized the trap immediately but had no graceful escape route.

"Of course," he replied, offering his hand.

The Duke's daughter proved to be a skilled dancer, her movements precise as she guided them through the steps with efficiency suggesting extensive training. She made polite conversation about his recent accomplishments, each compliment carefully calibrated to flatter without seeming excessive.

When that dance concluded, another noble daughter immediately approached with a similar request. Then another. The pattern continued until Raze lost count of partners, each dance blurring into the next as various noble families positioned their daughters for his attention.

The political calculation was transparent. Despite his betrothal to Fedora, establishing a favorable connection with the future crown prince carried value that motivated these orchestrated interactions.

Each young woman was charming, accomplished, and clearly instructed to make a positive impression.

Raze endured it with patience he didn't know he possessed, recognizing refusing would insult the families while accepting merely required tolerating mild discomfort.

Then Mariabel appeared, her approach lacking the calculated formality the noble daughters had displayed. Her golden eyes carried mischief mixing with something that might have been nervousness.

"My turn," Mariabel announced, not waiting for a formal invitation before pulling him toward the dance floor.

"You dance?" Raze asked, surprised despite knowing he probably shouldn't be.

"I have many talents," Mariabel replied, though color was rising in her cheeks that suggested this particular talent wasn't one she displayed often. "Don't make this weird."

They began moving to the music, Mariabel's style less refined than the noble daughters but more genuine. She was blushing, actually blushing, the normally confident woman showing vulnerability that Raze found oddly endearing.

"You're enjoying my discomfort," Raze observed.

"Completely," Mariabel confirmed, though her blush intensified. "But also experiencing my own discomfort, so we're even."

"Why are you blushing?"

"Because dancing with you in front of everyone feels different than fighting beside you in dungeons," Mariabel said. "Stop analyzing it and just dance."

The music concluded mercifully quickly, allowing them to separate before the moment became more awkward. Mariabel immediately retreated toward where Kael was observing, her golden eyes avoiding direct contact as she rejoined the alchemist.

Kael's expression showed amusement that suggested he'd noticed her reaction and would absolutely mention it later.

King Harold intervened before additional dance requests could materialize, the monarch apparently recognizing Raze had endured sufficient social obligation for one evening.

"Before festivities continue," Harold announced, voice carrying across the gathering, "the time has come for presenting birthday gifts. Count Dragonheart, if you would join us?"

Relief flooded through Raze as he moved toward where the gift table stood laden with wrapped packages. This would at least involve standing still rather than navigating complex social dancing.

Harold gestured toward a long case that had been positioned prominently, the container obviously holding something significant given its dimensions and elaborate wrapping.

"This comes from Queen Eleanor and myself," Harold said. "A gift we hope proves worthy of your accomplishments."

Raze opened the case carefully, revealing what lay within.

A katana rested on velvet padding, the blade's craftsmanship immediately apparent even sheathed. The scabbard was deep black lacquered wood with silver fittings, understated elegance that suggested function over excessive decoration. When Raze drew the blade partially, steel gleamed with quality that transcended anything he'd encountered previously.

The weapon was masterwork, balance perfect and edge sharp enough that air itself seemed to part before the metal. Enchantments were woven throughout, subtle magics that would enhance durability and cutting power while resonating with the wielder's cultivation.

Azure Edge had been an exceptional sword for Expert rank cultivator. This was a weapon designed for someone approaching Master rank and beyond, craftsmanship that would remain relevant through multiple advancement stages.

"This is magnificent," Raze said quietly, examining the blade with appreciation that went beyond simple material value. "Far too generous."

"Nonsense," Eleanor replied. "You're family, or will be soon enough. And you'll need proper weapon as your cultivation advances. That blade was commissioned from the kingdom's finest smith specifically for you."

Harold pulled out an envelope, the parchment bearing a royal seal. "Additionally, this is your formal invitation to Elmbridge Academy. Enrollment begins in three months. The academy represents the kingdom's premier institution for advanced cultivation training, accepting only the most promising students."

Raze accepted the envelope with hands that were suddenly unsteady. Elmbridge Academy was legendary even in the game, training ground for the kingdom's future elite warriors and cultivators. Attending would provide access to resources and instruction that individual training couldn't match.

"Thank you," Raze said, recognizing the words were inadequate but unable to articulate the depth of his gratitude. "Both gifts are beyond what I deserve."

"You deserve far more than you recognize," Harold replied. "But we'll start with these."

Other gifts followed in succession, each one presented by the person or family who'd contributed. Duke families offered cultivation resources, rare alchemical ingredients, and enchanted items that spoke to their wealth and desire to maintain favorable relations. His domain officials presented crafted goods from their regions, each town contributing something representing their local specialties.

Logan approached with package that proved to contain administrative documentation, organized reports about every town in Raze's domain compiled with efficiency that suggested weeks of preparation.

"Practical gift," Logan said. "But one I thought you'd appreciate. Complete assessment of your territory's current state, including infrastructure needs, economic projections, and recommended governance priorities."

"This is incredibly useful," Raze confirmed, recognizing the steward's gift was exactly the kind of thing he actually needed. "Thank you."

Oziel presented a sword maintenance kit, high quality supplies for caring for weapons that would see extensive combat use. The gift was characteristically practical, reflecting the Grandmaster's straightforward nature.

Kael offered a collection of alchemical potions, each one labeled with detailed instructions about effects and usage conditions. The variety suggested he'd been preparing these specifically for Raze's needs, formulations designed to enhance cultivation or provide emergency healing.

Aslan's gift was a set of throwing knives, perfectly balanced weapons enchanted for returning to the wielder's hand. The silver eyed warrior demonstrated one briefly, the blade whistling through air before snapping back to his palm with audible smack.

Mariabel presented a training manual she'd apparently compiled herself, documentation of various combat techniques and strategic analyses drawn from her extensive experience. The personal effort involved made it particularly meaningful despite not being materially valuable.

Then Sophie approached, carrying a package that seemed small compared to some of the elaborate gifts but was wrapped with care suggesting significant thought had gone into the presentation.

"My turn," Sophie announced, handing him the package with expression mixing pride and nervousness. "I made this myself. Well, with some help from the palace craftspeople, but mostly myself."

Raze opened it carefully, revealing a leather bound journal. The cover was embossed with the Dragonheart crest, stitching precise and decoration understated but elegant. Opening it revealed pages of thick parchment, perfect for writing or sketching. But what made it special was the first page, where Sophie had written in careful script.

"For my brother, who went from having nothing to becoming someone everyone respects. Write your story so you don't forget where you started."

The words hit harder than Raze expected, emotion tightening his throat unexpectedly. Sophie was watching him with blue eyes that were suspiciously bright, her ten year old composure cracking slightly.

"This is perfect," Raze said quietly, kneeling to her level. "Thank you, Sophie. I'll treasure it."

She launched herself at him in a hug that nearly knocked him over, small arms wrapping around his neck with strength that belied her size. Mittens, coiled around her shoulders, made a small chirping sound that might have been approval.

The gift presentations concluded with Raze surrounded by a collection of items that ranged from practical to sentimental, each one representing someone's attempt to acknowledge his birthday appropriately. The table resembled a small fortune in accumulated value, though some of the simpler gifts carried more emotional weight than the expensive ones.

The celebration stabilized after that, energy shifting from structured ceremony into more relaxed socializing. People gathered in small groups throughout the entrance hall, conversations flowing with ease that alcohol and a successful party facilitated.

Raze found himself approached by his domain officials, the administrative heads who'd traveled from their respective towns forming a loose semicircle around him. Their expressions showed respect mixing with anticipation, suggesting they'd been waiting for an opportunity to speak privately.

The official from Millbrook, an older man whose weathered face spoke to decades of administrative experience, stepped forward first.

"Count Dragonheart, we've brought gift from all fourteen towns in your domain. Something we coordinated together rather than presenting separately."

He gestured toward a package that several officials carried forward together, the container large enough to require multiple people. They set it down carefully, revealing an elaborate wooden chest bound with silver fittings.

"Open it," the official encouraged.

Raze opened the chest to find it contained soil samples from each of his towns, carefully labeled and preserved in individual containers. Accompanying them was detailed documentation about each region's agricultural conditions, mineral composition, and cultivation potential.

"Practical gift," the official explained. "But one that represents your territory literally. Soil from every major town under your governance, so you carry a piece of your domain wherever you go."

The symbolism was powerful despite the gift's unusual nature. This wasn't an expensive luxury item but a genuine representation of the land he was responsible for governing.

"This is meaningful," Raze said sincerely. "Thank you all for the thought that went into it."

"We also wanted to express appreciation," another official added, this one from Thornhaven. "The mining safety reforms you implemented have already prevented accidents. The families who would have lost members are grateful even if they don't know yet what you prevented."

"Infrastructure repairs are proceeding ahead of schedule," a third official contributed. "The funding you authorized is being used efficiently, and people are noticing the improvements."

The conversation continued, each official offering updates about their region while expressing genuine satisfaction with how Raze's governance was affecting their communities. The contrast with Lord Venn's corruption was stark, these people recognizing competent leadership after suffering under exploitation.

"I need to address something," Raze said once they'd finished their reports. "Now that the engagement ceremony is complete, I'll have time to visit your towns personally. Not brief inspection tours but extended stays where I can meet citizens directly and understand their needs properly."

The officials' expressions showed surprise mixing with approval.

"We'd hoped you'd make time for that," the Millbrook official said. "Having Count actually present rather than governing through distant proxies would mean much to our people."

"Additionally," Raze continued, "I'm aware there are disputes between some towns regarding resource allocation and border definitions. Logan's documentation mentioned several that require resolution. I want to address those personally before I leave for Elmbridge Academy."

"The academy," another official said with recognition. "That begins in three months, correct?"

"Yes," Raze confirmed. "Which means I have approximately two and a half months to visit all fourteen towns, resolve outstanding disputes, and ensure governance is stable before my attention shifts to cultivation training."

"That's an ambitious timeline," the Thornhaven official observed, though his tone carried respect rather than doubt. "But achievable with proper planning."

"Work with Logan to develop a schedule," Raze instructed. "I want to spend at least three days in each major town, longer if circumstances require. Priority goes to locations with active disputes or significant infrastructure needs."

The officials exchanged glances that suggested they were recalculating their assessment of this young Count who'd been elevated so recently. Many nobles treated their domains as revenue sources requiring minimal personal attention. Raze was proposing extended personal involvement that would consume months of his time.

"We'll coordinate with your steward immediately," the Millbrook official confirmed. "Your commitment to direct governance is appreciated more than you probably realize."

"My territory is my responsibility," Raze replied. "That means more than just collecting revenue. It means ensuring the people depending on my leadership actually receive competent governance."

The conversation concluded with officials departing to rejoin the general celebration, their expressions showing satisfaction that exceeded what simple birthday attendance would warrant. They'd received commitment from their Count that most domains never experienced.

Logan appeared at Raze's elbow moments later, brown eyes tracking the departing officials with approval.

"That was well handled," the steward observed. "Promising extended personal visits demonstrates commitment that will generate substantial goodwill."

"It's also what they deserve," Raze replied. "I can't govern effectively from a distance. Need to understand each region's specific challenges."

"Agreed," Logan said, already pulling out his ever present notebook. "I'll develop a preliminary schedule tonight. We can refine it over the next few days, but getting the basic framework established quickly will allow your officials to prepare appropriately."

The celebration continued around them, music and conversation filling the entrance hall with energy that showed no signs of diminishing despite the late hour. Nobles socialized with practiced ease, servants circulated with refreshments, and the atmosphere carried satisfaction suggesting everyone was enjoying themselves.

Sophie had found other children among the guests, her natural charisma making her the center of attention as she regaled them with stories about academy life. Mittens performed occasional tricks, the hybrid creature's abilities entertaining the young audience.

Fedora stood near her parents, engaged in conversation with several Duke families. Her diplomatic skills were evident in how she managed multiple simultaneous discussions while somehow making each person feel they had her complete attention.

Bephe remained at Raze's feet throughout everything, the small apex predator's presence constant despite the chaos around them. The creature's visible heart pulsed steadily, amber eyes tracking guests with predatory awareness that never quite relaxed.

The evening stretched past midnight, celebration showing remarkable endurance. Eventually though, guests began departing in gradual waves. Farewells were extended, final congratulations offered, and the crowd slowly diminished.

King Harold and Queen Eleanor departed with a small entourage, the royal couple offering final birthday wishes before their carriage rolled away. Nobles followed in succession, each family's departure marked by elaborate courtesy that even exhaustion couldn't completely override.

By the time the last guest left, the entrance hall resembled the aftermath of a successful campaign rather than celebration. Decorations hung slightly askew, empty glasses littered various surfaces, and servants were already beginning cleanup operations.

Raze stood amid the wreckage feeling exhausted but satisfied. His eighteenth birthday had been marked with enthusiasm that exceeded anything he'd anticipated, surprise celebration that demonstrated how thoroughly his life had changed since transmigrating into this world.

Sophie appeared beside him, yawning despite her best efforts to seem alert. Mittens was curled around her shoulders in position suggesting the hybrid creature was already asleep.

"Did you have a good birthday?" she asked.

"Best one I can remember," Raze replied honestly. "Thank you for organizing everything."

"You're welcome," Sophie said, hugging him briefly. "You deserved a proper celebration. Now I'm going to sleep for approximately twelve hours."

She departed toward her quarters, Mariabel accompanying her to ensure she actually reached her bed rather than collapsing somewhere random.

Fedora approached last, Slith coiled around her arm in a sleeping position mirroring Mittens. Her expression showed contentment mixing with exhaustion.

"Successful party," she observed.

"Extremely successful," Raze agreed. "Also exhausting."

"The best celebrations usually are," Fedora said. "But worth the effort. You're officially an adult now by kingdom standards. That matters more than you probably realize."

"I'm starting to understand that," Raze replied. "The academy invitation, the domain visits, everything feels like it's accelerating."

"It is accelerating," Fedora confirmed. "But you're handling it well. Better than most would in your position."

She leaned forward, pressing a brief kiss to his cheek that was simultaneously chaste and deeply affectionate. "Happy birthday, Raze. Welcome to adulthood."

Then she departed, leaving him alone with Bephe in the entrance hall that was slowly being restored to normal appearance by efficient servants.

Raze made his way to his quarters, the new katana from King Harold carried carefully while Bephe trotted faithfully beside him. The small apex predator seemed satisfied with how the evening had proceeded, visible heart pulsing with a steady rhythm.

In his room, Raze set the weapon aside with care before examining the other gifts that had been transported to his quarters. The journal from Sophie sat prominently on his desk, leather cover gleaming in the lamplight.

He opened it to that first page, reading her message again.

"For my brother, who went from having nothing to becoming someone everyone respects. Write your story so you don't forget where you started."

The transmigrator in him recognized the irony. He hadn't started as the original Raze, had literally been nobody from another world entirely. But he'd built something here, created life that mattered through a combination of game knowledge and desperate improvisation.

Eighteen years old now. Adult by this kingdom's standards. Count with territory to govern, betrothed to princess, future crown prince with responsibilities that would only grow heavier.

The next months would bring domain visits, dispute resolution, personal governance that most nobles avoided. Then Elmbridge Academy, advanced cultivation training alongside the kingdom's most promising students.

But tonight, he'd celebrated surrounded by people who'd somehow become family despite the artificial nature of his existence here.

That was enough for now.

Raze settled into bed with Bephe curling up at his feet, exhaustion finally overwhelming the evening's excitement. Tomorrow would bring new obligations and challenges.

Tonight, he'd turned eighteen and discovered that even transmigrators could have birthdays worth celebrating.

The party was over, but the implications were just beginning.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.