Chapter 20: The 12th Birthday Party

Spring arrived, and I celebrated my twelfth birthday.

I was surprised when Father threw a birthday party and so many guests showed up. Until now, only close acquaintances had ever come.

Apparently, the establishment of the Workshop and the creation of the Drought-resistant Wheat had become the subject of rumors.

However, even though a large number of guests came to the great hall of the Margrave‘s mansion, many were bewildered because my appearance had changed.

I could hear voices saying things like, “Who is that young noble resembling Edward-sama?” and “Which one is William-sama, the guest of honor?”

Yes, I thought I looked like a completely different person myself. But, “Will, you’ve lost so much weight,” Letty called out to me without hesitation.

“You can tell it’s me, Letty?” “I wouldn’t mistake Will just because you lost a little weight.” Is that so? I feel a little happy about that.

Just as I thought that, I felt a carnivorous gaze directed at me, and then a swarm of noble girls rushed over. “William-sama, happy birthday!” I was flustered and awkwardly dealing with them when I saw them arguing, saying things like, “How long are you going to talk? It’s my turn next!” which made me want to retreat.

“Honestly. Everyone’s just turning tail now that Will is successful and handsome. Aren’t they embarrassed? Alright, alright, Will is already backing away. Wouldn’t you care to stop that now?” When Letty approached, the daughters of the nobles, who could compete with neither her family status nor her looks, dispersed.

“Will, happy birthday again.” “Thank you, Letty.” Thanks to Letty, I was freed from the girls.

I felt relieved and talked while sipping Black Tea.

“By the way, how did you lose so much weight so suddenly?” “Huh? I lost it because I was using Body Strengthening Magic.” “Oh really? So you became able to use Body Strengthening Magic. The Production Skill is more versatile than I thought.”

“May I offer my greetings as well?” After chatting with Letty for a while, Alex-san, the President of the Levant Trading Company, arrived. It seemed he had been waiting for the greetings from the other nobles to wind down.

Letty gracefully slipped away so as not to interrupt the conversation. That movement showed the refinement befitting a noble.

“William-sama, happy birthday.” “Thank you very much. The Levant Trading Company helps us sell the Furniture and Bags from the Workshop, so we are indebted to you.”

“No, no, we are grateful for the opportunity to handle such excellent quality goods. And to create a new species of Wheat—William-sama’s Production Skill truly defies all standards.” “Oh, no, I just got lucky.”

“William-sama is humble. By the way, my child has also come with me today. May I introduce them?” “Yes, of course.”

Appearing from behind Alex was literally a devastatingly beautiful girl. Large, moist eyes were framed by long eyelashes. A straight, slender nose and a delicate chin. My gaze was drawn irresistibly to her charming lips. This must be the ultimate perfection of divine creation.

As I stood rooted to the spot, Alex introduced her with a wry smile. “Oliver, my son.” Huh? His son? Did I mishear him?

“Olivia, child of Alex Levant, is my name.” Olivia turned a slightly sullen expression toward her father, then greeted me with a smile. That’s right, she’s his daughter, not his son.

“I heard William-sama is a user of a superior Production Skill, so I begged my father to bring me.” Her voice was slightly low and composed, resonating pleasantly in my ears. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am William Fairchild.”

“William-sama’s Furniture and Bags are wonderful. Above all, to produce a new species of Wheat—that is talent that defies standards. I am certain that purchase requests will flood in from all over this summer. We would definitely like our company to handle it.”

“Hahaha, thank you for the high praise. But we won’t know for sure until we harvest it.” “No, I am convinced of your success. Your vast Mana capacity used to build the Dwarves’ homes is impressive, but William-sama’s inventive ability is genius.”

“No, no, that’s too much praise. And how do you know so much about the Dwarves’ homes?”

“I became interested in William-sama, so I gathered information. And the more I investigated, the clearer it became that William-sama’s talent is exceptional. I sincerely ask that you look kindly upon our company, and now that we have made this acquaintance, I would personally like to become closer friends.”

Olivia, who had left my side, approached her childhood friend, Letty, who was inexplicably in a bad mood. When Olivia whispered something into her ear, Letty‘s eyes widened in great surprise, and after exchanging a few more words, Letty‘s mood visibly improved. What on earth did they talk about?