After some months of training, my stats have gone up quite a bit. I just exercised most of the time.

There was nothing special other than mom's lectures from time to time. Dad was a good training partner because sometimes I can convince him to keep going after the normal training and having him around makes things easier and most of all...

'It feels safe and comfortable around him every time.'

This could be what it means to be a parent.

We feel safe around them. We know they have got our backs so that we can push forward.

'That was a good time. But, I will be having a change in the training schedule from some days from now on.'

Because...

'It's my birthday tomorrow!'

Well, I know I'm an adult on the inside but, I'm still a child on the outside.

'And.. I haven't celebrated my birthday in my previous life since my parents passed away. It was always different after my reincarnation.

My parents are crazy about birthdays, for some reason. Not only myself, but they give surprise to each other in different ways every time.'

But something was different this time.

'I can't see anything special going on in my house. They both are acting really good this time.

If I didn't notice the subtle changes, I can't even tell that they have prepared... that many things.

But, I have to be more careful that they don't notice that I have noticed many things here and there.'

I can understand mom but dad too is quite good at acting.

'And they are not even considering that I am just a 5-year-old kid,' I sighed.

Well, I can just do my best and let this 'surprise' be a surprise.

***

"Honey, do you think Eon has noticed?"

I asked in a quiet tone that only Nolen could hear.

"You think so too?" she asked with a bright smile on her face.

"Why are you so happy? Isn't this a problem?"

I was quite confused. Her reaction to this was surprisingly cheerful.

"Because he is my son~!" she replied with a more cheery voice than before.

She had a proud look in her eyes when she said that.

"Yes...Yes. You are right. He is my son too! But still.

We did everything with more care than ever.

I sometimes think, 'just how smart is he?'

He might become a high-level mage or maybe an elder if he <Awaken>.."

I mumbled to myself in a very quiet voice.

But, I suddenly felt chills on his back and turned my head around, only to find out Nolen smiling at me.

'Shit... I said that last part out loud!'

I know from my years of experience with her; that she loves Eon more than her own life. Maybe more than myself.

That's what a mother is, after all. But... I'm in for a good long lecture.'

But contrary to my expectation, the words coming out of her mouth were different.

"Yes~. He will definitely be an exceptional individual. But we can't decide what he wants to be. We can only guide and protect him." She had a rare, sad look on her face.

Anyone could tell how worried she was just from looking at her.

"Don't worry. I...no, we will be there for him."

I patted her head with a reassuring smile on my face.

"If you say so. But I can't help worrying about that. So... Why don't we add something a little special to the birthday gifts?"

She looked up with a refreshed expression on her face.

"Ok! Just tell me and it will be done!"

She grabbed my arm and pulled me close and whispered in my ear.

"... you can do it right, honey?"

She asked, after asking what I had to do.

"It is difficult but, I will definitely get it done before the party!" I replied with a confident smile on my face.

'I really like this idea. She will also be a little less concerned after that.'

"Thank you very much, Honey~!"

She hugged me softly and kissed me and left without saying anything else.

"Y...yes! Thank you, too!"

I was red as a tomato after that.

***

The day passed, and I got to bed.

'There is a party. Some gifts. I know some but I don't know about everything as I stopped myself from paying any more attention with great difficulty.'

Well, surprises are meant to be unknown to the person who is on the receiving end.

I quietly closed my eyes and went to sleep.

*

-Next day.

I got up and washed up before going to my usual morning training.

Dad was ready as well, with his normal cheerful look. We started our daily routine after some nice little chat.

But today, mom was watching us from the window on the second floor.

I just pretended to have forgotten about today.

'He is good. More than I expected.'

I thought as dad and I were on our daily routine.

On the other hand, mom and dad had the same kind of thoughts.

'He can become one of the best merchants already. He is really good at acting. Just like his mom.'

Brian thought as they were in the middle of running.

'My baby definitely got that one from me~! Oh my...how cute~!'

Nolen thought as she was watching the father-son duo with a bright expression.

I looked at them from time to time and came to a conclusion of my own.

'They know that I know that they know.'

So..

You would ask why do this in the first place?

The answer is very straight and simple.

'It's fun!'

This whole situation is fun to watch. Not only for me but for them as well.

'Who doesn't like when they know the other party is just acting to let the other party's plans work out?'

It's quite hilarious.

Dad and I were sitting on the ground for a break.

I looked slowly at dad who then looked at me. I then slowly looked at mom, who was on the second floor.

Dad followed my line of sight.

We were silent for quite some time with an awkward silence between us.

"Ha..hahahahaha.."

The first one to break the silence was dad, who seem to can't take it anymore.

"Hehehehehehe.."

I followed after him and started laughing.

"Have you two finished with your laughing session? If you have, then come in and wash up~. We still have many things to prepare!" mom shouted while holding back her laughter.

She quietly turned around and closed the window.

"Huhu..."

We then heard her laughing sound slowly fading.

We were sitting on the grass-filled ground and laughing loudly for some time before standing up and heading in.

We had to, otherwise, mom will come to retrieve us.

***

"Happy birthday, Eon!"

Dad shouted in a loud and happy voice.

"Happy birthday baby~."

Mom chuckled with a bright smile on her face.

"Thank you!"

I thanked them with a smile on my face as well.

"So, why don't we go ahead and eat first?" mom suggested with some plates in her hand.

"Yes. I prepared everything everyone likes. You will love it!"

Dad claimed and arranged all the dishes with magic.

Everything flew up and automatically decorated itself on the table.

There were soups, steaks, some juices, and a chocolate cake... which is my favorite.

"Thanks, dad!"

I exclaimed and jumped on my chair quickly.

Mom watched me with love, admiration, and happiness in her eyes.

Dad was watching mom and me from the aside, then he too joined me.

Mom followed dad and sat down in her chair.

We ate in a lovely atmosphere and laughed.

With a bright light coming from the lamp above us, we finished our lovely dinner.

After clean-up, we walked into the dimly lit living room.

"How was dinner? You like it, right?"

Dad asked with a proud expression on his face.

"No. I didn't like it."

I answered, shaking my head.

"W... what?! Was there any problem with it?! I made everything with extra care!"

Dad exclaimed multiple times with a shocked expression.

Mom on the other side shook her head in disappointment.

Dad's complexion turned pale instantly. The transition from going happy to shocked was... hilarious.

"Dad, don't worry. It was so good that we loved it. You are the best!"

I stopped the joke and tried to calm him down.

"Really?" He asked, with a shaking voice and almost tear-filled eyes.

"Of course~. How could you ever make a mistake in cooking? We are just joking, honey~."

Mom answered instead of me. I also shook my head, agreeing with mom.

"Ok then. If you say so," he replied in a calmed tone.

"Ok then. Who's ready for gifts?"The original appearance of this chapter can be found at N0v3l--Biin.

Mom shouted with an excited look.

"Yes!" I exclaimed with joy.

"This one is from mommy~." mom handed me a long wooden box.

I knew what it was instantly.

I opened the box in a hurry with an anticipation-filled heart.

'It looks awesome!' I shouted internally.

There was a handcrafted wooden bow. It was a green-colored bow and the strong-looking string was sparkling.

Anyone could tell that this was a finely crafted weapon.

"Thank you very much, mom! You are the best!"

I exclaimed with a fulfilled heart. Receiving gifts like this is always heartwarming, even if you are an adult or know about it already.

"Oh? I'm the best? Did you hear that, honey~?" mom said teasingly.

But father, instead of turning red, took out a small box.

"Really? Then you will change your mind after seeing this~."

He declared in a confident voice and opened the small box.

There were two identical-looking rings.

"Oh~, honey? Are you asking Eon for marriage?" mom asked in her usual teasing voice again. But there was admiration and anticipation in her eyes.

"N...no. It's for you and Eon!"

He quickly said again with a chaotic look.

"Oh~, so you did complete that task. Then, isn't that also a gift from me?"

Mom asked with a bright and proud look in her eyes.

"It's from both of us!" he replied instantly.

"Ok. Okay~."

She took one ring and put it on my small finger and another one on her left index finger.

"These rings will tell if the other one is in a dangerous situation. If it blinks red, then it will mean that the other one is in a very dangerous situation."

Dad explained, but he didn't say everything.

'It will turn red if the other one's life signal stops. But that situation won't come. I won't let that happen.'

He inwardly said that and looked at his wife.

She had a radiant look on her face but, had sharp eyes.

"Thank you! I like this one too, dad!"

I exclaimed with a bright smile on my face.

'With this, I will be able to protect mom in the future!'

"Okay then. Let's open the other ones too!"

Mom said, returning to her calm and cheerful self again.

We spend the night chatting about the books and other stuff that I received.

It was a pretty fun night. But my attention was on the bow in my hands the whole time.

'I will be practicing handling a proper bow for the first time.'

It... will definitely be exciting!