Seraphina's birthday celebration was by no ans a lavish affair.
She had a fondness for lively gatherings, yet she was not one to insist on pomp and circumstance. Indeed, as Ansel had ntioned, Seraphina had few friends in the imperial city.
Presently, the attendees included only Ansel, Seraphina, Marlina, the Hydral couple, and Lawrence and Toradon, who joined for the rrint.
The venue was set on the open lawn of the Hydral manor, where servants had transported an array of cooking equipnt for on-site preparation, creating a bustling scene that scarcely resembled the "banquets" of the era.
However, Seraphina was delighted, and it was precisely because of her preferences that Ansel had chosen to do so.
The young Hydral stood by the bar, personally crafting beverages for the gathering, while Flalle stood beside his son, observing the various hues within the exquisite bottles, his eyebrows slightly raised.
As the greatest alchemist of his ti, he imdiately recognized the special effects of the drinks — energy enhancent, physical fortification, strength amplification… which elicited a subtly complex expression on Mr. Flalle's face.
Tonight, it would be best to take Annelisa out, the beckoning flowers of the lost sea's depths should be in bloom, a perfect occasion.
Flalle glanced at Annelisa, who was engaged in conversation with Seraphina, his expression a mix of tenderness and nostalgia.
Reflecting on the past, he mused that his own youthful exploits far outnumbered Ansel's, who, by comparison, could be considered innocent.
It wasn't that Annelisa had reford Flalle into a paragon of virtue; rather, as he aged and his life neared its twilight, he found it impossible to encounter another woman who could invigorate his spirit as Annelisa did.
"Ah, Ans…"
Hydral mused, addressing his son with a sense of reflection, "find yourself a partner who will bring radiance to your life."
"Love is a remarkable thing," the handso middle-aged man winked at Ansel, "a miraculous bond that transcends kinship and unites two independent souls."
"I already have one, father," Ansel replied calmly.
"Little Seraphina? No, no... she won't do."
"..."
The young Hydral paused, lifting his gaze and half-closing his eyes to look at his father.
"Don't look at with those eyes," Flalle chuckled, "I'm not saying little Seraphina isn't wonderful. She's a very good girl, and both your mother and I are fond of her, as well as the affection you've shown her."
"But as soone who has been through it, I must impart so wisdom about love."
The man draped his arm around Ansel's shoulders, who shifted slightly in discomfort but did not resist.
Flalle, undeterred by Ansel's subtle movents, continued with a light laugh, "Love cos in many forms. Yours and Seraphina's is sweet and pure, a comforting dependency, akin to… well, embracing in the cold of winter, basking in each other's warmth."
He patted Ansel's shoulder, "That sensation of a fla flickering in your heart is delightful, isn't it?"
Ansel remained silent, his gaze tenderly fixed on the chattering Seraphina in the distance.
"However, this ans Seraphina's love does not extend to that aspect."
Following Ansel's gaze to the jubilant Seraphina, Flalle was very pleased with the girl from the frigid borderlands. Her temperant, abilities, and potential were, in Flalle's view, beyond reproach.
"It's not that Seraphina is lacking, but rather the limitations of her character... She certainly loves you, offering warmth and solace. Yet, she does not share your intellectual aspirations, a fact you are well aware of."
"That is sufficient," Ansel replied serenely. "Seraphina need not change; she is perfect as she is."
"That's why I'm telling you to look for soone else," Flalle responded matter-of-factly.
"..."
Watching his silent son, the man spoke with a hint of peculiarity, "Ans, you don't harbor any... unfair notions towards little Seraphina, do you? We are Hydrals, not re mortals."
Ansel sighed and massaged his forehead, "Father, please be more discreet."
Flalle was taken aback, "Do you truly think so?"
"... It's simply impossible to find the kind of person you describe," Ansel shook his head.
"I understand what you an—finding soone who resonates with ... Vibrant, indeed. A life pursuing worthy endeavors is what constitutes vibrancy for us."
"Of course, what else is our wisdom for? To spend our days in sorrow and resentnt?"
Flalle spread his arms wide, laughing heartily, "It's to revel in the privileges of our divine heritage! To indulge in all that brings us joy!"
"I thought you would say it's to seek a cure for that curse."
"That's rely incidental," Flalle waved his hand dismissively, "I have no interest in wasting half my life on such matters, only to end up like Ephesande... a pitiful clown."
Everything the four divine beings did was to break free from the world's shackles and curses. Flalle's words sounded absurd, but Ansel believed that was exactly how his father felt—unconstrained and whimsical, yet exasperatingly headstrong.
"I believe..."
Flalle's voice suddenly softened, "Although today is little Seraphina's birthday, and it's sowhat inappropriate to bring this up, since it crossed my mind, I think it's best to ntion it to you, Ans, lest I forget later."
Ansel's eyelids fluttered slightly, but he remained silent. Flalle continued, "Although Ans, you've said that such a woman doesn't exist in this world, and I used to think you were unlikely to encounter one, it seems now... that, um... Ravenna? Yes, it should be her. Isn't she quite suitable?
The data system, it's truly an extraordinary thing. Although she said the idea ca from you, Ans, you probably haven't been involved in it at all, right? She ets the standards in terms of ability, and as for qualifications, you even asked for a favor three years ago. And the most crucial point, her philosophy... I believe she definitely—"
"Father."
Ansel interrupted Flalle, his gaze fixed on Flalle's eyes, "Although you're here, discussing love with , as far as I know, the only person you've ever loved is my mother."
Flalle was taken aback for a mont, then his mouth stretched into a wide grin, unable to suppress his exaggerated laughter, "So, Ans, you think I'm not qualified to advise you on this matter?"
Ansel responded calmly, "Unless you're willing to admit to my mother your extensive romantic experiences."
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