Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 81: A Birthday Celebration for an Empress

Hekate and Daniel join everyone else for breakfast, and almost immediately, Erimaya rushes over, taking Hekate's hands. "Hekate! I had no idea! I'm so sorry! If I had known, I would have prepared! Please forgive me! I don't want to lose my only friend!"

Hekate blushes, quickly easing the princess's concerns. "R-Relax, Eri! Please! You're my best friend in the whole world! It was... kinda decided not long ago that my birthday is today... S-So, there's no way you could have known."

Erimaya hugs Hekate's hands to her own chest, blushing as she is embarrassed by the 'faux pas', even though Hekate is correct. "Still, though. I should have had something prepared, just in case. Or, no; rather, I should have asked sooner. It never crossed my mind, and for that I am ashamed."

Hekate still tries to ease her concerns, chuckling gently. "Please, pay it no mind at all. I don't expect anything, and I only ask for your continued friendship. Besides, Daniel already gave me more than I could ever dream of."

Erimaya finally takes a moment to look at Hekate. She's wearing a rather elegant dress for once, rather than her usual light-weight and mobile attire that easily suits the light armor she wears in battle. This dress would be modest, but certainly welcome at even the Imperial Court of the Grand Zenkon Empire, adorned with frills and lace patterns, as well as an intricate stitching of blue flame-like patterns around her collar. Additionally, she is wearing a lightweight, but ornate crown embellished with beautiful gems of various colors, including red, purple, and blue, in addition to the more numerous clear diamonds. Chains circle the outside of her triangular fox-like ears, also endowed with gemstones.

Everyone is speechless as they look upon the stunningly royal-looking Hekate, who before, looked and behaved like a mere spoiled commoner.

Wenlianna stammers, "D-D-Daniel... A-Are those... diamonds?"

Hekate nods proudly, saying warmly, "Yep! Every one."

"Th-The colors..."

"They're truly remarkable," murmurs Erimaya, admiring Hekate's full adornments. She also notices the plush doll, which looks similar to a miniature version of Hekate, though with a simple dress and wings.

Hekate looks up at Daniel, asking, "You didn't say, yet. Did... Did you make these ones?"

"Most of them, yes. The red and purple diamonds were mined by the ogres during digging in the mountains for... a certain project. I vaguely recall the basics of looking up how they're made synthetically, but radiation is a big part of it for the reds, and it's not the same as natural, if I remember correctly."

Hekate adds with a little disappointment, "We agreed that I'll only wear this in trusted company, and a simpler crown of steel and stained glass for audiences. I don't want to flaunt wealth and attract the wrong kind of attention."

"You look beautiful," states Erimaya, returning to the topic at hand; Hekate. "I truly regret not having a gift for you now."

Hekate smiles, holding Erimaya's hands firmly. "Your presence is plenty gift for me, Eri. It's a coincidence, but I'm truly happy you could be here to celebrate my birthday. Everyone I could rightfully ask to attend is here."

Erimaya coos warmly, and she hugs Hekate, with Hekate warmly returning the hug. After, Erimaya asks to hold the doll, and while she does, Ryuogriar stands up. "As the second empress of the Fievegal, allow me to wish you a happy birthday, Hekate. We have all worked hard on various confections to go with breakfast, as well as to be enjoyed throughout the day. Please enjoy them to your heart's content."

Hekate smiles, resisting the urge to cry. She got most of it out with Daniel, and her eyes are a little red, but she keeps finding a higher and higher bar for where she believes she couldn't be happier would land, only to be proven wrong.