April’s eyes sparkled brighter than ever as she received the sword as a gift. It must be a gift she really likes.

…If I knew she would be like this, should I have given her a sword as a gift? Winning April’s favor seems to require more than just a sword…

‘Well, no.’

I’m a novice when it comes to swords, and I should take this opportunity to strengthen the bond between April and Grayan.

“Thank you so much, Duke!”

Jumping up and down, April tightly hugged Grayan’s waist. Although he quickly loosened his arms with embarrassment, he couldn’t avoid a moment of awkwardness.

‘A heartwarming sight indeed. Anyway, it’s time for me to give a gift too.’

The gift I prepared was conveniently brought by Anna. It was a very large box, and its contents remained a secret even from Anna.

“You’ve prepared something tremendous, Madam.”

“Well, I put some thought into it.”

Smiling modestly, I lifted the box. Approaching April with enthusiasm, I discovered her eyes widening as she noticed me. Yes, the size of the box is quite unusual. I made up my mind this time. Hehehe.

Finally reaching April, I proudly handed her the large box.

“April, here’s my gift. Happy birthday.”

“T-Thank you, Madam…”

April, with a bewildered expression, accepted the box, and she peered at me as if wanting to know what was inside.

Grayan and others were also curious about what I gave April.

“Um… Can I open it?”

Looking at my complexion, April timidly asked for permission. What else would you ask? I nodded my head, responding nonchalantly.

“Of course. It’s a gift for you. Open it as you please.”

Smiling brightly, April carefully placed the box on an empty table and began untying the decorative ribbon.

The pink ribbon, resembling April’s eye color, softly unraveled, building anticipation in April’s expression as she finally opened the box.

The gift that was revealed shortly after—

“…!”

In fact, it wasn’t just one thing.

“Th-This is all…”

April stuttered. The eyelashes of her wide-open eyes were trembling.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I subtly turned my head and scratched my cheek.

‘Was it too much…?’

My gift consisted of a total of seven items.

Firstly, two sets of comfortable training outfits for April. One in red tones that suit her well and another in blue tones.

Additionally, a pair of leather boots that complement the outfits perfectly. They are said to be incredibly durable, made from the leather of a special kind of lizard. Can they withstand the Lava Zone?

Next is a belt adorned with gold decorations. It’s also made from the leather of that special lizard.
In addition, there are half-gloves. I heard these are made from the leather of another special lizard, and it’s said to be extremely difficult to obtain. No wonder they are so expensive.

However, these gloves were worth the high price. They have a temperature control function, so you won’t feel cold on chilly days or sweaty on hot days.

And the last two things… They might seem somewhat modest compared to the previous items, but still…

‘A hairband I made myself.’

Made by weaving round-shaped gemstones with thick thread, it’s like macrame craftsmanship. Since April often ties her hair during training, it might come in handy…

“I love it so much!”

Suddenly, April exclaimed loudly, her eyes sparkling as she looked at me.

She rushed into my arms, and even shed tears while looking up at me. Her reaction was more intense than when she received Grayan’s gift. I thought the sword gift was the best…?

“Especially the hairband… Did the Duchess make it herself?”

“……!”

How did she know? Is she a ghost? A telepathic rabbit!

“I really love it. Thank you so much, Duchess.”

April rubbed her cheek against my dress and, at some point, transformed into a rabbit, clinging to me.

Um, April? Your birthday party is still ongoing, you know? You should return to the banquet hall in your formal attire…

“Kkiwoo…!”

…Despite my attempts to detach her, she absolutely refused to let go, so I had to stay in this state until the end of the party.

The birthday party didn’t end until well past nine in the evening.

April went up to her room, took a clean bath, and changed into pajamas.

In one corner of the room, piles of birthday gifts she received today were stacked.

April selected a few important gifts from the pile and placed them next to her bed.

There were gifts from Grayan and Gloria, gifts from people at Solzbay Castle, and gifts from Jade and Rodrigue.

Even though she received many expensive gifts, April cherished the ones given by her precious people the most.

‘I should attach the decorative string Jade and Rodrigue gave to the sword.’

Fortunately, the sword Grayan gifted had two scabbards. I didn’t anticipate this and didn’t ask for two swords, but…

‘And, another thing…’

As April was about to open the large box Gloria gave her, her hand suddenly paused.

She sensed someone entering as if coming in through the open window. The intruder didn’t seem to intend to hide.