The theater was as elegant and refined as Nicholas had imagined. His eyes darted around the room as he and Elianna walked inside. The room was spacious, with dark brown painted walls and light brown wooden flooring. Brown wooden shelves with glass doors were lined against the walls. Inside the shelves were spherical objects with what looked like a white mist floating inside them, which Nicholas knew were illusionaires. Against the left side of the room was a large bar area with a rack of bottles hanging on the wall. In the middle of the room were four rows of brown leather reclinable seats, with ten chairs in each row, all facing a brown pedestal used to hold the illusionaire while it was activated.

"Told you we have a lot of illusionaires," Elianna chirped, gesturing to shelves around the room.

Nicholas nodded and looked at Elianna with a curious gaze, "Which one is your favorite?"

Elianna hummed, looking at the illusionaires around the room, "I used to love watching Wendy's adventure growing up. But I haven't seen it in a while."

Nicholas walked further into the room, looking at the brown leather chairs, "I don't think I've seen that one." He playfully plopped himself into one of the chairs and chuckled before looking back at Elianna, "What's it about?"

Elianna smiled humorously at Nicholas' playfulness before she looked up, recollecting her favorite childhood movie, "It's about a girl who becomes friends with a dragon, and he shows her around the world."

Nicholas hummed and smiled, "That sounds pretty cool. Maybe I'll watch it one day."

Elianna beamed, "I can watch it with you if you want!"

Nicholas nodded happily, "I'd like that. Maybe when I'm over another time."

The words another time rang loudly in Elianna's head, and her smile widened a little. She had been nervous about whether Nicholas would show up today, but now, here he was, talking about coming over again.

Elianna gestured to Nicholas, "What about you? What's your favorite?"

Nicholas looked up, scratching his head, thinking. A moment later, he smiled and looked at Elianna again, "The Valiant Five."

Elianna looked at Nicholas curiously, "I've never heard of it. What's it about?"

Nicholas leaned back into the chair and looked up, remembering the illusionaire. "It's about five members of a noble king's personal guard. One day, they discover a plot to assassinate the king and are framed for the idea. So..." Nicholas stopped himself and smiled before he looked at Elianna, "Well, I don't want to ruin it. Maybe we could watch that together as well."

Elianna smiled jovially, "Sure!" She excitedly looked toward the door, then back to Nicholas, "Do you want to continue looking around?"

Nicholas smiled, nodded, stood up from the chair, and gestured to Elianna, "Lead the way."

Elianna nodded gleefully and walked out of the room, with Nicholas following her. Nicholas' eyes traced the walls of the white hallways as they made their way through the mansion, observing the various paintings. They made a right turn, and Nicholas looked forward, seeing they were approaching a set of double brown wooden doors.

"And this," Elianna began as she approached the double doors and pushed them open. "Is the library."

Nicholas walked inside and saw that the library was vast and beautiful. Dark gray carpet made up the flooring, and mahogany bookshelves were lined up across the walls. In the middle of the library were multiple mahogany tables with books lying on top of some of them.

Nicholas' brows raised in amazement, looking around the room, "This is nice." He walked further into the room, curiously looking at the bookshelves. "Do you read a lot in here?"

Elianna grumbled, "Studying mostly with my teacher, Justine."

Nicholas looked at Elianna over his shoulder and smiled, "I had a private teacher in Gavaria. I know how boring it can get."

"You did?" Elianna asked, looking at Nicholas curiously. "Is your family nobility as well?"

Nicholas' smile faded, and he flinched a little at the question. Elianna looked at Nicholas a little worriedly, but before she could ask anything, Nicholas smiled and said, "My family is well off. My uncle Mathew is nobility, and my aunt married into his family before moving to Tri-Union City."

Elianna's brows raised with surprise, "Mathew is your uncle?"

Nicholas looked at Elianna, confused, "Did you not know that?"

Elianna shook her head, "No. I was actually surprised to see him. I've met and spoken with him several times at the headquarters building."

Nicholas smiled and nodded, "My uncle told me he'd spoken to you a few times when I first told him about you."

Elianna grinned slightly, "You mean when you told them I liked your drawings?"

Nicholas looked to the side, and his cheeks reddened a little, "Y-Yeah."

"I told my parents about you, too," Elianna said, her voice soft, and Nicholas looked at her surprised. "They were happy I made a friend." Elianna's smile faded, and her gaze fell, her expression turning dejected. "I didn't really have friends growing up."

Nicholas gave Elianna a small smile and shrugged, "Neither did I."

"I used to," Elianna whispered.

Nicholas's smile faded, and he looked at Elianna confused, "Used to what?"

"Have friends," Elianna began. Nicholas looked at Elianna a little worriedly, seeing her shake slightly and her eyes become a little watery. She grabbed her left arm with her right hand, trying to comfort herself with a self-hug. "When I awakened when I was four, my friends called me a freak. After that, they didn't show up at my fifth birthday party and have always been rude to me."

Nicholas looked at Elianna sympathetically, "I'm sorry."

Elianna shrugged, "It's fine."

The library fell silent as Elianna and Nicholas stood there. Nicholas's expression was compassionate as he looked at Elianna, who had a downcast, tear-filled gaze. Nicholas was mentally scrambling, trying to find some words to comfort her before looking at her earnestly.

"They're stupid," Nicholas declared, and Elianna's eyes snapped to him with a look of shock. "You're not a freak, Lia. So what if you awakened at four? I think that's amazing, and they're just jealous of how cool you are." Nicholas sincerely smiled at Elianna, "I, for one, am happy to be your friend."

Elianna stood there motionlessly with a tear-filled, wide-eyed gaze. Nicholas' words swirled in her head: 'Not a freak,' 'Another time,' 'Amazing,' 'Happy to be your friend.' Elianna stared at Nicholas, and it felt like everything her former friends said to her in the past didn't matter anymore. It felt like a door that she didn't realize she had closed had opened, feeling a sense of trust toward Nicholas.

Nicholas' brows furrowed, wondering if he said the wrong thing, "Are you o-"

Nicholas didn't finish his sentence as Elianna leaped forward, taking him into a tight hug. Nicholas was frozen with surprise before he smiled and hugged her back.

"Thank you," Elianna sniffled, her embrace tightening. "I'm happy you're my friend too."

Not saying anything, Nicholas smiled as he patted Elianna on the back, keeping her in a comforting hug. They held the hug for a few moments before they broke apart, and Elianna quickly wiped her eyes.

Elianna smiled genuinely, "Want to continue? How about we go see the game room?"

Nichols nodded happily, "I'd like that." He gestured to her, "Lead the way."

Elianna beamed as she reached out and took Nicholas' hand, whose eyes widened with surprise. He nearly stumbled as Elianna whirled around and quickly pulled him, but he regained his footing and chuckled as they made their way out of the library.

Elianna and Nicholas happily smiled as they ran down the hallways of the mansion. They made multiple turns, passing several rooms, but Elianna was set on their destination. Elianna's pace began to slow as they neared a set of closed double brown wooden doors.

Elianna let go of Nicholas' hand and approached the double doors. She pressed both of her hands flat against the doors and looked over her shoulders at Nicholas with an excited smile before she pushed them open. She turned around to face Nicholas and stepped backward into the room, "Welcome to the game room."

Nicholas smiled at Elianna and followed her into the room. His smile soon faded, and his eyes widened in wonder as he looked around, studying his surroundings. The game room was far more impressive than Nicholas imagined. On the right side of the room was a small eating area with white tile flooring. The eating area was filled with three small black square tables, with four chairs each. A black ice box that was shaped like a large rectangular object was placed in the corner and was used to contain drinks with a chilling enchantment.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Black carpeting covered the majority of the room, with multiple gaming tables scattered throughout. There were tables for ping pong, foosball, pool, and even smaller tables for individuals to sit at and play card and board games. At the end of the room were three small bowling alleys made of beautiful light brown wood. On the left side of the room, hanging on the wall, were dart boards and small hoops to toss a ball through.

Elianna giggled, and Nicholas' eyes shifted to her, noticing her smiling as she said, "You should see your face."

Nicholas smiled and excitedly said, "The room is really cool!"

"Yeah, I like to play in here a lot!" Elianna chirped.

"Are you two hungry?"

Nicholas and Elianna curiously looked at the entrance and saw Agustus standing there with a smile. Their eyes fell to his hands, seeing him holding a tray with two glasses of milk and a plate that contained four triangle-cut sandwiches.

"Hello, Augustus," Elianna said kindly. She looked at him curiously, "Are those for us?"

Augustus nodded, "They are, My Lady." Augustus walked into the room, toward the eating area, and placed the tray on the table. "Lady Katarina didn't think you would be returning soon, so she requested I find you two and bring you food." He turned toward Nicholas and Elianna, smiled, and gestured to the plate, "Two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut into triangles." He looked at Nicholas, "I was informed by Lady Freya that you have no allergies, Lord Nicholas. Correct?"

Nicholas smiled and nodded, "Correct, and thank you for the sandwiches."

"Of course," Augustus nodded and made his way to the door. He smiled at them, "Enjoy, and have fun."

"Thank you," Elianna chirped as Augustus walked out of the room. Elianna smiled at Nicholas and gestured to the table, "Wanna eat before we play?"

Nicholas nodded, "Yeah." He rubbed his stomach, "I am getting a little hungry."

"Me too," Elianna said and began to walk toward the table. "Come on."

Elianna and Nicholas walked toward the eating area, where they sat at the table and happily enjoyed their sandwiches.

Nicholas drank his milk before putting the glass back onto the tray. He looked at Elianna, seeing she had finished her sandwiches and was now drinking the rest of her milk. He looked at her curiously and asked, "Want to play one of the games."

Elianna excitedly nodded as she finished her milk and placed her glass beside the empty plate, "Yeah! What game would you like to play?"

Nicholas hummed, looking into the room, his eyes darting between the games, wondering which one he wanted to play. After a moment, he smiled and looked at Elianna, "Why don't you pick? It's your birthday, after all."

Elianna tilted her head slightly to the right. "You sure?"

Nicholas nodded happily, "Yep."

Elianna smiled and looked at the games. She thought for a second before she looked at Nicholas, "Have you ever played foosball?"

Nicholas looked toward the foosball table and smiled, "Yeah." He looked back at Elianna, "You wanna play that?"

Elianna smiled competitively, "More like I'm going to beat you at it."

Nicholas returned her smile, "Oh, we will see about that."

Elianna giggled with glee as she got up from the table and ran toward the foosball table with Nicholas following her with a bright smile. They took their places on either side of the table, and Elianna grabbed one of the balls sitting on a side table.

Elianna held up the ball with a confident smirk, "First to five points wins."

Nicholas nodded in agreement and grabbed two of the rods, staring intently at the ball. Elianna smiled happily, seeing Nicholas becoming just as competitive as she was. Elianna quickly dropped the ball onto the table, and she and Nicholas burst into action. They each spun the rods rapidly, hitting the ball towards each other. With a swift motion, Nicholas spun one of the rods and made a goal.

"Hah!" Nicholas yelled. "Goal!"

Elianna pouted, "That's just one point."

Nicholas smirked, "Then let's keep going, and I'll make the other four."

Elianna competitively narrowed her eyes on Nicholas, "We shall see."

Elianna grabbed the ball from the slot at the end of the table and threw the ball back onto the table. Yet again, Elianna and Nicholas rapidly rotated the rods, hitting the ball aggressively toward each other. This time, it was Elianna who cheered as she made a goal.

"Whatcha got to say now, Nick?"

Nicholas chuckled, "The game isn't over yet, Lia."

Nicholas and Elianna began another round and continued this cycle until they both had four points each. Now, it came down to this last round, and they were both staring each other down as Nicholas held the ball in his hand.

"Last round," Nicholas chuckled. "Think you're gonna win?"

Elianna had a determined expression and narrowed her eyes on the ball, "Just drop the ball already."

Nicholas smiled before he, too, turned serious. He prepared himself and dropped the ball onto the table. Elianna was quick as she struck the ball, sending it skidding across the table toward Nicholas' goal. Nicholas barely grabbed the rod and blocked the ball in time before hitting back toward Elianna's side.

"That was a cheap shot!" Nicholas expressed.

Elianna smirked, hitting the ball back toward Nicholas' side, "Not my fault you weren't ready for it."

Nicholas hit the ball back toward Elianna's side, and the two of them fell silent. The room was filled with the sound of the foosball table as Elianna and Nicholas hit the ball back and forth. Though neither of them were physically smiling as they looked at the table determinedly, they were both beaming internally with joy, loving every moment they were playing the game.

The ball zipped to Nicholas' side of the table, and he spun the rod, hitting the ball toward the opposite goal. Elianna quickly blocked the ball, but Nicholas was quick as he struck the ball again. Elianna tried to block the ball once more, but her eyes widened with despair as the ball rolled past her goalie and went into the goal.

Nicholas raised his arms into the air and cheered, "Yeah! Winner!"

Elianna pouted and looked at Nicholas, "Best two out of three!"

Nicholas lowered his arms and smirked at Elianna, "You're so on."

"Maybe later."

Elianna and Nicholas looked toward the door, seeing Katarina leaning against the door frame with her arms crossed, smiling warmly. She hadn't announced her presence when she first walked into the room, as she was enjoying watching Elianna and Nicholas playing together and how competitive and happy they were.

Elianna smiled, "Hey, Mom!" She looked at her mother curiously, "What do you mean later? Why can't we play again now?"

Katarina chuckled, glad to see her daughter was excited to play with Nicholas. She stood straight and gestured to her daughter, "I came to get you because it's time for your cake and presents."

Elianna beamed, "It is?!"

Katarina nodded, "Yep." She gave her daughter a teasing grin, "Unless you want me to tell Augustus that you don't want any cake."

"No!" Elianna practically yelled, and Katarina laughed a little. Elianna looked at Nicholas and smiled, "Want to continue this game later?"

Nicholas returned her smile and nodded, "Sure. Only if you don't mind losing again."

Elianna narrowed her eyes competitively on Nicholas, "Oh, we are so playing again."

Elianna and Nicholas stared at each other before they both laughed cheerfully.

Katarina smiled happily at the two of them, her heart full of warmth at the sight before her, "Come on, you two. We best not keep the others waiting."

Elianna and Nicholas looked at Katarina and nodded. Katarina walked out of the room, with Elianna and Nicholas following her. They made their way through the mansion and began to hear several voices and laughter emanating from the dining room.

Katarina entered the room first, with Elianna and Nicholas following them in. As they entered, everyone at the table stopped talking, looked, and smiled at them.

"Ah, there they are," Mathew chuckled, taking another sip of his drink.

"We were beginning to think you weren't ever going to come back," Celine jested.

"Lia was showing me around the mansion," Nicholas chirped. "We even played foosball."

Lucian looked at his daughter, "Did you win?"

Elianna pouted and looked to the side, "No."

"Nicholas," Freya playfully scolded. "Don't you know you're supposed to let a lady win on her birthday?"

"Oh no, don't do that," Lucian chuckled. "Elianna hates it when you let her win."

Elianna nodded and smiled at Nick, "Yep. So don't let me win."

Nicholas laughed a little, "Noted."

As Elianna looked at Nicholas, her eyes flicked to the end of the table. There, she saw a figure sitting there with a warm smile, who was adorned in an elegant blue and silver dress. Elianna's brows raised with pleasant surprise, "Raina?" Elianna looked at the individual sitting beside Raina, adorned in a Tri-Union combat uniform. "Kassandra?"

Raina gave Elianna a little wave, "Happy birthday, Elle. I would've been here earlier," She gestured to Kassandra beside her, "but it took her a lot of convincing to come here with only her."

Kassandra gave Raina a deadpan look, "It's my job to keep you safe." She looked at Elianna and smiled, "Happy birthday, Elle."

Elianna smiled at both of them, "Thanks! And thanks for coming!"

"So, you're saying you didn't come here to see me," Hector said, giving Raina a playful, hurt expression.

"No," Raina said flatly, and everyone at the table burst into laughter. Raina smiled, "But it is good to see you, Hector."

"It's okay, Regent," Oscar said, giving his father a teasing smile. "You don't need to lie to him."

The doors to the kitchen opened, and Augustus stepped through, "Excuse my interruption, but are we ready for the cake?"

Lucian smiled and nodded, "Yes, we are." Lucian looked at Elianna, Katarina, and Nicholas, gesturing to the table, "Go ahead and take your seats."

Augustus walked back into the kitchen while Katarina, Nicholas, and Elianna walked around the table. Katarina sat beside her husband, while Nicholas sat beside his aunt, and Elianna sat between her mother and her father.

Raina's eyes flicked to Nicholas, and she gave him a friendly smile, "Hello, Nicholas. Freya informed me you were here. How are you liking Tri-Union City?"

Nicholas smiled at Raina and gave her a respectful nod, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Regent Raina. I like Tri-Union City very much, thank you."

Raina nodded, "That's good." She tilted her head slightly to the right, looking at Nicholas curiously, and she chuckled warmly. "Has anyone ever told you that you have your mother's eyes?"

Nicholas raised his brows in surprise before his lips curved in a small smile. "I've been told before," he said, his voice soft.

Elianna looked at Raina curiously, "You know Nick's mom?"

Nicholas stiffened a little, and his eyes fell to the table. Raina's eyes flicked to Freya, who subtly shook her head.

Raina subtly nodded before smiling at Elianna, "I did. She and I often went to sermons together whenever she visited the city."

"Sermon?" Elianna said, confused.

Raina nodded, "It's where the minister of the cathedral speaks about the divine."

"My Mom told me about the divine," Elianna chirped. "She said they are beings of pure spirit who watch over us."

Raina smiled a little, her eyes flicking to Katarina and then back to Elianna, "That is true. But there is more to them." She looked around the table at everyone inquisitively, "Actually, the minister is honoring the divine tomorrow at the cathedral with a sermon. Would you all like to join me?"

Mathew raised a brow, obviously not keen on the idea, "Err, uh, n-"

Freya elbowed him in the side, silencing him, and kindly smiled, "We would love to."

Lucian smiled and nodded, "We would love to as well."

Raina returned their smiles, "Perfect." Her eyes flicked to the kitchen doors as they opened, "I'll give you the details later."

Everyone looked at the doors, and Elianna beamed with happiness as she watched Augustus walk out with the cake in his hands and other staff members walking beside him. The staff members walked around the room while Augustus approached the table and placed the cake in front of Elianna. Katarina reached over, igniting her finger in fire magic, and lit the candles one by one. Once the candles were lit, Elianna smiled happily as everyone began to sing Happy Birthday.

The voices from everyone singing filled the air and Elianna's heart with joy. She couldn't remember the last time she felt this happy on her birthday, and surrounded by people she cherished. She stared at the candles, thinking about the wish she wanted to make. She remembered her fifth birthday wish, how she wanted friends, and her eyes flicked to Nicholas. They both smiled as their eyes met, and Elianna felt joyful, knowing Nicholas was her friend and her wish had come true.

The voices died down as everyone stopped singing, and Lucian said, "Alright, Munchkin. Make a wish."

Elianna looked at the candles and knew what she wanted: for Nicholas to be her friend forever and to stay this happy. Elianna smiled and jovially blew out her candles, having a fantastic birthday.