31st day of the 3rd winter month.

New Year! Although it is called the "New Moon Year," it changes annually depending on the moon.

When I woke up in the morning, I opened the window. Cold air mercilessly invaded my room, instantly cooling it. Everything outside was covered in snowflakes. Numerous icicles hung from the tree branches, and the ground was blanketed with snowdrifts.

At least there’s no blizzard today — that’s something to be happy about.

Last night, I fell asleep with a book in my hands. I wasn’t covered by my blanket, but I could feel that someone had gently tucked me in. Most likely, Alicia checked on me during the night.

I didn’t invite friends for my birthday, nor did I mention it to anyone. Since no one asked, I didn’t see the need to bring it up. Still, should I have told them and invited everyone? For some reason, I kept overthinking this, unsure of what I should have done. After all, in my past life, I never dealt with situations like this.

This world surprises me with its tradition of celebrating birthdays only once every few decades, to avoid them becoming tedious, since lifespans here are so much longer.

If even mortals celebrate this way, then the ancient monsters probably do so every few centuries. After all, they’re freakin' wizards — nothing more to say about that.

Almost forgot. Remembering the ring, I took it out and began examining it. It was made from underground ore the color of steel, inlaid with a purple amethyst carved with peculiar patterns. From the base of the amethyst, a violet glow emanated, slowly filling the ring's engravings in a clockwise motion.

I wanted to interact with it immediately and see what it held. But what if it was dangerous? Aenari didn’t intend to take risks when he wasn’t certain about the outcome. After all, he understood he wasn’t in some typical light novel or story where the protagonist always gets lucky, constantly risking their life for a random girl or a stranger they met yesterday.

Unfortunately, in reality, things work differently. Aenari wouldn’t be surprised if a reincarnator acting that way got themselves killed within six months.

Shaking off unnecessary thoughts, Aenari decided to learn more about the spatial ring before putting it on his finger.

Two people came to mind who might be able to help him.

Time for breakfast.

During the meal, Aenari asked his question:

— Mom, can you tell me how to use a ring like yours?

— I can, but why do you want to know? — Mom looked at me with curiosity.

— I’m just curious.

Not that I don’t trust them, but I’d like to see what’s inside first. It feels like finding a treasure chest — he-he.

— Very well, — Tina agreed.

— To open a low-grade spatial ring, you’ll need mana. There are, however, several factors: the density of mana and the quality of the ring’s mana infusion. The better your mana control, the faster it will charge, giving you access to its contents. But if the ring is linked to a previous owner, they might have left a part of their essence behind, something akin to a protective lock. For example, if the person had an ill nature, the essence could attack your mental consciousness. If they were timid, it might even open the door for you.

— How can I suppress a hostile essence?

— You can gradually erode it with your own mana, but only when your mana reaches a level of 100 or higher. I must warn you, though — it will hurt. Your mana channels will be subjected to immense stress, and the hostile essence will attack your mental consciousness. There have been cases where people overestimated their willpower and ended up as fools. There are also specialists who can unlock such locks for a fee, but it’s well worth it.

— As expected, it’s not that simple.

So, I’ll need to reach 20 MP (mana points) to accumulate 100 mana.

— Yes, that’s the minimum requirement for unlocking a low-grade spatial ring. Now hurry up and eat before your food gets cold, — Tina said with a caring smile.

After breakfast, I wanted to play in the snow. Alicia happily helped me dress in warm clothes. She didn’t come outside with me, as she had other matters to attend to.

The cold was piercing, yet it seemed to barely bother me.

Snowflakes slowly fell from the sky. Upon touching my hand, they melted quickly, turning into water.

Walking to the backyard of my home, I decided to build a snowman near a tree that resembled a fir.

I think it turned out pretty well!

While I was honing my skills in this art, Tina and Akano watched from the second floor.

— Darling, why is our Ao so adorable? — Tina exclaimed, brimming with affection.

— Think about it — who else could he take after? — Akano replied with a sly smile, making Tina’s grin widen.

— No wonder the girls used to go crazy for you, — Tina teased, lightly punching him in the side.

— Ouch!

After a while, I noticed they were watching me but didn’t let it show.

— Shall we join him? — Tina suggested, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

— Why not, — Akano agreed with a smile.

Hearing the crunch of snow, I turned around.

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— Hm? Mom, Dad, — do you need something? — Aenari asked in surprise as they approached him.

— We wanted to join you — didn’t we, dear?

Clearing his throat, Akano answered, — Exactly! After all, today is a special day — or have you forgotten?

— Are you talking about the New Moon Year or my birthday?

— Yes! Your very first birthday. I see you haven’t forgotten. — Both of them spoke in sync, with a hint of surprise.

Damn. Seems like the previous owner of this body was forgetful.

Awkwardly smiling, I replied, — I did forget. But they didn't buy it.

— Well, you're something else, not like your father, — my mother lovingly teased.

— And when was I ever forgetful?

They began to bicker, and I realized this day would remain etched in my heart.

— Little Ao, what are you thinking about?

— Nothing. I'm starting to feel cold. Shall we go back inside?

— Ha-ha! Wait a little longer. We have a surprise for you!

— My dear, you'll go first! — My mother shot my father a sharp glance in response.

— My little Ao, here, this is for you.

It was a chain with circular links and a small sun charm. On its reverse side was an etched magical symbol that radiated warmth. After letting her place it on my wrist, I allowed her to hug me for as long as she wanted. My way of showing gratitude.

Father, in turn, gave me a set of clothing with light armor. Hardly proper armor, but better than nothing. Tailored to my size, it could easily be concealed under ordinary clothes. Movement and turns caused almost no discomfort, which surprised me.

After sincerely thanking them, I hurried inside — my body was growing numb from the cold.

Mother and Father, admiring their child's craftsmanship, nodded approvingly and happily followed me indoors.

While I was chatting about random things with Alfred, my mother and the servants were preparing a feast.

Finishing the second book on herbs, I glanced at the clock. It was half past six. I’d learned about a hundred different herbs, the most common ones found on the northern continent. As for rare ones...

— Young master, please come down. You're expected.

A voice at the door interrupted me, forcing me to set aside my thoughts, though it annoyed me slightly. Tidying myself up, I began descending the stairs with a satisfied smirk — what could fate have in store for me?

With Alicia, I went to the living room, where we gathered around the festive table. To our surprise, all the candles suddenly went out, and silence enveloped the room. Only the faint whistle of the wind broke it. Alicia shrank in fear, but I tried to appear calm in front of my parents.

Without much delay, the doors burst open, and a loud chorus of voices exclaimed, "Happy Birthday!"

Cheers and whistles erupted. Kazen and Utsin lifted me into the air, tossing me toward the ceiling. Even the girls couldn’t resist joining the fun, laughing along.

After a while, everyone settled down, and I began firing off questions.

— How did you know today was my birthday?

— Shizu told us everything. She found out from your mother this summer.

— Aenari, why didn’t you tell us? — Rena protested.

— You never asked.

If I dig deep, this was back in early spring when the previous owner of this body was still alive. Remembering how they'd truly forgotten back then, they began to apologize. I simply shook my head.

As we chatted, the table was quickly laid.

Alfred showed his culinary mastery, earning well-deserved praise.

Sitting together, we talked about everything under the sun.

— Have you heard about the Ice Phantom? — someone teased with a laugh.

— What phantom? — Elin asked tensely.

Though she seemed the most mature among us, now I saw that wasn’t quite true.

Risel and Utsin nodded to each other before excitedly telling the tale of the Ice Phantom, as if they'd planned it all along.

With their sudden yelps and stories, Aenari laughed wholeheartedly, forgetting everything else.

After enjoying the moment, they began handing out their gifts, which Aenari happily accepted.

— Shizu, did you forget your gift? — Rena asked, noticing her silence.

— It doesn't matter. I’m not friends with you just to get something in return, — Aenari said.

Oh yes, lying — my old friend. Truth be told, I wanted something from her specifically. And why did I suddenly feel a lump in my throat?

Hastily shaking her head, she replied, — It's not time yet.

To this, everyone nodded understandingly.

*

In this Realm, the day followed a 25-hour format instead of the usual 24. And now, there was only one hour left until the New Moon Year.

Half an hour later, we hurried to gather, while Alfred and Alicia prepared a sky lantern for each of us. Tina and Akano helped us dress and clean up remnants of food or messy hair.

With just minutes left until midnight, we held our wish lanterns, ready to light them.

— The time has come! One by one, come to Tina; she will light your wish lanterns.

I was the last.

— Is everyone ready? Don’t forget to make a wish and hold onto it with all your heart. One day, it will surely come true, you'll see! — Akano declared confidently.

— Yes! — everyone replied in unison.

— Let’s release them already; I can't wait! — Utsin exclaimed impatiently.

— Three, two, one!

The wish lanterns floated upward slowly, surprisingly staying close together, as if holding hands. Smiling, we watched them ascend until they were out of sight.

To everyone’s surprise, Shizuku spoke up.

— Brother Ao, close your eyes.

— Brother Ao?! — the others exclaimed, while Tina just laughed. Akano, looking at her, smiled nervously.

— Looks like the moment has come, — Aenari smiled, closing his eyes.

Shizuku approached and tied something soft around him, muttering, — This is my gift for you. You can open your eyes now, she said shyly.

Opening his eyes, Aenari saw her flushed face and shining eyes, waiting for praise. Noticing the gift, he realized it was a fluffy white scarf made from the fur of a snow fox — a rare species.

— Huh? Shizu-chan, is this scarf made from that snow fox? — Akano asked skeptically.

Ah yes, during the summer, Rena had accidentally mentioned the honorifics in front of the parents, and Kazen happily enlightened them.

— Yes, Lord Akano. My mother and I decided to make it into a scarf, — Shizu confirmed.

— Oh! Shizu-chan is so young and already knows how to sew! She's adorable, too. How can anyone be so charming? — Tina gushed, hugging her.

When Tina let go, Aenari stepped up to Shizu, gently patting her head.

— Thank you for the gift, Shizu-chan. I’ll treasure it, — Aenari said with a soft smile.

— Mhm. — Shizu nodded gently, though inside, her heart was bursting with joy.

— Why is Ao-kun so lucky? Not only does he look decent, but our lovely Shizu-chan adores him, — Utsin complained, clicking his tongue.

— I feel the same, brother, — Kazen agreed.

— He must’ve stepped in something huge in his past life! There’s no other explanation, — Risel added his two cents.

Aenari felt a buzz within. Hadn’t something like this happened to him in childhood?

While everyone was enjoying themselves, Aenari tilted his head back to gaze at the sky, followed by Shizu. The night sky shimmered with faint glimmers.

Could it be? The northern lights.

Aenari froze, watching the dance of luminous ribbons. This natural magic was born from the meeting of solar winds and the atmosphere. Charged particles clashed with air molecules, creating this mystical glow high above.

— Mom, Dad, have you ever seen anything like this? — Aenari asked, pointing. Everyone’s gaze followed, their faces filled with awe.

— My grandfather told me about it once, but to think it’s so beautiful! — Akano marveled.

— Truly! This is the most amazing sight I’ve ever seen, — the others agreed, voicing their wonder.

For some reason, the spectacle lasted only briefly before dimming and fading away.

In my past life, I never witnessed such beauty. Watching it live is incomparable to seeing it on a screen, I mused.

— I’ve got it.

— Little Ao? — Tina and the others looked at him, confused.

— I’ll call it the Northern Lights. What do you think?

The term "aurora" was probably unknown to them, so it was simpler to name it after the northern continent. It made sense for the locals to accept it.

— I told you, Brother Ao is a genius, — Kazen declared proudly.

— Agreed, Ao is truly remarkable, — Elin and Rena nodded.

— No arguments there. He takes after his father, — Akano added with multiple nods.

The room fell silent as many skeptical looks turned his way. Tension filled the air as Tina glared at him with frosty disapproval.

— Uh… I was joking, — Akano scratched the back of his head awkwardly, though deep down, he didn’t mean it.

— Look! The moon is trembling! — someone exclaimed. Everyone turned their eyes to the night sky.