Chapter 98: Asia’s Birthday celebration 2
Maria’s eyes lit up with a victorious smile. Taking full advantage of the moment, she leaned in closer and said sweetly,
"Then... I wish to have a dance with you."
Nova was caught completely off guard by Maria’s request. There was no way he could agree. First, he didn’t know how to dance.
Second—and more importantly—Rieka and Asia definitely wouldn’t be pleased if he accepted. Even if it was just a dance, Nova had no intention of taking that risk.
Before he could politely refuse, Rieka spoke first. "Don’t you think you’re going a little too far?"
She glared at Maria, her annoyance clearly visible. Maria merely smiled wider before turning to face her.
"My, my... relax, little girl. I’m only asking him for a dance, not anything dangerous."
"And the person you’re asking to dance with is my husband," Rieka replied, her tone becoming even sharper after hearing Maria call her "little girl."
Maria placed a hand on her cheek and chuckled. "My, you’re more possessive than I expected."
Their exchange quickly drew the attention of the nearby guests. Fortunately, the celebration was so lively that their conversation blended into the surrounding chatter, preventing it from becoming a scene.
Just as Nova was about to step in and calm the two down, a loud voice echoed across the estate.
"Your attention, everyone! His Grace, Duke Theodore Frost, and today’s birthday lady, Lady Asia Frost, have arrived!"
The lively conversations immediately came to a halt. All eyes turned toward the grand staircase leading out of the mansion.
Theodore slowly descended first, dressed in elegant formal attire befitting the ruler of Forstholme.
Walking beside him....was Asia.
She wore a breathtaking sapphire-blue gown adorned with delicate silver embroidery that shimmered like falling snow beneath the sunlight.
The dress embraced her graceful figure perfectly, enhancing her natural elegance without appearing excessive.
Her long sapphire-blue hair flowed gently behind her, while her crystal-blue eyes carried an ethereal brilliance unlike before.
After awakening the Divine Ice Phoenix Bloodline and the Absolute Yin Physique, her beauty had reached an entirely different level.
For a brief moment...the entire crowd fell silent. Many of the young nobles could only stare in complete astonishment.
"Is it just me... or does Lady Asia look even more beautiful than before?"
"It’s not just you. She looks like a goddess descended from the heavens."
"And... doesn’t her aura feel different? She seems colder somehow... yet it only makes her even more captivating."
"Keep your voice down! What if Nova hears you? Everyone knows she’s his woman."
"Hmph... it’s not official yet." The man beside him immediately rolled his eyes.
"What are you talking about, you idiot? The whole city already knows. Haven’t you seen the way Lady Asia looks at him? Anyone with eyes can tell."
Nova looked at Maria before smiling helplessly. "How about this? I’ll dance with you after I’ve had a dance with the birthday girl... and with Rieka."
Maria shrugged with a playful smile. "Whatever you say. It’s not like I can force you."
She then glanced toward the approaching Asia and chuckled seductively. "Let’s celebrate our dear Lady Asia’s birthday... or perhaps I should say, your woman’s birthday."
Nove just chuckled awkwardly at her comment not denying it.
With that, Nova and Rieka made their way over to Asia, who had been waiting for them. Soon, the birthday cake was brought out amid loud cheers from the crowd.
After making her wish, Asia cut the cake.
The first piece naturally went to her father.
The second she offered to Nova, followed by Rieka and finally Rodrick, each of them accepting it with warm smiles.
Although Theodore had invited Edward and Jenna to join them, they politely declined. Until Nova and Asia were officially married, they felt it would be more appropriate to remain among the guests rather than stand beside the Frost Family.
Once the cake-cutting ceremony ended, it was time for the gifts.
One after another, the nobles, guild leaders, and even ordinary citizens stepped forward to present Asia with their birthday presents.
Every gift reflected the affection and respect the people of Forstholme held for their young lady.
Finally, Theodore walked forward carrying a long, beautifully crafted wooden box.
When Asia opened it, she found a stunning sapphire-blue sword resting inside. The blade shimmered like crystal ice beneath the sunlight, and its elegant craftsmanship immediately revealed that it was no ordinary weapon.
It was Grandmaster level weapon. Asia’s eyes widened with delight. "Thank you, Father," she said happily before carefully accepting the sword.
Theodore smiled warmly, pleased to see his daughter so happy. Noticing that Nova still hadn’t given her anything, Asia looked at him curiously.
Instead of handing her a present, Nova leaned close and whispered into her ear,
"You’ll receive your gift tonight."
Asia’s cheeks instantly turned crimson. She lowered her head shyly, unable to hide the smile that spread across her face.
As the exchange of gifts came to an end, several more hours passed before the sun gradually disappeared beyond the horizon. However, the celebration was far from over. If anything, it became even more lively as evening arrived.
The Duke’s estate looked even more magnificent under the night sky. Countless mana-enchanted crystal lamps illuminated the gardens in shades of blue, silver, and gold, their soft glow reflecting beautifully across the marble pathways and fountains.
Elegant ribbons swayed gently in the evening breeze while music echoed throughout the estate, blending with the cheerful laughter and conversations of the guests.
Nobles and commoners alike enjoyed the celebration together, making the entire estate feel more like a grand festival than a formal banquet.
As the melody changed to a slower tune, couples gradually made their way onto the spacious dance floor. Holding each other’s hands, they began moving gracefully to the rhythm of the music, their elegant steps displaying the etiquette expected of nobles.
Standing beside Nova, Asia quietly watched them. Every now and then, she would steal a glance at him before quickly looking away. Although she didn’t say a word, the longing in her eyes was obvious.
Nova had never learned ballroom dancing before, but after carefully observing the noble couples for a short while, his extraordinary comprehension allowed him to understand the movements almost immediately.
A faint smile appeared on his face as he turned toward Asia and extended his hand.
"Will you honor me with a dance, my lady?"
Asia blinked before her cheeks slowly turned pink. A beautiful smile blossomed across her face as she gently placed her hand in his.
"I’d love to."
The two walked onto the dance floor together. Nova rested one hand gently on her waist while Asia placed both of hers on his shoulders. As they took their first few steps, she leaned closer and whispered shyly, "I... don’t really know how to dance."
Nova couldn’t help but chuckle.
"Then don’t think about it so much. Just relax and move with the music. I’ll guide you."
Seeing her doubtful expression, he added with a helpless smile, "To be honest, this is my first time too. I’m just as nervous."
His confession made Asia giggle softly, and the nervousness in her heart instantly faded. Trusting him completely, she simply followed his lead.
Their movements gradually became more natural, and before long they were dancing in perfect harmony, drawing many admiring glances from the surrounding guests.
After dancing together for a while, Asia finally stepped back with a satisfied smile. Nova then turned toward Rieka and extended his hand to her.
"I believe it’s your turn now."
Rieka, who had been patiently waiting with a gentle smile on her face, accepted his hand without hesitation before joining him on the dance floor.
Rieka danced nervously, afraid she might trip. She wasn’t used to wearing such elegant dresses, making every step feel unfamiliar. Seeing her nervousness, Nova smiled warmly and gently held her a little closer.
"Relax, honey. I won’t let you fall. Just follow my lead." Trusting him completely, Rieka gradually relaxed and began enjoying the dance.
Not far from the dance floor, Bai Chen stood happily enjoying the banquet’s food. After watching Nova dance with one beautiful lady after another, he stroked his chin and muttered while stuffing another bite into his mouth,
"Truly, Junior Brother Nova is a dragon among men. Maidens flock to him like bees to blossoming flowers. This old one’s admiration for him has grown even greater."
**
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