"Phantom Rebirth: The Last White Raven’s Path to the Ultimate Assassin"

Chapter 305: Seraphis' Birthday Celebration

The air in the meeting hall was thick with anticipation, the soft flicker of torchlight dancing across the stone walls. The members of Seraphis' council were gathered around the long, dark oak table, still processing the weight of her previous announcements. They were all awaiting her next words, her gaze focused as always, and yet, there was something different in the air tonight—something more personal.

Seraphis stood at the head of the table, her usual demeanor calm and composed, but there was a slight edge to her voice, a momentary break from her typical stoicism. She cleared her throat, her eyes glimmering with a touch of warmth as she addressed the room.

“I have an announcement to make,” she began, her voice carrying easily through the hall. “Today is my birthday.”

A subtle shift passed through the gathered council members, most of them pausing for a moment to digest what she had just said. The notion of Seraphis celebrating her birthday was not something that had been on anyone’s mind. The young girl, now a woman of eighteen, had always carried herself with a level of gravitas that belied her age. Few had even thought to mark her time in the world—after all, she was the reincarnation of a seasoned assassin, one who had spent years in another life, far older than her current age.

In her mind, however, Seraphis reflected on the passage of time. Three years had passed since she had been reborn into this new world, a world where she had carved out a path for herself, one that would eventually reshape the entire kingdom. Time was a curious thing for her now; it felt like both an eternity and a mere blink of an eye.

The Three Years That Changed Everything

As the thought lingered in her mind, memories flooded back to her early days in this new world. The first few months had been a blur—training under the tutelage of the old man who had raised her, learning to navigate the dangers of this strange land, and eventually, forging the connections that had brought her to this point. The path to becoming the ruler of this kingdom had been paved with struggles, with moments of doubt and exhaustion, but she had pushed forward with an unwavering resolve. And now, at the tender age of eighteen, she was not the same girl who had first opened her eyes to the world. She was stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever to make her mark on this realm.

Three years. The thought still felt surreal, considering how much had changed in such a short time.

 A Moment of Surprise

Elowen’s eyes widened, and she couldn’t help but smile. “Happy birthday, Seraphis!” she exclaimed, her voice warm with affection. “Eighteen, huh? It feels like just yesterday we were standing in the forest, trying to figure everything out.”

Theia, sitting nearby, gave a lighthearted chuckle. “It’s hard to believe it’s already been three years. Time certainly flies when you’re building a kingdom from scratch.” She grinned at Seraphis. “I guess you’ve earned yourself a little celebration, haven’t you?”

Seraphis smiled faintly, nodding. “Yes, I suppose I have.”

 The Dread of Being the Center of Attention

For a moment, Seraphis felt a strange tightening in her chest. She was not one to seek attention or display any form of vulnerability. The weight of her responsibilities often kept her focused on the larger picture, the kingdom, the people, and the future. Birthdays had never been important to her in her past life—after all, what was the value of celebrating another year when she had lived so many others before?

But this world, this life, was different. She had never expected to grow attached to it, to cherish the friendships and bonds she had forged, but the reality was inescapable. The people around her had become family, and their excitement for her birthday made her realize how far she had come from the solitary existence she once knew. She had changed, and for the first time in a long time, she found herself accepting the gesture of celebration, even if it felt foreign.

 The Dining Hall: Preparing for the Feast

The council’s meeting concluded, and they all made their way to the dining hall, where the festivities were set to begin. The grand hall, normally reserved for matters of state and strategy, had been transformed into a warm and welcoming space. Rich tapestries lined the walls, each depicting scenes of past victories, mythical creatures, and the kingdom's natural beauty. A long table was adorned with a variety of finely crafted dishes, each one representing the best of the kingdom’s culinary traditions.

As Seraphis entered the dining hall, she couldn’t help but admire the efforts of those who had worked to make the evening special. Lilith, ever the organizer, had overseen the preparation of the banquet, ensuring that everything was perfect for Seraphis’ birthday celebration. There was a lavish spread laid out before them—roasts of tender meats, fresh breads, vibrant vegetables, and sweet desserts that seemed almost too beautiful to eat.

Garoth, the blacksmith, grinned at her as he handed her a goblet filled with a rich, deep-red wine. “To the future of the kingdom,” he said with a wink. “May it be as strong as steel.”

“Thank you, Garoth,” Seraphis replied, accepting the drink with a smile. She glanced around the table, her gaze falling on each of her companions. “I’m not sure I deserve all of this, but I’ll gladly accept it.”

 The Toast

Azrael raised his glass, his voice quiet but clear. “To Seraphis, a leader, a friend, and a force of nature. May this day remind you of all you’ve achieved, and all that’s yet to come.”

The others joined in, their glasses clinking together in a chorus of congratulations. Seraphis, still not accustomed to being the center of attention, felt her cheeks flush, but she accepted the moment with grace. The people she had come to rely on were here, gathered to celebrate her, and in that moment, she felt a rare sense of warmth.

 Laughter and Conversation

As the feast continued, the atmosphere lightened. The normally reserved group shared stories and jokes, each one offering small glimpses into their personalities. Theia spoke of her early days as a mercenary, regaling everyone with tales of the dangers she had faced in her youth. Lilith, in turn, shared stories of her adventures in the world of politics, her sharp wit making everyone laugh as she imitated some of the ridiculous nobles she had once crossed paths with.

Even Garoth, usually focused on his work as a blacksmith, shared a rare anecdote about a particularly troublesome batch of iron that had nearly ruined a commission. His booming laughter echoed through the hall as he recounted the mishap, and everyone joined in, enjoying the easy camaraderie that filled the space.

 The Sweetest Moment

As the meal began to wind down, a dessert tray was brought forward, laden with sweet confections. There were delicate pastries filled with creamy custards, spiced cakes glazed with honey, and small, ornate candies that seemed to shimmer with magic. The table was covered in an array of colors and flavors, each dessert more beautiful than the last.

Seraphis had not been expecting a cake, but when a small, intricate confection was placed in front of her—a layered honey cake, decorated with delicate flowers made of sugar and a single candle at the top—she felt a swell of emotion. She looked down at the cake, her fingers tracing the edges of the candle.

“Make a wish,” Elowen said with a grin, nudging her gently.

Seraphis hesitated for a moment, then closed her eyes. It was a strange request, one she had never entertained before. But in this life, she had learned that sometimes, it was okay to hope, to dream, and to wish. So, with a quiet exhale, she made her wish, her heart full.

 Music and Dancing

As the night wore on, the castle’s musicians began to play. The soft melodies of the string instruments filled the hall, setting a gentle mood. Some of the council members began to sway, while others, more reluctant to dance, simply smiled and clapped along to the beat.

Seraphis, for the first time in a long while, found herself caught up in the spirit of the celebration. Azrael, ever the gentleman, offered her a hand. “Would you honor me with a dance, Lady Seraphis?”

For a moment, she was taken aback, but the warmth in his gaze was undeniable. With a smile, she accepted, stepping onto the dance floor, the soft music surrounding them.

The others watched with smiles, but none more genuine than those of Lilith and Garoth, who exchanged knowing glances. It was a rare sight to see Seraphis so at ease.

 The End of the Night

By the time the celebration began to wind down, the guests were content, their hearts light and their spirits lifted. Seraphis had never imagined she would be the subject of such attention, but as she gazed around the room, surrounded by her friends, she realized that this birthday—this celebration—was more than just a day. It was a reflection of how far she had come, how much she had grown, and the deep bonds she had forged with the people who had become her family.

As the last of the music played softly in the background, Seraphis stood at the edge of the hall, watching her companions. She felt a deep sense of peace, knowing that, despite all the battles and struggles yet to come, she was not alone. She was surrounded by those who truly cared.

It was, in every sense, the beginning of a new chapter—not just in her life, but in the life of the kingdom she was destined to lead.