* * *
"Happy birthday, Jin."
Rishar handed Jin a well-wrapped gift box.
A few days ago, when I'd asked Rishar if there was anything he wanted for his birthday, he'd refused a gift, saying, 'You being this healthy is the best birthday present.'
Yet here he was, giving Jin a fancy gift box complete with a ribbon. Jin felt a bit embarrassed for no reason and fiddled with the ribbon on the box.
"Come on, open it already."
Rishar urged him. His face was full of expectation and certainty that Jin would love it.
Jin chuckled and opened the gift box Rishar held out. Inside was a very old book with a leather cover.
"Hmm, a rare book on dwarven civilization."
Jin flipped through it with interest, his eyes sparkling. The book was written in ancient characters no longer used on the continent, but Jin was familiar with reading them.
"Thanks, Rishar."
The one who'd gifted the book couldn't read the characters written in it at all. Yet thinking of how Rishar must have searched high and low to find it for him made it all the more precious.
Tears seemed ready to fall from Rishar's eyes any moment. Probably because he thought it a miracle that Jin could even celebrate his birthday.
Of course, Jin felt the same. Around this time last year, lying bedridden, he'd thought his thirty-second birthday would be his last. Others hadn't said it outright, but they seemed to think so too.
So last year's birthday had been outwardly joyful but behind the scenes, a day of tears for everyone.
"As I mentioned at breakfast earlier, we're holding a big banquet tonight. Stop by and say hello at least. Everyone's waiting for you. Teacher says your condition's fine too."
At Rishar's words, Jin looked up at him.
In truth, Jin didn't particularly like birthdays. 'That woman' had never even given him a warm meal on his birthday, let alone proper congratulations. Not getting beaten was a blessing.
However, ever since Jin built this massive rebel city underground, his birthday had become not just his personal milestone but a feast day for the entire Liberators family.
On the surface, festivals and laughter had vanished. The result of the empire's tyranny. Everyone lived trembling under terror politics. Jin had permitted birthday banquets hoping at least down here, such things wouldn't happen.
"Yeah, got it."
Replying to Rishar, Jin fiddled with Astrid's gift in his pocket.
For the first time in his life, he was glad to celebrate his birthday. Just because Astrid had wished him happy birthday.
'...A handmade embroidered handkerchief.'
Not just any embroidery, but lavender flowers. As if she knew he coveted her scent.
Come to think of it, he wasn't sure why he'd said that. 'I like it too, Doctor Teacher.' But the moment 'Because I like it' came from Astrid's mouth, he somehow wanted to say it.
Of course, it was only possible because he was certain she wouldn't realize his feelings.
"Jin, what're you thinking so deeply about?"
Rishar called him. Lost in thought, Jin realized he'd been staring blankly at the open book. Rare for him to have his mind elsewhere with a book right in front of him.
"Hm, nothing."
Jin shook his head and turned back to the book. Somehow, the words wouldn't enter his eyes. His heart fluttered as if floating on clouds.
Then, Rishar suddenly lowered his voice.
"Oh, right, Jin. Like you said, I investigated mainly those who know the Lake Shore walk schedule."
Jin felt his heart sink coldly as he looked at Rishar.
"But there hasn't been any movement since. No one's contacting the Black Spider right now."
At Rishar's words, Jin rubbed his cheek with his hand, deep in thought. Clearly, someone was selling Liberators' info to the Black Spider for some reason, but they'd gone into hiding.
"Now... it's time for me to set a trap. To flush out the traitor."
Jin's voice sounded a bit colder than usual. Rishar watched his friend intently.
* * *
I'd checked on Jin, then lay on the patient's bed for a bit and dozed off, but evening was already approaching. Guess skipping sleep for days to embroider had worn me out. I stretched languidly and got up.
Then, a knock came from outside the door. It was Lui.
"Lui! What brings you here?"
I welcomed her warmly.
But Lui entering the clinic was dressed differently from usual. She always wore overall work clothes, but not today.
Not women's stylish attire either. More like men's formal tailcoat vibe.
"Let's go to the banquet together, Teacher."
Lui said with a smile.
Ah, right, the banquet! She'd dressed up for it.
"Lui, the outfit suits you well."
"Hehe, I'm so used to work clothes that skirts feel weird."
Lui scratched her cheek sheepishly. Her face said my compliment was unexpected.
Considering this society's conservatism, Lui probably got a lot of dirty looks for wearing pants mostly. Women wearing pants was rare here.
Sigh, our sweet Lui. Just try saying anything about her pants. Whoever it is, I won't let them off. I clenched my fist with resolve.
"By the way, where's Rick?"
Lui and Rick were always stuck together like thread and needle, but Rick was missing today.
"Over there."
Looking where Lui pointed, Rick stood dressed neatly and sharply, having put some effort in for the banquet.
I hooked one arm with Lui's and the other with Rick's. This was both arms in full bloom!
"Let's go!"
Arriving at the dining hall, I was stunned. The massive space—like my school cafeteria expanded tenfold—was packed without room to step.
I hadn't realized so many people lived in the Underground City. Well, I only met a limited few usually.
A fresh sense of just how terrifyingly high-level a rebel leader I was treating hit me.
One table had kids gathered thickly, and I easily spotted Rodent among them. That platinum hair really stands out. Protagonist aura is different, huh.
Rodent, meeting my eyes, came scampering over excitedly.
"Teacher! Hi, Lui sis and Rick bro too!"
I stroked Rodent's head as he greeted brightly. The fluffy hair texture felt so good.
"Teacher, sit quick or no seats left."
Lui urged, looking around.
I nodded and looked at Rodent.
"Rodent, go back to your friends."
He seemed to want to stick with me more, but getting along with same-age friends would help his growth too.
Soon after I, Rick, and Lui sat, Rishar wheeled Jin into the banquet hall. Everyone murmured, gazing at Jin.
He looked much healthier compared to when I first saw him. Everyone watched that Jin with deep emotion.
"Dear Liberators."
As Jin stood from the wheelchair and spoke, the murmuring hall fell silent instantly.
"Thank you for gathering here to celebrate my humble birthday this year too. We must continue fighting for all in the Regnumia Empire ahead, and I know that path won't be easy."
I stared at Jin in a daze. This was my first time seeing him speak before everyone. I'd thought he just wheezed, but—what? He had charisma that gripped the audience.
"But for this time tonight, I hope you all set aside your burdens and enjoy. Sincerely."
Jin said with a bright smile.
Seeing it, an exclamation escaped me naturally. Ah, maybe not charisma but captivating with that beauty.
My months of effort fattening Jin were shining now.
"To do that, better not drag on. One last thing. I believe you know what you all mean to me. My family, friends, comrades walking the same path. Always grateful."
Jin bowed as he finished. The once-silent room filled instantly with cheers. Everyone chanted Jin's name.
In the highly charged atmosphere, I alone felt floating adrift.
'Feels just like an idol's comeback showcase after years away.'
Might be a rude thought shattering the mood, but anyway.
No wonder the vibe was like this. Jin, who'd been bedridden near death, now stood before their eyes.
"Comrades."
Now Rishar spoke. The room quieted again.
"We can fight here underground for the empire's people thanks most to Jin's grace. On his birthday, I propose a toast. Everyone, raise your glasses."
Jin had soft charisma, but Rishar's overwhelming the crowd was no joke. Like a roaring lion.
"For Jin!"
As Rishar led, all echoed, "For Jin!" Chanting his name together, the Underground City rang thunderously.
Jin took in the cheers chanting his name without a hint of shyness, seeming to enjoy it.
"And we have one more to thank."
At that, I perked my ears and looked at Rishar.
"Jin standing healthy by our side like this is all thanks to Teacher Astrid Ober."
My name from Rishar's mouth made my face heat as I looked around. Ah, no, not just Rishar—everyone watched me.
"For Astrid Ober."
Rishar said softly in that deep, thick voice. Like with Jin, now everyone chanted my name.
'For Astrid Ober.'
Astrid Ober had felt awkward at first, but this moment, I knew for sure. The name they chanted was definitely 'mine.'
