It was already early in the morning, and I was still sleeping soundly in my room when my parents quietly entered.
They slowly walked over to my bed, trying not to wake me too suddenly.
"Cain…" my mother called out softly, poking my cheek with a cheerful smile.
"Grr… mrmurr…" I groaned, still half-asleep.
"Cain," my father said, chuckling, shaking my body gently.
A few seconds passed before I slowly opened my eyes. My vision was still blurry, but I could make out two familiar figures standing over me.
"Mother? Father? What are you two doing here?" I asked, still groggy as I tried to sit up.
Then—suddenly—they started singing.
"Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday our beloved Cain~!"
Both of them sang with wide smiles, holding what looked like a birthday cake in their hands.
They… actually looked like they were enjoying themselves.
"…What?" I blinked, confused. "Birthday?"
"Yes, Cain! Today's your birthday—you're officially five now!" my mother beamed, her eyes glowing with joy.
Five, huh…
So basically, in this world, five to ten years old is considered the same as early grade school in my previous life. Ages ten to fifteen are like the teenage years, and once you hit fifteen, you're treated as an adult. So by comparison, I just started grade school today.
…I had completely forgotten about my birthday.
I never celebrated my birthday in my previous life. My childhood was filled with pain, not presents. Even as an underworld leader, there was no room for cake, wishes, or joy. In that world… your only purpose was to kill.
I didn't even know what birthdays were supposed to feel like—until now.
Yet now—here they were. Singing. Smiling. Happy… because of me.
I sat in silence, watching my parents with blank eyes.
"Now, blow out the candle and make a wish," my mother said warmly.
They looked so happy. Genuinely happy.
"Come on, Cain~ blow it out," they said together, smiling so wide I could feel the warmth from their voices.
Looking at them like that… I couldn't help but smile.
I leaned forward.
And blew out the candle.
"Happy birthday, Cain!!" they both shouted joyfully before hugging me tightly.
"Ah…" I flinched, caught off guard by the sudden embrace.
But then… that warmth again. So unfamiliar. So real.
"We know you haven't gone into town yet, so we'll take you there today," my father said with a big grin. "We'll celebrate your birthday in the city!"
"…Town?" I repeated without thinking.
As we stepped outside together, my father began explaining.
Apparently, we lived in a small house far from the main city. There was a remote village nearby called Mistthorn Village, just a short walk from our home. I'd never stepped foot outside, so I didn't even know a village existed close by.
He also explained that this world had twelve continents, and one of them was the continent we were currently on: Raventon—a noble land, and the very town we were visiting today to celebrate my birthday.
We continued talking during breakfast, and by the time the food was gone, everything was set.
"Are you excited, Cain?" my mother asked gently as she patted my head.
I flinched for a moment. I'd been deep in thought.
To be honest, I was excited… but also nervous.
This would be the first time I'd ever stepped outside into this world. I had no idea what to expect—what could happen. My heart wouldn't stop beating fast.
Seeing my anxious expression, my father stepped forward.
"Don't worry, Cain. No matter what happens… I, we—will protect you," he said firmly, placing his hand on my head with a reassuring smile. "So relax. This day is for you."
Hearing words like that…
I was speechless.
Sensing the tension, my mother quickly tried to change the mood.
"Alright! Cain, can you help us pack up? Let's get our things ready," she said with a bright smile.
I snapped back to my senses.
"Yes, Mother!"
And so, just a few minutes later, everything was ready.
My father borrowed a carriage from the village.
And just like that… we set off for the noble city of Raventon—my first step into the outside world.