Marco's birthdays were always lively affairs.
His popularity and cherished status in Fairy Tail ensured enthusiastic celebrations.
Early in the morning, freshly washed and dressed, Marco hadn't even stepped outside when a beautifully wrapped box came flying towards him.
"Happy birthday."
Along with the packaged box came an awkward birthday greeting.
Marco looked up to see Laxus's figure swiftly disappearing at the doorway, giving off the distinct vibe of someone fleeing in embarrassment after doing something wrong.
'Such a tsundere brother.'
Laxus's antics made Marco chuckle involuntarily.
He silently mocked the boy in his mind before directly opening Laxus's gift.
Inside was a black magic headphones, though much plainer compared to the one Laxus usually used.
It lacked the pointed edges on either side and resembled the over-ear headphones Marco remembered from his past life.
"And it's the latest model too."
Marco took out the headphones and immediately put it on to play.
A powerful drumbeat of classical music blasted through—the kind Laxus loved most, which he called "rock-style classical music."
"Ugh—" Marco winced and quickly took off the headphones.
Maybe his artistic appreciation was just too lacking—he truly couldn't enjoy this.
'I should find time to compose a battle BGM. Wearing these headphones during battle and fight while listening to the BGM sounds badass.'
Marco mused to himself.
How could a fight be complete without BGM? It just wouldn't feel right otherwise!
Besides, this headphones seemed to have an external speaker function, which was even better.
When the battle began, he could just turn on the speaker and as the intense music played, the enemy would be executed in an instant.
Though come to think of it, the BGM might also need have a rock-classical vibe?
Putting the headphones back on, Marco left home and headed for the Fairy Tail guild.
The guild hall was already decorated—today was a perfectly justifiable day to throw a party.
Sometimes Marco wondered if everyone wasn't actually celebrating his birthday but simply using it as an excuse to party.
His birthday was just a convenient reason everyone agreed on—even Gramps found it appropriate.
On his way to the guild, Marco received plenty of well-wishes, small gifts, and armfuls of flowers and cards.
Phil, the shabbily dressed flower girl, had even specially woven him a floral crown today and placed it on his head herself.
Brimming with the blessings of Magnolia's citizens, Marco arrived at the guild.
The moment he stepped through the guild doors, he spotted Gramps sitting at the bar counter.
The old man was holding a mug nearly the size of his own head, happily chugging away.
"Ahhh—!"
After a big gulp, Makarov let out a satisfied sigh, his nose already slightly red.
This was just how the old man was in the guild.
"Marco's here!"
"Come over! You're the star today!"
Marco's arrival immediately drew everyone's attention.
Gildarts laughed heartily and waved him over, urging him to hurry.
Marco strode into the Fairy Tail guild hall, now dazzlingly adorned with magical decorations.
Glowing lacrima floated near the ceiling and a sparkling banner with the words "Happy Birthday, Marco!" draped in festive streamers hung above the bar counter.
Airo danced barefoot on a table, her graceful movements drawing continuous cheers from the crowd.
Who wouldn't enjoy watching a lightly dressed beauty dance?
Rows of long tables were piled high with triple-layer cream cakes, various dishes, fresh fruits, and honey wine stored in oak barrels.
Banners, delicacies, dancing, cakes, and desserts—everything one could imagine was present.
Marco took a seat at the central long table in the hall, with Gildarts sitting beside him.
"Marco! Time flies—you've grown a year older!" Gildarts laughed heartily while slapping Marco's shoulder with such enthusiasm that Marco felt like he might fall apart.
Marco had grown up under the watchful eyes of everyone in the guild, so they were all overjoyed, their faces beaming with smiles.
The lively atmosphere was electric with constant cheers and excitement.
Even in the corner, Laxus wore a faint smile, having already noticed the headphones temporarily hanging around Marco's neck.
Amid the cheerful and bustling scene, Natsu and Gray approached, each holding a gift box.
The two jostled and shoved each other all the way until they stood before Marco.
But before either could speak, Erza pushed them aside.
Clang!
A large box was placed on the table by Erza, who was dressed in a "party-exclusive" adorable pink armor, her hair styled in twin tails, giving her a cute and lively appearance.
"Marco, this is my gift for you—a set of armor," Erza announced confidently.
She had specially commissioned it from an armor shop, perfectly tailored to Marco's measurements—data she had secretly obtained from master Makarov.
"Thank you, Erza. This gift is too extravagant," Marco said, genuinely surprised by the armor box before him.
Perhaps she had it custom-made after seeing him use the "Bronze Cloth"?
"It's nothing. I have plenty of armor sets, but none of them would fit you, so I had to order a new one," Erza explained.
Her armors, of course, wouldn't suit Marco—gender aside, her armors didn't adapt to their wearers like the "Bronze Cloth" did.
If she wanted to gift him armor, a new one was the only option.
Once Erza finished presenting her gift, Gray and Natsu resumed their shoving match, each eager to be the next to give their presents.
"Silence—!"
Before they could settle their dispute, Makarov drunkenly leaped onto the counter, his beer mug sloshing foam as he raised it high.
"Let's all wish Marco a happy birthday!" Makarov shouted, stirring up the festive mood.
""Cheers!""
Everyone raised their glasses in response to Makarov's toast—adults with alcohol and the children with juice.
The crowd cheered loudly for Marco's birthday before indulging in hearty drinks, the celebratory atmosphere encouraging everyone to drink a little more.
"Marco, this is my gift."
After the toast, everyone began presenting their gifts to Marco one after another.
Natsu and Gray, still caught in their endless shoving match, kept getting cut in line—after all, they were too busy holding each other back.
It wasn't until the party ended that Marco finally received gifts from the two.
Natsu and Gray, both bruised and battered, had clearly been beaten up by Erza again.
------------------------------
Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator