At the scene, probably only Asuka didn't notice the awkward atmosphere. She raised her hands and cheerfully said in her soft, cute little voice, "Happy birthday Sister Mira!"
With Asuka leading the way, everyone's minds gradually started working, belatedly and sparsely offering their blessings.
At this moment, Elfman and Lisana together pushed a five-tier cake out from the kitchen, wearing bright smiles on their faces: "Happy birth... huh?"
Something seems off about this atmosphere, and also, why is Wolian standing in the center position?
Mira was momentarily stunned outside the door. She looked up at the banner hanging inside the guild, then looked at Rhode who was smiling bitterly beside her, and finally understood what was going on.
Rhode said helplessly, "Sorry, I was hoping to surprise you, but..."
Wolian was almost in tears, feeling both sad and guilty, even doubting if he was a good person.
"I see." Mira stood on tiptoe and kissed Rhode's cheek, smiling sweetly, "The surprise has already been received. Thank you, my dear. Of course, thank you all for your intentions!"
Wolian hung his head gloomily, "I'm sorry."
"Don't mind it." Mira smiled at him, "Instead, situations like this make it more interesting."
'Is the interesting part me?' Wolian felt like he was hit in the chest by an arrow.
Although the beginning was a little awkward, Mira's birthday party was still held smoothly.
Mira made her wish seriously, blew out the candles, and made the first cut of the cake.
Then the party almost had nothing to do with her.
Not a bit of the five-tier cake, which had been intentionally enlarged, was wasted. It all went into everyone's stomachs.
Next, dish after dish of Mr. Cook's specialties were brought out from the kitchen, and everyone started eating, drinking, and messing around.
If Rhode hadn't stopped her, Mira would probably have had her professional instincts kick in, personally carrying dishes around.
Elfman sighed, "It was supposed to be Sister's birthday party, but it turned out just like usual."
Rhode lightly shook his head, "I knew it would end up like this."
"Isn't this great?" Mira held her cheeks with her hands, smilingly watching everyone having a good time.
Whether it's a birthday or a holiday, as long as she can see everyone laughing and playing without restraint, she's already very happy.
Wolian received comfort from Marcus and, after a round of fooling around, had his spirits lifted.
He came back over to greet them again.
Rhode asked, "Have you completed that project?"
"Yeah, but mass production will need to wait a while." He said, taking out two samples, "See, it's this."
Rhode looked at the two palm-sized rectangular flat objects in surprise and said, "Cellphones?"
"They're miniature communication magic crystals," Wolian corrected, gently lighting up the screen.
Rhode was even more surprised, "A touchscreen cellphone?"
"Told you, it's a magic crystal." Wolian swiped his finger across the screen, and this cell phone-like magic crystal immediately let out a dialing sound.
Soon after, the front of the other magic crystal started flashing, and a call button appeared on the screen.
Wolian then pressed the other magic crystal and said, "Now you can talk."
"Now you can talk." His voice almost simultaneously came from the magic crystal.
Isn't this just a cellphone!
Wolian introduced, "This can transmit sound only, this can also transmit images..."
Rhode nostalgically picked up the 'cellphone', fiddled with it for a while, and then asked, "Games?"
"What?"
"Does it have music and camera functions?"
"Why would a communication magic crystal have those things?"
"No reason, I just think it should have them," Rhode said.
Rhode played with it for a bit, and although it looked similar, it was still just a communicator.
Wolian saw that Rhode seemed to like it, so he straightforwardly handed him the magic crystal he was holding:
"Consider this a birthday gift for Mira. I heard that Rhode has been running outside a lot recently, and with this, it's more convenient for you to talk."
Mira smiled, "Thank you, it's a great gift."
Rhode also thanked him and found the task record from back then, "By the way, how is the reward for this long-term task calculated?"
"Because I made significant contributions during the development period, they gave me two choices. The first is to directly receive a large sum of labor fees, and the second is to wait for the sales and earn royalty fees according to the patent fee model."
Wolian smiled proudly, "I feel like it will definitely be a big hit, so I chose the second option."
"Smart choice," Rhode had to admit. This kid is likely to make a fortune in the future.
…
Day by day, Mira's belly grew larger.
Every week, Rhode would take her to see Granny Porlyusica for a check-up, which made the old lady a bit annoyed.
This was not the first time she had encountered someone in the guild being pregnant, but it was the first time she met such a cautious expectant father.
There are no pains or adverse symptoms, so why come for a check-up all the time?
Porlyusica could not imagine what would happen when the due date approached; she might end up having to host them every day.
"Everything is normal... huh?"
Porlyusica's change in tone made the couple tense up, "How is it? Is there something wrong?"
Porlyusica smiled, "It's probably good news. Congratulations to you both."
"??"
"It's twins."
"!!"
Rhode was both shocked and delighted, confirming with Porlyusica several times before being chased out.
This attitude absolutely meant it was confirmed.
Mira touched her belly with both hands, showing a blissful smile—here lies two little lives.
Rhode placed his hand on the back of her hand, chuckling foolishly.
But thinking about the pain she'll experience during childbirth, he said tenderly, "It'll be tough for you then."
Mira gently shook her head, "I'm not afraid, you're here with me. Hmm... and there's Granny Porlyusica and Wendy."
Rhode also thought with this lineup, whether a natural birth or cesarean, there wouldn't be any issue, not even a scar from the cesarean.
But safety is one thing, the hardship is another.
Mira didn't consider these things but curiously asked, "Do you think having twins in one go is more painful, or getting pregnant twice with each taking turns is more painful?"
"Hmm... good question. Why don't we go back and persuade Alzack and Bisca to have another one? Then we'll know the answer."
Mira laughed, "Great idea!"
The news of Mira being pregnant with twins quickly spread in the guild, undoubtedly causing another stir.
Many girls were curious to touch Mira's belly, but after Mira agreed, more than half didn't dare to.
Erza plucked up the courage to give it a try.
The first time she reached out, she halted halfway and went to wash her hands before coming back—not sure why she's afraid through the clothing.
The second time she reached out, she stopped again and used Requip Magic to remove her armor—confused why she changed clothes when she wasn't wearing gloves.
The third time she reached out, she trembled as her fingertips approached, so Erza quickly withdrew her hand, calming down her emotions.
The fourth time she reached out... Mira said apologetically that Erza took too long and she needed to use the restroom.
Then Mira hid behind a corner, secretly watching Erza's disappointed look, showing a smile like a little demon.
Rhode looked helplessly at his wife taking the opportunity to fool others, finally managing to control his expression, though suddenly feeling worried about the children's prenatal education...