A Reaper's Smile

There was a tradition in Valeria Kingdom that in every second birthday celebration, all presents should be gather into one place before proceeding to the event Hall. It will be placed in one place and nobody knows which gift is from who. All the gifts will be scattered in one table and the birthday celebrant should choose one gift from it. The gift she will choose will represent her future accomplishments and affinity with the person who gave it.

The Hagris butler along with a few Hagris knights inspected all the given gifts before placing it in the table, this it to avoid putting anything harmful presents that may endanger their young lady's life. They removed all the gifts which are sharp and unsuitable for the selection.

Upon his Majesty's words, every guest in the mansion excitedly looks at the table with all the presents placed in it. All of it looks expensive, luxurious and well thought presents. There are a few famous painting, painted by the most well known artist, there was also rare ingredient for making medicines and other herbal medicine which is good for improving health. Some are tacticians books, some are jewelries , latest trend dresses and shoes, hair accessories, diamonds , different books , a sculpted toy sword made of jade and other expensive toys.

General Hagris getly put Lady Shizuna at the near the center of the table so she can easily brows and search for the gift she likes the most. Lady Shinye and young master Shinri are both standing beside General Hagris. They look warmly and lovingly to little Shizuna. They all had the same thought , no matter what Shizuna chose they will always accept and love her nonetheless.

Shizuna glace at each presents around her. Her cute dazzling eyes drop from one present to another. She slowly walks towards the table and the place turns silent for while. They are all waiting patiently for little Shizuna to decide. Shizuna raise her hand near a certain set of books, some invited well known strategist and scholars smiles looking at her choice. Choosing a book only means she will grow up intelligent that might someday be like them.

Looking the smug faces of this nerdy smarty pants individual made some of the general and other veteran commanders frowl. How can the daughter of one of the famous great general be a nerdy? Can't she choose the toy sword or shield? Maybe the dagger keychain? She should be like her father and brother, an exceptional fighter. If not, then she can also be just like her mother. A great healer is not bad at all. She will be love by the people in this kingdom.

While everyone has different thought thinking that she will choose a book, everyone gasp in shock when they saw her hand drop on the object beside the books.

The Hagris family are stunned at the moment, even the Royal Family is surprised. What little Shizuna holds in her hand is a beautiful small hair ornament. It is carefully crafted hanfu flower shaped with shining diamonds and jades. At the center of the flower is a long pin. It looks so elegant, suited to young lady of the general's little miss.

Choosing a handu hair pin means the little young lady Shizuna is destined to have a sweet blooming romance when she grow up. She might be a lovely housewife when the time comes. But what they really want to know is who does the hanfu hair pin came from? He might be destined to cross paths with the little sweetheart of Hagris family.

The materials used in making this handfu hair pin is very rare in their kingdom and seeing the surprised expression form the Royal Family, everyone assume that this present is from one of them. But they are not sure which one of them since all the gifts are confiscated at the entrance of the hall.

Of course the Royal Family are aware whose present it was. Purchasing diamonds and jades at once can't be hidden even without investigation. After all , the two five years old princes expenditures still depend on his highness treasury. Prince Rhen and Prince Rhuy can't help but exchange glances with each other.

A loud, boisterous laughter echoed inside the hall. His majesty, Emperor Valier laugh merrily that gathers the attention of everyone.

" I guess our family are really meant to unite General Hagris. I'm actually thinking about marrying my youngest son to your little sweetheart but I'm still having my considerations but witnessing your little daughter chose my son's present, I'm convinced now that they should be together. Besides as I have seen a while ago, your daughter seems to admire my son. So what do you think, my loyal general? Do mind bethrothing your daughter to my youngest son, Prince Rhuy?" , his highness asked General Hagris merrily.