"Good morning, milady", I greeted as I entered Ayaka's bedroom carrying a tray of food. "Happy birthday."
"Good morning, Thoma", Ayaka said, before I placed the tray of food down in front of her. "This all looks so delicious! Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome, milady", I said, before sitting down next to her futon. "My lord would like to apologise for not being able to spend the day with you. But he promises to do his best to celebrate with you tonight!"
"I see", Ayaka replied sadly.
Then, she quickly shook her head before looking up at me with a smile.
"I mustn't be upset", she stated. "Brother is the head of the Yashiro Commission after all. He has many responsibilities. Besides, I too have things I must do today. Since it is my birthday, I will be going around Narukami and greeting as many people as I can."
"I'm sure that the residents of Narukami will be honoured to be graced by the presence of the Shirasagi Himegimi on her birthday", I stated.
"Will you be joining me, Thoma", Ayaka asked.
"I'm afraid not, milady", I replied. "I have errands to attend to today."
"Oh", Ayaka said sadly, before shaking her head once more. "Well then, I will not keep you up. Thank you very much for the breakfast, Thoma."
"You're very welcome, milady", I said before bowing. "Enjoy your birthday."
With this, I got up and left Ayaka's bedroom. Once I was out of her earshot…I sighed in frustration.
"I feel terrible about leaving milady alone on her birthday", I said softly to myself. "Hopefully my surprise will make it up to her."
Ayaka's POV
After spending the day around Narukami Island, I had returned to the Kamisato Estate.
When I got there…I found Thoma waiting for me at the entrance.
"Wecome home, milady", he greeted. "How was it?"
"It was very nice", I replied. "Hearing everybody's birthday wishes made me very happy."
"I'm glad", Thoma replied. "Anyway, now that you're here…I have something to give you, milady."
With that, Thoma quickly grabbed something before holding it up for me.
"What a lovely dress", I said as I took it from him.
"It's based on the dresses traditionally worn in Mondstadt", Thoma revealed.
"Really", I asked, beginning to get excited.
"Yes", Thoma replied. "Some time ago, Kazuha took a trip to Mondstadt. Before he left, I requested that he get a list of materials for me. When he returned, I gave those materials to Mio to make the dress."
"Thoma", I said in shock. "You did all of that, just to make me a dress?"
"Not just a dress", Thoma revealed. "Get changed, then…I'll show you what else I did with those materials."
…
As the sun was beginning to set, Thoma was leading me to the top of Amakane Island by my hand while I closed my eyes.
"We're almost there", he revealed, before suddenly stopping. "Alright. You can open your eyes now, milady."
With this, I opened my eyes…and was met with a wonderful sight.
Set up on top of Amakane Island was a picnic, surrounded by flowers I had never seen before.
"Do you like it, milady", Thoma asked. "All the foods laid out before you are Mondstadt specialties, and the flowers surrounding the picnic are from Mondstadt as well."
"Thoma", I breathed out in awe.
"I know how much you wish to experience the cultures of other nations, milady", Thoma said. "And since you can't go to Mondstadt at the moment, I decided to bring Mondstadt to you."
After Thoma said this…a huge smile came to my face.
Then…I ran up to Thoma before wrapping my arms around his neck.
"This is one of the best birthday gifts ever", I exclaimed. "Thank you so much, Thoma!"
"You're very welcome, milady", Thoma said.
Then, he pulled my arms away from his neck…and held tightly onto my hands.
"Happy birthday, Ayaka."
After Thoma said this…I smiled widely at him.
"Thoma", I started. "Thank you for always being there for me."