SS: After the Surprise Birthday*

Maria blushed a bit and fidgeted, her behavior struck Alex as odd.

'What is she up to?'

"What's the matter, my lady?"

Alex scanned her to see if he could pick something out.

Maria lifted her head and she hesitated for a bit before she voiced her thoughts in a mosquito-like voice.

"About today, thank you…"

Alex shook his head while smiling. He enjoyed the Ice Empress's flustered look but he replied anyway.

"Here I was thinking about what you might be trying to say. Didn't you say thank you at the party?"

Maria pursed her lips. She lowered her head and went silent. He wondered if saying thanks might be asking too much from this tsundere here.

Maria vigorously lifted her head back up and she stood on the tips of her toes to give Alex a peck on the cheek.

Alex couldn't believe what just happened. When he saw how Maria was blushing deep red, he almost laughed out loud at how clumsy the Ice Empress was.