Ansel's Gift - Two (I)

Seraphina's birthday celebration was by no means a lavish affair. 

She had a fondness for lively gatherings, yet she was not one to insist on pomp and circumstance. Indeed, as Ansel had mentioned, Seraphina had few friends in the imperial city. 

Presently, the attendees included only Ansel, Seraphina, Marlina, the Hydral couple, and Lawrence and Toradon, who joined for the merriment. 

The venue was set on the open lawn of the Hydral manor, where servants had transported an array of cooking equipment for on-site preparation, creating a bustling scene that scarcely resembled the "banquets" of the era. 

However, Seraphina was delighted, and it was precisely because of her preferences that Ansel had chosen to do so.

The young Hydral stood by the bar, personally crafting beverages for the gathering, while Flamelle stood beside his son, observing the various hues within the exquisite bottles, his eyebrows slightly raised.