Chapter 68: Ellory’s Birthday
Axelius crept slowly beneath the shadows of the tall trees, his back low, and every step careful as he peeked around the trunk of an old oak. His eyes narrowed when he noticed something unusual—maids in neat dresses, butlers with their silver trays, and several guards dressed in polished armor were walking all over the garden paths, their movements focused and fast, like they were preparing or watching something important.
"Looks like there’s another reason why the Duke grounded you," Owen’s small voice echoed softly as he floated beside Axelius, bouncing just above the grass.
Axelius crossed his arms with a scoff and replied in a huff, "Ha! He’s using that punishment just to keep me from getting into trouble? I’m not even a troublemaker!"
Owen immediately tilted his round slime-like body and stared up at him with eyes full of doubt, not even needing to speak to show that he didn’t believe a single word. His stare alone was saying, "Really?"
"Now, let’s see what’s going on," Axelius muttered, grinning like a kid with a secret plan. He moved along the edge of the trees and snuck through bushes until he found a spot where he could see the other side of the garden clearly.
There, on the other side, was a beautiful and wide stone-paved courtyard surrounded by flowering trees, with long tables filled with delicious food—cakes stacked in layers, pies, fruits, roasted meats, and cups of tea and juice—all laid out under white silk cloth.
Nobles stood in small groups, talking softly and gracefully, each of them dressed in their best. The men wore fine coats with silver buttons and golden cuffs, while the women wore dresses that shimmered in the sun, their hair decorated with ribbons and tiny gems. They all looked clean, elegant, and very proper, not even one strand of hair out of place.
Axelius’s eyes lit up as they locked onto the tables. "Oh, food!" he whispered, his whole body almost shaking in excitement.
After looking left and right and making sure no one was looking his way, he dashed quickly toward the nearest table, crouched low behind it, and climbed up onto a chair. He lifted the bottom of his shirt like a sack and began filling it with all sorts of food—meat skewers, pastries,