The aroma of dinner wafted through the air, filling the house with a warm sense of home that had been missing for weeks. After a month without Aoi’s presence, the family had gathered for a special dinner, celebrating not only the mother’s return but also the rare occasion of being together—something that had grown even more precious during her prolonged absence.

The table was adorned with an array of exquisite dishes, and the lively chatter and laughter created a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere. Allegra settled into her chair, savoring the delicious food and the joy of being surrounded by her family. Though still feeling a little out of place in her new body, the dinner’s warmth and togetherness gave her a sense of comfort and belonging.

Aoi, Wolfgang, and Asher were equally animated, exchanging stories about their days and catching up after their time apart. The conversation flowed effortlessly, filling the air with a happy camaraderie.

During the meal, Aoi turned to Allegra with a bright smile. “Before I forget,” she said, “I wanted to ask what you’d like for your birthday gift. We know your birthday has already passed, but now that I’m back, we’d love to celebrate it properly.”

Allegra, mid-bite, pondered the question while glancing around the room. Without much ceremony, and still chewing her food, she casually replied, “I’d like some stocks and someone to help me manage them.”

Her offhand remark, delivered with her mouth full, caused an unexpected silence to descend over the table. Wolfgang, sipping wine at that exact moment, choked and began coughing violently, his face reddening as he struggled to regain his composure. Aoi’s hands quickly moved to assist him.

Asher, meanwhile, froze completely, his mouth agape and his eyes wide in shock. His mind seemed stuck in a loop, trying to process why Allegra had made such an unexpected request. His expression was a perfect picture of disbelief.

Though surprised, Aoi couldn’t suppress a soft laugh that quickly spread across the table. The rest of the family, while taken aback, smiled warmly at Allegra’s unusual request. Wolfgang, grinning, commented, “Well, starting young and learning the business isn’t a bad idea. You might just become the next big mogul!”

Asher, still somewhat baffled but trying to keep his composure, nodded. “Yeah, that’s... definitely an interesting approach. Do you have any plans for how you’ll handle that?”

Relieved by their reception, Allegra smiled confidently and replied, “I just want to be prepared and learn as much as I can.”

The conversation shifted to planning the belated birthday celebration. Despite the delay, Aoi, Wolfgang, and Asher discussed how to make the event special, focusing on the little details and how to incorporate gifts into the overall plan.

The dinner, even as a postponed celebration, became an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and share moments of humor and affection. As Allegra watched her family so united and happy, she felt a comforting warmth. The evening turned into a celebration of Aoi’s return and the love shared at the table, filled with promises of future successes and lessons to come.