The roller coaster became a big hit. So much so that it had gathered a bit of a reputation within the adventuring circles.
'You're not really brave until you experience the roller coaster,' they said.
The ride had gathered a lot of extreme enthusiasts, warriors, adventurers, and just people who were seeking a new and thrilling experience.
But of course, there were still people who weren't looking for a near-death experience. There were a lot of visitors and tourists who simply wanted to relax and enjoy their holiday.
For them, Michael prepared a festival in the Nation of Reborn. There were all sorts of food and drinks prepared in the plaza, ready for people to eat and enjoy. And thanks to Sheina and Castelle's quick management, they were able to make a parade roll through the streets of Reborn, with live music playing and giving a magical joyous effect on anyone listening.
Everyone was celebrating, both Rebornians and tourists alike. Of course, Michael was in the mood for celebrations as well.
But first, he wanted to visit his father, Bart.
It had been a long time since the two of them talked face to face.
He used his shadow clone to transport himself directly to the recreated Vanderbilt mansion in the Parched Lands.
The place was completely empty, desolate of any maids and butlers; even they were having a day off and celebrating the festival.
The only one around in the mansion was Bart, who was in his office balcony, looking over the Nation of Reborn with a bottle of beer in his hands.
"Dad, I'm home."
Bart quickly turned around, his face brightening up as soon as he saw his dear old son.
"Michael, my boy! It's been such a long time since you've visited me."
The two of them hugged, exchanging smiles.
"Yeah, sorry dad. Been a bit busy with the expansion in the Queens region."
Bart nodded, pursing his lips. "I know, son. The Queens region can be a tricky place to navigate through. But still, you were able to triumph in the end. You've already conquered the Southern Tip!"
Michael scratched his head, a bit embarrassed after being praised.
"By the way, how's your mother?"
"Same old. You know mom. She's been setting me up with a good friend of mine," he replied, chuckling.
Bart chuckled as well, but soon, his smile faded.
"She's been overbearing lately, hasn't she? That's my fault, son. She hasn't been answering any of my letters lately."
Truthfully, Michael had already heard about this from Castelle. Since Bart was working with Castelle, she had noticed that he had not been himself lately. And as it turned out, the Vanderbilts were having marital problems.
The two of them had lost their spark after Bart lost his company. And because of that, the two of them were slowly drifting apart as the days passed.
Eventually, Lylia moved out of their house and went on a trip to the Queens region to be with Michael. That was the reason why she was there, and he was back in the Parched Lands.
After that, Bart quickly tried to get her back. He was sending her letters to no avail.
"Dad, do you remember what you told me about your first date with mom?"
Bart smiled, reminiscing about the good times. "Yeah. I fell in love with her at first sight. I met her in a restaurant called the Pyramidic Cuisine. Sometimes, I wish I could turn back time so that I could go back and we could feel the spark we had for each other back then.
Funny coincidence. Did you know that a Chef from that restaurant visited Angora City? I tried to get a meeting with him and see if I could reserve a table at his restaurant, but it seems that I was not influential enough to get his attention."
Michael smiled.
"You don't have to worry, dad. I got you. I talked with Chef Gustaeu and he'll be cooking a meal for you, just like your first date with mom."
That was the favor he asked from Chef Gustaeu. He wanted the Chef to cook the same meal that Bart and Lylia had back during their first date.
Bart immediately brightened up as he heard that. "Really son? You were able to persuade someone like Chef Gustaeu?!"
Michael scratched his nose. "Of course! Gustaeu will be working with the Reborn company from now on, so this is just a small favor that I got from him."
His father was overwhelmed with emotion that he couldn't help but shed a tear. Then, he quickly hugged Michael again, tightening his squeeze.
"Thank you Michael…but we have a problem."
Michael looked at him. "What?"
"Your mom. She won't answer any of my letters, so she won't know about the invite. And she leaves every time I try to find her."
Michael nodded. "Don't worry, I'll deal with her."
…
…
…
Soon, the night fell and the entire Nation of Reborn was lit up by festive lights. Strands of LED lights were strung up in each and every pole, making it seem as if the stars have truly descended into the Nation.
This was a very pretty sight for the people of the Queens region. This was the first time they had ever witnessed something so otherworldly.
Michael then went over to their headquarters in the Nation, where the Dragonborns, the Shadow Orcs, and everyone else was celebrating.
"My dear son! Where have you been?" Lylia asked, immediately smothering Michael with her chest.
Michael ducked away from her and escaped. "Ahem…since I've been avoiding you for the last week or so, I've decided to make it up to you. Tonight, I have something special for you, mom."
Lylia's eyes turned into glistening starlight. "Really?! How sweet of you! What is it?"
"I don't want to ruin the surprise. I'll have to blindfold you, mom."
Thankfully, she didn't seem suspicious about any of that. She quickly ripped off one of her sleeves and tied it around her eyes, obscuring her vision.
"I'll hold your hand and fly you to your surprise," he said to her.
Lylia seemed all the more elated as Michael grasped her hands. Together, the two of them flew through the air, high up in the skies.
It took a couple of minutes, but eventually, they reached their destination.
On the edge of a tall cliff, there was a fancy table with white tablecloths and red plates that had beautiful-looking food already served. There were romantic candle lights in the middle, and rose petals scattered around the ground.
He slowly lowered his mom down and guided her to her seat.
"Ooohh…is this a special meal?" Lylia asked, sniffing the air.
"Yes mom, but you can only open your eyes at the count to three… one… two…"
Lylia finished counting and slowly unraveled the blindfold on her eyes. Her vision slowly adjusted, seeing the romantic dinner in front of her.
"Michael?" she asked, looking around but seeing no one around her.
It was then that she noticed the fancy plates, the candelabra, and the exotic food in front of her. This all came from the Pyramidic Cuisine! Not only that, it was the same exact one when she met—
Just then, she heard a voice behind her that interrupted her thoughts.
"Excuse me miss, I couldn't help but notice your beauty."