Chapter 83 – Day of Love, Preparation.
83 – Day of Love, Preparation.
My encounter with Mage became well-known in a flash – putting every one of the Seven on high-alert.
「To so blatantly discuss plans to have children with my Sir Rain…heh…heheh, the audacity. Mage…I have no choice but to see her as my enemy.」 said Florence. On the surface, she had a most elegant smile, but the veins on her forehead were popping. It would appear that she’s angry inside.
I was visiting Rain Manor that day, the home Florence built for me. It’s odd to say that I’m visiting my own house, but I haven’t officially taken over it yet. I appreciate her sentiments, but she let me put a pin on that matter for now.
In the garden, I was just staring at flowers, sipping tea. The baked sweets that the maid Celine brought were sweet and crispy. Delicious.
「Florence, he is not your Sir Rain, take that back. Sir Rain belongs to no one. If I had to say, I would say that he is my lifetime escort target.」 Standing next to me was Madge.
「I do not recall inviting you.」 said Florence.
「It is not uncommon for an invitee to come with their partner or escort. Am I wrong?」 Madge quickly shot down Florence’s comment.
「…Well, I suppose so. Fine, I am magnanimous, am I not? I shall acknowledge you as Sir Rain’s escort, yes?」
「I do not require your approval.」
『Hey, I’m his partner! The one and only!』
After that, we chatted for a while. Then, after Celine poured us a refill of tea…
「More importantly, speak your reason as to why you summoned Sir Rain.」 said Madge.
「Pardon? I merely wanted to meet.」
「…」 Madge put her hand on her knife.
「Hold on!」 Florence opened her eyes wide in surprise, but she didn’t panic.
「Lady Madge, your jest ends there.」 Before anyone realized it, the sheep Demi-human Celine, the maid, was holding onto Madge’s arm.
「…!」
「While my lady truly is a genius at getting on people’s nerves as easily as she breathes, she is still my mistress. Even as a joke, any malicious intent aimed at her would be an inconvenience.」
After confirming Madge took her hand off of her knife, Celine took a few steps back and bowed.
「Sebastian… You’d get that angry…for me…?」 Florence looked like she was moved.
『She pretty much made fun of you at the beginning though…』
「…Your loyalty to her has improved in such a short time. You didn’t even protect her when we were in the snowfields.」
Oh yeah, Madge brandished her knife and Florence at that time. In response, Celine answered Madge with a blank look on her face. 「Ah, yes. She gave me a raise.」
「Sebastian…?!」 Florence’s hand trembled when placing her cup down.
「My lady, it is only natural that one is given recompense in proportion to the job. Frankly, opposing The Seven Maidens with my current salary is quite taxing, please, I would like to request a raise.」
「Give me back my wasted emotions!」
The master and servant are the same as ever. Madge glanced at Celine. She immediately averted her gaze forward. If Madge was serious, Celine would not have been able to react in time. It’s because Madge was joking that she so obviously reached for her knife. Knowing that it was a joke, Celine decided that it was going too far and put a stop to it. Even with that in consideration, Celine is pretty good to be able to keep up with Madge’s movements.
Like Lejie and Azla, she isn’t your average servant.
「Hm. It’s probably not my place to get in between Madge and Florence to say this, but I think I’m against using weapons as a joke, too.」
『Yeah. It’s as bad as Alchemy joking about breaking holy swords.』
「…I’ll be careful.」 Madge’s expression didn’t change but…she conveyed signs that she was depressed.
「But, thank you for getting angry for me.」 I added. Madge’s expression didn’t change but…I could tell that her mood improved.
「…Sir Rain’s escort. I see. There is no position closer. Madge… Well played, my friend. Florence mumbled something.
「Now, to your real business.」 Madge asked once again.
Florence cleared her throat. 「Sir Rain, do you know what the day after tomorrow is?」
「The day after tomorrow? Is there something special about it?」 I turned to look at Mika, who was propped up on a chair.
『Nope, I don’t know either.』
「You two not knowing is no fault of your own. It is a day of commemoration unique to this country, after all.」
『Day of commemoration?』
「Indeed. Once, there were two lovers who defied racial taboos. Their deep love for each other encouraged many, which led to the establishment of the free love philosophy of our time.」
「Huh, that’s a nice story.」
In this country, I’ve heard that there are many who have crossed racial boundaries, like a Centaur and Dragonkin couple, or an Ogre and Skeleton husband and wife.
There might be an issue with the continued prospering of the species, but I think it’s wonderful to have a world where people who love each other can be together. I can’t really put it to words since I don’t really get the whole love thing.
「Quite so, quite so! I knew you’d think so, Sir Rain!」 said Florence excitedly.
「…What does the Day of Love have to do with Sir Rain?」 asked Madge.
Looks like the commemorative day two days from now is called the Day of Love.
「I thought that there might be a possibility that some scoundrel would take Sir Rain, who doesn’t know about the Day of Love, and parade themselves around town, making everyone think that they were an item by mistake.」
『Someone like you?』
Florence ignored Mika. 「It is all but decided that I will be Sir Rain’s choice in the near future, so I would like to avoid rumors of another woman spreading before that day comes.」
『Nothing’s been decided!』
I was deep in thought. Certainly, if I went out with someone with their usual enthusiasm, the Demon King Castle soldiers or residents who see us would probably think we were dating.
「I see, so to avoid such misunderstandings, it would probably be better if I didn’t go out with anyone on that day.」
When I said that, Florence’s face turned to one of pure despair. I could also feel an odd depressed aura coming from Madge.
『…Yeah. I mean, I’d still be with you. Being your partner and all. Yup.』
Mika’s voice sounded happy.
「P-please listen to all I have to say. Going out alone with someone would lead to misunderstandings. However, it is called the Day of Love, not the Day of Lovers. So, in recent years, it has become a day where, not just lovers, but people who are close would also gather.」
「I see.」 I said.
Mika clicked her tongue for some reason.
「And so, if it pleases you, Sir Rain, I propose holding a party in this manor… What do you think?」 Florence asked, looking at me with puppy-dog eyes.
「A party, huh?」
「Would you…rather not?」
It’s rare for the usually brimming with confidence Florence to look worried, and it kinda made my chest ache. 「…What about the participants?」
「…! I shall arrange that…at least, I wish to, but I believe it would be best to have Sir Rain speak to them as there are some troublesome individuals who would take issue with my arrangements…」
「I don’t mind, but are you sure? The “Day of Love” is on the day after tomorrow, right? If I were to go around inviting people now, wouldn’t it be too little time for you to prepare?」
Food and servers need to be prepared for a party, right? It’d be pretty hard to do that without knowing how many people are coming.
「I thank you for your consideration; but please, worry not. Knowing the people involved with Sir Rain, I shall proceed as if everyone were attending.」
「I-I see…」
『I’m more worried about what she means by knowing the people involved with Rain, but I’ve already given up when it comes to you girls.』
Knowing the Seven, there’s no way they’d use that to harm me. I’m a little worried, but I won’t press it further.
「S-so, uhm, would you be attending?」Florence asked.
「Sure. Can I count on you?」 I replied.
「Leave it to me…! Sebastian!」
「It’s Celine, milady.」
「You heard him! We’re hosting a party!」
「Understood. I shall make the necessary preparations immediately. I believe they are already busy, but if I throw some money around and say my lady’s name, I’m sure they can come up with something.」
「Good! To the vendors who think this unreasonable, tell them that I will not forget this favor!」
Celine bowed once and then left.
「Welp, guess I better get going. I have to ask everyone if their schedules are free.」
「Yes. While it pains me to part with you, I look forward to our time together at the party.」
「Yeah. Oh right, before that, Florence, Madge, Mika too…」
「Yes?」
「…?」
『What’s up?』
The two of them look at me. Mika responded. I’ve never invited anyone to a party before, so I was a little nervous. 「Would you three like to come to my party the day after tomorrow?」
The two of them looked surprised. Florence smiled radiantly, and Madge quickly looked away.
「Of course.」
「Definitely.」
『I was gonna go with you whether you invited me or not, but…being invited ain’t too bad!』
For now, I was able to invite two people in one go. On that day, I went around asking everyone about their Day of Love plans. I didn’t go to everyone I knew, but most of them immediately said they’d attend.
When I was with the Saviors, we’d move on to the next mission area without taking part in the victory celebrations. Also, she said that this party is a gathering of close individuals. Having not made close friends, I’ve never experienced a party like this.
I…found myself actually looking forward to the day after tomorrow.
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