Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage
Character page: Here
Chapter 151 – I tried to confirm her feelings
“…Would you mind waiting for a little while?” [Cecilia]
A few seconds of silence followed my confession, and then Cecilia finally responded.
Does this mean she’s putting her answer on hold?
“Right now, I have to make things clear about Soleil-san’s proposal. Considering my position… I’m sorry.” [Cecilia]
“Ah, yeah. I understand.” [Youki]
“But since I’ve heard your sincere feelings, Youki-san, I won’t leave things vague… Could you wait in my room?” [Cecilia]
“Got it.” [Youki]
I was the one who barged in suddenly, and I was also the one who confessed without any preamble. Cecilia had her circumstances to consider. It wasn’t just about my feelings. But, as I watched her turn her back and walk away, I found it impossible to hold back my emotions. Have I always been like this? Usually, I’d make some joke to lighten the mood and cover things up. Before I realized it, I had wrapped my arms around Cecilia from behind…
“Wait, no, this isn’t right.” [Youki]
Halfway through, my self-control kicked in, and I ended up placing my hands on her shoulders. I had stopped myself from wholly acting on my desire to ask her not to leave, which left me in this awkward position.
“…Youki-san?” [Cecilia]
“Uh, s-sorry. I’ll wait in your room!” [Youki]
As I was too embarrassed to face her, I ran as fast as possible, heading towards her room. The servants must be thinking, “Why is he sprinting through the mansion with such a flushed face?” Ultimately, they didn’t say anything of the sort because I ran past them, ignoring them even when they called out to me. I wanted to cool my head, but at that moment, I just wanted to be alone and wait for Cecilia. At that point, I suddenly noticed Sophia-san. The look she gave me made it apparent that she wanted me to stop running in the mansion, so I bowed my head to apologize and decided to walk calmly instead. When I finally arrived at Cecilia’s room, I sat on the guest chair I always use.
…I couldn’t relax. I felt restless. What should I do?
“Now that I think about it. I’ve had a lot of pleasant conversations with Cecilia here…” [Youki]
I would bring cakes, and Cecilia would prepare the tea and snacks. We would laugh together, or I’d make Cecilia mad, and I’d end up sitting in seiza. Sometimes, Sheik and Happiness would join in, too. As I was reminiscing about those moments, thinking it wasn’t so bad to indulge in memories, I heard a knock on the door. I thought Cecilia had come, so I braced myself.
“…Oha.”
“Happiness, huh?” [Youki]
The one who entered was Happiness, who was in the middle of her duties as a servant. I supposed the conversation with Soleil wouldn’t end that quickly.
“Sorry, but I’m not in the mood for jokes today.” [Youki]
“Serious… What’s going on?” [Happiness]
“Nothing… I just decided to be honest with myself. And… I’m waiting.” [Youki]
I still didn’t want to admit it outright what I had done. No matter what outcome awaited, I didn’t want to speak it out loud. But Happiness would understand; this much was enough for her. We had known each other for a long time, and she had Raven as her boyfriend.
“…Come!” [Happiness]
However, for some reason, Happiness, having interpreted things her way, suddenly grabbed my arm and started pulling me somewhere. Even though we had known each other for a long time, I still had no idea what she was trying to do.
“W-Wait, let go, Happiness. I need to wait for Cecilia…” [Youki]
“…Resolution, determination, go meet, now!” [Happiness]
I see. Since I’ve made up my mind and confessed, Cecilia must have made some resolution, too. If I’m a man, I shouldn’t be waiting around. I should have the resolve to meet her. I should rush to where Cecilia is and welcome her right after she’s done with everything.
“But, if I act on my own, Cecilia will get mad at me.” [Youki]
“…You should go!” [Happiness]
“I see. You’re right. Thanks, Happiness. I’ll treat you to something next time.” [Youki]
Leaving those words behind, I headed towards the room where Cecilia was. As I followed the voices and scents, the faces of Duke, Sheik, and Happiness came to mind. Considering today’s events, I realized that these three former subordinates had supported me. I was prompted to think by Duke, guided by Sheik, and pushed forward by Happiness. It gave me the urge to cry a little. I put my arms over my eyes to stop the tears from coming out… and recalled what those three did again vividly: I was hit by Duke, mocked by Sheik, and received a triple whammy from Happiness.
“Heh, hehe…” [Youki]
The anger that should have welled up mixed with the emotions I’d felt earlier, making me laugh. Because those guys… never change, no matter what. The caring Duke, the mischievous Sheik, and the overly free-spirited Happiness.
“And then there’s me, who never outgrows his chuunibyou. Well, I am their leader. They’ve set the stage for me, so I should go!” [Youki]
I then walked through the mansion and reached my destination. The only voices I could hear from inside were Cecilia’s and Soleil’s. Should I barge in? I needed that momentum. But as I was about to grab the door handle, another hand was placed on top of mine, stopping me.
“That’s not a good idea.”
“Celia-san?” [Youki]
It was Celia-san who stopped my action.
“If I hadn’t stopped you, you would have entered the room, right? From there… hehe. I wonder when Cecilia made Youki-kun so passionate.” [Celia]
“I’m sorry. That was thoughtless of me.” [Youki]
When I thought about it, if I barged it now and caused a commotion, it would only make things worse for Cecilia. Being honest with feelings and being selfish were two different things.
“It’s fine if you just wait here. If Cecilia says something later, you can tell her that I asked you to stay here.” [Celia]
“Uh, um, Celia-san…” [Youki]
“Well then, Youki-kun. Take your time…” [Celia]
Is this what it means to understand each other without speaking? Just how much does she know?
I watched as Celia-san smiled and waved as she left. Standing in the hallway without doing anything made me stand out quite a bit.
Wouldn’t I be bothering the servants who are cleaning?
“Since the lady of the house said it’s fine, there’s no need to worry.”
“Whoa, now it’s Sophia-san! When did you get here?!” [Youki]
“…I just finished cleaning the room, so I came out.” [Sophia]
“Ah, I just didn’t notice the sound of the door opening.” [Youki]
“Yes. I’ll make sure to inform the other servants not to disturb you, Youki-sama.” [Sophia]
Sophia-san excused herself with a polite bow at a perfect angle and left.
…I’ve been getting a lot of support from various people since earlier. Does everyone know that I confessed? No, at that time, it was definitely just Cecilia and me. There shouldn’t be any information leak out there. Could they be thinking that I’m about to confess right now?
“I’m really being supported, aren’t I?” [Youki]
I decided to sit down in the hallway and wait for Cecilia. The servants who passed by only glanced at me briefly. It was probably thanks to Sophia-san, but this made me feel slightly complicated. If I bowed to them, they would bow back, which was to be expected. But what concerned me more was if I was getting in the way of their work. Trying to make myself as unobtrusive as possible, I curled up and waited patiently.
“Ah…”
All of a sudden, the door opened, and I made eye contact with Cecilia. While I was wondering if the discussion had ended, Cecilia looked surprised, as if questioning why I was there.
“Please make yourself vanish immediately.” [Cecilia]
Though her voice was soft, there was a sense of urgency, so I quickly used ‘Vanishing Wave’ to make myself invisible. She seemed relieved when my figure disappeared. I wondered why she said that until another figure walked out of the room – It was Soleil.
“Cecilia-san, were you just talking to someone?” [Soliel]
“No, I wasn’t talking to anyone. There are no servants in the hallway either.” [Cecilia]
Soleil looked around the hallway, tilting his head in confusion. Since I made myself invisible, he wouldn’t be able to see me anyway.
“It seems it was just my imagination. I’m sorry to have troubled you by having you see me off.” [Soleil]
“No, please don’t worry about it.” [Cecilia]
“…And also, I apologize for suddenly proposing marriage. It was impolite of me.” [Soleil]
So, he was apologizing for bringing up the engagement out of nowhere. Cecilia looked puzzled at his question. It made sense, though. Arranged marriage was something common among nobles. Not to mention, Cecilia was a member of the hero’s party, kind, cute, considerate, and capable of doing all the housework.
…If she’s right before me, I could say everything I’m thinking of right now.
“There’s no need to apologize. I was the one who declined the engagement after all.” [Cecilia]
“Understood. Lastly… there’s just one thing I’d like to ask you, Cecilia-san.” [Soleil]
“As long as it’s a question I can answer.” [Cecilia]
Wait, hold on, will they have this conversation right here? I’m currently sitting here in a curled-up position. Cecilia is in front of me. There’s furniture to my left, and to my right is an open door that hasn’t been closed – basically, I can’t escape.
After some thought, I decided to cover my ears with both hands. Listening to their conversation would be overdoing it, but I could still hear them even then.
“Cecilia-san… you already have a lover, don’t you?” [Soleil]
What the hell was he asking?! I almost blurted out a complaint.
“…What makes you think so? If I had someone in mind, I would have declined the proposal when I first received it.” [Cecilia]
“The other day, I happened to see you, in disguised, walking around Minerva.” [Soleil]
So he saw that date. I was careless. I should have checked the surroundings more thoroughly. Considering Cecilia’s position, this could not be good. It wouldn’t look good for her to be seen on a date with another man while an engagement was being arranged. However, I was the one who had insisted on taking her out.
“Magic Knight of Black Lightning told me that you are his partner. I’m sorry, Cecilia-san. I’ve really caused you trouble. I’m… the Steel Arms of Azure Flame.” [Soleil]
As Soleil deeply bowed his head, Cecilia froze, her mouth slightly open and her eyes wide in shock. The timing of the engagement proposal and the resurgence of the Steel Arms of Azure Flame were almost simultaneous. It made sense, given that Soleil was part of another country’s hero’s party. He naturally possessed a lot of skill. And considering his position as the next lord, the reasons he gave that day made even more sense.
“You’re the one… Soleil-san?” [Cecilia]
“The reason I was doing those activities is the same as I told you the other day. When we first met, it had been a long time since I’d been scolded like that. So… I told my father I wanted you by my side, and that’s why I pursued the engagement. But those words weren’t meant for me. They were meant for Magic Knight of Black Lightning.” [Soleil]
So, it was Cecilia’s misunderstanding that led to Soleil’s proposal. But as the Steel Arms of Azure Flame was essentially imitating the Magic Knight of Black Lightning, I was basically the one who caused this. Should I reveal myself to apologize or leave this place as quickly as possible? But I couldn’t do either.
“Who exactly is the Magic Knight of Black Lightning? And what does he mean when he said you’re his partner?” [Soleil]
“I’m sorry, but I can’t give you any details about Magic Knight-san. Besides, Magic Knight-san and I are not in that kind of relationship.” [Cecilia]
Not in that kind of relationship… Cecilia’s words nearly turned me to stone. I will be joining Gai soon. It was probably my punishment for toying with his body with magic. It was unbelievable to be rejected in this way. It felt like my soul was leaving my body, and my tear ducts were on the verge of bursting. I couldn’t make any sound, so I covered my mouth with my arm and endured it as best as possible.
“That’s… a lie!” [Soleil]
“That’s, with Magic Knight-san… Soleil-san, I’ve heard why you became the Steel Arms of Azure Flame. As for Magic Knight-san’s reason, it was simply because… he thought it looked cool. He bought the outfit at the market, and registered with the guild. His initiative was remarkable, or rather, what can I say.” [Cecilia]
Cecilia talked about the day I went to the market with Clayman and bought the Magic Knight of Black Lightning costume. It was the origin of Magic Knight of Black Lightning.
“When he takes it off, it seems like he thinks about all sorts of things. Fufu…but, that’s just who Magic Knight-san is.” [Cecilia]
“Cecilia-san…?” [Soleil]
“I wouldn’t say it’s a secret identity, but… I don’t think he’s as special as you imagine. He does his best for others and for himself… Is that really something extraordinary?” [Cecilia]
“Even if he often overdoes it.” Cecilia added with a smile.
“I see. You’re right… It seems I can’t be by your side, Cecilia-san. I’m sorry, but I’ll pass on the send-off. I think… something’s been lifted off my shoulders.” [Soleil]
“If that’s your wish, Soleil-san… I understand.” [Cecilia]
“Goodbye, Cecilia-san. Thank you.” [Soleil]
Soleil turned his back on Cecilia and left. His posture had a certain firmness, an impression of resolved determination coming from his back.
The door was already closed, so I could leave now, but I decided to wait until Soleil was out of sight. Just as he reached the corner, he stopped and turned around. He must have wanted to leave a parting remark.
Now, what will he say to Cecilia?
“Cecilia-san, I’d like to meet him. The one who isn’t Magic Knight of Black Lightning…” [Soleil]
With that, Soleil’s figure disappeared from the corner. Was it a message left for me? Why did he leave those words behind at the end?
“Youki-san, you’re still nearby, right?” [Cecilia]
I responded to her by making myself visible again. It seemed that she realized I was stuck there.
“Sorry, I couldn’t move.” [Youki]
“Anyway, let’s go into the room.” [Cecilia]
She guided me into the room where she and Soleil had talked earlier. We both sat down on the chairs. I took a deep breath while Cecilia closed her eyes, seemingly lost in thought. There was no tea or sweets; this wasn’t Cecilia’s room but a reception room for visitors. The most significant difference was ourselves. I wanted my relationship with Cecilia to progress. I wanted to be by her side, not out of possessiveness, but simply because I like her. I wanted to be the one next to her, not somebody else.
The silence in the room was soon broken by… Cecilia.
“I didn’t expect you to be waiting outside the door. What were you thinking? I was really anxious.” [Cecilia]
“Oh, um. Sorry. But I did get permission from Celia-san.” [Youki]
“From mother!?” [Cecilia]
“Sophia-san also warned all the staffs about it.” [Youki]
“Even Sophia-san… I can’t say anything now, can I?’ [Cecilia]
“All right!” [Youki]
“It’s not all right. Do you really think I won’t say anything, Youki-san?” [Cecilia]
For the first time in a while, I could see some sort of aura coming from Cecilia. Wait, wasn’t this just like always? Before I realized it, I had naturally moved into a formal sitting position. I was originally sitting on a chair but somehow ended up sitting on the floor in seiza.
“When did you get off the chair?” [Cecilia]
“I don’t know. Before I knew it, I was in this position already.” [Youki]
“What’s the supposed to mean? Oh, and I was sitting earlier too…” [Cecilia]
Cecilia was standing with her arms crossed, looking imposing – the perfect stance for a lecture. I found it funny and laughed, and Cecilia ended up laughing too.
“Phew… Hehe, really, when I’m with you, it’s always…” [Cecilia]
“Even though I am like this…” [Youki]
“Is it okay?” I wanted to ask that, but it didn’t seem like something I would say. Is that what I should be concerned about now?
“I like… the way you are.” [Cecilia]
RinkageTranslation 
Thank you!
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