Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 168 – I babysat with my girlfriend

“I heard a commotion in the garden, so I came out… What’s going on here?”  [Cecilia]

“Ah, well, many things happened, so we’ve kind of barged in. I was supposed to head straight to your room, but somehow things turned out like this…”  [Youki]

Sheik and Quinn-kun were still sparring while Fiora-chan was napping on a bench. Meanwhile, Happiness returned to fetch her broom and started sweeping again as our sparring sessions had kicked up quite a bit of dust. Seeing her work like that made me feel guilty since we’d unintentionally added to her workload. I felt bad for showing up unannounced.

“First of all, who is that child sparring with Sheik-kun? And the one napping on the bench? Youki-san, I don’t recognize either of them. How exactly are they related to you?”  [Cecilia]

“Uh, well…”  [Youki]

It wasn’t like anything shady was going on, and Cecilia didn’t seem to suspect me of anything. I should have just explained that they were Clayman and Sophia-san’s kids. But for some reason, I ended up making it sound more suspicious than it really was. Cecilia started looking at me with questioning eyes… or so I thought.

“…Enough with the teasing. They’re Clayman-san and Sophia-san’s children, aren’t they? I can tell from their resemblance to their parents.”  [Cecilia]

“Oh, thank goodness. Yeah, exactly, you’re right! It’s like Clayman just shoved them onto me or something like that.”  [Youki]

“Have you informed Sophia-san about this?”  [Cecilia]

“…She’d already rushed into town like the wind.”  [Youki]

She went during her lunch break, so she would probably be back in time. I wasn’t sure what kind of situation Clayman was in, but he was probably in hot water. From the look on Cecilia’s face, it looked like she was on the same page.

I know they love each other, but sometimes, a little moderation wouldn’t hurt, would it?

“Mmm, what a nice smell…”

Fiora-chan mumbled in her sleep as she rolled over. Could the fragrance of Cecilia’s tea have drifted into her nose? After all, she did come here tempted by the promise of food. Since it would be a shame for her to come here only to sleep, I subtly asked Cecilia for tea and any confectioneries. I was well aware that it was a pretty brazen request, especially since we just showed up unannounced, so I bowed my head deeply in apology. However, Cecilia said she didn’t mind and effortlessly prepared what I asked for. Her ease in handling it likely stemmed from her getting used to doing it for me every time I visited. Cecilia seemed to be able to do just about anything. She was just like a Holy… woman. I quickly corrected my thought as I almost stepped on a landmine, even though it was only in my mind.

Before long, a table with teapots, cups, cakes, and cookies was laid before us. However, even though the aroma of the confectioneries made Fiora-chan’s nose twitch, she didn’t stir from her sleep. She only sprang up swiftly when Cecilia announced that everything was ready. It was as if she had just been waiting for the right moment.

“You may go ahead and eat.”  [Cecilia]

With a radiant smile as radiant as a goddess, Cecilia invited Fiora-chan to the table laden with food. Fiora-chan’s eyes sparkled as she took her seat. I had expected her to dig in right away, but instead, she thanked Cecilia before starting her meal. This was likely thanks to Sophia-san’s teachings. It seemed she had been taught proper manners, though falling asleep as soon as she arrived at someone else’s house was a bit impolite to begin with.

“Never forget to be grateful for food. Never forget to be grateful for food…”  [Fiora]

“Fiora-chan is very polite. Is this something Sophia-san taught her?”  [Youki]

“I think so. But if that’s the case, you’d expect her to be just as strict about other things too.”  [Cecilia]

“Don’t forget to laze around too.”  [Fiora]

“Ah, this must be her father’s influence. Quinn-kun did mention that Sophia-san has her hands full because of him.”  [Youki]

“I’m curious about the headband she’s wearing, though. Why a cat-ear headband?”  [Cecilia]

“…”

Cecilia stared intently at the headband, clearly intrigued. This happened because of my little prank. It all started when Clayman went shopping to buy a present for Sophia-san. I slipped it into his bag as a joke then, but little did I know that my prank resulted in an awkward situation for the whole family. Sophia-san could only manage a strained smile at that time while Quinn-kun gave his father a frosty stare. However, for some strange reason, Fiora-chan loved it. That was how she ended up wearing the headband instead. Nevertheless, I didn’t want to reveal this, so I decided to keep quiet. I nibbled on some snacks and glanced off in the distance.

“Fiora-chan, do you like this headband?”  [Cecilia]

“It’s something my dad bought. He actually bought it for my mum, but she won’t wear it. So, I wear it instead.”  [Fiora]

“Clayman-san bought this for Sophia-san. I see… I see…”  [Cecilia]

It made me wonder what Cecilia was thinking as she watched the ears on the headband twitch up and down. I felt a growing sense of guilt. This misunderstanding was probably worse than the whole maid outfit incident the other time. I decided to clear up this misconception before things became even more awkward.

“It was delicious.”  [Fiora]

“…Huh? Oh, yes!”  [Cecilia]

“Sleepy, sleepy…”  [Fiora]

Right after thanking Cecilia, Fiora-chan drifted back to sleep again.

She really loves sleeping, huh? Wait, that’s not the point here.

“Cecilia, about that cat-ear headband…”  [Youki]

“Youki-san, I think it’s wrong to criticize Clayman-san’s preferences regardless of how close you both are. I’m sure… I’m sure there is a reason. Just like with the maid outfit.”  [Cecilia]

Her smile dimmed a little. It was clear that she didn’t fully believe what she said herself. She was merely convincing herself, but it felt like she was just going in circles. Setting aside the maid outfit, what kind of reason would be able to persuade her to wear a cat-ear headband?

“Hypothetically, if I ask you to wear one, would you agree to it?”  [Youki]

I pointed at Fiora-chan’s cat-ear headband. It wasn’t like I really wanted her to wear one, but I was just curious if she would if given a reason to do so. It was pure curiosity, honest. I wasn’t really thinking about making her wear it. She was already cute enough as she was.

Now, if only I could actually say that out loud, I’d be completely over my shyness…

While such thoughts entered my mind, Cecilia continued staring at the headband. It didn’t seem like she was interested in it. She probably just didn’t know how to respond, which made me feel guilty for even asking. We had only started dating, but I was already making such a silly request. However, being the gentle goddess she was, she was kind enough to share what was on her mind.

“Well… even if it’s just two of us, it would still be difficult… Sorry.”  [Cecilia]

She softly declined while avoiding making eye contact with me.

So, is it okay to ask for things within acceptable limits when it’s just the two of us? No, I should stop having those thoughts. If I keep this up, I might end up being called a pervert someday. I have to maintain a proper and healthy relationship with Cecilia.

“Ah, ahaha… j-just kidding. It’s fine, you don’t have to worry about that. Even without cat ears, Cecilia, you’re already cute enough.”  [Youki]

I just said what I truly felt, that’s all.

However, both the speaker and the listener were left stunned, eyes wide and mouths agape. The line between friends and lovers was still unfamiliar territory to me. Could I have spoken so naturally when we were just friends, or was I being carried away? Before I could respond, Cecilia spoke up.

“I was surprised since you blurted it without any lead-up… it’s, um, a bit embarrassing, but it makes me happy.”  [Cecilia]

“I-I just voiced what I usually think, that’s all.”  [Youki]

The embarrassment was overwhelming. I could feel my face heating up, undoubtedly turning a deep shade of red. Once again, silence fell between us, and I was left flustered, unsure of what to do next.

“Uh… should I go call Sheik and the others? Since you took the time to prepare the food, it would be a waste not to invite the others as well. The tea’s getting cold, too.”  [Youki]

“Ah, yes. You’re right.”  [Cecilia]

“Hey! You two…”  [Youki]

As I stood up to call out to Sheik and the others who were a little ways away, Cecilia suddenly held my arm.

“Um, Youki-san, are you free a week from now? If it’s alright, would you like to go out with me? Not to go shopping around town but to enjoy the nature of the nearby mountain. I’ll make us a lunchbox.”  [Cecilia]

“I’m free, I’m free, let’s go! It’ll feel like a little trip.”  [Youki]

I’m looking forward to a picnic with just the two of us. It’s different from having tea time at the mansion or shopping in town. We probably won’t stay overnight, but my imagination still runs wild. The lunch we’ll have together in the fresh air would surely be delicious.

“Ah, Captain’s sneaking off without us. No fair!”  [Sheik]

Just as things started to get into a nice mood, the two who had been sparring earlier came over to us. It seemed like Sheik overheard us, which was bad.

“W-What do you mean by sneaking off? I was just making plans to go out with Cecilia, that’s all.”  [Youki]

“Not faaaiiir!”  [Sheik]

“Stop whining. And who taught you to roll your tongue like that anyway?”  [Youki]

I wanted to know who taught Sheik all this strange knowledge and skills. Tongue rolling wasn’t something typical maids would do, so it was probably not them. At least, that was what I thought. The culprit was possibly the maid who had vanished after sweeping the garden earlier or the maid who was blindly obsessed over a stone statue. All these were mere speculation, though, as no concrete proof existed. Sheik could have learned it himself from his regular outings in town.

“I’m coming too! Captain hasn’t been playing with me lately. Happiness-ane also goes out on her days off, and Tiel-chan is just the same as always.”  [Sheik]

“Ah…”  [Youki]

It was true. I hadn’t spent much time with Sheik as I hadn’t had the luxury to do so myself. Happiness had been spending quality time with Raven, while Tiel-chan was… the typical Tiel-chan. Seeing Sheik standing before me with his cheeks puffed out and looking sulky, I felt my heart ache. He was like a family to me, after all.

When I glanced at Cecilia, she gave me a small nod in agreement. I lightly patted Sheik’s head and crouched down to meet his gaze.

“All right, Sheik. You can join. I know you love running around, but don’t get lost. Also, no causing too much trouble.” [Youki]

“Yay! It’s a trip! I get to toy with Captain!”  [Sheik]

“Don’t toy with me! I don’t mind if you play with me.”  [Youki]

“We need to make our preparations~”  [Sheik]

Sheik was enthusiastically shaking Quinn-kun’s hand up and down.

“Uh, what’s going on here? Youki-san, it seems like he’s misunderstanding something.”  [Cecilia]

“Ah, yeah. Sheik, Quinn-kun isn’t coming with us.”  [Youki]

“Ehh, come on, let’s go! The more people, the more fun it’ll be.”  [Sheik]

For Sheik, Quinn-kun was probably a new friend he’d recently gotten close to. Before this, Tiel-chan was the only one around his age. They seemed to have enjoyed their sparring session, so now he wanted Quinn-kun to join us. However, we needed permission from someone before we could take them along: their parents, Sophia-san and Clayman.

“I’m okay with it. Bringing Fiora outside is a good opportunity since she usually doesn’t move around much. She’s even sleeping through this conversation. I’ll talk to father and mother about it.”  [Quinn]

And so, the picnic was quickly decided. One person hadn’t been consulted about this plan at all, so I hoped it would be okay. What concerned me more was that Sheik was getting overly excited. He was doing flips and backflips out of sheer enthusiasm. I just hoped he wouldn’t get hurt on the day itself; I wouldn’t want to be held responsible if he did.

Also, on a separate note, I was wondering what happened to Clayman, the culprit who had given me this request.

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