Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

This chapter is from Cecilia’s POV

-Rinkage

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Chapter 171 – Third Anniversary Special: I confided my feelings

“It’s such a nice weather today.”

Since the window was open, a cool breeze flowed into the room. On days like this, the mind and body felt refreshed, and the tea tasted even better.

Now, what should I do today? I don’t have any plans, so I’m pondering my options.

At that moment, I heard a knock on the door. When I called for them to come in, Sophia-san, the head maid of the house, entered.

I wonder what she needs.

“Excuse me, young mistress. You have guests.”  [Sophia]

“For me?”  [Cecilia]

“Yes. Shall I let them in?”  [Sophia]

“Um, is it Youki-san?”  [Cecilia]

Lately, Youki-san had been dropping by unexpectedly. However, since he normally visited on my days off, we rarely missed each other. It was as if he knew my schedule, but that was probably impossible.

“No, it’s not Youki-sama. It’s Happiness, Sheik-sama, and Duke-sama.”  [Sophia]

“…I understand. That’s fine. Please show them to the room.”  [Cecilia]

“Certainly.”  [Sophia]

Sophia-san left to guide Duke and the others. While it was common for me to speak with Happiness-chan and Sheik-kun here, it was rare for them to visit me simultaneously. It was probable that Duke-san had something to discuss with me.

“…Since we have guests, I should get ready.”  [Cecilia]

I took out my favourite teapot and started preparing. Since Youki-san began visiting more frequently, I kept extra teacups and tea for the guests. As for tea snacks, I asked Sophia-san to arrange something from the kitchen.

“I’ve gotten quite used to having visitors.”  [Cecilia]

As I was steadily getting everything ready, Duke and the others arrived.

“Cecilia-san, sorry for showing up unannounced.”  [Duke]

“Please don’t worry about it, Duke-san. I was just wondering what to do with my day, so this is fine.”  [Cecilia]

Duke, who was fully clad in armour and helmet, bowed his head apologetically. It was probably the first time they had visited me alone without Youki-san.

“Happiness-chan, you’re off today, too, so there’s no need to be so formal.”  [Cecilia]

I spoke up after noticing Happiness-chan standing by the wall with her hands clasped in front of her. I would prefer it if she treated me like a friend during such moments.

“…I’ll relax.”  [Happiness]

“Uh, um…”  [Cecilia]

Since Happiness-chan wasn’t very talkative, it usually took some effort to understand the meaning behind her words. It was my hope to be able to communicate properly with her one day. Normally, Youki-san would be beside me, interpreting her feelings in detail.

“Ah, Happiness is used to this, so she’d prefer to stay like this. She says not to worry about it.”  [Duke]

“I-I see. Happiness-chan, if you get tired, feel free to sit down.”  [Cecilia]

“…Understood.”  [Happiness]

“Fufu, since you three have taken the trouble to visit, I need to offer you all some hospitality.”  [Cecilia]

I started preparing the teapots and cups I always used. Happiness-chan tried to help, but I politely declined since it was my job.

“Cecilia-san, you’re quite skilled at this.”   [Duke]

“You’re so fast~”  [Sheik]

I wasn’t very confident in the speed of my preparations, as I was still no match for Sophia-san. While Happiness-chan wasn’t surprised, having seen me do this many times before, what I did seemed to intrigue Duke-san and Sheik-kun.

“Thank you. When I’m preparing like this, Youki-san usually sits quietly and waits, or we would chat. He often tells me my tea is delicious.”  [Cecilia]

“All Captain does is drink it and say how good it is, huh?”  [Duke]

“He sometimes brings cakes that go well with the tea. Have you been there, Duke-san? It’s a shop run by siblings.”  [Cecilia]

“Ah, that place? Yeah, I’ve been there with Captain.”  [Duke]

“…Just the two of you?”  [Cecilia]

“Hey, please don’t misunderstand! Captain just asked me for advice, so I went with him. It’s not like I have a hobby of going to cake shops with another guy.”  [Duke]

“I think it’s nice.”  [Cecilia]

I believed having a friend you could go out with like that was a good thing. Youki-san and Duke-san seemed to trust each other.

“R-Really?”  [Duke]

“Take me there too, next time~”  [Sheik]

“Yes, yes, I’ll take you. Happiness, you should go with someone else. You two could go alone.”  [Duke]

“…Two, alone?”  [Happiness]

“You know, you have someone, don’t you? You can go arm in arm together.”  [Duke]

“…Duke.”  [Happiness]

Happiness-chan’s gaze began to wander at the mention of her significant other. Duke-san was probably referring to Raven-san. The latter also knew about Youki-san and the others. Youki-san had done a lot to bring those two together, and they both seemed happy, so I gave them my blessings as well. Even though they had just started dating, Raven-san’s work had gotten busier, so they hadn’t had many chances to meet. It would be nice if they could find the time to go out one of these days.

“Well, Happiness’s situation aside, we came today to ask you something, Cecilia-san.”  [Duke]

“Ask me? Sure, go ahead. If it’s something I can answer, I’ll do my best. Please, go ahead.”  [Cecilia]

I handed the tea and sweets to the three of them and took a seat. Happiness also sat down and drank her tea. While sipping my tea slowly, I prepared myself for Duke-san questions.

I wonder what he wants to ask.

“Well then, I’d like you to answer honestly. It’s about Captain.”  [Duke]

“You mean Youki-san?”  [Cecilia]

It was unexpected since they should have known him longer than I have.

“What do you think of Captain? I’m sorry, I know it’s a weird question.”  [Duke]

“…Please.”  [Happiness]

“I want to know too~”  [Sheik]

“Let’s see…”  [Cecilia]

The three of them seemed to ask out of concern for Youki-san. Although, talking about my own feelings was a bit embarrassing…

“Youki-san is someone I enjoy being with. Also, he’s reliable and always puts in all his effort to act for the sake of others. There are times when he goes too far, though.”  [Cecilia]

“I see… Well then, can I ask what you like about Captain?”  [Duke]

“Wha-!?”  [Cecilia]

I was so shocked that I couldn’t help but exclaim. I didn’t expect such a direct question, so I almost dropped my cup.

“…Apologies.”  [Happiness]

“Ah, I knew it. I’m sorry, Cecilia-san.”  [Duke]

“N-No, I’m the one who overreacted. I apologize. So, what I like about Youki-san, right?”  [Cecilia]

“Wait, you’re actually going to answer that?”  [Duke]

“Yes, of course. I don’t need to hide my feelings for him, and not answering would be disrespectful to him. I’m sure he would also answer if I asked him what he likes about me.”  [Cecilia]

“Cecilia-san, you’re really cool.”  [Duke]

“…Captain, above all.”  [Happiness]

I don’t think it’s that unusual. My feelings are genuine, and it’s not as if this is a secret just between Youki-san and me. Those special moments between us will only increase from now on.

“Fufu, thank you. As I mentioned earlier, I enjoy being with him. Time flies by when we talk in this room, and before I know it, it’s time for him to leave. Also, there’s a charm in him that only I can understand.”  [Cecilia]

“…Charm.”  [Happiness]

“Yes, that’s right. I’m sure there’s a charm in Raven-san that only Happiness-chan can see.”  [Cecilia]

“I see. Is that how it is, Happiness?”  [Duke]

“…No comment!”  [Happiness]

Happiness-chan quickly turned her face away, probably because she was embarrassed. I understood how she felt. My face might have also been a little red even though I was talking with them as usual.

“For better or worse, Youki-san has always expressed his straightforward feelings to me. I think I was drawn to that aspect of him as well.”  [Cecilia]

“Ah… Thank you, Cecilia-san. Happiness, Sheik, and I are indebted to Captain; rather, he changed our way of life. That’s the kind of person he is. So, I’d like to ask you to continue looking after our Captain.”  [Duke]

“…Please.”  [Happiness]

“Please take care of Captain~”  [Sheik]

“So, I’m really sorry about this, but we’d like you to take him in.”  [Duke]

“Huh?”  [Cecilia]

I was about to ask, “Take what in?” when Duke-san and the others left the room. They immediately came back carrying something that resembled a statue, a familiar-looking one as well.

“Youki-san!?”  [Cecilia]

Without a doubt, the statue was Youki-san. He seemed to have been petrified, but how could someone as skilled as him end up like this?

“Well, a lot happened, and this is the result. Cecilia-san, could we leave this to you?”  [Duke]

“Y-Yes, of course. I’ll undo the petrification right away.”  [Cecilia]

“I-Is that so. Alright then, sorry about this. We’re counting on you.”  [Duke]

“…Gratitude.”  [Happiness]

“Haha~”  [Sheik]

“Huh?”  [Cecilia]

Before I could stop them, they swiftly left the room. Did they have some kind of urgent matter? I decided to let them be and focus on Youki-san instead.

I cast advanced light magic, ‘Holy Core.’ It is a spell that generates a vortex of light, healing anyone at the center. It also has the effect of curing poison, paralysis, and petrification.

As the vortex of light faded, Youki-san stood there with a bewildered look.

“Huh? Cecilia? Why are you here?”  [Youki]

“I was asked by Duke-san and the others to cure you of petrification.”  [Cecilia]

“That’s right. I remember now. Those guys!” [Youki]

Youki-san’s eyes sharpened, and he dashed towards the window. Judging by his tone, Duke-san and the others must have done something to him. What happened?

“Youki-san, please wait. I need an explanation.”  [Cecilia]

When I stopped him, he paused and explained the situation. The four of them had gone on a mission. During that time, Duke-san and the others had asked Youki-san to showcase his abilities, and he agreed. However, while he was taking down the target, he noticed the rest of them were just taking it easy, which led to an argument. Then, a flock of cockatrices appeared. Although they managed to defeat most of them…

“So you were used as a shield against the last cockatrice’s attack?”  [Cecilia]

“Exactly. I won’t forgive them for this. It was obvious they teamed up to push me to the front. They were dead set on getting me petrified.”  [Youki]

“Could it be some kind of misunderstanding?”  [Cecilia]

“It was impossible! There was malice behind it, for sure. And what’s with Sheik? Why didn’t he use any herbs? He usually carries herbs that can cure petrification.”  [Youki]

He looked furious. Based on my earlier conversation with Duke-san and the others, they likely did this to get a chance to talk to me. They probably wanted to confirm something among the three of them without Youki-san knowing.

“Alright, if it comes to this, I’ll chase them to the ends of the earth. Heh heh heh, to think they can escape from my pursuit…”  [Youki]

“Youki-san. Since you’re here, would you like to have some tea?”  [Cecilia]

“Huh?” [Youki]

“I also have some confectionaries. Actually, I don’t have any plans today. If you’d like, would you keep me company?”  [Cecilia]

Even as I asked, I was already preparing his cup. It might not have been entirely fair, but as I mentioned to Duke-san and the others earlier, I did enjoy spending time with him in this room.

“Really? Then I’ll gladly take you up on that!”  [Youki]

Youki-san, looking pleased, took his usual seat.

What shall we talk about today? By the way, I love spending time with him, but I love him too.

“Fufu, here you go.”  [Cecilia]

Those thoughts ran through my mind as I handed him the cup of tea.

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