Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 178 – I read the letter to my friend

“…It’s fine.”  [Happiness]

“Don’t hold back…. No, wait. That’s not it. I wouldn’t want to take your job. By the way, have you taken your lunch break yet?”  [Raven]

“…Not yet.”  [Happiness]

“…Then how about we go for lunch now? If it fits your schedule, that is.”  [Raven]

“…Yeah, that’s fine.”  [Happiness]

“Alright, let’s go.”  [Raven]

With that, he casually took the bags Happiness was carrying.

“…Careless.”  [Happiness]

Although she sounded frustrated, she had a somewhat happy expression as she walked beside Raven. It made me feel awkward, as if I were a lamppost. In fact, everything seemed fine, so could I go home? They looked just like a regular lovey-dovey couple. There was something so heartwarming about the way they looked together. Above all, the smile on Happiness’s face was a rare one. Even I, who’d known her for a long time, had never seen her smile like that.

That must be the face a girl only shows to someone she loves. Raven, you’re worried for nothing. She wouldn’t look like that if she thought your feelings were too much to handle.

 “…Why are you stopping? Let’s go, Youki. This is her lunch break, so we shouldn’t take too long.”  [Raven]

“You want me to come along?”  [Youki]

I would be nothing but a third wheel if I went along. He should be focusing on his girlfriend instead. Happiness would definitely be upset.

“…If you’re coming, then come!”  [Happiness]

“Why are you so into it?”  [Youki]

In the end, I found myself following them. The two of them walked side by side while I trailed a little behind.

Raven had suggested a good restaurant, so we headed there. However, along the way, I couldn’t get a word in edgewise during their conversation, which made me feel like a third wheel. When we passed by a parent and child walking hand in hand, they continued speaking only to each other.

“…A family.”  [Happiness]

“Yeah, that’s right.”  [Raven]

It was a typical, everyday family scene. The father and mother were walking with their son between them, holding his hands. It looked heartwarming to me. I wasn’t sure what was going through Raven and Happiness’s minds, but for some reason, the distance between them seemed to shrink as they walked.

We also came across a bard performing in the square. She must have been travelling from place to place, singing her song. Her beautiful melody has gathered a decent crowd, mostly men. Upon closer inspection, it became clear why. She was an attractive woman, and the excitement in the crowd likely had a lot to do with her appearance.

“…She’s pretty.”  [Happiness]

“…Yeah, she is.”  [Raven]

Raven agreed easily, causing Happiness to pout slightly. Was she jealous? Before I could dwell on it, Raven cupped her cheeks with both hands to reassure her.

“…Don’t worry. My number one is you, Happiness.”  [Raven]

He crouched down to meet her gaze and gave her head a gentle pat. I decided to act as if I were just another stranger, because otherwise, I’d feel even more out of place. Happiness tried to maintain a poker face, but it was obvious she was struggling to hold back her feelings. A gentle warmth filled me as I watched her expression.

When we finally arrived at the restaurant, my sense of awkwardness only intensified. Sitting at the table was pure torment. They sat next to each other, while I was left alone on the opposite side.

“…Let’s split the bill.”  [Happiness]

“…No, I’ll take care of it.”  [Raven]

“…No.”  [Happiness]

“…It’s fine, okay?”  [Raven]

“…Understood.”  [Happiness]

“…”

While they continued to flirt, I slowly ate the ice cream I had ordered. If they kept this up, Happiness’s break time would be over before they even placed their order. I was tempted to urge them to hurry, but I held back. The only consolation was that they hadn’t started feeding each other yet.

After our meal, we accompanied Happiness back to Cecilia’s mansion. Raven handed her the bags he had been carrying, and I assumed we would part ways here. But that wasn’t the case.

“…Well, see you later. Good luck with your work.”  [Raven]

“…Thank you.”  [Happiness]

“…Yeah.”  [Raven]

I stood there with a blank expression, watching the two of them reluctantly say their goodbyes, as if they couldn’t bear to part. It’s not like they were separating forever, so I wished they wouldn’t stand there, entwined and gazing into each other’s eyes.

“…See you again, Raven. And you, too, Captain.”  [Happiness]

She greeted me as well, so I gave a light wave in return. Carrying her bags, she then walked heavily into the mansion.

“…How was it?”  [Raven]

Raven, with cold sweat trickling down his face, turned towards me with mechanical movements and asked. His voice cracked, and his usually high voice sounded even higher.

Oh yeah, he was worried about this, wasn’t he? That’s right, I’d almost forgotten.

“May you continue to be happy and lovey-dovey for a long time. Why not just live together like Yuuga and Mikana? I’m sure it’ll be fine.”  [Youki]

“W-Wait, how did it come to that?”  [Raven]

“Sophia-san trained Happiness thoroughly, so she can handle all the household chores. Isn’t that great? Oh, and you can be together from morning to night, that’s perfect, isn’t it? Hahaha!”  [Youki]

“…I can say those exact words right back at you, Youki.”  [Raven]

Raven’s unexpected counterattack froze my smug smile.

Right, this isn’t just someone else’s problem. I’m in the same position too.

The look in his eyes was terrifying. It was the look of someone who’s had enough of my thoughtless remark. I avoided his gaze by turning my eyes towards the mansion. The window to Cecilia’s room was closed, and there was no sign of anyone inside. It seemed that she wasn’t around today. What a shame. Although it wouldn’t be appropriate to barge in all of a sudden anyway. I’d like to see her, but there would be no point hanging around the mansion without a reason. I’d just be in the way.

“Alright then. We’ve escorted Happiness back, so let’s head home. Mission accomplished, right?”  [Youki]

“…Hey, the whole point of today was to discuss my concerns.”  [Raven]

“Yeah, but after seeing what I just did, I can only say there’s nothing to worry about. Happiness smiled in a way I’ve never seen before, not even when she’s with me, Duke, Sheik, or any of her old friends.”  [Youki]

What was there to worry about? If anything, I should be more concerned about myself.

“…You’re right, Youki. But when I’m with her, I often find myself acting on impulse. I’m so happy that I just do whatever I feel like. I’m scared that this might be causing trouble for Happiness.”  [Raven]

“Raven.”  [Youki]

I gently placed my right hand on his shoulder and gave it a light pat. With a bright smile, I expressed my true feelings in just a few simple words.

“Go explode.”  [Youki]

I managed to say it with a cheerful grin, and I was pretty sure there was a little imaginary music note at the end. Since my left hand was free, I gave him a thumbs-down for good measure.

“Why, Youki? I’m seriously troubled about this…”  [Raven]

“Your worries are way too luxurious!”  [Youki]

You’re troubled because you love your girlfriend too much without even realizing it? Dude, you’d get beaten up by every single bachelor in Minerva! It frustrates me, but he ended up getting a girlfriend before I did, too… No, the length of time doesn’t matter. The bond between Cecilia and me isn’t based on some superficial hierarchy. It’s a genuine connection.

“Follow my and Cecilia’s example!”  [Youki]

“You and Cecilia? Well, you two do maintain a certain distance from each other, don’t you? It seems like you’re both mindful of not crossing the line. Sometimes you plan dates, and other times, you invite her out on a whim. And, if I remember correctly, your favourite thing to do is to sit in Cecilia’s room, sipping tea and chatting. It’s a sincere and pure relationship. You really stick to your principles. The other knights could learn a thing or two from you, Youki.”  [Raven]

Raven explained as he nodded, but from my perspective, it was just plain embarrassing to have someone calmly analyzing my relationship.

“Wait, where did you get all this information from?”  [Youki]

“Happiness. She’s been telling me lately about what you’ve been up to. Seems like she’s been talking with Cecilia more frequently these days.”  [Raven]

“So, it’s not just us having these conversations, huh?”  [Youki]

It seems like the women consult each other, and men do the same among themselves. Even after becoming lovers, we still have a long way to go. We’ll face fun times and hardships together… and we’ll grow from it.

“Raven, let’s both keep doing our best!”  [Youki]

“Uh, yeah… sure.”  [Raven]

“Alright, dismissed!”  [Youki]

And just like that, Raven’s troubles vanished, and we both grew a little, taking a new step forward…or so I thought.

“…Don’t just end things on your own.”  [Raven]

“I guess that didn’t work, huh? I tried to wrap it up nicely. The end!”  [Youki]

“…It’s not the end, Youki.”  [Raven]

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. Don’t get mad, and please take your hand off the hilt of your sword. Drawing a blade in front of someone’s house isn’t a good idea.”  [Youki]

In any case, my last option was to ask Happiness how she really felt. I had tried earlier, but the timing never seemed right. Interrupting the two of them wasn’t easy. It would definitely be quicker to ask her directly. She had probably already returned to work since we’d used up all of the lunch break, but it was only a simple question, so it should be fine.

Just as I was about to head into the mansion, I heard someone calling Raven’s name from behind us. We both turned around to see a knight running towards us, armour clanking with every step. Judging by how he kept touching his neck, it was most likely Duke. But what on earth had him in such a hurry?

“Raven, it’s a letter for you!”  [Duke]

Duke waved his hand, shouting loudly as he approached. It seemed he had come to inform Raven about a letter that had arrived. However, there was likely more to it than met the eye. Duke wouldn’t have gone out of his way to track Raven down just for a simple letter. Raven appeared to think the same, his expression growing serious as he walked towards Duke.

“Huff, huff… Raven, what are you gonna do about this?”  [Duke]

“What is it? What happ-”  [Raven]

Raven froze mid-sentence, his eyes locked on something. Curious, I hurried over to Duke to see what had made him stop. It was indeed a letter, but not just any letter. It was a love letter. I couldn’t read the contents, but the heart-shaped seal on the envelope and phrases like “I hope my feelings reach you” made it all too clear.

“Raven, just so you know, this isn’t Happiness’s handwriting. I’ve known her for a long time, so I can tell. It’s someone else’s…some stranger’s handwriting…”  [Duke]

“Duke, you’re way too flustered. Calm down.”  [Youki]

I snatched the letter from Duke and gave him a firm kick. It wasn’t like him to get this worked up, so I thought I’d snap him back to his senses.

Leaving Duke, who was rolling on the ground, I handed the letter to Raven.

Raven received it. He just needs to deal with it. No need to panic. Raven is the type of guy who cares deeply for Happiness, even to the point of worrying if he is a burden to her. There’s no way a guy like him would be swayed by another woman. That’s not happening.

“I’m sorry, but I have Happiness. No matter who the other person is, my feelings won’t change. But throwing the letter away without reading it would be disrespecting the sender’s feelings, wouldn’t it?”  [Raven]

He held the envelope in his hand, feeling hesitant.

“Happiness would be sad if she sees me like this.”  [Raven]

Raven muttered to himself as he struggled to open the envelope. Curious about its contents, I asked for his permission to read it instead.

“Let’s see… Thank you so much for helping me in that dangerous situation the other time. Thanks to you, I’m able to live my life in good health. No amount of gratitude is enough… Huh?”  [Youki]

From what I’d read so far, it seemed the sender felt indebted to Raven. Was it someone we had helped during our last patrol?

“Since then, I haven’t been able to forget you. I’m such a fool, aren’t I? Even though I know I’m just being a bother to you, I couldn’t contain my feelings.”  [Youki]

Even though she was aware of his relationship with Happiness, she still sent a love letter. She must have fallen hard for him.

“But I can’t suppress my feelings anymore. I want to see you. I’ll be waiting for you again at the place where we met.”  [Youki]

The tone of the letter was getting serious. I almost stepped back, but forced myself to stay put. Duke, who had been writhing in pain earlier, seemed to have recovered. Raven remained silent as we finished reading the first page and moved on to the second.

“I tried my best to avoid suspicion and asked a sailor to deliver this letter for me. I hope it reaches you. If you can come to that place, please call out my name.”  [Youki]

At the bottom, instead of a name, it was signed simply as “From someone who swims in the sea.”

I could sort of guess why she hadn’t used her real name, so I decided to let that slide. This was a letter from Shike-chan, the mermaid we had helped during the mission Raven, Happiness, and I undertook.

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