Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 187 – I listened to the future plans of my friend and former subordinate

A few days later, Shike-chan returned to the sea along with Misaki-chan. Shike-chan had grown emotionally stronger, while Misaki-chan had thoroughly enjoyed her sightseeing around Minerva’s famous spots and bought a ton of gifts. Both of them gained a lot from the trip, so it was likely a great vacation for them.

As they boarded the carriage, Shike-chan waved with a smile. Even with Raven and Happiness there to see them off, she stood tall, full of confidence, with no lingering regrets.

…Well, only she knows how she truly feels, so I can’t say for sure. But I want to believe that smile was genuine, without any hidden pain.

“And so, the issue I had been worried about is now resolved.”  [Youki]

“…I see. That’s good to hear.”  [Raven]

“And today, even though it’s your precious day off and you’re on your date, I’ve decided to join you. I feel terrible about it, but I hope you’ll accept my presence with a generous heart.”  [Youki]

“…Annoying.”  [Happiness]

Happiness was harsh, as always. Well, the weather outside was unfortunate. It was raining, so it wasn’t ideal for a date. But, having tea in this cake shop from time to time wasn’t a bad idea. Even so, I knew I was just a third wheel.

“Happiness, I’m really sorry, but there’s something I need to talk about. Please be patient with me.”  [Youki]

“…Cheating.”  [Happiness]

“I’m not! You know that whole thing was a misunderstanding!”  [Youki]

“…Two-timing.”  [Happiness]

“I’m not doing that either!”  [Youki]

“…Enemy of women.”  [Happiness]

“I was actually helping out.”  [Youki]

We exchanged our usual banter across the table. She always teased me whenever we met, but today, I was determined not to give in. Sure, I admitted some fault on my part regarding the situation. The strange rumours were my doing, and that led to me being summoned by Celia-san. Still, it felt like there was another reason for her actions. She seemed to be subtly enjoying watching me squirm.

“…Lies.”  [Happiness]

“By the way, Raven, after meeting with Shike-chan, did it help resolve any of your worries?”  [Youki]

If I kept talking with Happiness, the conversation would never move forward. Judging from her confused expression, she didn’t seem to fully grasp what was going on, even though she was somewhat involved. Still, I decided to carry on without explaining it to her.

“Yeah. Seeing Shike made me realize something, and I’ve made my decision.”  [Raven]

“Oh?”  [Youki]

“I don’t know when it’ll happen, but… once I find someone suitable to take over my duties, I plan to step down as captain.”  [Raven]

“What!?”  [Youki]

“And then, I’m thinking of building a house in the forest and living there with Happiness.”  [Raven]

He wasn’t joking. This was his serious future plan. Happiness looked just as shocked, so it was probably the first time she had heard of it too.

First Yuuga, and now Raven? You’re planning to move in with her already?

“Wait, wait. What made you decide that all of a sudden?!”  [Youki]

“Happiness, told me. She said you took care of Shike when she wasn’t feeling well while sightseeing in Minerva.”  [Raven]

“Huh? Oh, well… yeah, sort of…”  [Youki]

My response sounded somewhat awkward because that whole situation caused my recent misunderstanding.

“I heard from Happiness about how much trouble you went through. She explained everything in detail, especially how the servants spread rumours and gave you suspicious looks.”  [Raven]

“Yeah, that’s true. Their stares practically burned a hole in me.”  [Youki]

“…Apparently, the suspicions have been cleared.”  [Raven]

“Wait, seriously?! Did Sophia-san clear it up for me?”  [Youki]

As expected of the strongest head maid. She knew me well, so maybe she defended me. It’s not easy to shake off a bad reputation once it sticks, so that made the most sense to me.

“…Well, you should probably ask Cecilia for the details. For now, let me tell you about my plans with Happiness.”  [Raven]

“Uh, sure. But, doesn’t Happiness seem kinda lost? This doesn’t feel like your usual vibe, Raven.”  [Youki]

Happiness still seemed spaced out, like her mind wasn’t fully there. Since she was part of this future plan, I wished she’d snap out of it. Maybe the suddenness of it all was making it hard for her to keep up.

“I know. But Shike-chan needs water to live comfortably, so it’s important to have the right environment. For Happiness, it’s the forest. Living in nature would be good for her…”  [Raven]

“…I refuse.”  [Happiness]

“Well, I figured you’d say that.”  [Youki]

I wouldn’t want to move just because of something like that either. If Raven was making this plan solely for Happiness’s sake without considering himself, it made sense she wouldn’t like it.

“Happiness… why?”  [Raven]

“…I refuse.”  [Happiness]

“I’m not saying we’ll move right away. Both you and I have lives and responsibilities. I’m sorry for bringing this up all of a sudden, but I just wanted to let you know. I’m seriously thinking about our future together.”  [Raven]

“…That’s unfair.”  [Happiness]

Happiness playfully punched Raven on the shoulder. It was clear she wasn’t being serious, just teasing him. Both of their faces turned bright red.

I nodded, realizing I’d been wrong. I initially thought Raven had rushed into this decision like Yuuga. Still, it seemed they were taking things one step at a time, figuring this out together.

They’re cohabitating too? That’s fast. I feel like I’m escaping reality. Here they are, planning to move in together, while I’ve just been suspected of cheating. Even though the servants’ doubts have been cleared, it still doesn’t feel right. Enough self-reflection for now. The important thing is that Cecilia has forgiven me, but I still haven’t properly talked things out with her since that day.

“I’ll just get out of the way.”  [Youki]

“…Disappear.”  [Happiness]

“Not like that. I mean, I’m going to remove myself from the situation. Take a hint, alright? Look around you now.”  [Youki]

In this lovey-dovey atmosphere, I really didn’t belong. I could feel stares from the other table, wondering why I was still sitting there.

“…From the beginning.”  [Happiness]

“Yeah, you did warn me, didn’t you? I should’ve listened. That’s on me. Sorry!”  [Youki]

I left the money on the table and dashed out of the shop, heading towards the light, my source of happiness, ignoring the piercing stares from those wondering why I was still playing the third wheel.

“Wait, Youki! Don’t you have something to talk to me about?”  [Raven]

I heard Raven’s voice from behind. No one seemed to give him disapproving looks for flirting with his girlfriend. It felt unfair.

I turned back and gave him my reply.

“You really helped me out. Thanks, Raven! That’s all!”  [Youki]

Yeah, I just wanted to express my gratitude. Everyone, including myself, knew I was interrupting their date, so I honestly felt bad.

♦♦♦

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”  [Youki]

After leaving the shop, I went to the place where Cecilia and I agreed to meet. I got there earlier than our scheduled time, but Cecilia had already arrived.

“It’s fine. I just got here as well. You really rushed here, didn’t you?”  [Cecilia]

“N-No, I was just worried I might not make it on time. I had just escaped from being a third wheel.”  [Youki]

Did I come off as a guy with no composure? Her smile… was it a smirk? I wished I could be like her…

“I don’t fully understand, but you didn’t cause trouble for anyone else again, did you?”  [Cecilia]

“Hahaha, no, not exactly… W-Wait, again?”  [Youki]

Did I really cause trouble for others often?

“With you around, it’s always unpredictable what might happen.”  [Cecilia]

“… Sorry.”  [Youki]

She knows me so well, huh?

“Why are you apologizing? Don’t tell me, did you really cause trouble for someone?”  [Cecilia]

“N-No, I didn’t… I think?”  [Youki]

I interrupted their date earlier. Was that counted? I did excuse myself quickly afterwards, though. However, because of my vague response and wandering eyes, she gave me a suspicious look.

“…Raven and Happiness were on a date.”  [Youki]

“I see.”  [Cecilia]

“And I just joined them without a care, acting like it was no big deal.”  [Youki]

“I see… You know, Raven-san is busy, so Happiness-chan doesn’t get to see him often.”  [Cecilia]

“But I have things I need to talk to him about! I kept it brief… then I left.”  [Youki]

“…So you had your reasons, didn’t you?”  [Cecilia]

She understood just by looking at me. That’s Cecilia for you.

“Exactly. I needed to speak with Raven, and- ”  [Youki]

“What about me?”  [Cecilia]

“Huh?”  [Youki]

“Don’t you have something to tell me?”  [Cecilia]

“…I do.”  [Youki]

What’s wrong with me? I’m trembling in front of her. Is she giving off some kind of intimidating aura?

“You do, don’t you? When I came back to the mansion the other day, the servants were giving me sympathetic looks. Even my mother said, ‘It must be tough for me’…”  [Cecilia]

“Aaaahhh…. I’m really, really sorry.”  [Youki]

“It’s fine. You didn’t do anything wrong, and I understand Shike-chan’s situation, so I’ve accepted your apology.”  [Cecilia]

“R-Right, I knew you would understand, Cecilia.”  [Youki]

Just as I began to feel relieved, Cecilia added, “But…”, making me brace myself for the inevitable lecture.

“Youki-san, don’t hold yourself back because of me, okay? Raven-san told me everything. You should stay true to yourself.”  [Cecilia]

So Raven told her I was struggling with this, huh? It really hits differently when she says it…

“Ah, but make sure to rein yourself in when necessary… You know what I mean, right?”  [Cecilia]

“No, no, that’s not the me-”  [Youki]

“Don’t go overboard.”  [Cecilia]

“…Yes, ma’am.”  [Youki]

The Magic Knight of Black Lightning hadn’t shown up recently. Although that was probably for the best, since he wouldn’t be appearing again for a while.

“Oh, by the way, how were the servants’ suspicions cleared?”  [Youki]

“Sophia-san handled it. At first, she only kept the rumours in check because she thought the whole thing was your fault. But didn’t you take on a ton of guild requests that day?”  [Cecilia]

“Yeah, I went all out. Even dragged Clayman into it.”  [Youki]

“That’s what did it. Sophia-san was in a good mood, so I asked her about it. Apparently, she was thrilled because Clayman-san worked overtime for the first time.”  [Cecilia]

Really, Sophia-san? That’s what made you happy? And Clayman, seriously? He’s the assistant guild master and never works overtime? How does that even work? Surely there’s been a day when he had to run things by himself, right? No… knowing him, he probably just shut everything down right on the dot.

“When she heard from Clayman-san that you’d been working hard, she decided to step in and fully shut down the rumours.”  [Cecilia]

“I see. I’ll have to thank her for that.”  [Youki]

“She said the same thing. ‘I must express my gratitude to Youki-sama,’ were her words.”  [Cecilia]

“No, no, I was just doing my job.”  [Youki]

“Fufu, true enough. Well then, shall we go? You must be tired from standing and talking for so long. Today, I’ll make sure you enjoy yourself.”  [Cecilia]

Cecilia took my hand and led the way. I couldn’t help but wonder where she was taking me, feeling excited by the mystery. And just like that, the love triangle involving Shike-chan, Raven, and Happiness seemed to have come to an end… or so I thought.

♦♦♦

“Captain, I need your help!” 

“What happened? Hurry up! I’m still basking in the afterglow of my date with Cecilia.” [Youki]

“There’s a bad rumour circulating in the knights’ order that I’ve been playing with Irene’s feelings! It’s turned into another love triangle, and it even involves Raven’s guest!”  [Duke]

“Go ask Raven with that, not me!”  [Youki]

I kicked Duke out and slammed the door. Could it be Irene-san’s bold behaviour and Misaki-chan’s casual attitude towards Duke that have sparked this misunderstanding? Either way, I’ve had enough of these love triangle rumours.

Duke would be fine. Raven was around, and Irene-san would probably clear things up. Or so I thought… until Irene-san caused even more trouble, making the situation spiral further out of control. Not that I knew anything about it at that time.

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