Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 199 – I listened to what my friend wanted

“Raven… you do realize that’s something I wish for too, right?”  [Youki]

Having to sneak around in disguise just to go on a date was exhausting. Honestly, I’d love to walk around holding Cecilia’s hand out in the open. Not that I’d go as far as Yuuga, clinging to my partner so shamelessly in public, but still… it was a wish close to my heart.

“…So it really is difficult, huh? Then… even if we have to be in disguise, I at least want to make it obvious that we’re together.”  [Raven]

“What the hell is going through your head!?”  [Youki]

He wanted to flaunt their relationship? That was practically asking to be resented by everyone around them.

“…Show off.”  [Happiness]

Happiness linked her arm with Raven’s and rested her head on his shoulder, making me wish they wouldn’t do that right in front of me. And did he really have to pat her head so casually, like it was nothing!?

“You’re already showing off plenty in front of me. Shouldn’t that be enough?!”  [Youki]

“…No, that’s not quite what I meant. I know that as long as I’m with Happiness, it doesn’t matter where we are. But after seeing Yuuga that day…”  {Raven]

“Hmm…”  [Youki]

Personal space and how people express happiness vary from person to person. Even if I pointed that out, it wouldn’t mean much to someone whose mind was already made up. And while Happiness still wore her usual cool expression, I could tell she was secretly pleased. She seemed to be on board with Raven’s idea, too.

…So, what exactly am I supposed to do here?

“Why not just take a trip to some quiet countryside village abroad?”  [Youki]

“…As much as I’d love to, I can’t take that kind of leave right now. Security preparations for Yuuga and Mikana’s wedding are already in place, and I need to ramp up my patrols to make sure there aren’t any suspicious activities in Minerva.” [Raven]

“Ah… yeah. That makes sense.”  [Youki]

If he couldn’t take an extended vacation, then travelling abroad was out of the question. But going somewhere nearby wouldn’t work either. It wouldn’t exactly be a private getaway.

“Then how about just having a wild time at home? I’ll lend you a room.”  [Youki]

“…That wouldn’t be any different from usual.”  [Raven]

Yeah, that idea got shot down fast. Honestly, I had no clue what to suggest at this point.

“Guess I’ll just have to rely on someone else…”  [Youki]

Feeling a little guilty, I went to seek out the only person I could think of.

“Do you know of any good places?”  [Youki]

As always, when in doubt, the person to ask was – Cecilia.

“I never would’ve imagined Raven-san struggling with something like this.”  [Cecilia]

“…I’ll be counting on you.”  [Raven]

Raven, who was dragged along, looked fully prepared to rely on Cecilia, making me question myself. Why was I the only one feeling guilty about this? It wasn’t even my problem.

“…Exciting.”  [Happiness]

“Happiness-chan, please don’t voice your excitement like that… Ah, geez, just give me a second.”  [Cecilia]

Cecilia rummaged through a drawer and pulled something out… A letter?

“This is an invitation I received for a certain party through work. What do you think?”  [Cecilia]

It was an invitation to a masquerade ball. Apparently, it was a merchant guild-sponsored event, but nobles sometimes attend the ball in secret.

I see. This is perfect for Raven and Happiness.

“…Hm? Cecilia, how exactly did you get this invitation?”  [Youki]

“W-Well… um, I was invited.”  [Cecilia]

“By who?”  [Youki]

“A man I met through work…”  [Cecilia]

“Oh? A nobleman, perhaps?”  [Youki]

“Yes…”  [Cecilia]

“Raven, something just came up, so I’m heading home. You can ask Cecilia about the rest.”  [Youki]

I cracked my knuckles and was about to leave the room, but before I could take a step, Raven quickly restrained me.

“Thank you, Raven-san. This is exactly why I didn’t want to tell you. I already turned him down properly, so please calm down.”  [Cecilia]

“Oh, I see. Well, that’s a relief… Not that I was actually going to go or anything. That’d just cause trouble for Cecilia. Haha, just a joke, okay? A joke.”  [Youki]

In the first place, Cecilia wouldn’t have attended the ball in secret just because someone invited her. As her boyfriend, I should have a little more confidence.

“…Captain.”  [Happiness]

“What is it, Happiness?”  [Youki]

“…Mature.”  [Happiness]

“I am a mature man. What are you even talking about?”  [Youki]

“…Heh.”  [Happiness]

Did she just scoff at me? So that’s how it was, huh? She didn’t think I was mature?

“Alright, let’s take this outside. Since it’s confirmed that you’re attending the ball, your worries should be settled. It’s been a while, so I’ll give you some training.”  [Youki]

“…Fine by me.”  [Happiness]

I jumped out of Cecilia’s window, kicking off my battle with Happiness. However, less than five minutes later, the match was over… not because I won, but because Cecilia and Raven stopped us. Why?

“Hey, this is just a normal sparring match. Even Raven was going at it with Happiness earlier.”  [Youki]

“…Requesting a rematch.”  [Happiness]

“…Sorry, but let’s just call it off for today. Actually, let’s call it off entirely.”  [Raven]

“Youki-san, please restrain yourself as well. I understand you want to train, but… I’m sure Raven-san has complicated feelings about this, too. Besides, your fight was way too intense.”  [Cecilia]

Cecilia’s words snapped me back to my senses, and I finally took in my surroundings. The area was a complete disaster. Happiness, realizing it as well, looked utterly horrified. We needed to clean this up before Sophia-san found out.

“Happiness, let’s team up and get this place cleaned up. The two of us can handle it!”  [Youki]

“…Understood!”  [Happiness]

Without wasting a second, we got to work restoring the battlefield that had once been a garden. Fortunately, the flowers remained unharmed. Moving efficiently, we communicated with just our eyes, swiftly finishing the cleanup.

“Hah, this is nothing for us.”  [Youki]

“…Perfect.”  [Happiness]

After exchanging a high-five, we noticed something was off. Cecilia and Raven weren’t the only ones watching us.

“Yes, I saw everything. Your coordination was truly remarkable. I’d even say you could serve as role models for the other maids.” 

The one person we really didn’t want to find out had been there the whole time. We’d been so focussed that we completely failed to notice Sophia-san watching us. She had been here from the start, hadn’t she?

At the side, Cecilia and Raven shook their heads, probably their way of telling us there was no escape.

“…T-Thank you for your kind words.”  [Youki]

“…Humbled.”  [Happiness]

“Oh, no need to be modest. However, given how impressive your cleaning skills are, I was wondering… would you be willing to demonstrate them across the entire mansion? What do you say, Youki-sama and Happiness?”  [Sophia]

This was one of those situations where my only options were “Yes,” “Understood”, or just nod obediently. Happiness, who was beside me, clenched her fist tightly, looking as though she’d also made up her mind.

“Alright, leave it to us, Sophia-san. Come on, Happiness. Let’s go!”  [Youki]

“…Fiery spirit!”  [Happiness]

With our motivation at full throttle, we sprinted through the mansion, covering every corner. Sophia-san’s piercing gaze occasionally fueled us, and soon, we became like the wind – swift and silent, scattering no dust in our wake…

“Good work. It seems you’ve also provided great inspiration for the maids. There may be opportunity for this in the future, so when the time comes, I’ll be counting on you again.”  [Sophia]

Leaving us drenched in sweat, Sophia-san gave a polite bow before walking away.

…Yeah, there’s no defying her.

“Here, drink this.”  [Cecilia]

“Ohh- thanks.”  [Youki]

Cecilia handed me a glass of cold tea. I downed it in one go, feeling my body come back to life. Happiness also received a drink from Raven, but unlike me, she sipped it slowly, taking her time.

“…Grateful.”  [Happiness]

“…Yeah. Once we’re done, how about heading to town? We should pick out masks and outfits for the masquerade ball.”  [Raven]

“…Settle my match.”  [Happiness]

Happiness glanced at me.

Well, yeah… our match ended prematurely. It’s not quite dinner time yet, so delaying their shopping a little wouldn’t hurt.

“…I understand how you feel, Happiness. After all, we ended up here because of my selfishness. But… just for tonight, why don’t we spend some time together? Just the two of us.”  [Raven]

What the hell are you saying!? I almost shouted that out loud, but I was too stunned to react. Cecilia seemed just as dumbfounded. That line was so sappy, Raven should’ve saved it for when they were alone. On top of that, he whispered it while holding her like that. I had no idea if he did it on purpose or just got caught up in the moment. Care to explain, Raven?

Apparently, no further words were needed. Happiness and Raven left the mansion, their fingers intertwined like a lovey-dovey couple. At this point, did they even need my advice in the first place?

“…Youki-san.”  [Cecilia]

“Hm? What’s up?”  [Youki]

“Why don’t you attend the masquerade ball as well?”  [Cecilia]

“Huh?”  [Youki]

“I declined the invitation, so I won’t be going… but I think it would be good for you to experience this kind of event at least once.”  [Cecilia]

If she’s not going, then what’s the point of me attending? Besides, I can’t even dance.

“No, no, no, no! That’s impossible! I’m definitely going to step on someone’s foot!”  [Youki]

“Don’t worry. I’ll guide you through it, step by step. But since there isn’t much time before the ball, I’ll be strict with you.”  [Cecilia]

“Wait, hold on. You’re serious? This is happening for sure?”  [Youki]

“Let’s begin, Youki-san.”  [Cecilia]

She grabbed my arm and dragged me towards the grand hall. The whole situation felt oddly nostalgic… not that I had the luxury to reminisce.

“Cecilia, uh… are you mad about something?”  [Youki]

“No, I’m acting as I always do. Now, brace yourself.”  [Cecilia]

Based on how she was behaving, it was probably something that I had done. I tried to recall what it could be, but nothing came to mind. And once the dance lesson started, there was no room left for thinking at all.

Seriously, though… Why was she mad?

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