Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Modest Noble Tea Party (1): Saxon and the Sweet Trap
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
“Huh? Me with Gellar? What are you talking about?” (Saxon)
This was Saxon’s first reaction when Sonia told him.
“We want to hold a tea party with Gellar-san and the nobles of Class 1-C, so we would like you to participate.” (Sonia)
Well, of course. Even I, who was listening beside him, could easily imagine that response.
“Well, well, Saxon, at least hear the circumstances first, okay?” (Roy)
Roy-kun, who was also being invited, responded like an adult, even though he must have felt frustrated from the recent training exercise. Reluctantly, Saxon signaled for her to continue, prompted by Roy-kun’s words. Then, Sonia explained the situation, mixing in how Gellar was isolated in class and how he had drawn the attention of the nobles from Class 1-A.
“The troublesome noble from 1-A… would that be Mogi?” (Saxon)
“Yeah, it seems more like Mogi than Sature.” (Roy)
Saxon and Roy-kun exchanged glances and nodded to each other.
Yes, that’s right, it’s probably that Mogi guy.
“But why do I have to do something like this? I don’t owe Gellar that much.” (Saxon)
“Yeah, you’re right. But, changing the topic, do you like sweets, Saxon?” (Sonia)
“Huh? Why do I have to answer that to you?” (Saxon)
Hmm. Judging by that reaction, Saxon probably likes sweets more than I thought. That’s a bit surprising.
“Actually, my friend has been really into making sweets recently. They’re looking for someone to taste them.” (Sonia)
“Huh? And you think I’m going to eat some suspicious stuff made by someone I don’t even know?” (Saxon)
“That friend’s name is… Noris.” (Sonia)
Immediately, Saxon froze. Without changing his stiff expression, his eyes slowly shifted toward me. I silently nodded a little. Seeing that, Roy-kun, who was holding back laughter, tried to help Saxon.
“Noris, as in Lux’s little sister, who we went to the circus with the other day, right? Oh, she’s into making sweets, huh?” (Roy)
“Yes, and she’d like someone with a refined palate to taste them.” (Sonia)
“I see. In that case, it’s true that a noble like Saxon, who regularly enjoys fine food, might be a better fit than a middle-class noble like me. And, as for Gellar-san, you’re inviting him too, right? How about it, Saxon? Even if you’re not interested in Gellar-san, Noris-chan isn’t a stranger. I’m also curious about her sweets, so why don’t we give it a try?” (Roy)
On the night of the Harvest Festival, what Sonia asked me to do was to get permission to use Rita-san’s house as the venue. Sonia and Maria came up with this plan while helping with the Harvest Festival preparations. They overheard Noris chatting while working, mentioning, “I’ve been really into making sweets lately”.
I had a hunch that Saxon didn’t particularly dislike his little sister Noris. If they devised this plan with that in mind, it’s pretty crafty. Incidentally, Rita-san’s answer was “yes”. However, she would not be present on the scheduled date, so she said we could use the house freely.
“If Saxon doesn’t come, we’ll have no choice but to cancel… Noris was really looking forward to it…” (Sonia)
With this heartfelt line from Sonia, Saxon made a grimace more severe than ever.
—
Later on.
Me, Sonia, Maria, Saxon, Roy-kun, and Gellar-san gathered in front of Rita’s house. When we rang the bell, Noris immediately opened the door.
“Hello! Welcome! I can’t entertain you much, but please, come in!” (Noris)
With a cheerful smile, Noris invited us inside, addressing each of us.
“Hello, Roy-san!” (Noris)
“Nice to meet you, Gellar-san! Looking forward to spending time with you!” (Noris)
“Saxon-san! Thank you for the other day! I don’t know if this will please you, but I made some sweets as a thank-you!” (Noris)
In response, Saxon, moving awkwardly.
“O-Oh… I’ve already tasted all the famous sweets in Rodon City, so… leave it to me…” (Saxon)
As his voice trailed off and became quieter, Saxon lowered his gaze.
“Is that so! I hope you won’t be disappointed then.” (Noris)
Though Saxon mumbled something in response, we decided to leave him be for the moment. The table was already set with enough cups for everyone, and a teapot wrapped in a heat-retaining cover was waiting for its turn.
Noris declined Sonia and Maria’s offers to help, saying, “You’re guests today”, as she briskly handled the preparations by herself. Saxon, who had been absentmindedly watching her, suddenly turned to me and asked seriously.
“Is she really your sister?” (Saxon)
It felt like there was some unspoken rudeness in his tone.
Before long, Noris brought out cookies and a small pudding.
“I’ve prepared one more thing, but for now, please enjoy these while chatting!” (Noris)
At Noris’s urging, we each took a handmade sweet in one hand and tea in the other.
First, the pudding. When I dipped my spoon into it, it wobbled and trembled, looking very delicious. As I brought it to my mouth, a smooth, slightly sweet taste spread inside my mouth. The pudding disappeared without me even chewing it, and I was completely satisfied.
As the sweetness lingered on my tongue, I took a sip of tea. The bitterness passed over my tongue, highlighting the contrast with the earlier sweetness. Taking another bite of the pudding, the sweetness became more pronounced, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Oh, it’s delicious.” (Gellar)
For the first time, Gellar, who had been quiet and following along the entire time, let a small smile break through.
“Gellar-san, do you like sweets?” (Maria)
Maria asked, causing him to pause for a moment before answering.
“I think I do…” (Gellar)
“That’s good to hear.” (Maria)
Maria smiled warmly in response to his answer.
After enjoying the sweets for a little while, Maria spoke up again.
“Well then, let’s continue enjoying the treats while you tell us your story, Gellar-san.” (Maria)
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
Please consider supporting Bayabusco Translation @
bayabuscotranslation 