Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Last of Seven Mysteries (2): To the Western-Style Mansion
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The morning after I made plans to go out with Lux.
I, Sonia, arrived a little too early at the meeting place, the south gate, and checked to make sure my clothes weren’t disheveled.
Then, I muttered.
“A date with Lux.” (Sonia)
As soon as I said it out loud, I suddenly felt embarrassed. I put my hands on both cheeks and shook my head slightly. While I was absent-mindedly flustering alone, I saw Lux running toward me from the other side. I waved my hand and greeted Lux.
When Lux reached me, taking a moment to catch their breath, he said…
“Sonia! Sorry! Can we change today’s plans!?” (Lux)
Without waiting for an answer, Lux grabbed my hand and started running again.
“Huh!? Huh!? Where to!?” (Sonia)
As I questioned while staring at the hand that was connected to mine, the side of Lux’s face, with gray hair shining in the morning sun, briefly looked at me.
“To Linkert-san’s place! The Seven Mysteries aren’t over yet!” (Lux)
Lux smiled at me with a slightly tired smile, as if with dark circles under their eyes.
—
When we entered the small path to the western mansion, I called out.
“Wait a moment, Lux.” (Sonia)
Lux finally released my hand and, looking at me with concern.
“Ah, sorry. Did it hurt?” (Lux)
“It’s fine. More importantly, what’s with the sudden change?” (Sonia)
In response to my question, Lux began talking about the real seventh of the Seven Mysteries, which he had realized last night. Listening to the story, I recalled the first time I visited the western-style mansion.
Now that he mentioned it, Linkert-san might have said something like that. No, honestly, I didn’t remember much. I mean, who would? That conversation was months ago. I was a little impressed that Lux remembered something like that. Certainly, if Lux’s memory was accurate, the western-style mansion was not included in the Seven Mysteries back then. In other words, it meant there was still one more, the last mystery.
“But then, why suddenly rush to Linkert-san’s place?” (Sonia)
Even if the mansion was excluded from the Seven Mysteries, I didn’t understand the reason for rushing to Linkart-san’s place.
“Well, actually, after thinking about the mansion last night, I thought of various things. And… No, I should probably ask Linkert-san directly about this part. Anyway, I want to talk to Linkert-san once.” (Lux)
Even though Lux was being vague about the important part, he had an expression like he had figured something out. Lux usually had a relaxed, carefree demeanor, whether for good or bad, but when it came to sniping, I saw him with a serious, somewhat amused look in his eyes at the Bell family’s villa.
I kind of like this look.
After that, we walked in silence down the path.
Suddenly, Lux said, “Sorry”.
“For what?” (Sonia)
“I promised we’d go to town, but I suddenly changed the plans… You even wore a cute outfit…” (Lux)
Lux looked apologetic, but I could tell that he had noticed how well I had dressed, so my feelings weren’t too bad.
“Don’t worry about it! Besides, now that we’re here, I’m just as curious about the last of the Seven Mysteries.” (Sonia)
“Is that so? I’m glad to hear you say that.” (Lux)
To be honest, I’m a little disappointed. But, having come this far, I’m also curious about the Seven Mysteries.
We walked along the small path still holding some morning dew and reached the usual rose gate. Perhaps, Linkert-san was still resting. We hesitated for a moment before entering. The rose gate still gave off a pleasant fragrance, even in the season when the roses were withering. After a bit of hesitation, we peered into the usual courtyard. Sure enough, Linkert-san was there. She seemed to be enjoying a quiet tea by herself at the table.
“Ah?” (Linkert)
Linkert-san noticed us and opened their eyes slightly.
“Good morning, Linkert-san. Sorry for coming so early.” (Lux)
In response to Lux’s greeting…
“It’s fine, but what brings you here? I don’t think I invited you to early morning tea…” (Linkert)
Linkert-san smiled while motioning for us to come over.
I also greeted them with, “Good morning,” as we walked over and took a seat at the table.
“Please wait a moment. I’ll bring some new tea and cups.” (Linkert)
Linkert-san, without showing any sign of displeasure at the unexpected early visit, made me feel a little guilty.
A little later, Linkert-san returned with the cups on a tray, and I hurriedly stood up to help. Taking a sip of the tea, I exhaled softly. My breath turned white, and I felt the change in the season. My stomach warmed gently, and I relaxed my shoulders. It seemed I had been colder than I thought.
After a moment, Linkert-san asked again.
“Now then, shall I hear what you came for?” (Linkert)
I looked toward Lux. Lux took another sip of tea before talking.
“The last of the Seven Mysteries, I think, is here, at the western-style mansion.” (Lux)
He smiled broadly.
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