Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
New Year’s Party at the Western-Style Mansion (1): Yes?
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After parting with Lamie-senpai and Saras-senpai, I spent some time passing the time that evening. At the meeting place by the South Gate, I met up with Lamie-senpai and the others again. Waiting for the two of them were me, and Sonia.
The academy, still in the middle of the New Year’s holiday, was deserted. Additionally, for some reason, when heading to the Western Mansion, there was hardly anyone around. Since it would be too noticeable if we all went together, we decided to gather in smaller groups and meet up at the mansion.
Ratt-kun and Frank, who had returned safely as planned, were already heading to the mansion with Heinz. Hana, Maria, and Rick-san were supposed to meet up together, and Lights and Lef were coming separately as a pair.
“I’m so excited! Finally, I get to go to the mansion that Lamie’s been talking about!” (Saras)
Saras-senpai said happily, and I was a bit surprised.
“Eh? Saras-senpai, you’ve never been to the mansion before?” (Lux)
“No. I’ve heard stories from Lamie, but for various reasons, I haven’t had the chance to go.” (Saras)
“Reasons?” (Lux)
“Well, there have been a guest I had a hard time meeting.” (Saras)
Ah, she must be referring to the princess’s brother, Follett-san. That makes sense. It would be difficult for Saras-senpai to meet him.
“Hmmm, Linkert-san mentioned this as well, but if you haven’t been to the mansion, that means you weren’t selected by the mansion.” (Lamie)
Lamie-senpai casually said it like that.
Well, that could be the case.
“Then, since you’re going now, it means you were chosen by the mansion this time, right?” Sonia added as a follow-up, and Saras-senpai seemed pleased, saying, “I guess that’s how it is”.
As I watched the two of them talk, I thought it was a rare combination. But when I thought about it, Sonia and Saras-senpai, or rather, Saras-senpai hasn’t had much interaction with the other Catrap members, except for me.
Ah, but Heinz had known her for a while, and Frank is one of Lamie-senpai’s favorites, so they’re a little familiar with each other. Well, considering how friendly Saras-senpai is, I am not too worried about it.
While thinking about this and watching Sonia, Lamie-senpai noticed my gaze.
“Oh, I see. Sonia is your girlfriend, Lux.” (Lamie)
Sonia’s face immediately turned bright red, and she looked down shyly.
“Eh? Is that so?” (Saras)
Saras-senpai asked, her eyes slightly widening in surprise.
When I was questioned about this at the end of the year, I managed to avoid it by using Bianca’s commotion, but it seemed it was all in vain. By the way, I had told everyone on the team a little before the year’s end. In fact, it seems the news had already reached the women, even earlier than that, through Sonia.
“Well… that’s how it is.” (Sonia)
I said, a bit embarrassed.
“I knew it.” (Lamie)
Lamie-senpai said with a satisfied expression.
The women at this academy are really perceptive…
After passing through the usual small path, we passed under the rose gate that had already become a mere frame. When we knocked on the door, we heard a voice from inside, “Coming!” and Linkert-san greeted us.
“Oh, Lamie, you’re here. And…?” (Linkert)
“This is our first time meeting in this place. I’m third-year Dedd Saras. I apologize for the sudden visit.” (Saras)
“Dedd Saras… ah, you’re the one who’s a candidate for special promotion this year.” (Linkert)
“Yes. I’ve received an evaluation that’s beyond my abilities.” (Saras)
“Linkert-san, he’s also the person who made the bread during the festival.” (Lamie)
Lamie-senpai said.
“Bread… oh! The delicious bread from the school festival! So, you’re Follett’s rival in love, then?” (Linkert)
“Y-yes…” (Saras)
Saras-senpai seemed at a loss for how to respond.
“Well, if you’re someone Lamie likes, you’re more than welcome. Please, come in.” (Linkert)
“Yes, thank you! Linkert-san, we’ll be in your care this year as well.” (Lux)
“Of course. Welcome. Please, come in.” (Linkert)
With cheerful voices, we followed Linkert-san into the house, where Heinz and the others were already relaxing.
“Ah, Lamie-senpai, Saras-senpai, Happy New Year! I’m looking forward to another year with you.” (Heinz)
Heinz, as always, took the lead in greeting everyone, and we exchanged New Year’s wishes.
“Linkert-san, I’ll help too!” (Sonia)
Sonia offered to help, and just after that, we heard another knock.
“I’ll answer it!” (Heinz)
Heinz said, and he went to the door. It was Lites and Lev who had arrived. Not long after, Maria and the others arrived too.
“Hey, Maria. You made it just in time,” I said. Maria smiled and replied, “Yeah”.
“I had to rush a bit.” She added with a cute smile, then asked, “By the way, I heard from Hana that it was quite a tough situation again this time?”
“Yeah, it was. I’ll tell you the details later.” (Lux)
“Got it. I only heard that it was difficult, so I’m looking forward to hearing more.” (Maria)
Maria said.
From the look on Maria’s face, it seems she hasn’t heard the full story about Willard yet. It’ll probably turn into a conversation centered around Maria. Maria looked at my somewhat complicated expression and asked, “?” as she tilted her head in confusion.
—
“Well then, let’s get started.” (Linkert)
Linkert-san announced, raising a glass.
“Alright. Here’s to a good year for everyone. Cheers!!” (Linkert)
“Cheers!!” (Everyone)
The food prepared was lavish, and Ratt-kun was overjoyed, exclaiming, “Delicious, delicious!” as he eagerly sampled each dish. When I think about it, Linkert-san must be an amazing cook, to satisfy Ratt-kun’s discerning taste, considering he’s been to all the best restaurants in Rodon.
“Lamie and the others will graduate in about three months, huh… It’ll be lonely.” (Linkert)
Linkert-san said, her tone wistful.
“It feels like just yesterday that I stumbled upon this place…” (Linkert)
“That’s right. These three years went by so quickly for me too. But, I’ll come visit again.” (Lamie)
“I’d be happy if you do.” (Linkert)
The conversation continued pleasantly for a while, and we talked about the returning members’ trips back home.
After thoroughly enjoying the meal and the conversation winding down, tea was served again, and Maria asked, “So, how did the mission go?”
We, the expedition group, exchanged glances, and Sonia, as the representative, took out a letter she had carefully kept.
“Actually, I think it’s better to share this with everyone since the situation is a bit complicated, even though I wanted to pass it along secretly.” (Sonia)
“Huh? I don’t really understand, but okay.” (Maria)
Maria said, tilting her head in confusion at Sonia’s cryptic words.
“Okay, Maria-chan, listen carefully.”(Sonia)
“Huh? Just me?” (Maria)
“Yes. Just you. Please stay quiet for now, everyone else.” (Sonia)
“Sonia, you’re being so dramatic. What is it?” (Frank)
Frank asked, unable to wait.
“This is a love letter for Maria from a military school student in Solar.” (Sonia)
“…Huh?” (Maria)
Maria froze on the spot.
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