Ch. 4: With a Serious Look
The fields were wrapped in the beautiful red of the setting sun.
Within it, Al and I had begun to walk back to the castle.
Aldebaran: “Hmmm.”
Al suddenly stopped walking with a worried smile, and he stared fixedly at me.
OO: “Is something the matter?”
Aldebaran: “What do you think I should do to get the butlers to listen to me?”
OO: “…what do you mean?”
Aldebaran: “Mmm how do I say it…it happened when we were talking about the welcome party, but I had intended to tell them about it seriously. But how to handle it, how to get them to accept it…”
OO: “Hmm…”
(Firstly…)
OO: “What about trying to talk with a more serious expression?”
Aldebaran: “A serious expression…”
OO: “Yeah. You’re always so happy, and you’re always smiling no matter what. When you want to be serious, try looking the other person directly in the eye when you talk…”
Al’s eyebrows knit together as he chewed it over.
Aldebaran: “Be serious…and look them in the eye… I don’t know if I can do it, but I’ll give it a try!”
Al gave me a refreshing, full-faced smile.
(I know it’s what I said…but Al’s smile is so lovely.)
I felt my the corners of my mouth lift up in response to Al’s smile.
Ch. 5: The Sun That Shines at Night
The stars had started to twinkle in the sky as Al and I returned to the castle.
Butler: “Welcome home. The dinner preparations have been completed.”
The butler greeted us with a calm expression.
OO: “Thank you very much.”
I stole a glance at Al, who stood beside me. I could tell his face was stiff with strain.
(Al…you can do it!)
Aldebaran: “U-um…about what we discussed earlier…I really do want to have a welcome party.”
Al started speaking, looking directly at the butler.
Aldebaran: “She saved me from the ring, and I want to thank her properly…”
Butler: “Speaking of that again…L-lord Aldebaran!?”
As the butler looked at Al, he suddenly started to take a step back.
(…what?)
Butler: “Wh….what has gotten you so enraged….! Please forgive me!! I hadn’t realized you wanted to host this welcome party so much…!”
Aldebaran: “Eh? Uh, yeah…? What’s wrong…?”
Looking at the butler’s state, Al’s eyes opened wide in bewilderment.
OO: “A-Al, I think you’re being so serious that it’s scary…”
I whispered into his ear, and Al’s expression clouded over as he let out a sigh.
Aldebaran: “Oh, sorry…but I’m serious. If we do this at least, Grandmother won’t be as sad. Just like how she was so lively, I want the castle to be bright and cheerful, with laughter that won’t fade.”
Butler: “…that’s why you want a party?”
Aldebaran: “Yeah…”
Al nodded seriously, and the butler took in this resolute Al.
Butler: “Very well. Tomorrow, let us throw a grand welcome party.”
Aldebaran: “Really!?”
Butler: “Now if that’s all settled, I’ll be quite busy… let’s have such a lively party that it will even reach Her Majesty’s ears.”
The butler gave a bow and hurried away down the corridor.
Aldebaran: “…phew~!”
OO: “I’m glad it worked out.”
In the next instant…
OO: “A…Al?”
Al’s slightly cold hand gripped mine.
Aldebaran: “…it’s all thanks to your advice!”
OO: “I-I didn’t do…”
My heart started beating loudly at his large, gentle hand.
Aldebaran: “Oh yeah! Will you dance with me tomorrow at the party?”
OO: “Eh?”
Al stared directly at me.
(He’s making that serious face…)
I understood his feelings deep in my heart…and squeezed his hand in return.
OO: “Of course I will.”
I smiled, and Al’s eyes lit up with a thousand sparkles.
Then, he let out a great sigh and his whole face stretched into a smile.
Aldebaran: “Thanks.”
His smile was as if the sun was shining brightly in the middle of the night, and that brilliant light fell on my heart.
END