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Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!? (Light Novel) - Volume 7, Chapter 4: Christmas Eve
Volume 7, Chapter 4: Christmas Eve
This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml
Part 1
Thursday, December 24
Having changed into his gym outfit, Koutarou returned to his room. Inside was Ruth, also wearing a gym outfit, preparing to go out jogging.
“Hmm, so you started out by jogging.”
On top of the invaders, Shizuka was also inside the room. She was drinking tea that Ruth had just poured up for her, and called out to Koutarou and Ruth.
“Yes. According to Satomi-sama, I lack the basic physical strength I require.”
“That's true. If you're going to punch and kick you'll need at least a certain level of muscle development.”
“I'm afraid so.”
“There's no need to feel bad. Everyone is normally like that.”
“That's right. If you just keep at it you can do it.”
Ruth grieved her lack of physical strength with an embarrassed expression while Koutarou and Shizuka gave her words of encouragement.
If anything, Ruth-san has all the knowledge, and she's that strong without the muscles...
Since Shizuka had felt Ruth's hidden strength first hand, her words of encouragement didn't contain a single lie. In fact a chill ran down her spine when she imagined Ruth after having gained muscles.
“Koutarou, when are you getting home today? I was wondering when we should start our practice.”
“Ah, about that, but today's no good.”
“No good? Why? Do you have some other business?”
Having responded that he won't be able to practice today, Theia was shocked. A few months ago she would definitely have yelled at him, but not anymore. Theia had grown more mature, and she knew that the athletic types wouldn't skip out on practice without a proper reason.
“Yeah. It might take all night.”
“I see...”
Hearing Koutarou's answer, Theia sadly dropped her shoulders. While he felt bad about it, he continued talking.
“While you're all here, there's something I'd like to ask of you.”
Koutarou's next words were directed to the six girls in the room.
“Okay. What is it?”
Sanae who was drifting next to Koutarou, answered right away, without a hint of hesitation. She could no longer imagine turning down any of Koutarou's requests.
“As long as I don't have to freeze.”
Temperature aside, Yurika wanted to realize Koutarou's request. Lately, Koutarou had been giving her food and helping her with her homework, so she wanted to do something to help him.
“Sure, but it'll cost you, Koutarou.”
Kiriha smiled cheerfully as always. She enjoyed all things in her own little way. This time was the same and she was thinking of ways she could tease Koutarou.
“That's fine. I'm free today anyways.”
Normally Christmas was spent with your family, but since Shizuka had already lost hers, she was grateful for Koutarou's request. Shizuka knew the loneliness of standing on the sidelines while everyone else was partying, more so than anyone.
“...Uhm...”
Theia couldn't answer right away. Instead she turned her eyes away from Koutarou and looked at Ruth.
Fufu.
Ruth smiled slightly and nodded when she saw Theia's expression.
“Very well, let's hear what it is. I'll allow it for all your efforts as of late.”
Theia could only express herself using condescending words, but Ruth, who knew how Theia really felt, desperately tried to hold back her laughter.
In the end, Koutarou hadn't explained any details, and left the room alongside Ruth.
“There's something I want to talk to you about, so could you come by the knitting society's club room around four?”
That was all he had said before he left. So the five remaining girls all had a confused expression on their faces.
“Just what does he want to talk about?”
“You haven't heard anything either, Mackenzie-kun?”
“Yeah. He just told me he had something to talk about, and that I had to go to the knitting society's club room.”
Kenji was the same. He had met up with the girls on the way to school, but since he hadn't been given any details either, he was just as confused as they were.
So as the four invaders, Shizuka and Kenji walked towards the school, they all pondered on what Koutarou wanted to talk about.
“Uhh... I just hope it won't get too cold...”
“Couldn't you do something about that outfit?”
Yurika was walking in the back of the line wearing a thick set of clothes. Because they were now at the end of December, the sun had set sooner and the temperature was dropping quickly. Because of that, Yurika was wearing almost all of the clothes she had and swelled up greatly. It was only natural for Sanae to be amazed by that pathetic appearance.
“Just what is Satomi-kun thinking to not even tell you, Matsudaira-kun.”
Since Kenji was there, Kiriha put on her honor student mask and smiled. However, her smile was real, and she eagerly anticipated seeing just what Koutarou had planned.
“It's definitely nothing important. That's not the kind of atmosphere he was giving off.”
“No, you can't be too sure.”
Reacting to Theia's words, Kenji shook his head.
“Since it's Christmas, I wouldn't even be surprised if he called us over to introduce his girlfriend.”
Kenji shrugged and shook his head.
“Really!? Do you think Satomi-kun got a girlfriend!? Hey, I can't even imagine that!”
Shizuka who loved that kind of conversation jumped on with eyes sparkling. At the same time, she imagined Koutarou going out with various girls in the class.
“Well, he's been popular for a while now.”
“What!? Really!?”
“Eehhhh!? You're kidding!”
All the girls let out a surprised scream at the same time as they heard Kenji's unexpected statement. They then surrounded Kenji and demanded that he explain the details. Even Sanae, who had been the most surprised, forgot that Kenji couldn't see her and demanded an explanation. Kiriha was the only one who remained calm.
“Come on, let us hear the details!”
“Is that true, Mackenzie-kun!?”
“I can't let that pass!”
“Tell me everything without holding anything back.”
“Eh, Yeah.”
While being pressured by the girls, Kenji adjusted his glasses and began explaining.
“Kou's stupid, so normally he wouldn't be popular.”
“Right.”
“If that wasn't the case, it'd be strange.”
Everyone nodded at Kenji's words.
Koutarou wasn't popular.
All the girls here agreed about that. In school, he was never surrounded by the girls in his class; he was always playing around with the boys.
“Well, I can't imagine Satomi-kun getting along with girls.”
“I'd expect that from Matsudaira-san instead.”
“Now that I think about it, Koutarou said something about holding a grudge against glasses-kun regarding Valentine chocolate.”
As they had said, the girls never crowded around Koutarou, but they did crowd Kenji. There were always girls around him. He had a lot of female fans because of his good looks and manners and his ability to do anything well.
“But that's only on the surface.”
“On the surface you say?”
Kenji let out a loud sigh and dropped his shoulders. Complex feelings were welling up inside of him.
“In reality, there are always a small amount of girls in love with him. And they're always the kind of wonderful girls I fall for!”
Kenji grasped his fist and put extra strength behind his sentence. This might be what could be known as the soul roaring.
In other words it's a question of quantity vs. quality!
It was true that Koutarou wasn't popular, but all the girls that Kenji fell in love with were all in love with Koutarou. They had all noticed the positive sides Koutarou had.
“The truly wonderful girls all understand Koutarou's good points. Just how many times have my serious confessions failed because of him!?”
The most recent example was Harumi. Kenji would have loved to go out with someone like Harumi. If she was his girlfriend. he would boast about her to anyone. But Harumi loved Koutarou. Anyone with any insight could tell.
Well, everyone probably picks him because I keep thinking about things like this...
Kenji was aware of his own faults. When he picked a girl, he always had a calculation or bargain in his mind. He wasn't as straightforward as Koutarou. All the girls Kenji was interested in noticed that slight difference, so that's why it never went well.
I guess I'm unexpectedly old fashioned... In the end, I can't really laugh at Kou...
Kenji sighed once more while smiling wryly.
“Aren't there at least some of you that have an idea of what I'm talking about?”
Kenji finished by saying that and looked around him. Recently, the girls in front of him were all getting along well with Koutarou. His intuition told him that, regardless of whether they loved him or not, they had at least noticed that side to Koutarou.
“That's true. You would feel more at ease with him as your boyfriend than with Mackenzie-kun.”
Shizuka laughed. She could identify lots of the parts that Kenji had mentioned.
With him not getting involved with anyone, with this many girls around him, he sure is honest or serious...
That's why Shizuka would come down to room 106 to play daily. It was because she trusted Koutarou.
“That's how a man should behave! Being unfaithful is unforgivable!”
Yurika was worried about Harumi.
I can leave Sakuraba-senpai to Satomi-san, because of the way he is! I could never entrust her to someone who has a new girl every day!
She would be troubled if Koutarou was as popular with the girls as Kenji was. It would then always worry Harumi. Koutarou could only take Harumi and Yurika out on dates.
“That's a given!”
Slightly angry, Sanae stuck her tongue out at Kenji. Since Kenji couldn't see her, he didn't mind.
I have this charm, so I know that better than anyone!
Sanae had a charm with the words 'Family Safety' engraved on it in her hand. As long as that was in her hand, it proved Koutarou's value.
“That's right. Koutarou isn't as scheming of a man as you are.”
Theia nodded as if it was obvious.
That's my knight. Knights are paragons of virtue. If that wasn't the case, I wouldn't have given him the title!
Theia was no longer trying to make Koutarou her vassal because of the trial. She was doing it for her own sake.
“It looks like you all know what I'm talking about.”
Seeing everyone's response, Kiriha smiled.
So in the end, everyone has faith in Koutarou. He's an earnest enough man that I would show him my true colors after all...
If Kiriha didn't already have another man she loved, she believed she would probably want to go out with Koutarou. So she understood what Kenji meant, and she could imagine how the other girls must feel.
“So that's why I wouldn't be surprised if he suddenly introduced his girlfriend.”
“That won't happen.”
“That's too big of a leap, Mackenzie-kun.”
“I won't allow that!”
“That's impossible.”
“Fufu, that's unjust resentment, Matsudaira-san.”
The girls understood what Kenji was trying to say, but at the same time they rejected the idea that Koutarou might have a girlfriend. They hadn't noticed anything like that while living together, so they didn't believe it.
“No, you can't be so sure, he might just get a girlfriend all of a sudden.”
“He's not like you, Mackenzie-kun.”
“That's right.”
“If that was the case he would tell me in advance.”
“If it's Ruth I could forgive him.”
“Everyone, if you put it that way, Matsudaira-san will feel bad.”
The girls began sensing that, although they might not see them, there might be a lot of girls that loved Koutarou.
Part 2
As Theia opened the door to the knitting society's club room, several small explosive sounds rang out. Surprised by the sound, she jumped back.
“Kyaaaaaa!?”
Although Yurika had been the only one to scream, the other girls and Kenji peeked into the club room to find out what's going on.
“Merry Christmas!”
Inside were Koutarou, Harumi and Ruth. On top of that there were several familiar faces from the drama club. And they were all holding crackers that they had just used.
“Come on, don't just space out. Come in! Come in!”
Unable to understand the situation, Theia and the others were pulled in by the drama club's president.
“The drama club send-off & Christmas party?”
As Theia was being pulled into the room, she saw a banner hung up on the back wall, decorations all over the room and a large quantity of food. Thanks to that, Theia and the others were finally able to get a grasp on the situation.
“Woah, so you were holding a Christmas party today!”
“Oh, is that all...”
“Alright! There's lots of food!”
“Yurika-chan, you're drooling.”
“Fufufu, looks like Satomi-kun deceived us all.”
Koutarou had called Theia and the others over to hold a party together. Since it served as both a Christmas party and a send-off party for the play being held next year, everyone related to the play had been invited.
“What took you so long?”
“Koutarou, just what is this commotion?”
Although they had understood the circumstances, there were still a lot of things they didn't know, so Theia asked Koutarou, who was approaching them while wearing a Santa outfit.
“Your highness, this party was planned by the drama club president. We weren't told what was about to happen until just a moment ago. The only ones who knew were the few people helping with preparations: Satomi-sama and Harumi-sama.”
Ruth, also wearing a Santa outfit, answered Theia's question.
The drama club president had planned the party. Since it was a surprise party, the preparations had to be made in secret. And since Koutarou was known to be tight-lipped, he was asked to help out. Since preparing for a party would be too hard on his own, Koutarou had involved Harumi for the same reason. Koutarou's role was to prepare the decorations, but because he lacked the sense for it, he relied on Harumi. On the day of the event, Koutarou had requested Ruth to help him with the food. Since they were jogging together, it was easy to let her in on the plan.
The reason the knitting society's club room was being used to hold the party was because the drama club's club room wasn’t big enough. It was already full of props and sets for their upcoming play, so they didn't have any spare room for tables. In that respect, the knitting society club room was only being used by two people, so they had plenty of space. Because of that, the knitting society's president, that is, Harumi's cooperation was also required.
“That's right. The president's a big tease. You only had to mention it.”
“Yeah. I wasn't sure what was going to happen when you told me you had something important to discuss.”
The drama club members crowded around Ruth and added to her story. They only learned the truth after entering this room a moment ago. Just like Theia and the others had now.
“I see... Who's the one who said Koutarou has something important to say?”
Having learned the truth, Shizuka grinned and looked at Kenji.
“What are you talking about, landlord-san?”
“Well you see, Satomi-kun, Mackenzie-kun―”
“Wah! Wait, wait, Kasagi-san, timeout!”
Shizuka was about to reveal what Kenji had said before he hurriedly stopped her and pulled her over to a corner of the room.
“Kya! Mackenzie-kun you pervert!”
“Don't say anything that'll give me a bad reputation please!”
“W-What?”
Shizuka let out an oddly enough cheerful scream as Kenji began to panic. Not understanding what was going on, Koutarou just blankly stared at them and tilted his head in confusion. When he did, the Santa hat on top of his head shook around humorously. By the way, the ball on top of the hat he was wearing had been made by Harumi the day before yesterday. There was plenty of wool to spare and it was easy to make.
“Let's eaaa~t!”
However, he returned to his senses when he heard Yurika's voice.
“Hey Yurika, at least hold it in until after the toast.”
“Hwah?”
“Hah..., no, it's nothing. Just eat.”
“Hmph.”
Koutarou had tried to stop Yurika as she was starting to pick up the food on the table, but he gave up because she looked so pathetic. Sanae followed up by poking his dropped shoulders.
“Koutarou, did you pick up the new job so―”
When Sanae had mentioned the phrase 'new job', Theia and Kiriha looked over at Koutarou.
“Yeah, it was for this. The drama club will cover the expenses in the end, but at the time they had to resolve their current money problems.”
Koutarou had picked up another part-time job for the sake of the party. Although they would cover the expenses eventually, they needed some immediate funding. Since he couldn't just use the money his dad had put in for him to live on, Koutarou and the drama club president had picked up part-time jobs in secret. By the way, the drama club president helped make cakes at the bakery.
“I see, so that's why...”
Theia smiled naturally.
I see, so it was for our sake...
It hadn't been for the sake of a single person, but for several. Although it had only been a part-time job, it made Theia happy.
“I was surprised too.”
“Hmm...”
As I thought, I need to get Koutarou to become her highness's knight, no matter what...
Ruth felt that way even more after today's events.
“My my, if you needed money you could have just said so.”
“I can't just pull my friends in to get money.”
“Satomi-kun hates dry relationships after all.”
Kiriha smiled and called out to Koutarou.
This'll give me an excuse to tease Koutarou for a while...
However, a mischievous urge could be seen in the depths of her eyes.
“Thanks for your help, Satomi-kun. You show some promise.”
“Thank you, president.”
That was when the drama club president wearing a Santa outfit approached them.
By the way, there were currently four people wearing Santa outfits. They were Koutarou, the drama club president, Harumi and Ruth; the four people that helped with the party.
“Here, Satomi-kun. Something to drink.”
“Thank you, Sakuraba-senpai.”
“Here, I have some for everyone.”
Harumi came carrying a tray with glasses full of drinks.
At first I was surprised because I thought Satomi-kun was asking me out on a date... but I feel like this is much more like us. Don't you think so too, Nijino-san...?
After handing out drinks, Harumi looked at the back of her best friend, Yurika. However, since Yurika was current occupied with stuffing her face full of food, she didn't notice that glance.
“Does everyone have a drink? We're holding a toast.”
The drama club president took the initiative. Since she was also working as the stage manager, her role included holding a toast. And following her voice, everyone in the room raised their glass.
“Koutarou, I want orange juice.”
“Yes, yes.”
However, Koutarou was holding up two glasses, one with apple juice and one with orange juice.
“Well then, with the singles' lonely end of the year approaching, here's to the success of the play next year! Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas!”
And so, Koutarou's and the others' Christmas party began.
Part 3
After an hour of freely talking and eating, they began playing games. The console was the private property of the drama club's president, and the large TV was rented for this day. This was one of the results of Koutarou's and the president's part-time job.
“Uuuhhh~, my stomach hurts. I can't move.”
However, by that time, Yurika had begun complaining about her stomach. Having focused on eating and avoided talking to anyone this past hour, Yurika's stomach had gone past its limit.
“Is this stomach because of all the clothes you're wearing or because you've eaten too much?”
Sanae poked at Yurika's swollen stomach.
“It's painful, so please don't push it.”
“So it's from overeating.”
Sanae continued to poke at Yurika's stomach. Although she was partially amazed, she seemed to be enjoying herself.
“Waaaaaah, my stomach hurts~”
“You idiot, hold back a little!”
“Even if you say that, there's no guarantee that all this good food won't be gone later. If I don't eat it all now, who knows when I'll get to eat something so good again!”
“Is it really something that important? Geez...”
After laying Yurika down on the couch, Koutarou scratched his head. He felt like he was watching over a useless little sister.
“Yurika, which ones were delicious?”
“T-They were all delicious, but the pizza over there was the most delicious. There're three kinds of cheese and it was like it melted in my mouth.”
“I see. Koutarou, let's go eat some!”
“Yes yes.”
If it was just Yurika it would be fine, but Koutarou couldn't ignore the bad influence she was having on others. It would be problematic if Sanae turned out like Yurika.
I guess I'll get her something good to eat for the end of the year. If it keeps up like this, it'll have a negative influence on Sanae's upbringing...
Although the money spent on the party would be returned, it seemed like they would be returned to Yurika's stomach.
“Yurika, I got some stomach medicine.”
“Thank you~, Kiriha-san. But there's no room for it in my stomach.”
“Ho-, we'll grind it up into dust Ho-”
“It'll be easier to drink than in tablet form.”
“It gets more bitter when grinded, so I don't want too~”
Y-Yurika...
Koutarou took Sanae with him and headed towards the pizza that Yurika had recommended, but as he heard the discussion behind him, he began feeling faint.
Are you fine with your life being like that...?
Koutarou couldn't help but feel worried about her future.
“Koutarou.”
When Koutarou and Sanae arrived at Yurika's recommended pizza, Theia appeared at the same time.
“Are the games over?”
“Yeah. I won over everyone, so they chased me out.”
Theia smiled wryly as she looked in the direction where the games were being held. There was a large crowd around the TV and console. Right now they were playing a four player game against one another. Harumi, the club president and two other girls, none of whom were any good at games, were having a go at each other.
Theia, who was good when it came to competitions, had won repeatedly and as a result, ended up being chased off. The winner was supposed to stay, but there was a limit to even that.
“Just hold back a little.”
“Are you telling me to lose on purpose?”
When Koutarou pointed out that Theia had gone too far, her cheeks puffed up and she frowned as looked up at Koutarou.
“It's not like there was an opponent you had to show off your abilities too, right?”
“...”
However after hearing Koutarou's following words, Theia's cheeks shrunk down to normal size.
“That's true. I'll be more careful next time.”
Theia smiled and looked towards the games once more.
So she's only able to make expressions like these while on Earth, huh...
Looking at her profile, Koutarou recalled what Ruth had said.
Theia was only able to make expressions a girl of her age should while she was on Earth. That's why Koutarou wanted to help her.
When he looked at Theia he reaffirmed that wish.
“Your highness, Satomi-sama, have some food.”
That was when Ruth appeared and presented them with plates full of food. Ruth looked straight at Koutarou and Theia and gently smiled at them.
“Thanks, Ruth.”
“No, it's nothing.”
“Koutarou, the pizza.”
“I got it, I got it.”
While Theia was taking the plate in Ruth's right hand, the plate in Ruth's left hand came flying towards Koutarou. That was due to Sanae's poltergeist, and the plate landed in Koutarou's hand, just as she had planned. It was the kind of supernatural phenomenon that would make anyone watching freak out, but fortunately no one that wasn't aware of Sanae saw it.
“Koutarou, say ah.”
“Ah-”
Following up, Sanae controlled Koutarou's right arm and brought the pizza that was lying on the plate into his mouth. All Koutarou did on his own was opening his mouth.
“Ah, this really is delicious.”
“At least something good came from Yurika trying everything.”
The thick taste of cheese and refreshing acidity of tomato spread throughout Koutarou's mouth, creating an exquisite texture. It was a satisfying taste for both Koutarou and Sanae, who was hanging onto Koutarou's back.
As Koutarou was satisfyingly chewing on the pizza, he noticed Theia looking around the room.
What's she looking at?
Interested, Koutarou began chasing her glance, and then Theia muttered, as if she was trying to answer Koutarou's question.
“Everyone seems to be very motivated.”
Theia wasn't looking at the room, but the people in it. The drama club members and those related to the play. Their smiles and energetic voices overflowed in the normally quiet club room.
“They get along well and their teamwork is excellent.”
“Yes. If it stays like this, the next play is sure to succeed as well.”
Then Ruth, who was carrying a waiter's tray, responded to Theia. She then joined in and looked around the room.
“That would be great, but it's going to be quite difficult.”
Their next play was different from the last. Since it was the climax of the story, it was far more difficult than the previous play. Therefore, Theia figured there was a 50/50 chance of the play succeeding.
“Stupid.”
Koutarou responded by hitting Theia atop her head with his now empty plate.
“Ow! What are you doing, Koutarou! How dare you hit a princess's head with a plate―”
“That's it, that's the spirit.”
Next, Koutarou lightly tapped the angry Theia's head twice.
“...Eh?”
“You're the leader, so you have to keep showing everyone your high spirits.”
“Koutarou...”
Theia had assumed that Koutarou was bullying her again, so she got so surprised by what Koutarou said next that she forgot her anger.
“You've been thinking about the people around you more lately, but at the same time I feel like your spirit has gone down.”
The games from before was a good example. The more mature Theia had grown to become more considerate for the people around her. But from time to time, it was better not to demonstrate that consideration. This was one of those times. Theia wasn't the stage manager, but as the writer of the manuscript, she was in a position to push the play along. It would be for the better if that kind of person didn't show any strange consideration. In fact, the actors would probably feel more relieved if she had enough spirit to make everyone follow her directions without objections.
That was Koutarou speaking from experience. The worst part for him was when his coach would show a nervous or anxious expression in the middle of a game.
“It's better to just do things instead of worrying too much.”
“But...”
Even though he had said that, Theia's expression didn't change.
Theia had been feeling anxious for a while now. She wasn't sure if she should be standing above other people. She wasn't sure if she could get people to obey her like the Silver Princess did. She had always been anxious about that. It was a new worry that had been born from Theia's consideration of others.
“Don't worry. Everyone will follow you, the way you are now.”
Koutarou calmly said that while pointing at the surrounding people with his glance. Before she had realized it, a large amount of glances were focused on Theia. Everyone had stopped eating and playing games and focused on Theia. As Koutarou had said, everyone there now had high expectations of her.
“Everyone is... I see...”
Theia's worry was deeply rooted. But when Koutarou had spoken, she had understood something.
Regardless of whether I can do it or not, there are times when I have too, huh...
When Theia realized that, her expression and eyes began to shine. She smiled with confidence and challenge. That was the appearance of a strong leader.
“That's it, that's how it should be.”
Seeing Theia like that, Koutarou revealed a smile of relief. Her current appearance was just what he had been hoping for.
“...Just who do you think you're talking to, Satomi Koutarou.”
“To the princess I can't help but respect.”
Koutarou dropped his shoulders, joking around. He then carried more food into his mouth. All the food was delicious, not just the pizza.
“If you're going to go that far, then I trust that you're prepared.”
“That's not it.”
However, the recently emptied plate struck Theia on top of her head again. It was a sign telling her to be more aggressive. Theia understood that as well.
“Then prepare yourself, Satomi Koutarou! You and I will travel the road of carnage!”
So Theia boldly stated. What was needed now was that kind of Theia.
“As you wish, my princess.”
“I trust you won't go back on your words.”
“I promise, Theia. I'll make the play a success.”
There was no hesitation in Koutarou's answer. He was planning on making the play a success together with Theia.
“Alright!”
After Theia and Koutarou nodded at each other, Theia then raised her voice to speak to everyone in the room.
“All of you! We'll make this play a success, no matter what! Got that!?”
Her powerful voice spread through the room.
“Yeaaaaaah!!”
In response to Theia's words, all the people in the room responded as one.
As Theia had said, the people who had gathered here had excellent teamwork.
Part 4
Koutarou and Harumi were heading for the school gate together. The clock had now passed 7:30PM. The party the drama club was hosting was still ongoing, but the two of them had snuck out.
The reason for that was because it was time for Harumi to go home. She had her last examination for the year scheduled in the morning, so she had to limit what she was eating for today and stay rested. So, as an extra precaution, she had decided to return home early.
She ended up returning home with a taxi. Since the taxi would arrive at the school gate, Koutarou had offered to accompany her. Although the school was right behind them, things were dangerous at night.
“Satomi-kun, it's gotten a lot colder, hasn't it?”
“It's been cold for a while now, so maybe snow will fall.”
Having passed through the school gate, the two of them stared up into the night sky. Because of all the clouds, they couldn't see the stars. The temperature was low and their breath could be seen.
The taxi still hadn't arrived, and the bus stop in front of the school gate was empty, with only a single streetlight lighting up the area. Seeing that lone sight, Koutarou felt like it was a good idea to accompany Harumi.
“A white Christmas would be wonderful.”
“You're a princess, Sakuraba-senpai, can't you make it snow?”
“Ahaha, Satomi-kun, don't be too unreasonable please.”
Laughter leaked out from Harumi's lips.
“If you're going to be that mean, I'll make you real a dragon, Satomi-kun.”
“I would much prefer not to.”
Koutarou started laughing alongside her.
“But still, it's really cold.”
“Since we were in such high spirits before, we might feel colder than it is.”
Just a while ago the two of them had been in the middle of a heated party. Koutarou and Harumi had gotten excited and played around as well. It was the opposite of their current situation.
“High spirits huh. I can't quite imagine you as a tomboy, Sakuraba-senpai.”
“Neither can I, geez.”
Harumi put her hand in front of her mouth and began giggling. However at the same time, her body was lightly shaking.
You really are freezing aren't you, Sakuraba-senpai... That's right!
Seeing Harumi freezing, Koutarou remembered what he was carrying.
“I have just the thing, Sakuraba-senpai.”
Koutarou shoved his hand into his pocket and pulled out what was inside.
“A hat?”
“This one's mine. I have something else for you.”
Koutarou had pulled out a red Santa hat from his pocket. It was the hat he had been wearing at the start of the party.
“What is it?”
“Well it's not really something to get excited about.”
Koutarou quickly put on the hat and this time he shoved his hand into the inside of his jacket. Inside was something he had been planning on giving Harumi as a parting gift.
“Ho Ho Ho.”
Giving off a Santa-like laughter, Koutarou pulled out a colorful package with a ribbon. It was about as big as a comic magazine, but it was very light. The package rustled as Koutarou presented it to Harumi.
“Santa has a present for such a good girl.”
“My...”
As she glanced at the package, Harumi's expression brightened up.
“Is this for me?”
“Ho ho ho, that's right.”
Koutarou nodded as Harumi asked. After that, Harumi received the wrapping with both hands.
“Thank you.”
Harumi pressed the package against her chest as she lightly bowed at Koutarou. As she did, he smile was radiant.
“That said, it's not really something I could be proud of.”
But Koutarou quickly began scratching his head in embarrassment. Since he knew what was inside, he couldn't help himself.
“Can I open it?”
Since Harumi was so interested in the contents of the package, she hadn't noticed his embarrassed expression.
“Go ahead. It should be of use to you right now... But it might just be for now.”
Waiting for Koutarou to nod, Harumi gently undid the ribbon around the package and peeked inside.
“Ah, this is...”
Having confirmed what was inside, Harumi's expression grew even brighter. She hurriedly pulled out the contents.
“A muffler...”
A hand-knitted muffler came out of the package. However it was very poorly made. Because the knitter’s skill was poor, there were bumps and it curved all over the place.
“Satomi-kun, you remembered...”
However, Harumi showed no signs of disappointment, and instead smiled happily as she stretched it out.
Satomi-kun gave this to me...
That was the practice work that Koutarou had been knitting since spring, turned into a muffler. And that's why only the first part had such poor quality.
“I worried quite a bit, if something like this would work as a present or not.”
Koutarou remembered that Harumi had once said that she loved the first part of his practice work. That was because it was the part that showed off his hard work the most. That said, he wasn't sure if she would actually be happy if she received something like this. There aren't that many that would be happy getting a poorly hand-knitted muffler.
“That's not true, I'm really happy. Thank you.”
However, Harumi was one of those few. On top of having knitting as a hobby, that muffler was chock-full of memories from spring and onwards. So, to Harumi, this was a very welcome present. She was also happy that Koutarou had remembered their discussion.
Gave me this to me as a present...
Harumi's eyes began tearing up. She knew that Koutarou didn't have any special intention behind this gift, but she was so happy that she couldn't help but expect those intentions.
“Does it look good on me?”
Harumi wrapped the muffler around her neck and smiled at Koutarou. It looked almost as if she was dancing when she spun around to show off the muffler.
“It doesn't. Your taste in mufflers is terrible.”
“Be silent. What makes a mere knight think he can extend his opinion to a princess?”
“That line's not in the manuscript though.”
“Even I can ad-lib on occasion.”
It was still as cold as always, and it only got colder as the night progressed.
However, Harumi could no longer feel that coldness.
Part 5
A headlight approached from the distance. Since it was a straight road with little traffic, it stood out very well, so Koutarou noticed it right away.
“Looks like the taxi is coming.”
“...Eh?”
“What do you mean 'Eh'? Sakuraba-senpai, aren't you supposed to get on that and go home?”
“R-Right. I'm sorry.”
Harumi had been so absorbed in the muffler that she had completely forgotten about the taxi.
Ah, I almost forgot!
And at the same time she remembered something else she had forgotten.
“Satomi-kun, I actually have a present too.”
Normally she might not have been able to squeeze out those words; however, the malformed muffler around her neck gave her courage.
“For me?”
“Yes.”
“But I haven't been a good kid.”
“I don't mind. I'm not Santa after all.”
Harumi giggled as she reached into her bag.
But I think you've been a great kid, Satomi-kun...
As she thought of that, Harumi pulled out a long and slender object.
“Are these knitting needles?”
“Yes. I worried quite a bit if something like this would work as a present for a boy.”
Harumi had gotten Koutarou knitting needles as a present. The knitting needles were made of bamboo and wrapped into a beautiful package and ribbon. As Harumi was holding the package against her chest, it looked like she was holding a bouquet.
“Here, Satomi-ku―”
As Harumi presented the package to Koutarou, she was seized by a strange sensation.
Huh...? Hasn't this happened once before...?
That was a strong sense of deja vu. Harumi felt like this wasn't the first time she had given Koutarou a present.
“What's the matter, Sakuraba-senpai?”
Confused by Harumi suddenly stopping, Koutarou called out to her. When his voice reached her ears, a scene appeared in her mind.
“What's the matter, Alia-sama?”
“No, it's nothing.”
In that scene was Koutarou wearing a blue armor and Harumi holding a silvery sword.
I see, this is a scene from the play...
Harumi remembered that the scene playing in her head had occurred in the manuscript. Ever since she got the manuscript, she had spent any spare time she had on reading it. That's why she had assumed that was the reason for the deja vu.
“No, it's nothing.”
Harumi giggled and presented Koutarou with the knitting needles again.
“I was just thinking that this kind of scene was in the manuscript.”
“Ah, that's true.”
Koutarou nodded, satisfied with the answer he had gotten. He then kneeled in front of Harumi. The two of them had serious expressions.
It was the scene when the Silver Princess presented the Blue Knight with Signaltin. In that scene, the Blue Knight and Silver Princess faced each other like this.
“Lord Bertorion. From now on, this sword will protect you. From any enemy and any trial.”
“Then I will use my life and this sword to protect you, princess Alaia.”
As they spoke the lines in the manuscript, Harumi handed the knitting needles over to Koutarou. It was a masterful scene full of feelings they could never say themselves.
However, after Koutarou had received the knitting needles, the two of them burst out laughing.
“Ahahahaha!”
“Wahahahaha!”
“A-As if I bamboo knitting needles could protect anything! Ufufufu, ahahahaha!”
“W-What's that supposed to mean, you're the one who said it, kukuku, wahahahaha!”
Koutarou stood up as he laughed loudly. However, his footing was unsteady because he was laughing so much. Harumi bent forwards, seemingly in pain, as she continued laughing. The two of them were laughing from the depths of their hearts.
“Hahahaha, Hah― Look, Sakuraba-senpai!”
“Eh?”
“Look, snow is falling!”
What stopped those two from laughing was snow falling from the sky.
“Ah... it's beautiful...”
Harumi lost her breath because of the beauty of the snow, seemingly dancing through the sky. She then reached her hands into the air and began catching the snow.
It was only obvious for Harumi to lose her breath from the beauty of the gently falling snow being lit up by the street light. Koutarou on the other hand wasn't looking at the falling snow.
The Silver Princess, huh...
Koutarou was looking at Harumi playing with the snow. The Silver Princess was only a role that had been given to her, but as he looked at Harumi covered in snow, she surpassed her role and filled Koutarou's heart.
“...Merry Christmas, Satomi-kun.”
And when he saw the smile Harumi showed as she turned around, Koutarou felt a little sad that he wasn't the true Blue Knight.
