Ch. 5: Al's Smile (MOON)
Going back to the castle with Al, we were greeted by the butler.
Butler: “Welcome back my lord. Dinner is ready.”
Aldebaran: “Thanks.”
Al took a deep breath and opened his mouth.
…Al?
Aldebaran: “Hey, you know, about the party we talked about earlier. I really want to do it!”
Watching as Al began to speak with that innocent smile on his face, the butler lowered his brow in bewilderment.
Butler: “Lord Aldebaran, you’re still bringing that up…?”
Aldebaran: “I’m sure it’ll make Grandmother happy. She’s the kind of person who loves when things are lively!”
Seeing the butler looking so baffled, Aldebaran threw him a smile as bright as the sun.
Butler: “…”
A short silence passed before the corners of the butler’s mouth slackened.
Well…?
Butler: “…this takes me back.”
Aldebaran: “Eh…?”
Butler: “After working in the fields…myself and some others would keep Her Highness company…no, she would spend time with us and let us take our meals with her. Sometimes we would drink after our work, and she would smile so brightly. Her laughter would fill the air…and it really was such a lively castle.”
Aldebaran: “…yeah, it really was.”
Butler: “Seeing you smile like that my lord, it makes me remember those times.”
Aldebaran: “I think Grandmother would also be happier if the castle was lively again.”
Al smiled, a kind and gentle smile.
Butler: “…very well. I shall start with the preparations now, and let us have a magnificent party.”
Aldebaran: “…thanks!”
Al’s smile lit up his whole face, and the butler smiled as well before leaving quickly.
OO: “I’m so glad that worked out Al.”
As Al’s face was full of delight, I watched the butler as he left.
Aldebaran: “Thanks OO!! Looks like I was actually able to get my feelings across.”
OO: “…yeah! Al, your smile really is wonderful.”
Fixated on Al’s smile, I grinned in return and…-
Aldebaran: “…”
Al turned his gentle gaze to me.
Aldebaran: “It’s all thanks to you!”
Huh…?
Al’s face came close, and he kissed me on the cheek.
OO: “…A-Al!?”
Aldebaran: “Did that properly get my thanks across?”
I felt my face flush as he smiled innocently.
The moonlight coming through the hallway window shone kindly on the two of us.