Ch. 5: The Sun That Shines at Night (SUN)
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.