Episode 23: I Planned a Birthday Party.
“Do you know that Atty’s birthday is coming up in two weeks?”
I asked Eric, who was munching on the tea and sweets served in the lounge.
Eric, of course, tilted his head.
“○△△××──”
“Let’s talk after you’ve finished chewing,” I interrupted, and Eric covered his mouth and munched diligently. How cute. That behavior is right up my alley.
After swallowing the sweets, Eric opened his mouth wide to show me, and after I nodded, he began to speak.
“I don’t know, but Ati is coming to my house!”
“To Eric-sama’s house? Oh, is there such a plan?”
I played it cool, acting like I didn’t know anything.
“Does Ilias-sama know about this plan?”
This time, I turned to the Obsessive Boy (Ilias).
However, he pondered for a moment, then said with a somewhat apologetic tone,
“I’m sorry. I don’t know anything about it.”
Eh… what an actor. Even though he knows. Well, it’s probably more convenient for him to play the ignorant boy. Or maybe that’s a twisted way of looking at it. He should be quite quick-witted.
“Is that so? I wonder if it has something to do with Ati’s birthday? Hmm.”
I also played the ignorant woman, not wanting to lose to the Obsessive Boy (Ilias).
Then, as if struck by an idea, I clapped my hands together.
“I know! How about we have a birthday party when Ati visits Eric-sama’s house!?”
The moment I suggested that──
I didn’t miss it. I saw Ilias smirk.
Well, I was pretending to look at Eric while staring intently at Ilias to see his reaction.
“Birthday party!”
Eric’s face lit up.
Why are you so happy? It’s not your birthday party. But I’ll forgive you because you’re cute.
“Ah, please keep this a secret from Ati. I want it to be a surprise party.”
When I put my index finger in front of my mouth and shushed, Eric did the same. What is this cuteness? Is he trying to kill me with moe? And he’s only four years old.
Oh, while I was having such a heartwarming exchange…
Ilias’s gaze became severe. He looked like he was trying to burn me to death with his eyes. At least hide your murderous intent.
“We’ll prepare a cake and… some presents to surprise Ati. I’m sure she’ll be happy!”
I genuinely thought so. I’m sure Ati will be happy. And the way she’ll show her joy will definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely be cute, right? Just imagining it makes my brain melt with endorphins.
“Cake!”
Eric got even more excited. I told you, it’s not your cake. Well, if you’re this happy, I’ll do my best for Eric too!!
…But, I’m not the one making it. I’ll ask the mansion’s chef.
Eh? Can’t I make it? I can make it. I can make it, but you know? I’ve made it before, but you know? For some reason, the sponge became as hard as a rock, you know?
My little sister, you see. Broke her front tooth, you know☆
I’ll never make it again…
“Well then, I’ll prepare the cake! Eric-sama and Ilias-sama, could you… how about decorating the room for the surprise?”
“Yes!!”
Eric’s tension skyrocketed at my words, almost jumping for joy. Ilias watched him with a gentle smile.
“Ah, let’s each prepare a present, shall we? How about something that you think is fitting for Ati?”
“Fitting for Ati-sama…?”
At that, the Obsessive Boy (Ilias) tilted his head. After letting his eyes wander for a while──he grinned.
Hey, what kind of nasty things are you thinking about right now? This boy is really scary. Is he really only eleven years old?
“Ah, but…”
There, I hesitated for the first time.
“I might not be able to go there. I wasn’t told that Ati would be going to Eric-sama’s house.”
Frankly, this is the truth.
After all, I haven’t been directly told about Ati’s formal engagement. In other words, it means ‘there’s no need for you to come.’
Rather, because it’s the Marquis, he might be thinking, ‘Don’t come.’ Damn it.
That guy really only thinks of me as a ‘womb to produce Sergios’s bloodline.’ And the fact that he naturally thinks that without any malice is even more infuriating.
“Selene-san, you can’t come?”
In stark contrast to his earlier high tension, Eric visibly slumped. Ah, right now, I can see the illusion of dog ears and a tail on Eric’s head and butt. His ears are drooping and his tail is down! What is this small animal feeling! He knows I love dogs, so he’s being outrageous!
Ati is like a kitten. Of course, I love cats too. If I were to be looked up at with those round violet eyes while tilting her head, it would be too cute! I’d immediately pick her up and cuddle her!! Of course, she’s not trying to be cute, she’s just cute!!!
…My thoughts went off track.
“That’s right. I’ll consult with the Marquis, but I might not be able to go.”
I made a sorry face and gently stroked Eric’s head.
There’s nothing I can do about this. If the Marquis says no, then it’s no.
“But in return, I’ll prepare lots of things that Ati will like!”
This is also my true feeling. I’ll prepare this, that, everything!!
I’ll make it a grand birthday party!!!
“Eric-sama, Ilias-sama, can I have your cooperation?”
When I asked the two of them in a polite manner, Eric jumped up and agreed.
──Ilias just kept smiling.
＊＊＊
Time passed in the blink of an eye as I negotiated with various people.
Ati and Eric’s formal engagement and birthday were fast approaching.
All that’s left is to finalize everything──
This is the most troublesome part.
After dinner. As a gentle time began to flow through the mansion, I visited that place.
The Marquis’s study.
Recently, the Marquis has been at the mansion, but he seems to be quite busy and stays in his study until late, finishing his work.
When I knocked, a reply came immediately.
I quietly entered the room.
The Marquis, sitting at his desk surrounded by many documents, made a troublesome face when he noticed that it was me who had entered.
How obvious.
“What is it?”
Immediately returning his gaze from me to the documents on his desk, the Marquis spat out those words curtly.
“About Ati’s formal engagement──”
“No.”
That’s fast. At least let me finish.
“…I haven’t finished speaking yet.”
When I stubbornly said that, he glared at me with an even more, truly, incredibly troublesome face.
“You want to say that you want to come along, right? No.”
Correct.
Damn it. There’s no room for discussion.
Even if I asked for a reason, he would just make something up.
It’s also troublesome if the Marquis gets any more upset and refuses to listen.
I decided to convey only the main point.
“I don’t mind if I can’t go with you.”
When I said that quietly, he looked at me with a very surprised expression.
What do you mean by that, you bastard.
“However, that day should also be Ati’s birthday. So, I would like to hold a surprise birthday party for Ati at the Andreu Estate.”
“A party?”
He probably didn’t expect such words to come out of my mouth.
The Marquis put the pen he was holding on the pen rest and turned to face me again.
“Yes. That day is not only a memorial for Ati and Eric-sama’s engagement, but also a memorial for Ati’s birthday.
Therefore, I would like you to celebrate at the Andreu Estate.
In fact, the arrangements have been completed.
I was hoping to get the Marquis-sama’s permission.”
When I explained that meekly, the Marquis put his hand on his chin and pondered for a moment.
“I believe you will be having a meal or something. I just want you to celebrate together at that time. What do you think?”
While saying that. In fact, I had already researched through Samuel (tutor) that a dinner party would be held at the Andreu Estate after the engagement procedure.
He would refuse unless he really didn’t want to celebrate Ati’s birthday.
But that won’t happen. If he loves Ati.
Speaking of which.
At the same time as getting information about the Andreu Estate from Samuel (tutor), I also had him subtly convey the information that ‘it’s Ati’s birthday that day’ to the Andreu Estate.
Even if there is no formal discussion, the housefolk should be preparing so that they can handle it even if the topic suddenly comes up.
“…You said earlier that ‘the arrangements have been completed’,” the Marquis opened his mouth. Oh. Good progress. Just one more push.
“Yes. As long as I have your permission, Marquis-sama, I’ve already spoken to the necessary people so that I can start preparing immediately.
But—”
I deliberately paused there, drawing it out.
“I’ve kept it a secret from Ati. I want her to be happy.”
I said it with as much emotion as I could muster.
I heard the Marquis click his tongue softly.
Heh. Is he weak against those words? Of course, he is. Ati, who looks just like his beloved late wife, will be happy, you know?
Besides.
If I don’t go there, he can take all the credit for himself. His popularity with Ati will skyrocket, you know?
How about it?
Can you really say no?
“Understood. I will speak to the Duke Andreu family myself.”
Yes!
“Thank you very much.”
I was genuinely happy, so I bowed my head politely.
The Marquis, having given his permission, seemed to lose interest in the topic and returned his gaze to the documents.
I didn’t want him to change his mind if I upset him, so I quietly turned to leave the room as quickly as possible.
At that moment—
“Speaking of which. Is your little dalliance with Samuel going well?”
Those cold words pierced my back.