[ladydollsstuff]

{AKNK} - {Yuhan Shinonome}

{Make you smile}

🚨 This is not my official language🚨

{Chapter 1}

One day, some time after Yuhan and the others had become demon butlers...

I was worried about whether Yuhan was getting along with the other butlers...

I was looking for him to talk to.

When I asked the other butlers if they had seen him... it seems he's working in the garden.

As I headed towards the garden...

I saw Haures and Yuhan repairing the fence.

Yuhan:

Mr. Haures, The fence repairs are complete. Could you please check it?

Haures:

Hmm? Let's see...

Yes, no problem.

And it's a beautiful finish.

Yuhan is diligent and does his job carefully, which is a great help.

I wish the other butlers would take a lesson from him.

Yuhan:

No, no...

I'm just a novice compared to all of you.

At the very least, I have to work harder than anyone else.

Haures:

Hmm... I think I'd like to have him emulate this attitude as well.

Good morning, both of you.

You're doing great, Yuhan.

Yuhan:

Oh, Arujisama...

Good morning.

I apologize for the late greeting.

Haures:

Good morning, Arujisama It's a lovely morning, isn't it?

Yeah, that's right.

The faces of the two people exchanging greetings were very calm.

Yuhan didn't seem particularly nervous either...

It was clear that he and Haures were getting along well.

Yuhan:

By the way...

Why are you in the garden, Arujisama?

I heard Yuhan is there.

Yuhan:

Oh dear, Me?

I wonder if he's getting along with the other butlers.

Yuhan:

...I am so sorry.

I have caused you worry, Arujisama.

But I think my worries have disappeared now.

Haures:

Yes, that's right.

Yuhan gets along well with the other butlers...

I'm not worried about that either.

He actively helps with other butler duties as well...

I was also grateful for his help with my work.

That's impressive, Yuhan.

Yuhan:

No, not at all...

I'm still not worthy of your praise, Arujisama...

???:

Hey!

Yu-chan!

Yuhan:

...Oh?

This voice is...

Turning towards the source of the voice...

I saw Lamli running towards me.

Lamli:

There you are!

Yu-chan!

Oh, you too, Arujisama!

Good morning!

Good morning, Lamli.

Lamli:

Yay! I got to see Arujisama this morning!

Today is such a lucky day!

Haures:

Hey, Lamli...

We're in front Arujisama, please calm down a bit.

Yuhan:

Mr. Lamli, is there something I can help you with?

Lamli:

Oh, that's right!

Hey, Yu-chan!

I heard you're helping out with all sorts of jobs right now, right?

Okay then, could you help me with my work too?

It's fine even if it's after you finish working with How-san...

Yuhan:

Yes, of course. I'd be happy to help.

Haures:

...Hey, Lamli.

Just to be clear...

You...

You're not going to leave Yuhan to do the work and slack off yourself, are you?

Lamli:

How-san...

Are you saying I'm trying to push work onto Yu-chan, the new guy?

That's right!

Even I wouldn't take a break by myself!

If we're going to take a break...

I'll definitely invite Yu-chan too!

Haures:

........

(Haures is speechless...).

Haures:

Yuhan... that's enough here, go help Lamli.

Also, keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't slack off.

Yuhan:

Um... Understood.

Lamli:

Oh man, How, that's awful!

Haures:

Lamli, I'm not saying you have to fix your tendency to get bored easily... but please, at least try to be a little more diligent than Yuhan.

Yuhan:

Alright, Mr. Lamli, shall we go?

Lamli:

Oh no!

I still wanted to talk to Arujisama!

Good luck to both of you.

be careful.

Yuhan:

Excuse me, Arujisama.

Lamli walked towards the mansion, accompanied by Yuhan.

Haures:

Seriously...

It's hard to tell who's the senior here.

Well, Yuhan is quite serious, after all...

As for Yuhan...

I hope that seeing Lamli will help him relax.

...But if it turns out like Lamli's, that would be a problem too.

You're worried about Yuhan, aren't you?

Haures:

Yes.

I don't want Yuhan to push himself too hard like I did.

It seems that Haures...

He was projecting himself onto the earnest Yuhan.

...I'm worried.

Haures:

Oh...

I'm sorry if I made you feel anxious.

As for Yuhan and the other new butlers who have joined us...

The butlers in the main building will take good care of them.

So please rest assured, Arujisama.

...Understood.

Even though I said that...

My anxiety didn't completely disappear.

What will become of Yuhan...?

Will he be able to continue without overexerting himself...?

[Devil's Palace Corridor]

Yuhan:

Now then...

Shall we clean the windows next?

Lamli:

Sigh...

Cleaning is such a pain...

Yuhan:

Mr. Lamli...?

Lamli:

Ah, I really wanted to meet Arujisama and talk to him more...

I just want to skip work and stay with Arujisama.

You think so too, right, Yu-chan?

Yuhan:

No... I don't intend to slack off...

Lamli:

Hmm... I can't really imagine where Yu-chan would slack off...

It's a little hard to picture.

I mean, Yu-chan, have you ever thought about wanting to skip work?

Yuhan:

No way.

I've never done that before.

There have been several times when I've felt like I didn't want to do this job...

But not doing it isn't an option.

Lamli:

Wow... Yu-chan, you're so serious, just like How-san...

I should probably be like that too, really...

Yuhan:

(So you're aware that you're not serious...)

Lamli:

I'm the cleaning guy, so cleaning is my job, but

I still feel like slacking off sometimes.

Because more important than cleaning...

Making Arujisama smile is more important!

Yuhan:

...To make Arujisama smile, you say?

Lamli:

oh yeah!

I talked with Arujisama and we ate sweets together.

Making Arujisama smile like that is...

More important to me!

Because, Arujisama...

I want you to be happy forever!

But... I'll do my cleaning duties properly, too!

Because it's a job that Lord Lucas gave me!

Yuhan:

To make one's lord... one's subordinate... happy...

I had never even considered such a thing.

...That's a wonderful idea.

Lamli:

Right!

Okay, Yu-chan, let's go to Master's room right away!

Shall we take a long break together?

Yuhan:

That's not allowed.

Lamli:

What?!

So it's not okay with how things are going now?!

Okay, I get it.

I'll clean properly today!

I'll go get a new rag... Yu-chan, you keep cleaning!

Yuhan:

Yes, understood.

........

(Making Arujisama smile, you say...).

{Chapter 2}

[Devil's Palace Annex Butler's Room]

Teddy:

I see... You want to make Arujisama smile, huh...?

Yuhan:

Yes... but even if I wanted to give a gift...

I don't really know what kind of things are popular in the central region...

And when it comes to gifts from a butler to their master, it's even more confusing...

Teddy:

Hmm...

I don't think it's something to take that seriously...

Besides... I don't think giving gifts is the only way to make Arujisama smile.

Yuhan:

...What do you mean by that?

Teddy:

Back when I was a soldier...

I once took my subordinates on a trip during my leave.

Our destinations were usually nearby rivers or lakes.

I remember that both my subordinates and I were able to refresh ourselves in nature,

and everyone was smiling.

Yuhan:

Hmm, so that means...

Instead of a gift, you want them to enjoy going out together?

Teddy:

That's right!

Yuhan:

It's certainly a good idea, but...is it really okay?

For a butler to invite his master out...

Besides... even if I were to invite Arujisama... where should I take him...?

.......!

Teddy:

It seems you have an idea of where you're going.

Why not invite him out? I'm sure he'll be happy!

Yuhan:

Teddy...

Thank you.

Actually, there's a place I've wanted to show Arujisama for a while now.

[Central Plains, in the Forest]

- A few days later -

Yuhan:

Arujisama....

Thank you for accepting my invitation.

Thank you for the invitation.

I had been invited by Yuhan to come to the forest near the mansion.

Yuhan:

Today, I will take you, Arujisama...

To my favorite place.

Favorite place?

Yuhan:

Yes.

It's a place located beyond the forest.

I'll keep the details of the place a secret, but...

I'm sure you'll like it too.

Understood.

fun!

Yuhan:

Shall we begin then?

We mustn't trip over the tree roots...

Please take my hand.

Uh, yeah.

Though hesitant, I took Yuhan's hand.

Yuhan:

Alright, let's get started.

- after a while -

With Yuhan's help, I made my way through the forest minutes.

Yuhan:

Arujisama, we have arrived.

This place is...

It was an open area in the forest...

Nearby, a small waterfall was splashing water.

And in the surrounding area...

The trees were covered in many small white flowers.

The petals, resembling cherry blossoms, were carried away by the wind... fluttering down, creating a truly elegant scene.

Beautiful scenery...

Yuhan:

This is a cluster of wild plum trees.

Did you like it?

Yeah.

Absolutely!

Yuhan:

Hehe...

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

...Oh?

what happened?

Did Yuhan notice something...?

He smiled and put his index finger to his lips.

(Oh, I hear a bird singing...)

The sound of lovely birdsong filled the air.

Yuhan must have heard it too.

He put his finger to his lips, narrowed his eyes, and smiled.

Yuhan's smile was so gentle...

I couldn't help but smile too.

Yuhan:

Heh heh...

Arujisama... I'm glad you finally smile.

Huh?

Yuhan:

I want to make Arujisama smile...

I want Arujisama to feel even happier...

I've recently come to think that way.

The reason I brought you here today, Arujisama, was...

Because I wanted to see you smile.

And... this may be an inappropriate feeling for someone who serves their master, but...

When I'm with you, Arujisama...

I feel incredibly peaceful and at peace.

That's why I...

I want Arujisama to be able to live in peace as well...

I hope you can spend your time peacefully and with a smile.

Yuhan....

Yuhan's smile as he spoke was warm...

It was clear that he was truly at peace.

Yuhan:

...Oh dear?

what happened?

Yuhan:

No... just now, a plum blossom fell...

It seems to have landed in your hair, Arujisama.

Arujisama...

May I take it?

Uh, yeah.

please.

Yuhan:

Well then, excuse me.

Yuhan's hand reached out to my hair.

His hand slowly stroked my hair.

Yuhan's touch was so gentle...

I felt a little nervous.

Yuhan:

...Yes, it's all right now.

Arujisama, I managed to get it.

Saying that, Yuhan showed me the flower in his hand.

The flowers are white, small, and simple...but very pretty.

So cute.

Yuhan:

Yes, really.

Well, since we have the opportunity...

Shall we take this flower back to the mansion and try pressing it?

For pressed flowers?

Yuhan:

Yes, if you press them and make them into bookmarks or something similar,

Arujisama can look at the bookmark and remember today's events anytime.

If that bookmark catches your eye during your busy time... it might bring you a little comfort.

Yuhan said this and smiled gently again.

He really seems to care about me.

Thank you, but...

Yuhan:

...what do you want?

I'll give the bookmark to Yuhan.

Yuhan:

Huh?

I want Yuhan to be comforted.

As Haures said...

I was worried that hardworking Yuhan might overwork himself.

Don't overwork yourself.

Don't forget to heal yourself.

Yuhan:

Arujisama...

Thank you, Arujisama.

I will never forget what happened today.

So, would you be willing to come back to this place with me next year, when the plum blossoms are in bloom?

of course!

Yuhan:

Heh heh...

I'm a lucky man.

With a wonderful Arujisama, in a wonderful place...

We were able to create memories just for the two of us...

{The End}

[ladydollsstuff]

{AKNK} - { Berrien Cliane}

{Please give me your orders.}

🚨This is not my official language🚨

{Chapter 1}

We were there at Lord Finlay's request...

To investigate an illegal casino.

The big gamble to summon the casino owner is over...

Now, we're just waiting for them to contact us.

Meanwhile, in an effort to gather as much information as possible...

Today, I was at the casino with Berrien again.

Berrien:

Hmm...

I've gotten used to the hustle and bustle of the casino.

Boss.

Are you playing poker again today?

I'm tired of that (that's bad for my heart).

Berrien:

Oh, really...?

I did play poker to my heart's content just the other day, didn't I?

Heh heh, but even so...

The boss looked absolutely magnificent during that crucial moment.

He was truly wonderful.

I hope to see you again someday...

I would love to see you like that again.

...Oh?

What's wrong?

In the middle of our conversation...

Berrien's gaze shifted away from me.

Following that gaze...

A short distance away, there was a young man who appeared to be a nobleman.

The young man's face was terribly pale...

He was staggering outside.

He looks visibly exhausted... It's a worrying sight.

Berrien:

Hmm...

He seem very exhausted.

...I'm a little worried.

Boss, may I follow him?

That's fine (I'll go with you).

We weaved our way through the gaps between the casino patrons...

We continue after the young man.

Stepping out of the casino building...

There was a young man sitting along the wall, his head bowed.

Berrien:

...Excuse me.

You look unwell. What's the matter?

When Berrien called out to him...

The young man raised his head, glaring at him.

A young nobleman:

...You can see that just by looking. I lost a lot of money at the casino.

Oh no...

What can I tell my parents about this debt?

Berrien:

Hmm...

It seems there's some kind of story behind it.

Would you mind sharing your story with me?

It might lighten your heart a little.

When Berrien said that...

The young man began to tell us his story little by little.

Apparently, the young man is the heir to a noble family... and was raised strictly by his parents.

He started gambling at casinos to escape the stress...

Before he knew it, his debt had ballooned.

A young nobleman:

If things continue like this, I'll disappoint my parents.

At this point... I have no choice but to hang myself...

Berrien:

Please stay calm... Don't act rashly.

...It must have been so hard to endure that pressure for so long.

I understand why it was difficult to confide in your parents.

But...

You don't have to bear that burden alone.

The first step is to talk to someone.

There are surely people out there who will be on your side.

You can think about solutions later.

...Do you have anyone close to you who you could talk to?

A young nobleman:

...That is...

My sister, though she's married and lives far away now...

Berrien:

Then let's write a letter to that person.

...What do you think?

Does that seem doable?

A young nobleman:

...Uh, yes...

If it's just writing a letter...

But...

What should I write...?

Berrien:

Just write down your feelings honestly.

If you keep doing that, I'm sure... your mind will calm down a little.

A young nobleman:

....got it...

I don't know who it was, but...

Thank you for listening to my concerns...

Berrien:

Not at all...

I hope it goes well for you.

Seeing the young man bowing his head to him... Berrien smiled with relief.

Even in the eyes of the young man, who had looked utterly exhausted just moments before... I felt as if a little bit of light had returned.

After that, we escorted the young man back to his room.

Berrien:

Phew...

That should be alright for now.

Even the boss...

Thank you for watching over us until the very end.

Not a bad result (I'm relieved).

Berrien:

Yes...

I really think so.

He has recovered well... I can only hope that everything goes well.

This is your achievement (thanks to Berrien).

Berrien:

No, not at all...

I only helped him a little bit to move forward.

However...

Perhaps it was only because it was me that I was able to find him like that.

While searching for someone suitable to be a demon butler...

I became sensitive to people's despair, and emotions close to it...

The fact that I was able to notice his gloomy expression was...

Perhaps it's because of this quality of mine.

Sometimes I hate myself for only noticing other people's suffering...

Right now...

I'm genuinely happy that I was able to help that person.

Berrien spoke positively, but...

I sensed a hint of sadness in his expression.

Perhaps he...

He might be quite concerned about his sensitivity to despair.

Berrien:

Oh dear...

I ended up telling a rather gloomy story, didn't I?

Well then...

Shall we head back to our rooms now?

You're probably starting to feel tired from being in an unfamiliar environment.

Please relax with a warm cup of tea.

With that, Berrien seemed to change his attitude...

He greeted me with a gentle smile.

Hoping that no sadness was hidden behind that smile...

I decided to return to my room with Berrien.

{Chapter 2}

[Hotel Suite Room]

After that, we...

returned to our rooms without incident.

Outside, we were always playing the role of mafia members...

But once we stepped into the room, we naturally reverted to our normal way of speaking.

Berrien:

Aruji sama.

I will take your coat.

thank you.

Berrien:

No...

It's only natural for a butler to do that.

And earlier...

I apologize for telling you such a somber story.

I know you must be tired from this unusual request... and this wasn't really something I wanted to talk about.

I'll bring you tea and sweets shortly...

Please make yourself at home.

Berrien, his apologetic expression changing,

began preparing the tea.

He always tries to comfort me, no matter what... I was happy about his feelings, but...

The one who needs comfort right now is...

He's the one whose expression was clouded just a moment ago.

With that in mind, I decided to make a proposal to Berrien.

Hey, Berrien.

Berrien:

Yes...

What can I do for you?

Let me make you some tea today.

It's not that I'm being healed by Berrien...

I want to heal Berrien...

If I convey that to him...

Berrien wore a hesitant smile.

Berrien:

Aruji sama... thank you. I am very happy to receive your kind words.

However, I am a butler... I would like to be the one to comfort Aruji sama...

As expected...

Berrien, mindful of his position as a butler, showed a reserved attitude.

However, if you continue to hold back like this... you won't be able to heal him.

So I decided to use a slightly forceful approach.

It's the boss's order (please).

Berrien:

Huh...?

Oh, Aruji sama...?

Um, well...

Berrien seemed confused by my behavior, but...

He slowly sat down in his chair.

And as I busily began preparing the tea,

she looked at me with a somewhat pleased expression.

After that, I brewed tea while feeling Berrien's gaze on me.

I placed a steaming cup in front of him...

And added some sweets.

After that was finished...

I sat down in the chair opposite him so that it would be easier to talk to him.

Drink as you like (please, enjoy).

Berrien:

Yes... thank you.

I'll eat it.

From Berrien's expression, it was already clear...

The look of bewilderment had faded, and a hint of anticipation was beginning to show.

Then, holding the cup by the handle...

She brought the tea to her lips with a graceful movement.

Berrien:

……Heh heh.

What's wrong?

Berrien:

Oops... excuse me.

It was such a delicious and comforting cup of tea...

I couldn't help but smile.

The fact that this tea was brewed just for me...

makes me very happy.

It was such a gentle and wonderful taste that I could almost picture the face of the person who brewed the tea for me.

As Berrien spoke, his smile was very gentle,

and he seemed completely relaxed.

I was truly happy to have seen that expression on her face.

That's good then (I'm happy too).

Berrien:

Aruji sama....

Heh heh...

No, I should have called you "Boss" here.

After all, we are...

The Devil's Family.

When I told him that...

Berrien stared intently into the cup.

Berrien:

As you know, boss...

I've lived a considerable number of years and have been doing this job for a long time.

There are many difficult things about work...

Just like my encounter with that young man earlier...

Sometimes, you witness someone's sorrow firsthand.

Even after helping someone, there may be times when your heart doesn't feel at ease,

or times when you feel like your spirit is about to break.

However, as long as I serve you,

I will never forget how to laugh.

After all, our boss is...

The kind of person who can make someone so happy with just a cup of tea.

Berrien..

When I unintentionally called out his name...

Berrien turned to me and smiled.

Berrien:

...Thank you, boss.

I am happy to be able to serve you.

And, if it were possible...

Would you please give me one command?

An order? (What does that mean?).

Berrien:

Yes, I would really like to hear it from the boss's own lips...

I want him to say, "Serve me forever."

As Berrien said this...

He had a wonderfully happy smile on his face.

Seeing him like that...

I voiced my order to him.

Keep smiling by my side from now on.

Berrien:

.....!

Berrien's eyes, wide open... quickly narrowed with a look of delight.

Berrien:

...Understood.

I will gladly obey your orders.

Please allow me to continue serving the person who gives me such wonderful commands.

I hope to continue serving them forever.

Heh heh...

Thank you so much.

I am so happy to be able to serve someone more wonderful and kind than anyone else...

I am truly fortunate...

Saying that, Berrien smiled with a gentle expression, completely devoid of any trace of mafia-like qualities.

Faced with that smile, I...

"I will always be his master," I thought, without being ordered to do so by anyone. That's what I think...

(Knock knock)

Berrien:

Oh...

It looks like Lucas has returned.

Just relax (I'll take care of it).

Berrien:

Huh...?

But...

I stop Berrien from standing up with my hand.

...It wouldn't matter if the other butlers saw us.

In fact, they could even join us for tea.

Surely, I deserve a day to show my appreciation to the butler.

Thinking this, I opened the door to the room...

The person standing there wasn't Lucas...it was the young man from before.

A young nobleman:

Huh?

You are...?

........(Why are you here!?).

A young nobleman:

Um...

I came to thank you again for what happened earlier.

When I asked the front desk, they said it was probably this room...

"He's the boss of the Devil's Family, so be extremely careful,"

I was also told...

A mafia boss making tea for his subordinates?

He's surprisingly kind, isn't he?

Watching Berrien frozen in the back of the room, still holding the cup...

The young man clearly had a bewildered expression on his face.

To such a visitor...

There was only one thing I could say.

...Keep this a secret (don't tell anyone).

A young nobleman:

Uh, yes...

Of course.

Anyway...

Thank you so much...

As I watched the young man quickly leave,

I exchanged glances with Berrien again.

Berrien:

Heh heh...

How should I put this...

You saw something really inappropriate, boss?

...Keep this a secret (I'll keep quiet...).

Berrien:

Yes...

It's a secret just between the two of us, isn't it?

l tried to act as if nothing had happened and returned to Berrien's side, but..

The sudden shift from a moment of peace to a wave of anxiety... I could feel my cheeks burning.

{The End}

[ladydollsstuff]

{AKNK} - {Lono Fontaine}

{I got carried away}

🚨English is not my native language.🚨

Chapter 1

[Training Camp Accommodation]

The final day of intensive training...

At dusk, after all the training had finished...

I had heard from Haures about the results of Lono's training.

Haures:

Up until now, he's relied too much on intuition, and in battle, the accuracy of his judgments has been inconsistent.

That was Lono's challenge, wasn't it?

Haures:

Yes, but in today's training...

I think I he was able to calmly analyze the opponent's actions.

And based on that analysis...

he even set a trap to deceive the other party...

I didn't say anything because I didn't want him to get carried away, but...

I was really surprised by Lono's growth.

Looking ahead to him...

I have high expectations for him.

Lono would probably be happy to hear that.

Haures:

Hmph...

Well, that's certainly true.

Lono often clashes with Haures, but at the same time, he deeply admires him.

If Lono knew that Haures had praised him... he might become even more motivated.

Can I tell Lono for you?

Haures:

Huh? Is it from you, Aruji sama?

if were Aruji Sama... I have a feeling he'd get even more carried away...

...But maybe it's okay for today.

Well then... I look forward to working with you, aruji sama.

Yes, thank you, Haures.

Following the advice that Lono was probably still at the training grounds...

I went outside the inn.

[Practice range]

Lono:

.....

As Haures had said, Lono was still at the training grounds.

However, for some reason, he looks downcast.

Lono:

...hum..

Wait, what's going on? Aruji sama?

What are you doing here?

...Is something wrong with you, Lono?

Lono:

Huh? Me...?

No, no, nothing's wrong!

Today's training went incredibly well. I feel like I'm in top form.

But... you looked like he was feeling down.

Are you trying too hard to hide something?

Lono:

Aruji sama...

Heh heh... It's really nothing. I was just reflecting on today.

(It seems like there's something going on after all...)

....

Lono:

…………………hum...

...I'm sorry.

It seems Aruji sama saw right through me after all.

Actually, I think I only caused them worry by hiding it...

I shouldn't have done that.

So... can I hear what you have to say?

Lono:

yes···

But it's really not that serious of a matter.

...As I said earlier...

Today's training went incredibly well.

I read Lamli and Nac's actions...

Based on that, I set a trap...

I managed to complete the tasks...

I even received praise from Lamli, Nac, and Haures.

Then... why were you feeling down?

Lono:

No, well...

It's not that I was depressed or anything...

Well, how should I put it...

Every time I'm praised and feel happy...

I can't help but picture Bastien's face saying, "Don't get carried away."

So, I couldn't fully express my joy.

Hmm...

If I say it out loud, it'll only make me annoyed.

(That sounds like something Bastien would say...)

that's it....

Lono:

...I suppose that's a bit of a problem to hear.

I'm sorry, Aruji sama.

Sigh...

I ended up venting my frustrations on Bastien...

The truth is, I'm I know I am competent...

I know I shouldn't get carried away.

That's precisely why...

I tend to imagine all sorts of things on my own.

...To be honest, my skills are still far from perfect.

It's frustrating, but...

I'm nowhere near Bastien's level.

Really...?

Lono:

yes···

Well, normally...

He says, "I'm stronger."

70% of it is genuine...the remaining 30% is because I'm not very confident.

That's what I was thinking.

That was kind of unexpected.

Lono:

Heh heh, surprised?

To be honest, until recently...

I was confidently saying, "I'm stronger."

The old him...

...Certainly, his swordsmanship was amazing...

they were so selfish that they couldn't cooperate at all.

Overall, I think I was stronger.

But...

He's been changing a lot lately.

Since learning to work together... there are fewer gaps in our teamwork, and our perspectives have broadened...

Looking at him now...

I can't confidently say, "I'm stronger than him..."

But, Lono is strong enough too.

Lono:

Hehe, thank you.

But...

I can't be satisfied yet.

The old me...

I think I would have gotten carried away the moment I was praised.

To get even stronger from here... I need to honestly confront my own abilities.

If you compare me to Bastien right now...

It's frustrating, but he's still far superior.

And then...

He's still growing...

If things continue like this...

I'll probably never be able to beat him.

I need to change too...

If he's learned "cooperation"...

I need to learn something different too.

Even things I've never done before...

From now on, I need to take on new challenges.

Lono's expression as he said this...

He didn't seem to be forcing himself.

Having found a new goal...

It's as if they're focusing solely on that one thing...

He has a positive and motivated look on his face.

I'm relieved to see that they seem positive.

Lono:

Heh heh...

Looking back won't make you stronger!

Doing something different from what we've done before... I think it's really difficult.

But... I'll overcome this and grow even more.

Face your own abilities squarely...

I'll also pay attention to the opinions of those around me...

From now on, I'll make sure to listen more carefully.

Other people's opinions...that's important, isn't it?

Lono:

Yes.

It's really great to be able to learn about perspectives I don't have myself.

This training has taught me to accept Haures's teachings...

I've realized the importance of listening to the opinions of others

Being pointed out like that is always frustrating,

especially when the other person is Haures.

But... if you hold back and accept what they say,

I feel like you can grow faster that way.

...Well, I did end up refusing a few times because I couldn't hold back.

But it's amazing that you're trying to change.

Lono:

No, it's not impressive at all.

I'm still not able to fully accept everything...

Even though I know intellectually that what the other person is saying is right...

I can't help but react out of habit.

When things go well, you can easily get carried away.

There are a lot of things I need to reflect on.

Heh heh...

I have to clear each one carefully.

I'm rooting for you, Lono.

Lono:

thank you!

Alright...!

Thanks to you, Aruji sama, I'm even more fired up now!

Lono's eyes lit up with a look of excitement.

During this training camp, I sincerely hoped that Lono would get even a little closer to his goal...

Chapter 2

The intensive training was over...

We visited a town called Fugetsu in the eastern lands.

Before returning to the mansion...

We're scheduled to enjoy a short trip here for a few days.

Lono:

Well then...

Aruji sama, we've arrived at the summer festival grounds!

Since it's a short trip, let's enjoy it to the fullest!

I agree.

Lono:

Heh heh, what should we eat first?

Or rather, are you hungry?

Yes, it's available.

Lono:

Oh, really?

Well then, let's go around to lots of food stalls.

Please feel free to tell me if there's anything you'd like to eat.

Lono, don't be shy.

Lono:

Thank you, Aruji sama.

Oh, I know this is sudden, but...

How about some yakitori (grilled skewers)?

It's covered in plenty of sauce, it looks delicious!

Damn, just looking at it makes me drool...

That looks delicious, should we buy it?

Lono:

Yes!

I'll place my order right away...

Grarr....

Oh...

I'm sorry, but it seems my stomach can't wait any longer.

Hehe, I can't wait to eat it.

Lono:

Heh heh, yes...

-A few minutes later-

Lono:

So good!!

This is amazing! I can't stop eating it.

It's true, it's really delicious.

Lono:

Heh heh.

I'm glad it suited your taste, Aruji sama.

Seriously, this is really delicious...

Perhaps we should have bought two more of each.

But, will I be able to finish it all?

Lono:

Leave that to me.

So that I can fully enjoy the festival with Aruji sama..

I've come with an empty stomach!

Don't worry about leaving anything behind...

Eat as much of your favorite foods as you like!

Hehe, thank you Lono.

Lono:

Heh heh, you're welcome.

Well, eating lots of the same thing is fine too, but...

Since we're at it...

Trying a little bit of everything sounds fun, doesn't it?

That's enough skewers for now... Let's look for something else.

Yes, let's do that.

Lono:

Hmm? Is that... "goldfish scooping"?

From the looks of it, it doesn't seem to be a food stall.

It looks like quite a few people have gathered...

What are they doing?

Well, that's...

I teach Lono the rules of goldfish scooping.

From what I can see...

The rules seem to be the same as the goldfish scooping game in my world.

Lono:

So, you use that thing with the paper stuck to it to catch goldfish... huh?

Hmm...

Just from hearing about it, it seems easy.

It's surprisingly difficult.

Lono:

Oh, really?

Oh, in that case...

How about we have a goldfish scooping competition, Aruji sama?

The person who catches the most goldfish wins!

That's great, looks fun.

Lono's cheerful smile lifted my spirits as well.

And so...

The two of them ended up having a goldfish scooping competition.

Lono:

Alright then...

Here we go, Aruji sama!

This is a serious competition...

I'm going to win with all my might!

Yeah, I won't lose either.

Lono:

Oh, a huge goldfish!

Alright!

I've decided you're my target!

Hehehe, just wait for me...

Can you really catch that goldfish?

Lono:

Leave it to me!

With me, this is no problem at all...

Here I go!!!

Splash!!

Lono:

Oh no, it's already torn...

While listening to Lono's disappointed voice... I spotted a small goldfish with beautiful scales.

And then, after taking aim...

I managed to catch one.

Lono:

Wow...

Aruji sama, you're incredibly skilled!

That's not true.

I just happened to get it.

Lono:

No, seriously, it's amazing! I tore it to shreds in an instant.

I was completely defeated in this match.

Lono seemed moved and praised me repeatedly.

Feeling both happy and a little embarrassed by those words...

I received the goldfish from the stall owner.

(What should I do with this goldfish...?)

The journey back to the central land...

It might put a strain on the goldfish.

That's what I thought...

I decided to give the goldfish to the child who was watching it enviously nearby.

Lono:

Heh heh...

That kid looked really happy.

I'm glad they seem to be fond of him.

Lono:

I'm sure they'll take good care of little fish until the very end.

So... what should we do next?

Hmm, let's see...

Lono:

Oh, the sun's already so low in the sky...

Hmm, Aruji sama...

It's so crowded, aren't you tired?

I know a place I'd like to recommend... How about we take a short break there?

Yeah, maybe I should take a little break.

Lono:

When I answered that way...

Lono eagerly began to show me around.

Seeing Lono's bright smile... makes all my fatigue disappear...

With those thoughts in mind...

I walked quietly beside Lono.

[Fugetsu Hill]

- after a while -

Lono:

Aruji sama, this is my recommended spot.

That's good...

We managed to get here before the sun went down.

Beautiful scenery...

What a lovely place!

Lono:

Hehe, did you like it?

I found it during the day when I came to scout out the festival grounds by myself.

I thought the sunset from here would be absolutely beautiful...

I wish I could come here with you, Aruji sama.

Hehehe...

I strolled around the food stalls and took a break to watch the sunset.

I must say, I did a pretty good job as an escort!

Hehe, thank you Lono

That was a truly wonderful escort.

Lono:

Hey, Aruji sama...

If you don't put a stop to me now, I just get even more out cheering, you know?

Go ahead and get carried away.

Thanks to Lono, it was fun.

Lono:

Ugh...

You really are such a kind person...

Ahhh...

Right now, I'm feeling incredibly confident.

I'm second to none when it comes to entertaining Aruji sama... I really mean it.

Well... this is something I think about pretty much every day.

Lono said this with a cheerful smile.

Thank you for always giving me energy with your bright smile...

Along with that gratitude, I conveyed my feelings to Lono.

I have so much fun when I'm with Lono.

Lono:

That's what I should be saying.

Being able to spend time with Aruji sama...

I'm incredibly happy, both now and in everyday life!

Thank you for being with me, Aruji sama.

Lono's smile was far brighter than the setting sun...

Even in the twilight hours when the heat begins to subside... it still leaves a warm feeling in your heart.

I'm so glad I got to spend this year with Lono again...

With those thoughts in mind, I smiled back.

The End.