Chapter 92: Birthday Party

It’s Claire’s birthday party.

Today, I’m dressed up for the party and I headed to the main house of the Dantes family alone.

In fact, I wanted to go with Eugenie, but she refused.

“Claire is the star of the show tonight, so let’s give her some face.”

That’s what she said. Eugenie doesn’t want to go with me and incur any unnecessary grudge. But I think Eugenie is overthinking it though.

I don’t think Claire likes me, in fact, I think she hates me.

Well, she hasn’t been as harsh as she used to be lately.

Looking at the nostalgic Dantes mansion, there was something that surged in my heart. This is the first time I’d come here since Father passed away.

As I entered through the front door, Claire recognized me and approached me.

“Oh, Cedie is here too?”

“Happy birthday Claire. But I think you should call me uncle, instead of Cedie, right?”

“Hmph! You’re being cheeky, Cedie.”

Claire, it’s you who is cheeky.

But tonight is Claire’s birthday party, so I won’t argue with her.

“Right. Here, it’s your birthday present.”

“Thank you.”

Claire’s face contorts as she receives it.

Is she disappointed?

“R-ring……”

“I made it from the pearl I found. It has an interesting mechanism in it.”

“W-why is it a ring!?”

Claire’s eyes bulged and then she glared at me. Even her voice is high-pitched, and she seemed to be very angry.

Still, even if she doesn’t like it, she doesn’t have to yell at me, right?

“There’s no deep meaning in it. It’s just that my alchemy teacher taught me how to make it, so it came to be this shape. Apparently, it is easier to imbue magic into a ring than a pendant.”

“…………”

Claire’s furious facial expression remained the same even after that explanation. Sigh. I’ll just explain how the star guide works and get a drink then.

“It’s called a star guide. When you cast magic through the ring, the pearl emits light and points you in the direction of Cygnus.”

While I was explaining, Claire was glaring at the ring with a furrowed brow.

“Are you listening?”

“….Heh? I’m listening! In other words, there is no deep meaning to this ring, right?”

“Hn? Yes, that’s right. What I’m saying is that it doesn’t have any meaning, but that there’s a hidden gimmick in it.”

As Claire was distracted, I had to explain again.

It was a grand birthday party, as you would expect from the Dantes family. Although Alexei-oniisan can be greedy, he doesn’t seem to mind spending money on things like this.

There were a number of familiar faces at the party. I also got to meet Paul-oniisan. I wanted to talk to Paul-oniisan, but I was lightly reprimanded.

“No, just go and dance with girls your age. This kind of event also serves as matchmaking you see.”

“No, it’s still too early for me.”

Paul-oniisan smiled wryly at me.

“Cedie is now the head of a Baronial family. Even if you are not interested in them, the people around you will not leave you alone. Besides, it’s good to enjoy life.”

“Even if you say that, I—”

“Or is there someone you like?”

“There is no such person.”

“Really? Well, I think you would look really good with Miss Eugenie.”

“Haha, stop it.”

I do like Eugenie, but I still don’t want to think about such things yet. She’s my best friend, and I think that’s fine for now.

The orchestra began to play waltz.

Well, I can dance. There’s no point in sitting around like this, so why don’t I just do as Paul-oniisan suggested? As the third son of the Dantes family, I can dance to the extent that I won’t be some embarrassment.

Now that I’m observing everyone, I found that Claire isn’t dancing with anyone. Maybe she’s not that interested. Anyways, I’ll leave Claire alone because she’ll probably say no even if I ask her.

Oh, there’s Eugenie over there.

Okay, I’ll invite her to a dance. After all, she’s the easiest person to invite.

“Eugenie, will you dance with me?”

“With pleasure.”

We had a lot of fun dancing to the music.

By the way, there is an unspoken rule that you can dance with the same person up to two music. It is considered impolite to dance to more than three music.

Eugenie complimented me on my steps.

“Oh, you’re better than before huh.”

“Really? Well, don’t tell anyone, but I had practiced my steps with Mary before I came.”

When the music ended, we bowed and left the dance floor.

Oh, Claire hasn’t danced with anyone yet.

She’s leaning back in her chair, glaring at me. Her image right now looks a lot like Alexei-oniisan.

What’s she so unhappy about when it’s her birthday?

With a small sigh, Eugenie began to say something ridiculous.

“Cedie, why don’t you invite Claire to a dance? I can’t watch her alone like that.”

“Eh? You two usually fight a lot, but you’re being really nice to Claire tonight.”

“It’s kind of like my chivalrous spirit. Besides, I need to give Claire a face for her birthday.”

“Ah? I don’t really get it though?”

“Come on, just go.”

Oh well, maybe I should just invite her out as a matter of courtesy…

I stood in front of Claire, who had a grumpy look on her face.

“Claire, will you dance with me?”

“With Cedie? Why do I have to dance with Cedie?”

I knew it. She’s mad after all.

“Oh, I’m not forcing you.”

“Wait!”

Despite her strong denial, Claire grabbed my hand tightly.

……Quite painful.

“Listen, if you step on my foot, I’ll blow you up!”

Since you didn’t like it, you don’t have to dance with me.

That’s what I’m thinking, but the music started playing. And once the music started, my body moved on its own. It’s the same with Claire, who leans on me and steps gracefully.

That’s impressive, it looks like she’d been practicing her dance a lot.

The star of the party was dancing, so we were the center of attention. Eventually, the music ended and the people gave us a warm round of applause.

I bowed my head lightly and tried to move away from Claire, but Claire acted unexpectedly.

“Not good at all. Let’s try again.”

“What do you mean? I think I danced well.”

“Shut up! Cedie has no consideration of me! Dance more lovingly to me.”

“Don’t be unreasonable. I’m trying to be considerate of you in my own way you know.”

“I don’t want to hear excuses. Look, the music has started.”

I was forcibly taken back to the dance floor and forced to dance to another music.

J-just what the hell is going on….

Still, I tried to lead the dance more carefully than before.

However…

“No, do it again.”

“Hey, stop being ridiculous. It’s taboo to dance with the same person three times. You know that rule, right?”

“I don’t know, I don’t care about that!”

“I don’t want people to think I’m stupid.”

“No one’s watching!”

You’re the center of attention!

“Anyway, do excuse me. I have business with the Viscount.”

I found an acquaintance and left the dance floor as if running away.

　✲✲✲

The party was a great success, and Claire was lying on the bed in her pajamas. Smiling, Claire stares at the pearl ring on her finger.

“Mou! Cedie’s such an idiot. Idiot, idiot!”

(Oh, why do you give me such a wonderful ring!

The dancing was great too, it was the best birthday party ever.

I guess I’ll have to make up my mind now.

I’m going to make some memories before the summer holidays are over!

I’m calling it Claire and Cedie’s Summer Memory Plan.

I’m going to make it an unforgettable summer!)

Then Claire’s high-pitched laughter continued into the night.         

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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