LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 245.2
Chapter 245.2. Year-End
When the usual little girl raises her hand and greets me, I gently stroke her head. The soft feeling of her hair returns to me, and as she closes her eyes in bliss, my heart feels healed.
“You’re adorable, yes, yes. Are we all wearing kimonos?”
As I ask while stroking the little girl, Yukihana gives me a side-eye.
“Yukihana-chan has become the police chief all of a sudden. I invested my entire salary into it.”
“Oh, really? The police chief earns a good salary, huh? That’s nice.”
I reply while gazing off into the distance. Yeah, it looks like becoming the police chief is fun.
“I made it! I made it with the ‘Yona-be Fairy!'”
The little girl energetically tells me, waving her arms and legs, but what is the ‘Yona-be Fairy’?
“The ‘Yona-be Fairy’ is a fairy tale ability where a shoemaker falls asleep while making shoes, and when he wakes up, the shoes are done. You see, the fairy helps the shoemaker while he sleeps.”
Serika explains casually, nudging her head toward me. That means she wants me to pat her head.
I do recall hearing such a fairy tale back in the day. I see, that’s definitely a brownie, right? Good job, Serika, you’re adorable.
“I’ll prepare the fabric, and then I’ll be in bed! When I wake up, it’ll be done. After I eat, I’ll be a good girl and sleep!”
Um… I’m a bit taken aback by the little girl’s explanation. That means she isn’t even trying to make it. Is it an auto-mode? Are there lots of clones appearing and sewing in a flurry? That sounds too convenient.
“I’m starting to want to learn housework, too. So I’ll just leave various materials on the table.”
“Seems like late-night work will cost extra, though.”
“That would be a problem; I’d like to request it at a bargain price.”
Serika sits next to me, and the little girl climbs onto my lap. On the opposite side sits Yukihana, and before I know it, Karin has pointed a camera at us.
“A harem-like Sakimori, say cheese!”
“A harem, huh? I’m not really a fan.”
I respond with a wry smile to Karin, who snaps the picture. Maintaining a harem sounds too troublesome for me; I’m not cut out for it. Do I look like I have a harem?
“Don’t worry if something shows up in the photo.”
I think there’s a Hannya behind me. Probably a Hannya.
[Sakimori-san, I won’t be fooled even if I pretend not to see. I mean, how blatant! Everyone wearing kimonos! What about mine?]
[It’s ready. Do you want help getting dressed?]
[As expected of Serika-chan! My friend in spirit! I’m so happy I could burst out laughing in bully mode!]
Muga stomps her feet in anger, and for once, Serika tries to be considerate. Hearing that, Shizuku, the master of flipping moods, starts dancing with joy. I secretly summon [All Units] at home to let her enjoy it as Rei.
Hari and Shizuku urge Serika telepathically, causing her to enter the building with a wry smile. Both Yukihana and the little girl follow her, leaving me feeling quite lonely.
“We only gathered for a commemorative photo, and now it’s a shame, huh, kitty?”
“Well, it is what it is. Lend me the camera later; I want to take some pictures.”
We don’t have any photos with Shizuku in them, either. Plus, I should mix in Shingen and the others.
“Let’s do that after the New Year.”
“Yeah. Now, I guess I’ll head to the old guys.”
I get up with a stretch. I know where Shingen and the others are. It’s that noisy group having a party under the tent.
“I’ll go too!”
Karin hangs the camera around her neck and follows me, her hands behind her. Under the tent, long tables and folding chairs are set up, and Shingen and the others are drinking and making a ruckus.
“Hey, looks like you’re having a party. Hiccup. Did you get rejected already?”
“Should I just say I can’t keep up with the young folks? You seem pretty drunk. I’m Sakimori.”
Shingen, noticing me, asks with a red face, and I smile back. For a drinking party, it’s best to have laid-back old guys.
“My old man has had quite a bit to drink. I’m happy to be able to drink casually with everyone.”
He hands me a cup filled with ale, saying, “Here you go.”
“Back in the day, Shingen always had a serious face, counting cans and money. He had this kind of face. I was a bit put off the first time I met him.”
Karin lifts her eyes as she mimics Shingen, pulling up her own eyelids.
“Oh yeah, when I was introduced to Karin, that was the case.”
That was indeed true. Shingen always counted the food supplies in the warehouse. Nostalgia. At that time, I thought of Karin as a suspicious character. After all, the information she brought was… well, whatever.
Now, he might be counting papers, but he’s no longer counting cans. He’s relaxed now.
Once wary of me, Shingen’s entourage is now drinking and having fun without being cautious of me.
There’s definitely evidence of my achievements here. I can feel it from how the familiar faces have changed.
“I’m going to do my best for next year to be even better than this year! Cheers!”
How many times is that? Shingen is teased by his subordinates, but without caring, he raises his cup and takes the lead.
“I intend for next year to be a good year as well. Cheers.”
As I watch everyone’s happy smiles, I down my ale.