With a begrudging frown, Ars pushes away the unidentified contents of the pile on top of himself and Tesfia and manages to get to his feet.

　Reluctantly, he takes Tesfia's hand and gets her to her feet, gaining momentum.
　Whatever the whole area wanted to do, either way, the mess only got worse.

　The Tesfia in question smiles awkwardly, "Hahaha........", probably a result of her hindsight-less actions, she's gone overboard more than she expected.

　Still, as Loki, he might have to tell her thanks.
　Fortunately, the upturned tip was not reflected in Ars's eyes.
　Before that--.

''Alice-san!
Too much?　I'm sorry, Loki.

　I said, and put my hood up tightly and touched my two ears and stroked my head around.


　All of them first sought refuge in the kitchen, the only empty space in the room.
　A light intercom announced a visit.

　It had been so long since even Ars, the occupant of this place, had heard it that he hadn't been able to react immediately. But he could see that he didn't have to, as he shifted his body to get a better view.
　After all, they've been open all morning.


　As we looked at each other, the other changed his expression to a lustrous one. His blood-toned white cheeks lifted naturally and were set back, a change from the hair style he usually wore down.
　A slurry of hair curled at the ends bounced around my abdomen.

　He was dressed in plain clothes, something you wouldn't normally see.
　Once she bowed, she took off her scarf, revealing an off-the-shoulder knit that exposed her neck area, boldly exposing her glossy collarbone.

'Good evening, Ars-san.'
Well Feri, it's a busy day.

　Since the door is open, I don't think it's necessary to ring the intercom, but that's very typical of her.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends and family.

　The hand-me-downs hooked in her fingers wavered sadly in front of her knees.

　Three piercing gazes from oblique angles, and it wasn't Ars who didn't notice them.

''Oh, oh my bad, sorry, I'll take care of it right away.''

　Even if Felinella were to pass, her character would not be straddling her, no matter how loose her skirt was. Nevertheless, the fact that this does not apply to Tesfia and Alice is either a matter of family background or is it due to education?
　At the very least, Tesfia is closer to Felinella, but after all, it is impossible to convince her that it is her personality.

　But the voice of the three disappointed in the voice of Ars is a sigh and fills the room heavily.

　Across from the wondering Ars, there was a fragile smiling Felinella. The steps that he steps out with a somewhat knowing look on his face are flowing, but he also seems to have narrowed his stride with feeling.

''You idiot!　I don't think anything of it when I see what my seniors are wearing.

　The words were blurted out and Ars pretended to be troubled for a moment.

'It's not the first time Felli is beautiful. You're even more beautiful today but come to think of it, I'm going to have to use my sycophants on you guys.

　Ars gives Tesfia a clearly bad look.
　After all, both Tesfia and Alice are so beautiful that it's impossible to not notice the difference today, even if they are dressed as extras.

　However, as for Tesfia, she is dressed a bit like a school uniform.
　Both of them have hair clips and bracelets with crimson beads on each of them that Ars bought, or was bought, at the Fallen some time ago.

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the best way to get a better idea of what to expect when you visit the site.

'Sycophantic. Which mouth will say that?　Look at me and Alice and praise me in your own words!　Otherwise, I wouldn't give you something good. You'll regret it.

　Behind her, a delighted Felinella headed for the kitchen with a bare face. It was the best she could do right now.
　If she wasn't careful, the mask she had trained since childhood would lift up sloppily. Still, with just a single word, her mood, which had reached its peak, had been transformed into a gait that was incomparably lighter than it had been earlier.
　The up-tempo heartbeat seemed to be playing a small melody.


　In the end, Ars broke off by telling Tesfia and the new addition Alice the impressions he held as he saw them as a condition of joining the party.
　After all, the question of whether he meant it or not reminds me of the past, but I don't feel so bad about it, so I don't particularly interrupt, and we all sit around the table.


　A little later, Loki also finished changing in his room. Ars was a bit floaty in this one, but there was no need to worry about that, and it probably meant that he was fully prepared.
　To put it simply, there is no room for doubt because they were made to change their clothes by unanimous consent.


　And so the lively dinner began.
　Of course, as for the evening meal, Loki waved his arms around, and a carbonated beverage that Felinella had ordered for this occasion back at her parents' house was poured into a glass. The golden color of the liquid that floats bubbles makes the table even more brilliantly colored.

　However, the other side of the sliding door, which is usually never closed, is a mess that I don't want to see.


　The only time it's allowed to be noisy is today when Tesfia says it's allowed to be noisy, and Ars surrenders to her words. It's been a long time since he or she has been around such a noisy table.
　It's just like when you were in your unit and your cheeks suddenly broke out.

　However, at times like this, the girls try to force Ars, who is just savoring the atmosphere outside of the circle, to join them. I can't hate myself for accepting it even if I don't want to.......for being confused.


　When I let out a breath after eating, a whole cake was placed on the table just as I was waiting for it. By the way, this was brought by Tesfia and Alice.
　To be honest, Ars didn't have much of a sweet tooth, but he forcefully drank down the watery words with the tea.

　However, in a good way, the cake betrayed Ars's expectations.

''It's pretty good...''

　The cake is not so sweet, and since it is mainly made of fruit, the unique fresh fruit aroma soothes the sweetness and leaves the nose. The sponge cake also seems to contain citrus juice, yet it still has the sweetness and sourness of the fruit.

　With this, I might be able to understand the word "septum", which is often used by women.

Where does it come from?

　When I think of something like this, I can only think of places where the wealthy and other high-class restaurants are lined up. They must have been very excited about it.
　But every time I bring a piece of cake to my mouth, there's a look that bothers me.

''It's delicious, Alice.''
Well, it's a cake from a really good place!

　They looked at each other with such a contained smile that they held hands under the table. Looking at them, they hadn't touched their cake yet, and they were still waiting for Ars's feedback.
　But when they heard Ars's words, they were in a good mood, holding their forks and cheeks in thoughtfulness.


　And it goes without saying that what was waiting for them next annoyed Ars the most.
　A gift handed to them all at once.

　After all, this was too much and I couldn't stand to stay. Today was not supposed to be a day to celebrate anyone.
　Even so, the faces of these women seem to be enjoying this day.

''We don't want anything in return, so we have quietly prepared it for you, Ars-sama. So, we are grateful for your daily help.

　On behalf of the company, Loki turned a soft smile at Ars. He received the packed packages held in his two hands in turn.
　I'm sure it's not even a wild thing to say something about practicality.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it.

'It's fine. I'm just doing what I need to do. It's a good thing that you have a lot of money to spend. So this time you'll be uncomfortable around the girls.
That's about all I can do. At least for today.

　Tesfia and Alice smiled innocently, without any other intentions, and they each stuck out one arm and slid their gifts on the table.



　This kind of exchange, too common and yet too distant, is not something Ars has ever experienced. That is why Ars is at a loss for a response. What kind of face should I make at a time like this, and what words should I say to that?

'That's right, Ars. It's something we like to do, so we're just happy that you can take it without thinking too much.

　With a cheery smile as if she couldn't see it, Felinella told him just that she wanted him to take it without thinking.

　Ars, who opens it on the spot, carefully takes out the contents one by one, feeling a little distressed.

　Loki's hand-knit scarf, Felinella's gloves, and Tesfia and Alice's knit hats and the choices they would have shown each other, Ars almost mouths a "bad" and stops himself from thinking about it.
　That's not true, they didn't spare no effort.

　So, even if it's just one word, "Thank you" is naturally overflowing with gratitude.

　The hat you received from Tesfia and Alice has a suspicious netting, it must have been quite a pain in the ass. Maybe that's why it's worth it. Something as uncertain as being able to put your feelings into it is probably something you don't realize until you hold it in your hands.

　At least for Ars, it felt as if he had received something of real value for the first time.


　Tesfia, Alice, and Felinella were going home tomorrow morning as they were going to spend the New Year at their parents' house, so the party ended early.
　By the way, it seems that Alice has been invited to this event every year, and it seems to have already become an annual event.


　
　The fact that all of them are cleaning up after themselves reminds me of the fact that they are women.

　However, inexplicably, Ars was peeking out with an unflattering face. To be honest, although there was some confusion, it was probably an honestly enjoyable time.
　I didn't think in the slightest that I was wasting my time. That's why I don't float.

　I am sure that today, if I understand this day correctly, is not a day to celebrate anyone, nor is it a day to be celebrated by anyone else. Ars, who received a one-sided daily thanks, was inexplicable.

　It is true that daily life, which is a hassle, is not all bad when you look back on it like this. Everything is new, and everything is new to me.
　It's because of the environment in which Ars grew up that he thinks it's a waste of time. But slowly, so gradually, it's as if he understands the importance of being in touch with people.
　This is surely because of the girls who impress us every day. This is an accumulation that can never be accomplished by Ars alone.

　And if that is the case........

''Is something wrong, Ars-sama?''

　The gaze meets with Loki, who has such a peeking look in his eyes.
　There is probably only a limited amount of things that can express that to Ars, who doesn't and can't put it into words on a daily basis.

'Loki, I'm going out for a bit.'
At this hour?
Yeah, well, it's not in their nature to keep it. Besides, they said they'd be out of here in the morning. You might as well give it to them today.
..........!

　Loki's eyes widened for a moment, but his face certainly changed to a calm one. That's probably because it was very much like him, the change he felt towards Ars. Although it's hard to say that he was separated from that brutal world, he was still beginning to find something that he didn't lose.
　And the same can be said for Loki.

　The reason is that the place of the heart is the same as when I sent the gift to Ars. That makes me happy.

You're not going to be able to get it right. But....

　Loki advises, holding up one finger as if to warn her.

'Expensive items are pleasing, but again, you should be most pleased that they are not, and that they are chosen by Arus-sama himself. As you all did, any item sent with the other person in mind.
Okay. Thank you, Loki.
But are there any shops open at this hour?
'I'd make it if I could, but that would still give me bad habits. Most of the shops in the [Fallen] will have a good face... and Loki...
Yes?

　Loki's cheeks are slightly softly stained, and he rolls his eyes with a kyoton and asks the question.

　Ars chuckles as he finishes getting ready.

''It might be late, so go to bed first. You look pretty tired too.

　The fact that they tell us so without saying so suggests that the girls have gulped down the beverage that Felinella brought them and have become atmospherically intoxicated by the excitement of the occasion. I just want to believe that this is so.
　In fact, since Ars didn't have anything to do with it, they must have gotten completely drunk from the atmosphere.

　It's a strange thing, but the fact that they've been floundering around since they entered the academy isn't limited to Ars and Loki. Because of this, Ars had them cut up early.

　Loki lifted his cheeks with a nihilah and complained about something with his eyes, which were lowered to the corner of his eye than usual. No, they were just empty, and if you looked closely, they were unfocused, and gradually the outgoing eyelids began to close up.

　It's a very good idea to take Loki in your arms and lay him down on his own bed. He would have fallen asleep in no time without saying, "First," he said. You just have to move to the bed and you've fallen asleep.