The Celebration and the Beginning of an Affair (8)

“This way. I'll show you.”

Nord had come on foot, so he skipped the whole carriage-parking routine and went straight into the manor. I thought there'd be a barbecue party in the garden, like some American extrovert's idea of a good time, but apparently the party was indoors.

─Murmur, murmur.

The ballroom was laid out with snacks and food that could be left to cool, and the early arrivals had gathered to chat.

I even spotted adventurers already tipsy before the meal, giggling. Damn, I shouldn't end up like that.

Still, the other guests had flowers pinned or tucked into their chests. I pinned the blue flower I'd paid for to my chest, too.

“Sen~pai~♥!”

It was a heart-fluttering voice I couldn't mistake, no matter where I heard it. Larilura, wearing a red dress, came over in quick little steps. I put on an utterly serious expression and greeted her politely.

“Ah. My apologies. I recognized your voice and thought you were someone I knew, but we haven't met before, have we?”

“Wow? You're re~ally stylish with the way you insult me~☆?”...