#Akuneko

[kotegiris]

[Event Story] Autumn Leaves Fluttering Down on Oni Mountain

Heads up, but this event story has fairly big spoilers for Episode 3!

all ✧ next chapter

Chapter 1: An Easy-Going Request

On a certain day in autumn when the wind was becoming cool and refreshing…

I went to the dining room with Muu after being called by Berrien.

Berrien, Haures, Hanamaru, and Yuhan had already gathered in the dining room.

Haures: …! Aruji-sama…

Hanamaru: Oh, here they are. 

Yuhan: Hello, Aruji-sama.

> Hello, everyone.

Berrien: My apologies for suddenly calling for you here while you were relaxing…

> Nah, it’s fine.

Muu: So, why were we called here?

Berrien: Now that Aruji-sama has arrived, let’s get down to business.

Yuhan: Uhm, Berrien-san. Is this about a new request?

Berrien: Yes, precisely.

Hanamaru: The Devil Butlers are so busy.

Hanamaru: The weather’s finally nice… I just wanna nap and take it easy.

Muu: I think Hanamaru-san should work a little harder.

Yuhan: Fufu… Muu-chan, please tell him off more.

Hanamaru: …It’s not as harsh as when Yuhan tells me off, but…

Hanamaru: Being told that by Muu feels a bit weird.

Yuhan: If you don’t like it, then please work, Hanamaru-san.

Haures: Anyways, Berrien-san… What kind of request is it?

Berrien: Now then, I’ll explain the request.

> Alright.

Berrien: It appears that recently… The remnants of the Sardis family have been more active.

Haures: Hmm… More active meaning…

Berrien: Now that it’s autumn…

Berrien: In preparation for winter, they may be stealing many crops. 

Yuhan: Stolen crops… The once influential troops are now thieves.

Yuhan: They’ve fallen so far.

Berrien: It seems that the Eastern Nobles Alliance is taking countermeasures, but the territory is too vast, and they cannot cover everything…

Berrien: They are requesting the Grovaner family for their cooperation and to send guards.

Berrien: It’ll be for 10 days. We’ll be guarding a village until the Eastern Nobles Alliance’s troops are dispatched.

Hanamaru: Requesting our cooperation… …We’ve been helping the East-whatevers a lot lately.

Hanamaru: They also asked us to investigate the Aristocrat Kidnapper before too, right? 

Haures: At that time…

Haures: The Grovaner family was trying to get the Eastern Nobles Alliance in their debt by cooperating with them.

Yuhan: Anyways… Do we already know the destination?

Berrien: Yes, we will be heading to…

Berrien: A village at the foot of a mountain called Ikkaku Mountain in the Eastern Lands.

Hanamaru: Heh, Ikkaku Mountain, huh… Never been there before…

Hanamaru: It’ll be the perfect place at this time of the year. 

Yuhan: Yes. This is for a request, but…

Yuhan: For Aruji-sama… It seems like it’ll be a nice trip.

> Huh, a trip?

Muu: What kind of place is Ikkaku Mountain?  

Yuhan: Fufu…

Yuhan: Because you can see beautiful autumn leaves at this time, it’s a famous sightseeing spot.

> I see.

Yuhan: The whole mountain is dyed in a vivid red and yellow… It’s a very beautiful sight.

Muu: Heh~! I’m so excited, Aruji-sama!

> Yeah.

Berrien: However… There is one more thing I have to tell you…

Berrien: According to Finlay-sama…

Berrien: It’s still unconfirmed, but… It seems that there have been eyewitness reports of Sardis Fubuki around our destination.

Muu: What!? Sardis Fubuki was…

Berrien: The one originally governing the Eastern Lands… The former head of the Sardis family.

Berrien: He had disappeared, and his whereabouts are currently being investigated. 

Berrien: On the surface we are being dispatched to protect the village from the remnants of the Sardis family, but…

Berrien: In the case that the eyewitness reports are true…

Berrien: Finlay-sama has ordered us to apprehend Sardis Fubuki.

Haures: By apprehending Fubuki… The Nobles Alliance will be in greater debt to them.

Yuhan: ……Sardis Fubuki… I would like to catch him with my own hands.

Yuhan: However… There is a possibility that the eyewitness reports are false…

> Really?

Haures: Yes. There’s a good chance that they missaw. 

Haures: Well, since it’s an order from Finlay-sama, we’ll have to search for Fubuki.

Hanamaru: Anyways… Leaving aside Fubuki’s unconfirmed whereabouts…

Hanamaru: Since we’re going to a sightseeing spot, let’s think about what we’re going to do at Ikkaku Mountain.

Hanamaru: Hehe. Since it’s a request, that means that the Grovaner family will be covering the costs…

Hanamaru: Looking forward to seeing the autumn leaves together with Aruji-sama on someone else’s dime.

Yuhan: Hanamaru-san. We will ensure that Aruji-sama has a nice trip, but…

Yuhan: Do not forget that our goal is to complete the request. 

Hanamaru: Yeah, yeah. Isn’t it fine to watch the autumn leaves while we protect the village?

Hanamaru: I’m good at requests that don’t need me to move.

Hanamaru: I’m getting fired up… …Maybe I’ll bring some sake too.

Yuhan: You’re getting fired up over the wrong thing.

Berrien: Aruji-sama. We talked about the remnants and Fubuki, but…

Berrien: I think it is unlikely that this request will be dangerous.

Berrien: Even if something occurs… The butlers are reliable, so please don’t worry. 

> Got it.

Haures: Our main goal is to guard the village, but please relax and enjoy the trip.

Haures: Let’s have a wonderful trip, Aruji-sama.

> Yeah.

While we were looking forward to the sights of Ikkaku Mountain…

It was time to depart for the Eastern Lands… For Ikkaku Mountain.

T/N: Sometimes oni is translated as demon, orge, orc, etc. Before I translated the event title as “Demon Mountain” but to avoid confusion between oni and the kind of demons that the Devil Butlers have contracts with I decided to just leave it as oni.

[seraphirism]

[Special Halloween Party-Sanrio collab] – All butlers.

[hamikau]

[AKNK -Event] The Lost Boarder And The Angelic Light

All ⇨ Next chapter

Chapter 1 Sudden request

[Devil's Palace Garden]

-One day in April -

I was walking in the mansion garden with Muu, Flure and Lamli.

Lamli: It's finally getting warm, master!

Muu: Hehe. The mansion and the butlers… seem to be more lively!

Flure: Yes. It's helping a lot, laundry dries quicker.

Flure: That's right… Master, let me use my parasol.

Aruji: Thank you

Flure: No no! Even in this warm spring season, carelessness is the enemy.

Fennesz: Hello, my master.

Boschi: What a coincidence, my master.

Aruji: Hello, both of you.

Muu: Are you two out for a walk too?

Fennesz: No… Haures asked me to go and pick up Boschi, who was slacking off.

Boschi: Tch… It was the perfect day for a nap…

Fennesz: Yes, yes.

Everyone was smiling as we listened to the two of them talk as usual… We saw Berrien walking towards us from the direction of the mansion.

Berrien: My master, so you're here.

Aruji: Hello, Berrien.

Berrien: Good afternoon, my master. I'm sorry to interrupt everyone's pleasant conversation.

Berrien: Actually, I just received a request from the Grosvenor family…

Boschi: A request, huh… What rough dealings.

Fennesz: They seemed to be looking for me… Is it a big request…?

Berrien: Yes, the request says… "A request to hunt angels."

Aruji: …!

Berrien: This isn't the place to talk… Shall we move to the dining room?

Berrien: My master, if you don't mind… May I have some of your time?

Aruji: Of course.

Berrien: Thank you.

And so, me and the others… Followed Berrien to the dining hall.

[Devil's Palace Dining Hall]

Lamli: Only master was called… Everyone ended up in the dining hall.

Flure: That goes for Lamli too…

Boschi: If we'd gone back like that, we'd have had to listen to Haures' scolding.

Fennesz: …I think it would be the same if we came back later though…

Aruji: So Berrien, the request is…

Berrien: Yes. According to the request, our destination this time is…

Berrien: The prestigious Rosewood Academy.

Fennesz: Eh…?

Fennesz: Speaking of Rosewood… That's the elite school, right?

Lamli: What, is it such an amazing place?

Boschi: Ah, it's a boarding school if I remember correctly… The students are all heirs to noble families and those from wealthy families.

Boschi: From children to adults… It seems people of all ages live together.

Aruji: (It seems like a combined middle, high school, and university school…)

Lamli: An angel at a school like that…?

Berrien: Yes… It seems there have been reports of a series of "angel attacks" recently.

Berrien: Apparently… "Several students disappear every month."

Flure: Students disappearing…!?

Berrien: That's right. And so the academy's president asked the Grosvenor family for help, saying, "We need you to do something to solve this problem."

Berrien: So he asked the Grosvenor family for help.

Flure: Certainly, it's such a prestigious school, so it's likely… The Grosvenor family's children are likely to attend the school.

Boschi: …Wait a minute. If that's really angel attack…

Boschi: Why weren't we informed until now?

Berrien: Yes… Actually, it seems that this request isn't just about hunting angels…

Fennesz: So…?

Berrien: And what's the most important part, the reports of angel sightings…

Berrien: None have left the academy… And there's no sign of any angel alarms being sounded.

Boschi: Come on… What's going on?

Fennesz: But there haven't been any reports of sightings… How do you conclude that this is "damage caused by angels"?

Berrien: Yes… The Grosvenor family initially thought this was a normal disappearance case…

Berrien: It seems they sent a young soldier to the academy to conduct an undercover investigation. But then that soldier disappeared, too.

Berrien: If even the soldier has disappeared… This can no longer be called a normal case.

Lamli: I see… So the soldiers can't handle this, so it's time for us to step in.

Lamli: But that… I wonder if it really has something to do with angels?

Berrien: Anyway… That's all that was written in the request.

Berrien: And that's how we received an official request… So that's it

Berrien explained the contents of the request, but… There seems to be a lot that we still don't know.

Berrien: We won't know until we investigate if angels are really involved…

Berrien: My master, and everyone… Do you remember the Shinigami incident?

Aruji: Yes…

Flure: Um… It's the incident where angels disguised themselves and searched Zepar's grave… right?

Berrien: Yes. Maybe this incident is also…

Berrien: It could be a repeat of the Shinigami incident… The Grosvenor family seems concerned about that as well.

Lamli: Are you saying that disguised angels are attacking students…?

Boschi: Well… We can't say that possibility is zero.

Fennesz: I wonder what the intelligent angel will do with the other angels… We can't predict what it will be…

Drawn by Berrien's serious expression… Everyone looks troubled by the mysterious happenings at the school.

Berrien: In any case, since we've been asked to do something… we must take action.

Berrien: Master. Would you be willing to accompany me on this occasion…?

Berrien: We can't say there will be no danger… We butlers promise to protect you.

Aruji: Okay, let's go.

Berrien: …Thank you, master.

Flure: So… Which butler will be in charge of this request?

Boschi: If intelligent angels are involved… We should probably bring as many butlers as possible with me.

Berrien: I'd love to, but…

Berrien: The Academy has asked that we bring as few people as possible.

Fennesz: Does that mean… The Academy doesn't want to make a big deal out of this issue…?

Berrien: Yes… Rosewood Academy is a prestigious school with a long history.

Berrien: To protect its reputation and traditions, it generally avoids outside interference…

Berrien: The Grosvenor family also values ​​the independence of the academy… and would like us to be cautious in our investigation.

Lamli: I see. But even if we say we should be cautious…

Lamli: If we, the Devil Butlers, were to investigate… Of course, it would become a rumor, wouldn't it?

Aruji: That's true.

Everyone looked at Berrien as if they agreed with Lamli's question… He began with a hesitant look on his face.

Berrien: Yes, that's the matter…

Berrien: They want us to enroll as students at the academy.

Aruji: What?!

Flure: What?!

Lamli: So we are going to pretend to be students?!

Fennesz: Well, I guess… I guess it's just about possible…?

Boschi: Considering the secrecy of the mission, I guess it makes sense.

Berrien: I'll think about the members later.

Berrien: Master… I'm sorry for making you worry.

Berrien: But no matter what the request is… We will absolutely protect you.

Aruji: That's reassuring.

And so… I decided to infiltrate Rosewood Academy with the butlers.

All ⇨ Next chapter

English is not my main language so there may be a lot of mistakes. I used google translator most of the time so if you find any mistakes in the translation please let me know and I will fix them quickly!

[dialaiya]

[midnightparsley]

Trivia - Causes of Prolonged Fatigue

I'm so anxious that my thoughts won't stop Before sleeping, let me scroll on my phone

During these times, your brain isn't getting any rest that it needs.

If there are times where you feel exhausted no matter how much you try and rest your body, it may be due to brain fatigue.

Please don't push yourself too hard... Rest your eyes, write down whatever troubles you might have, and let your body relax...

If you make the effort to give your mind a break, you'll feel more refreshed.

Tonight, why not try going to sleep without bringing anything into bed with you?

[okamihanchoi]

Happy Birthday Berrien☕🫖💞

[oqwomyo]

Butler's wedding party. Berrien's card translation.

Part 1.

- Devil's Palace Butlers' Room on the First Floor -

- After the Party -

Berrien: (Fufu... Today was a very fun day.)

Berrien: (Master and the butlers... Everyone was smiling and looking happy...)

Berrien: (I wish this could last forever... This day made me think so.)

Berrien: (Aside from the party...)

Berrien: (Master set days when they would spend with each of the butlers ...)

Berrien: (We... We are really lucky to have such kind Master.)

Berrien: (So, immersing ourselves in happiness is great, but...)

Berrien: (How should I spend the day with Master... I need to start making plans.)

Berrien: (That's right... I'm happy to entertain Master as always...)

Berrien: (A little... Can I be a little selfish?)

- Devil's Palace Garden -

- Later-

A few days have passed since the party... The day that Berrien and I will spend together has arrived. We are lucky with the weather... Today is quite cool for June, and the sun is pleasant. On such a day, Berrien and I... We enjoyed afternoon tea in the garden.

Berrien: Master. Thank you for allowing me, as a butler, to be with you.

Berrien: "Having a tea party with Master" is... As a butler, it was selfish of me..

Berrien: The fact that this is happening... I am very happy.

You: I am also happy to have tea with you.

- Thank you for inviting me.

Berrien: I feel relieved hearing these words.

Berrien: Master. Please enjoy this day.

After saying this, Berrien smiled happily.

Berrien: Fufu, besides...

Berrien: Master and I are having a tea party as a "continuation of the wedding party"... I have never been so happy.

Berrien: Perhaps Master already knows...

Berrien: Drinking tea with people close to me... This is very important to me.

You: We talked about this a little in Caliste.

Berrien: Yes. We talked about marriage in Caliste.

Berrien: "While married, I will drink tea with my partner every day"... I said that.

Berrien: And... This thought has not changed since then.

Berrien: Drinking tea with my family... Spending quiet time with dear people...

Berrien: This attitude will never change.

After saying that, Berrien... He looked straight at me.

Berrien: Therefore... Thank you, Master.

Berrien: I'm sure more than Master can imagine...

Berrien: I... Master has made me so happy.

You: B-Berrien...

Berrien: Fufu, oh my... I've said too much.

Berrien: Master. Thank you for listening to my feelings.

Berrien: Now, shall we continue...? Shall we enjoy tea?

Berrien: Tea and sweets... Please enjoy them as much as you like.

You: Uh-huh...

I followed Berrien's recommendation and... I reached for the tea stand. A three-tiered stand designed to hold sandwiches, scones, and cream puffs... There are many sweets on it. Delicious-looking cross-section sandwiches and even scones... The custard buns look delicious too.

You: Everything looks so delicious.

- I kind of want to eat it all.

Berrien: Fufu... Do you think so?

Berrien: If you say so... Then it was worth all my efforts.

You: Did Berrien make all of this?

Berrien: Yes.

Berrien: Tea party with Master... I prepared treats for it.

Berrien: Sometimes... I want to please Master with some home-made cakes of mine too.

You: Thank you for the wonderful treats.

Berrien: Fufu... I appreciate your kind words, but there's no need to thank me.

Berrien: I just wanted Master to enjoy our tea party.

You: Still, thank you.

- I'll try the food made by Berrien.

Having said that, I... I tried Berrien's food. His treats were even tastier than they seemed... A smile couldn't help but spread across my face. When Berrien saw me like this... He laughed softly.

You: What is it, Berrien?

Berrien: No, it's nothing. But...

You: But..?

Berrien: My treats made Master smile... I am happy.

Berrien: Master is smiling... And the reason for that smile is me...

Berrien: I am so happy... It can't be helped.

Still looking at me... Berrien narrowed his eyes affectionately.

Berrien: And to be honest...

Berrien: I... I love Master's smile.

Berrien: But, Master who laughs...

Berrien: ...They are the cutest of all.

You: B-Berrien...

As he said that... Berrien continued to look at me with a calm expression. Because of of his smile, from which one can feel an enveloping kindness... My heart could not remain calm any longer.

Part 2.

- A little later-

After that, we continued drinking tea... The tea stand was also empty. Then Berrien stood up from his seat... He said, "At last, I have prepared a special dessert." He headed to the kitchen of the mansion.

*Step step*

Berrien: Master. Sorry for the wait.

Berrien: Since our tea party is coming to an end... I have brought a special dessert.

After saying that, Berrien carefully... Placed the dessert in the center of the table. And on the plate... There was a whole cake with fruits on top.

You: It looks delicious..!

Hearing my expression... Berrien sighed in relief and rubbed his chest.

Berrien: I'm glad... It seems like you liked it.

You: It is impossible for me not to like it.

Berrien: Thank you very much.

Berrien: Master always... Says kind words to me...

Berrien: You liked the cake immediately after seeing it... It's a special joy.

You: Is that so?

Berrien: Yes. But this cake...

Berrien: I made it based on my memories with Mr. Goetia.

You: Memories with Mr. Goetia?

Berrien: Yes.

When Berrien said that... There was a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

Berrien: Master already knows... When I was young...

Berrien: Mr Goetia... I was throwing a party for my father for his "wedding anniversary."

Berrien: One of the treats I made back then... Was a fruit cake.

Berrien: When Mr. Goetia's wife was still alive... As a couple, they ate cake for their anniversary...

Berrien: Remembering that situation... I made a cake for the celebration back then.

You: Is that so...

Berrien: Yes... They're just memories now.

Berrien: Unlike the cakes you can buy in Espoir today... I use buttercream instead of whipped cream...

Berrien: Because... I used to make them back then too.

Berrien: And now, looking at this cake...

Berrien: Since the day I was little... It really feels like a long time has passed.

You: Berrien...

Berrien looks at the cake with a somewhat lonely expression... When I called him, he laughed softly.

Berrien: That's why I...

Berrien: I was happy that you liked this cake from my memories.

Berrien: Memories of days long gone by and people I cherish now... They seem to be connected.

Berrien: This... It gave me a strange but warm feeling.

Berrien closed his eyes... He spoke to me gently.

Berrien: Master, this cake... Would you like to eat it with me?

Berrien: While enjoying delicious tea and cake... We will continue our tea party.

You: Of course, Berrien.

- Let's continue our tea party.

Berrien: Fufu... Thank you, Master.

Berrien: Then... Let me cut the cake.

Berrien sat on the chair and... With experienced hands, he cut the cake into equal pieces.

Berrien: Hmm... If you cut it like this, it will be large but equal pieces...

Berrien: That's right... Then, let's do it like this.

Berrien said it without hesitation... He handed me a plate with a large piece.

Berrien: Fufu... ♪ This way, Ms.Strawberry will be happy too.

You: B-Berrien...

Berrien: Oya..? What is it, master?

You: Even if Ms.Strawberry is happy...

- I can't take that much.

Berrien: Don't worry about me.

Berrien: This big and delicious-looking strawberry...I want Master to eat it.

Berrien: That's why...Here you go. ♪

Berrien speared the strawberry with his fork...And then he brought it to my mouth.

You: ...Eh?

Berrien: Master. Come on, open your mouth.

Berrien: Master is a kind person...So you won't shy away and will eat the strawberry, right?

Berrien: That's why...I'll use my own hands to make Master say "ah".

Berrien: That way...Master will definitely eat the strawberry...

Berrien: Then I'll be happy too.

You: Uh...

Seeing my confusion...Berrien moved even closer.

Berrien: Come on, Master...Don't be shy about enjoying it.

Berrien: Let's go, ah~m...♪

You: A-Am...

Unable to refuse happy Berrien... I opened my mouth wide.

Berrien: Fufu... Master, is it delicious?

You: Y-Yummy...

Berrien: I see... It's good.

Berrien: Such a big and red strawberry... I thought it should be delicious.

Berrien: That's why... I wanted Master to eat it.

You: Oh...

Seeing my embarrassment at being forced to eat the strawberry... Berrien laughed happily.

Berrien: Fufu... Maybe Mr.Goetia's wife felt that way too.

You: Mr. Goetia's wife..?

- Father's wife..?

Berrien: Yes.

Berrien: When I was young, Mr. Goetia...

Berrien: They were a married couple... I asked how they spent their "wedding anniversaries."

Berrien: At that time... Mr.Goetia's wife was feeding him strawberries from her hand... It was something like that.

Berrien: Saying that, father...

Berrien: "Why was my wife so happy at that time"... Father had a thoughtful expression.

Saying that, Berrien chuckled.

Berrien: I have never seen father's wife, but...

Berrien: Now... I understand her feelings very well.

Berrien: Because... Just now, I did something similar with Master...

Berrien: I was able to see cute Master eating strawberries from my hand.

Saying that, Berrien... He narrowed his eyes again as he looked at me.

Berrien: I love Master's smile...

Berrien: But Master's expression before... It was beautiful too.

You: B-Berrien...

Berrien looked at me with a dreamy look.

Berrien: That's why, Master...

Berrien: On the cake I made... There are also strawberries...

Berrien: Do you want more?

Berrien: If Master wants... I'll give you as many as you want.

Berrien's eyes looked like... he was having a happy dream. When he looked so happy, I couldn't refuse... I asked for another strawberry.

You: Can I ask for another one?

Berrien: Yes... As many as Master wants.

Berrien again... He brought the strawberry to my mouth. His smile looked happy. Moreover, it was warm.

You: ...I love Berrien's smile too.

Berrien: Uh...

His eyes widened in surprise... I put the strawberry in my mouth. As I savored the sweetness of the strawberry... Berrien's cheeks slowly turned red.

Berrien: Master...

Berrien: Fufu... I'm happy.

Berrien: I like Master's smile... If Master likes my smile too...

Berrien: As long as we're together, we'll always smile...

When Berrien said that... His expression softened. I was enchanted by his smile... My cheeks also turned slightly red.

[midoribobatea]

Shiro and Bellen's birthdays are officially revealed!!

[teddysplushie]

have a lamli! he's very happy to see you, his wonderful aruji!

[caccophony]

It's a little early for a Christmas/anniversary celebration, but I'm posting it now anyway <3

[pancake-moth]

why is he evil lilia

[kotegiris]

[2024 Birthday Card Story - Lamli] No Matter Which Side of Me

another request! hope you enjoy it anon! again, thank you to my friend who shared this card with me

Chapters 1 & 2

Chapter 1

-The day before Lamli’s birthday-

It has become the season where the sunlight is dazzling… And Lamli’s birthday is coming up tomorrow.

For the butlers’ birthday this year… I already decided what to give them as a present.

A ring for the pinky finger…

A “pinky ring.”

Apparently, wearing a ring on the pinky finger will “prevent happiness from escaping.”

With that meaning in mind… I prepared a ring embedded with a small labradorite gemstone for Lamli. 

Then, I made preparations for the opportunity to hand him the ring… And wrote him a letter.

“Let’s have dinner together on your birthday.”

After the butlers went to bed… I placed the letter in front of the 3rd floor butlers’ room…

That night I fell asleep while looking forward to Lamli’s reaction after he reads the letter.

-The day of Lamli’s birthday-

Knock, knock…

Lamli: Aruji-sama. Can I come in?

> Yeah. > Come in.

Opens

Lamli: Good morning, Aruji-sama!

> Morning, Lamli.

Lamli: Thank you for the letter!

> Did you read it yet?

Lamli: Yes! Of course I did! Thanks to your letter, I’ve been feeling super happy since this morning.

Lamli: Thank you very much.

> I’m glad you’re happy.

Lamli: Fufu, so…

Lamli: According to your letter… We’ll be having dinner together today, right?

Lamli: Could you tell me more about that?

I explained to Lamli.

I told him that this whole day is for him…

We'll go out somewhere together and enjoy his birthday to the fullest…

And finally, we’ll have dinner together.

For dinner, we can decide where we want to go.

I told him that since it’s his birthday, I want him to enjoy himself without holding back.

> Don’t worry about anything and enjoy your birthday. > Let’s eat your favorite foods.

Lamli: W-Wow… I can have Aruji-sama all to myself today…

Lamli: That’s the best news ever!

Lamli: What should I do… I wanted to make you smile lots today, but…

Lamli: I’m the one who ended up smiling so much. I’m so happy…

> If you’re smiling, then I’m also happy. 

Lamli: Aruji-sama…

Lamli: …Geez, you’re too lovely!

Lamli: Fufu ♪ Today I can have Aruji-sama all to myself, and we can go out together…

Lamli: This will be the best day ever!

> Do you have somewhere you want to go?

Lamli: Huh? Is it okay for me to decide?

> Of course. > Let’s go where you want to go.

Lamli: Actually, there’s a place I’ve been wanting to go to with you!

Lamli: There’s a show that just opened recently…

Lamli: It seems like you can see stars there even in the daytime!

> Stars in the daytime?

Lamli: Yeah. I’m not exactly sure how since I’ve only heard rumors, but…

Lamli: From the moment I heard about it, I thought of you… I’ve been wanting to go there together with you!

Lamli: Aruji-sama, would you… Go together with me to see the daytime stars?

> Of course. > Let’s go!

Lamli: Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Lamli: Fufu. I don’t know what kind of stars we’ll see in the daytime, but…

Lamli: Just seeing it together with you… Will make it the best starry sky ever!

Lamli: Then, I’ll go back to my room and get ready to head out!

Lamli: When I’m done, I’ll let you know!

And thus… We decided to momentarily split up to get ready to go out.

-A little later-

Knock, knock…

Lamli: Aruji-sama, I’m done. Can I come in?

> Yeah. > Come in.

Opens

Lamli: Excuse me.

After I finished getting ready, Lamli came inside my room once again.

However… When he opened the door, I saw that he was wearing a different outfit from before.

> That outfit is…

Lamli: Fufu ♪ How do I look, Aruji-sama?

Lamli: It’s this year’s birthday outfit!

Lamli: How is it? Do I look good?

> It looks really good on you.

Lamli: Fufu. Thank you ♪

Lamli: Ever since I got this outfit I’ve been wanting to show it to you.

Lamli: I’m happy I finally got to let you see it ♪

Lamli: Then… Let’s go to the venue!

Lamli: It seems like you can see the daytime stars at the theater in Espoir!

And so… In the carriage that Lamli prepared, we headed to the theater.

【 Espoir - A Certain Theater】

Some time later… The carriage stopped in front of a bustling theater.

Lamli: It seems like the starry sky is on the basement floor here.

Lamli: Looking at the starry sky in the basement… It’s a bit exciting, isn’t it?

Lamli: I wonder what it’s like.

> I’m looking forward to it.

After going to the receptionist… The person in charge guided us to the venue.

Lamli: Woah~... It’s a bit cold going down these stairs.

Lamli: It feels nice since it was hot outside.

Lamli: But you might get cold. Aruji-sama, are you alright?

> I’m alright.

Lamli: Then, I’m glad.

Lamli: But let me know if you get cold!

I’ll go tell a worker and borrow a coat for you!

> Thanks.

The venue we were led to was pitch black, and I could barely see anything around me.

But from the buzz of people, I knew that there were quite a lot of guests here.

Lamli: Aruji-sama, it’s dark, so please watch your step.

Lamli: Oh, I know! Aruji-sama, excuse me for a little!

Saying that…. Lamli gently took my hand.

> Huh?

Lamli: Fufu, this is safer ♪

Lamli: The venue is dark and dangerous, so… In the meantime, can we hold hands?

> Y-Yeah. 

And so, while holding hands, we looked for our seats.

Lamli: Ah, there it is! These are our seats!

Lamli: Aruji-sama! Please take a seat!

> Thank you.

Even after we sat down, Lamli made no move to let go of my hand.

While feeling the warmth of Lamli’s hand… I patiently waited for the show to start.

Step… step… step…

From the wing of the stage, a man came out and bowed gracefully.

Announcer: Welcome. Thank you for coming, everyone. I will now take you to the sea of stars.

At the man’s signal… The dark surroundings instantly changed to a starry sky.

Lamli: Wow! There really are stars!

> (It’s like a planetarium…)

Lamli: It instantly became a starry sky… I wonder how they did that.

Announcer: First, please take a look at the brightest star on the northern side…

Announcer: It’s a star that has continued to be in the center of other stars for thousands of years…

Announcer: That star guides travelers and is also known as the guardian star of the Grovaner family, who have been protecting mankind.

Lamli: Fufu… Isn’t it pretty, Aruji-sama?

> Yeah, it really is.

Lamli: …Ah, that star… Aruji-sama, do you know what that star on the right is?

> Which one?

Lamli: That one over there…

Saying that, Lamli pointed at it.

But… As if he remembered that we were still holding hands…

He only moved his hand slightly and then went back to holding my hand.

> …Lamli?

Lamli: …Fufu. We should be quiet now since the show’s starting.

Lamli: Sorry, Aruji-sama.

When Lamli said that… He had a cheerful and tender smile. 

Then… he lightly squeezed my hand.

I knew that I should be focusing on the stars, but… I couldn’t help myself from focusing on the feeling of his hand holding mine.

Chapter 2

-A little later-

Mesmerized by the beautiful starlight… The show came to an end. 

Lamli: Aruji-sama~! That was amazing!

> It was pretty.

Lamli: It was my first time seeing stars that close up!

Lamli: Being able to see stars during the daytime and in a basement… It was so exciting!

Lamli: It was really pretty… How did they do that?

> Hm~....

Lamli: I’m a bit curious…

Lamli: Ah! Why don’t we go ask the announcer?

Lamli: I saw him go that way. If we go after him now, we can still catch up and ask him!

> Let’s go.

Lamli: Fufu. I thought you’d say that ♪

So we decided to go after the announcer.

Lamli: Ah, there he is!

Lamli: Hey! Announcer~!

After going into the hallway and walking a little… We found the middle-aged man who gave the explanation for the showing.

Lamli walked up to him and began to talk about his thoughts on the showing.

Lamli: The starry sky earlier was so pretty!

Lamli: The location of the stars was pretty much on point too… …There were some that were a little off, though.

Lamli: But it was really amazing! Hey, just how did you do that?

> Lamli, let’s calm down a little.

Announcer: Thank you for your compliments. You’re very knowledgeable about the stars.

Lamli: Yeah! I love stars!

Announcer: Fufu, I see.

Lamli: So… How did you do it?

Announcer: Hm… Normally, I cannot reveal that, but…

Announcer: Your honest feedback made me happy.

Announcer: …As a special service… Let me tell you the basics of the method.

Lamli: Yay! You’re a good person!

Announcer: Fufu, thank you very much. …Now then, about the method…

Announcer: It’s actually not that complicated.

Then, the announcer explained to us the basics of it.

Lamli: Heh~ So that’s how.

Lamli: That’s a very smart way. I look at stars a lot, but I’ve never thought of that~

Announcer: Fufu… Thank… you…

Announcer: I am honored… By your… compliments…

After the announcer answered Lamli’s question… He suddenly became unsteady.

Announcer: Ug…

Lamli: W-Woah. Are you okay?

> He doesn’t look okay.

Lamli: Yeah, he looks a bit sick.

Lamli: …Hey, are you alright?

Announcer: I-I’m alright. My apologies for causing you to worry.

Lamli: But you’re swaying a lot.

Announcer: ……..Recently, this show has been gradually becoming more popular… I’ve had to be on stage for longer.

Announcer: I knew it had been taking a toll on my body, so… I decided to have a stand-in starting today, but…

Announcer: …They’re running a little late.

Announcer: I have one more show left to do before my substitute comes… I just have to endure it a little more.

Lamli: B-But… It doesn’t seem like your body can handle one more show.

> It’d be better for you to rest…

Announcer: …The show’s finally gotten popular. I can’t cancel it now.

Lamli: Hmm~... That’s true, but…

Lamli: At this rate, you’ll collapse…

> What should we do…

Lamli: Hmm~~~…… …………

Lamli: …I know!

Lamli: I’ll do the show for you! In the meantime, you should get some rest.

> Lamli?

Announcer: What!? B-But…

Lamli: If it’s explaining the stars, then there’s no need to worry! You saw how knowledgeable I am about it earlier, right?

Announcer: C-Can I really leave it to you?

Lamli: Yup ♪ You explained to me how it works earlier, so…

Lamli: As thanks, I’ll do the show for you once as your substitute.

Announcer: T-Then… I will accept your kind offer.

Lamli: Fufu ♪ Leave it to me!

Lamli: I said that, but… Sorry for just deciding on my own, Aruji-sama…

Lamli: But… I can’t leave him alone when he’s about to collapse…

Lamli: I know I’m being selfish, but… Could you go along with it for a little?

> Uhm……

I thought it was very nice of Lamli to want to help the announcer, and I knew that he was very knowledgeable about the stars.

However… I had something else that I was concerned about…

He’s always very energetic, so I wondered if he could create a mellow atmosphere for the show…

I couldn’t get rid of my worries.

> Will you really be okay?

Lamli: I’ll be fine! We saw the show earlier, so I know what kind of mood I need to make.

Lamli: And I know which stars I need to give an explanation for!

He answered, brimming with self-confidence.

I thought it would be rude to keep worrying over him, so I decided to believe in him and leave it to him.

> Do your best, Lamli!

Lamli: I will! Thank you for believing in me, Aruji-sama!

Lamli: I’ll do it properly until the very end, so… Don’t worry and just watch me from the audience!

> Got it.

Then, the announcer guided Lamli backstage.

I sat down in the same seat as before and waited for Lamli’s show to start.

While I nervously looked around the dark venue…

The sound of elegant and light footsteps resounded in the dark.

Lamli: Welcome. Thank you for coming, everyone. I will now take you to the sea of stars.

> (That… Is that really Lamli’s voice?)

Lamli, who had a different air to him than usual, gracefully bowed.

At that moment… My surroundings were instantly enveloped in a starry sky.

Lamli: First…

Lamli: Everyone, please take a look at the brightly shining Big Dipper on your right.

Lamli: Because of its bright shine… It has been passed down for generations as a constellation that resembles a certain person’s weapon…

Lamli: That’s right… It’s the person that we all give thanks to during Thanksgiving, Goetia-sama.

Lamli: According to the legend…

Lamli: Thousands of years ago… Goetia-sama protected this land from the angels all by himself.

Lamli: He was loved and respected by the people.

Lamli: It is said that after Goetia-sama passed… Out of respect and devotion, the people created this constellation for him.

> (Lamli’s amazing…) > (I can’t help but be drawn to his explanation…)

Lamli: And on the other side is…

Without any mistakes… Lamli elegantly continued explaining.

Despite my concerns… The show ended without any issues.

The guests left the venue looking satisfied.

Lamli: Aruji-sama! How was I? Did I do well?

> You were perfect. > You were amazing. 

Lamli: Really? Yaay!

After the show ended, Lamli immediately went over to me.

Without a doubt… It was the usual cheerful him.

Announcer: Thank you very much for doing the show in my stead.

Announcer: Thanks to you, the show was able to go on without any cancellations. How could I ever repay you?

Announcer: I know! There’s still a little bit of time left before the next show.

Announcer: I’ll fully reserve the venue for just the two of you until then. Please take your time and gaze at the stars all you like.

Lamli: What!? Really?! Yaay!

> Thank you.

Lamli: Fufu, I’m so happy ♪

Lamli: …Earlier I was giving an explanation to all the guests, but… Actually, I wanted to give an explanation to only you.

Lamli: Aruji-sama… Could you leave it to me to tell you about the stars?

> Of course. > Please do.

Lamli: Thank you, Aruji-sama!

Lamli: Then… Let’s hurry before the next show starts!

> Yeah.

And so we decided to return to the venue to gaze at the stars again.

Lamli: Look! That’s the froggie constellation!

Lamli: Ah! Do you know what’s over there?

Lamli: If you connect the brightest stars together… It becomes the Aruji-sama constellation!

Lamli was telling me, not about this world’s constellations, but… His original ones that he came up with.

> Uhm… Which star is it?

Lamli: That one, Aruji-sama!

Lamli: …Ah, I know. Excuse me for a little!

Saying that, Lamli took my hand and pointed at the star.

Lamli: That star! Do you see it?

> Y-Yeah…

Lamli: Fufu… Then, next is…

> Lamli, our hands…

Saying that I looked at our joined hands…

Lamli looked as if he just got caught pulling a trick and gave me a small smile.

Lamli: …Aruji-sama… Can’t we keep holding hands like this?

Lamli: At the first show, we had to be quiet, and I couldn’t explain anything to you like how I am now, but…

Lamli: This time, I want to directly tell you about the stars while holding your hand.

Lamli: It’s just us here, so no one will see…

Lamli: So can’t I? Is it no good, Aruji-sama?

> That’s…

Lamli patiently stared at me, and I couldn’t refuse him…

I felt my heart beat faster and timidly nodded. 

> …Alright, let’s keep holding hands.

Lamli: Fufu… Thank you, Aruji-sama ♪

This was my third show of the day… My heart raced at feeling Lamli’s warmth…

We enjoyed a very happy and fun time.

-A little later-

Our small and private show came to an end… And we arrived at a restaurant with a stylish feel.

The seats were all private rooms, so there was no need to worry about the gaze of other people.

We were able to freely enjoy a delicious dinner and take our time looking back on today.

Lamli: The star show… It was so amazing!

> Yeah, it was.

Lamli: We were able to see so many stars even though it was daytime.

Lamli: I heard the rumors, but… I was surprised at how beautiful it was in person.

Lamli excitedly talked about the show. Seeing Lamli’s smile…

I thought that now would be a good time to give him his birthday present. 

> Hey, Lamli?

Lamli: Yes? What is it, Aruji-sama?

> For you.

I took out a small box from my bag.

Of course, inside the box was… The pinky ring I wanted to give him.

Lamli: Is this… a birthday present?

> Yup.

Lamli: I didn’t think you’d go out of your way to prepare a present for me…

Lamli: You spending the whole day with me today was already the best birthday present…

Lamli: I’m so happy; I think I’m gonna cry.

Lamli: Aruji-sama… Thank you.

Lamli: Uhm… Can I open it now?

> Of course. > Open it.

After getting permission from me, Lamli immediately opened the box.

Upon opening the lid… The mysterious shine of the labradorite poured out from within.

Then, I explained to him about the birthday present.

I decided to give the butlers a pinky ring for their birthdays because…

I wish for each and every butler’s everlasting happiness…

And… The reason why I chose to have Lamli’s ring embedded with labradorite is because…

Labradorite is said to be a mysterious stone with a beautiful and deep shine that changes depending on the angle it’s viewed from…

I thought it was like Lamli since the more time I spend with him, the more different and charming sides of him I see.

I told Lamli everything.

Lamli: …Charming?

Lamli: You think that someone like me is charming?

> Don’t say “someone like me.”

Lamli: Huh…

> You’re very charming.

The usual cheerful Lamli and the calm Lamli that I saw today at the show…

All of him is charming… I straightforwardly told him that.

Lamli: The me today…too?

> That’s right.

Lamli: I see… …So you like me when I’m calm too.

> Of course I do.

Lamli: …Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Lamli: ……Uhm… Aruji-sama…

Lamli: Between the calm me from today and the cheerful me… Which one do you like more?

> Huh?

Lamli: I…

Lamli: I want to live as the me you like more…

> …Which one is more comfortable for you, Lamli?

Lamli: Huh? More comfortable…?

> I don’t want you to force yourself.

Lamli: Aruji-sama… You really do care about me.

> Because you’re precious to me.

Lamli: …You’re too kind, Aruji-sama.

Lamli: …But… You don’t need to worry; I’m okay.

Lamli: If I’m able to have your love… Being either side of me isn’t tough.

Lamli: As long as you love me… I can be either one.

> Lamli…

Lamli: So please… Pick one, Aruji-sama.

Lamli: Between the calm me and the cheerful me… Which one do you like more?

> There’s no need for me to choose.

Lamli: Huh?

> Both sides are you after all.

Lamli: Aruji-sama… But…

Between the cheerful Lamli and the calm Lamli… I can’t pick one.

Both sides are precious to me because they’re both a part of Lamli.

> I love all of you.

Lamli: Aruji-sama…

Lamli: …Thank you. …I’m so, so happy…

Lamli: Fufu, me too…

Lamli: Your kindness and warmth… I…… love all of you too.

Lamli smiled, but it wasn’t his usual smile that was bright like the sun… It was an earnest and peaceful smile that was like the stars.

> Happy birthday, Lamli.

Lamli: …Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Lamli: I’m truly glad that I met you.

Lamli: I’m truly glad that I was born…

The lively Lamli and the mature Lamli…

And whatever other sides he may have… Lamli is a precious person to me.

Whatever may happen, that fact won’t change.

With those feelings in mind… From the bottom of my heart, I wished him a happy birthday.

END

[seraphirism]

【栄光の刻印】 | 3rd Anniversary - All butlers.

[hamikau]

[AKNK - Event] The Lost Boarder And The Angelic Light

Chapter 1: Sudden request

Chapter 2: Matching uniforms

Chapter 3: A lively school cafeteria

Chapter 4: Difficult task

Chapter 5: The Library Promise

Chapter 6: Encounter in the Courtyard

Chapter 7: Kenjutsu class

Chapter 8: Dance class

Chapter 9: Forbidden Forest

Chapter 10: Ball Partner

Chapter 11: Church Secrets

Chapter 12: Student Location

Chapter 13: The future of the school

[dialaiya]

[midnightparsley]

Berrian and Bellen - Brotherly Competition - Mansion Exploration

Footsteps

Bellen: "Fu... and, goal."

Berrian: "Ha... Ha... W-wait a moment, Bellen..." "Ha... Ha... Just as I thought, you're still fast... I'm struggling to even try and keep up with you..."

Bellen: "Fufu, it seems like I can still outpace you when it comes to running."

Berrian: "Yes... I've always been chasing after your back, even in the past." "Ever since I came to the orphanage, I have wanted to surpass you." "Even after you fell asleep... I've always chased after the you in my memories, trying to reach that goal." "So that once you woke up again, you could see the fruits of my many years of labour."

Bellen: "I see... And you certainly have achieved that goal in spades." "Now I'm the one who is chasing after you as you forge on ahead."

Berrian: "Fufu, in that case... I must work hard to pull ahead even further, and keep my lead for a little longer."

Bellen: "So you have no intentions of simply resting on your laurels, I see." "Good. It wouldn't be fun if there wasn't at least some challenge to it."

Berrian: "Of course. I won't lose, Bellen."