NOVEL NEXT Chapter 152
152. The Three’s Future
By evening, Sierra-san woke me up again, and I headed toward Raize’s house.
“Ar-kun, this way!”
Pulled by Sierra-san’s hand, I passed through the door and moved further inside, where lively voices could be heard.
She guided me to Raize’s dining room. It looked like a party room, with people gathered around a meal set in the center.
Everyone from the strategy team was there. In contrast to the stern expressions they wore during battles, they were all joyfully chatting.
“Isn’t it Arx! Glad you could make it!”
As I entered the room, the first one to speak was Raize’s father. His belly was still round as ever, and the moment he saw me, he bowed repeatedly.
This man has really mellowed out since Raize made him kneel. He’s nothing like the angry figure who used to yell at me.
“Thanks for having me. Looks like quite the party here.”
“Of course, it’s a banquet for the strategy team! If someone like me can be of use, feel free to work me to the bone!”
“…You really don’t have to be so humble, sir.”
“No, no! For you, Arx-kun, I’ll do anything!”
What happened to him? He’s practically a different person. It’s a bit uncomfortable on my end, too.
“Dad, seriously?”
“Y-Yes!!!”
At that moment, Raize called out to her father. His back straightened like a rod, and his expression stiffened.
“Dad, there’s not enough food on the table!”
“S-Sorry! I’m doing my best, but I can’t keep up with the serving… It’s all my incompetence! Truly, I’m sorry!!”
“That’s not it. If there’s too much food, just say so, and I’ll help. You don’t have to do everything by yourself.”
Raize said this, then picked up a plate from the kitchen and carried it to the table.
Her father stared blankly at her. After a brief pause, he looked at me and shouted.
“My daughter’s gone soft!”
“I doubt that’s it.”
“Arx-kun, I’ve decided to stop groveling to Raize! From now on, I’ll be a father who works alongside her! I feel like we’ll get along better that way!!”
With that, he sprinted full speed toward Raize.
…He seems to be misunderstanding something, but if it improves their relationship, then maybe it’s fine? I’m not sure, but I decided to have high hopes for the two of them.
“…Wait, where’s Sierra-san?”
Before I knew it, Sierra-san, who had been by my side, was gone. Looking around, I quickly found her.
[Hey! Look at that table, they’re eating so fast!]
[Whoa! Another plate’s empty! How many is that now!?]
Among the lively crowd, one table stood out. Plates were being cleared at an unbelievable pace.
Seated at that table were Sierra-san, Laura, and Fran—the three sisters.
“Food tastes so much better when you’re eating with everyone! My cheeks are gonna fall off!”
“Fran, what does it mean for your cheeks to fall off? Do they actually fall? Mine have never fallen.”
“That’s not what I meant! Also, Laura, you’ve got sauce on your cheek!”
The three sisters chatted cheerfully, devouring food at a frightening pace. The sight was so overwhelming that I couldn’t help but be taken aback.
Are all three of them big eaters!? And by that, I mean reallybig eaters!
“Ah! Ar-kun!”
At that moment, Sierra-san noticed me and waved. Feeling a bit out of place, I walked over to the three of them.
“Big brother, you came! Are you enjoying the party?”
“Ha ha, it’s… alright. You three seem to be having fun.”
“Yeah, thanks to you, Ar-kun!”
Thanks to me? I thought as Sierra-san continued.
“We’ve decided to give it another try. We’ve been apart for so long, but running away won’t change anything. It might take some time, but we’ve decided to start facing each other again, little by little.”
“We’re living in different places because of work, but no matter where we are, the three of us are together!”
Fran smiled warmly. Her smile felt pure, different from the social grace she showed when we first met.
“Arx. How can we ever thank you enough? Thanks to you, we’ve been able to come together.”
“I didn’t really do anything, though?”
“No, it’s because you freed me—us. Truly, thank you.”
Laura said this, her cheeks slightly blushing as she smiled.
“I’m so happy right now.”
Seeing Laura’s smile for the first time, I felt a strange warmth in my chest.
Happiness—huh. I guess what I did wasn’t in vain.
“Everyone, listen up! Since the food isn’t ready yet, we’ll be adding a dance! Enjoy yourselves!”
Raize’s voice rang out from the kitchen, and a band began to play in one corner of the room.
“Ar-kun! Let’s dance!”
As I stood there in surprise, Sierra-san invited me to dance.
“Ah! Not fair! I want to dance with big brother too!”
“Wait your turn! It’s my turn first!”
What should I do? The conversation’s moving on its own. I’ve never danced before.
“Hey, Ar-kun. Since we’re here… will you ask me?”
Sierra-san looked at me. Under the light of the chandelier, she looked more radiant than usual. Seeing her blushing cheeks made me feel like my own face might start burning. No, I’m not backing down now!
“…Will you dance with me?”
“…Yes.”
Sierra-san took my hand and stood up. I started moving stiffly to the music. Uh… what do I do now? I asked her, but I have no idea what to do from here!
As I panicked, Sierra-san whispered into my ear.
“Ar-kun, you don’t know how to dance, do you?”
“I don’t! You totally knew that and still asked, didn’t you!?”
“Hehe, don’t worry. I’ll lead, so just follow me. Look.”
As Sierra-san guided me, I began to take clumsy steps. Maybe her leading was that good, because after a while, I started to get a feel for the movements.
“Hey, Ar-kun?”
“What is it?”
“Remember in the forest, when you said you wanted to become a man who could make me feel safe?”
Oh yeah, I did say that. Back then, her green eyes blended with the forest’s greenery, and the wind lifted her hair— Just thinking about it made my heart race. Sierra-san chuckled at my reaction.
“Why are you laughing!?”
“Sorry, it’s just… I love that about you, Ar-kun. You make me want to tease you a little.”
“Please stop, I’m really just trying to focus on the dancing here.”
“But, you know, I feel relieved.”
“Relieved?”
“I was worried. You were growing stronger and moving farther away, so I thought maybe you’d become someone I didn’t know. But when I see moments like this, I feel reassured that you’re still the Ar-kun I know.”
I didn’t realize she thought that. I thought she saw me as unreliable, like before.
“I love both the strong, dependable Ar-kun, and the Ar-kun who tries his best even when he’s unsure.”
“That’s… thank you.”
“Wait, are you blushing?”
“I’m not! It’s just… a little embarrassing!”
As I denied it, I suddenly realized. Did Sierra-san just say she loves me?
Did she mean as a person, or… no, no way, right!? It must’ve been in the usual sense!
Now it’s all I can think about. I want to ask her what she meant, but… if I do, she’ll probably just tease me again.
No, I’ll stop thinking about it. Yeah, let’s focus on the dance. If I lose myself in the music, I’ll clear my mind.
The violin filled the room, and the dance continued. In this brief moment that felt like forever, I spent time in this happy, fulfilling space with my companions.