Happy New Year!! ☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

What about s.h.i.+ze-san? Looking over, I saw a single knotted cherry stem sitting on the empty plate that originally held the chocolate fondant cake. While no one was looking, s.h.i.+ze-san had succeeded as well. 

「Wow everyone is so skilful.」

I mused while Ryuse-san broke into a grin.

「Why don't you give it a shot too」

「No......it's ok.」

I was formerly an aristocratic lady after all. It's too embarra.s.sing for me to take something out after it had been in my mouth.

「You can't do it~?」

Ryuse-san teased while cupping his cheek.

「I can't.」

I replied firmly. Then, with his head tilted, he bit on his lips nonchalantly.

「Hmm......By the way......have you kissed anyone before, ojou?」

「......」

The memory of my first kiss that I shared with Schneider flashed across my mind. The kiss in my memories was similar to a cherry, refres.h.i.+ng and sweet. The sweet and bitter feelings of my first love started to come back to me, causing my cheeks to heat up. My eyes were probably red as well. 

「......How about another slice of cake?」

I tried to change the topic.  

「Eh, what's with that reaction? Wait a minute, I want to know more.」

Ryuse-san leaned in and pressed me for answers, but I tried to smoke my way through with a smile. 

「Another cup of coffee.」

「Understood. I'll get you one right away, s.h.i.+ze-san.」

「Wait, ojou——」

I escaped to the kitchen with a smile and prepared a cup of coffee.

After that, Ryuse-san still seemed harped up on it, as he asked me again and again while coiling his tail around my body. And I continued to smile my way out of it...... Eventually, Ryuse-san was dragged away by Sensan.

(lilies: Ryuse's so pushy zzzzz thank goodness for Sena for reclaiming catto)

——The next day, I had some fluffy pancakes with strawberry cherry jam for breakfast with the Lotos. They finished their meal cheerily.

「Aye, a—yee!」

Once we were done with breakfast and tidying up, it was time for cake making. Today, the Lotos picked a lot of cherries again, so I'm going to put lots of effort into making the cakes as well. The Lotos stood side by side on the kitchen shelves, each hugging a cherry marshmallow as they sang merrily.

「A—yee, aye! A—yee, aye!」

Everyone was swinging their head to the beat of the music. Ah, their coordinated movements were too adorable. Even the Lotos on the workbench, who were in charge of the decorations, opened their little mouths and sung along happily. 

「A—yee, aye! A—yee, aye! A—n......」

As they sang, the choir on the shelves would sneak little mouthfuls of marshmallows. A giggle unconsciously slipped through my lips when I saw this adorable sight of everyone eating together. 

(lilies: I'm ded _(´ཀ`」 ∠)_)

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. The Lotos started shuddering from panic at the sudden entrance of visitors that came in before opening hours. Walking out from the kitchen, I saw an elegant older gentleman and a young man standing in the middle of the cafe. It was Oji-sama and his guard, Ramo. 

「Good morning, Oji-sama!」

I excitedly jumped into his embrace. Oji-sama returned my hug and gently replied 「Good morning.」

「Ramo too, good morning!」

「......」

 This was out of the usual, but I greeted Ramo with a hug as well. 

「......W......Why......」

Ramo looked very fl.u.s.tered as he froze in place. 

「Hmm......I couldn't help myself. I was so just happy that both of you came to visit.」

「I......」

「I?」

「I'm not worthy......!」

「Are you crying?」

「I was too touched......My deepest apologies!」

With tears welling in his eyes, Ramo looked like he was about to fall to his knees. Then, he grabbed my right hand. Holding it tightly with trembling hands.

「I respect you very much, Rhonya ojou-sama」

(lilies: he respects and loves her, but it's not the romantic kind of love. I think it's more like the devotion of a servant to their master)

「Thank you......」

Seeing Ramo get down on one knee with his head lowered, I had a troubled smile on my face. You don't have to be this afraid.

「Um, if possible, please have some breakfast.」

With regards to my proposition, Oji-sama responded with an apologetic expression.

「I'm sorry, I only came to see you. With Robert on a constant lookout.......I can't stay long. But I'm glad you look spirited.」

I got scared at the mention of Robert oni-sama's name. Oji-sama reached his hand out to cup my cheek and lightly caressed it with his gentle wrinkled hand. Oji-sama had mentioned before that he was looking for me. I just really don't want my brother to find this place. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do. I gave my grandfather a small smile. 

「I made some new friends.」

「I see......let's talk about it slowly another time.」

There's a lot I want to talk about. About the members of the Beastmen squad, the kind people that helped nurse me and the visit to the Spirit Forest. As much as I'd like to tell my grandfather about all these things, I'll have to be patient.

「Ah, Oji-sama please take this cherry cake with you. We're currently having a cherry fair at the shop. And the next time you visit, you have to try the new selections on the menu! I'm currently trying to make a c.o.c.ktail......」

I said to Oji-sama while walking back into the kitchen. 

I thought of adding the c.o.c.ktail after seeking some advice from others. I wanted to offer a new menu of c.o.c.ktails to the Beastmen squad. Oji-sama agreed readily 「Of course.」

After packing the cake, when I brought it out, the Lotos who were watching from the shelves cried out 「Wah~!」 They looked like that had taken some huge blow, as their jaws dropped and they looked at the cake teary-eyed. I laughed and rea.s.sured them 「I have your share too.」 before they heaved a sigh of relief. As I returned to the dining area and pa.s.sed the box of cake to Ramo, Oji-sama seemed to recall something and spoke up.

「Speaking of friends......Lexi-jou has visited me, asking for your whereabouts.」

「Eh? Lexi has returned?」

Lexi had to suspend her education and move to a neighbouring country due to her parent's work. She didn't go to the country filled with barbarians, but to another neighbouring country with Eastern culture. (lilies: oriental?) Apparently, you'd be able to see dragons flying through the skies every day. Just once, I want to go there. 

I heard that she wouldn't be able to come back for a while due to her parent's work, Perhaps she came back because she was worried about me.

「I feel that it's ok to tell her......but with Schneider around and Robert's surveillance around the house, I couldn't tell her. Lexi-jou's movements are probably being monitored as well......you should avoid contact with her for the time being.」

「Yes, Oji-sama. If Lexi comes looking for me again, could you help me tell her to wait a little longer?」

「Okay. And thanks for the cake.」

Oji-sama said with a warm smile. Next to him, Ramo bowed quietly with the cake in his hands.

——After saying our goodbyes, they left. When I returned to the kitchen, I was greeted with the sight of the Lotos staring at the cherry cake in a daze, which caused me to smile. 

「Alright everyone, it's time to go home with your cake.」

Right after I said that the Lotos started bouncing up and down in joy. And everyone worked together to carry the cake back to the forest.

After seeing them off, I s.h.i.+fted the position of the hourgla.s.s on the kitchen countertop and placed the crystal that Gray-sama gave to me beside it. I'll be sure to take it with me whenever I leave the shop. 

Finally, I did one last check of the interior of the shop and put up the open sign. 

The cafe was instantly filled with customers wanting breakfast and coffee. Interestingly, I felt like the breakfast service was going a lot smoother than before I had fallen ill. I would chat with the customers while preparing food and taking orders. During this time, sandwiches and omelettes were more popular than cakes. 

However, after some time, when ladies start to make up the bulk of the customer, the number of cake orders would skyrocket. There were customers who requested for take-outs while others came to pick up the cakes they had previously reserved, so it was very hectic.  

Once the afternoon comes, the flow of customers would stop, as the Beastmen squad would be arriving shortly.

I took a deep breath, and then a sip of cherry tea. The refres.h.i.+ng sweetness permeated my mouth and made me feel warm to my core. Today, I had scones with cherry and raspberry jam for lunch. It's really delicious if I do say so myself and I'm really pleased with my meal. After lunch, it's time to read. 

......The Beastmen squad has yet to arrive.

I sat at the bar counter and gently opened the book to the page I had left off at. After reading for a while, a glowing circle appeared in the middle of the store, on the floor. And from it, several Lotos appeared. They must be here to see Sensan. 

I gave them some marshmallows and went back to reading. Meanwhile, the Lotos stared at the door, waiting for the bell to ring. After that, a long time had pa.s.sed. Usually, they would have long arrived, but the members of the Beastmen squad were still nowhere to be found. 

......Before I knew it, the outside of the shop was dyed in brilliant red and orange. The Lotos seemed to be too bored as they slowly gave in to the drowsiness and fell asleep. I had finished reading my book and I placed it on the counter. While sitting on the chair, I gave myself a good stretch. Then, I opened the door to take a look at the path outside the store. The Beastmen squad were still not here. 

......Rarely, are they still not here when it's already this late. Maybe they'll be here a little later. With that in mind, I went back into the store. 

——In the end, the Beastmen squad never showed up. 

2 Promises and Prayers

I wonder what happened to them. They protect our border by fending off barbarians from neighbouring countries. I think they should be fine since they're all incredibly strong——

But what if they're seriously injured and incapacitated? What if they got caught in other troubles? 

......What if this is the demon's doing? 

I don't know if it's because I recently received warnings about the demon, but I started to feel increasingly anxious. I had thought he wouldn't be able to find this place, but maybe I've already been discovered. And it's trying to aim for the lives of the Beastmen squad whom I am close to——

I was all jittery and couldn't wait any more as I called out to the sleepy Lotos on the counter. 

「Please help me look after the house.」

Just like that, I left the shop, holding my skirt down as I rushed off. After leaving the town, if I use floating magic, I'll definitely be able to find them. Oh, shoot. I forgot to bring the amethyst. If this is really the work of a demon, I should call Gray-sama. 

Even so, going back now would be a waste of time. Just as I was thinking it through, I heard someone call me from behind.

「Aiya~, Manager-san?」

Turning around, I saw a beautiful girl in a quirky outfit. It was Serensan. She's also a regular at the cafe. Today, she donned brown plaid shorts and long boots. She also wore a hunting cap. It was boyish but adorable. 

「Why are you in a rush?」

「Ah, no, that......」

I couldn't help but kept my shut. Serensan tilted her head and asked.

「Did the Beastmen squad not visit your shop today?」

「Yeah, well......」

「I see. If that's the case, I'd like to buy a cherry cake......so you still have some left?」

Despite the flash of frustration I had at this question, I still responded with a smile.

「Yes, there is.」

——In the end, I returned to the cafe with Serensan. The Lotos who were in charge of looking after the house hid behind the counter as soon as they saw Serensan. 

「Which cakes would you like?」

「I want them all......please give me the chocolate one and the tart!」

「Understood」

Serensan broke into a smile as I packed the cakes into a box and handed it to her. 

「Thank you, Manager! I'll come again soon!」

「Thank you very much. I look forward to your next visit.」

I Serensan off with a smile. After that, I went back into the store and shut the door firmly, before resting on the counter. 

......I still felt jumpy so I got up.

(lilies: It's pretty wonky sorries "いてもたってもいられず飛び出したけれど")

Maybe they just didn't feel like coming today. With this line of thought in mind. Considering the fact that they've been coming down every single day, with such high frequency, they're bound to get tired it. 

......I guess they won't be coming back for a while. As such thoughts crossed my mind, my heart sank deeper and deeper. At that time, I was pulling my hair out. When I looked up, I saw the Lotos look at me with worry in their eyes. 

「......If you don't mind, bring some of this home. I'll close the shop now and take a rest.」

I gave them a half-hearted smile. Then I lightly cleaned up and closed up. 

——That night, after getting ready for bed, I sat at my table. I wanted to write my diary as usual, but I just couldn't get in the mood to do it. Casually flipping to the previous page, it was all about the Beastmen squad. Seeing that, tears started to pour out. 

In the end, I just wrote that they didn't come and closed my diary. After that, I got into bed and closed my eyes......but I couldn't seem to fall asleep. 

——The next morning, the Lotos who came to help looked really worried. I can't bother them any more than I have, so I tried to act more spirited than usual. After which, during the morning rush of serving customers, my heart and calmed down. 

......Whether or not customers come to the cafe, it's their choice. It's not something that I have a say in. I don't need to feel depressed just because they don't come. With a change of mindset, and after a light lunch, the bell on the door rang. 

「Ojou——! The usual please!」

An attractive young man with vibrant white hair burst into the store energetically. 

......It's Ryuse-san in his human form. My jaw unintentionally dropped as I stood frozen in place. 

「......Hmm? What, ojou? What happened?」

Ryuse-san's big blue eyes widened as he stared at me. 

s.h.i.+ze-san and the others walked past Ryuse-san and went to their usual seats. The man with combed-back jet-black hair, s.h.i.+ze-san, san down on the innermost seat. His thick lower lip was slightly protruding, in a pout. He seems to be in a bad mood. Seated opposite to him was the blue-haired Chise-san. And next to them, was a young man with green hair who was holding a book, Sensan. 

「......Are you not going to welcome us, Manager?」

(lilies: I know it sounds a little rude but aish)

Sensan who was on his book enquired. s.h.i.+ze-san also grunted while scratching his jet-black hair with one hand. 

「What's wrong?」

「......Welcome.」

I managed to squeeze out a sound. Everyone had a surprised expression on their face.

「Are you okay, manager?」

Chise-san asked worriedly. Ryuse-san also took a look at my face and asked 「Are you feeling unwell again?」

「No......that's not the case......」

I tried to keep quiet, but I couldn't escape their questioning eyes, I decided to confess.

「......You guys didn't come yesterday, so I thought you wouldn't be coming today as well......」

「Hah?」

Ryuse-san shouted as his light blue eyes widened. Then he burst out laughing. 

「Ah, we took a long time chasing after enemies yesterday. By the time we returned, it was already evening time. More than food, we just wanted to sleep. So we went back to rest.」

Hearing those words, I felt like I lost all strength in my body.

......So that was what happened. They went home immediately to rest. It was not because they got tired of the shop. I thought I had recalibrated my feelings, but I was still affected after all. I felt relieved from the bottom of my heart when I heard Ryuse-san's words. 

「What? Were you lonely, ojou?」

Ryuse-san said jokingly.

「.......Yes, I was lonely」

Ryuse-san's widened once more at my honest reply. 

「Eh, ojou you're acting so affectionate.」

「You're too loud, Ryuse.」

「Don't change the topic.」

Chise-san and Sensan glared at Ryuse-san. 

「Sorry. Were you worried? As I thought, we should've at least come by to show our faces.」

Sensan had apologised, but they were not in the wrong. I shook my head and said.

「No, it's ok. Sleep is important.」

I felt so relaxed, I even said something that I wasn't going to say. 

「I was worried you might have encountered the demon that's aiming for me, or that you might have been met with a major disaster. Or perhaps......you just didn't want to come to the cafe anymore. After all, since you guys come every day, you might get tired of the food and wish to eat at other stores.」

Then, Chise-san interrupted me. 

「Hear me out, Manager. There's only one shop that opens it's doors to us and it's here. The steak and cake here are delicious as well. There's no way that we would go to another store.」

Chise-san rested his cheek in his hand with a surprised expression on his face. 

「Regardless if it's a demon or whatever! We will not lose!」

「That's right, ojou. While I am glad that you're worried for us, we're strong. We'll be able to defeat it, even if it's a demon.」

Ryuse-san reached out his hand and gently pet my head.

(lilies: oh oh oh role reversal? ahahaha)

「I promise to come tomorrow, so please welcome me with your usual cute smile, alright?」

His pale blue eyes narrowed into crescent moons as a sweet smile formed on his face. With the light s.h.i.+ning through from the windows, his pure white hair glistened. And under that sparkling hair was a beautiful face. 

As he gently stroked my head, it was in this moment that I felt that he's older than me. Normally, he would act coquettishly in a cat-like manner. Even though he was older, it certainly didn't feel that way. Once again, I understood why he was so popular. With such a proper appearance, if he smiles so sweetly, any woman would fall instantly.

I tried to hide the waver in my heart as I nodded at his words.

「Yes......it's a promise.」

I bit on my lips and looked down. I couldn't look directly at the sparkly Ryuse-san.

Sorry for uploading a little later than usual

-__-

A little note: basically when it's "ani" I translate it as "my brother", but generally if it's like "oji-sama" or "oni-sama" I just leave it untranslated.

I take back what I said about being team Laclain in the previous chapter. 

I AM TEAM LOTOS ALL THE WAY ٩(˃̶͈̀௰˂̶͈́)و

how can they be so cute uwuu

Like baby yoda who? (ok jk no offence, baby yoda is p cute too they all need to be protected!!)

peace lilies~