Chapter 8

The venue for the summer party was already quite crowded with people.

“Wow~”

I couldn’t help but let out a silly exclamation in amazement.

The colorful dresses of the ladies overflowed the venue, swaying gently, and together with the vibrant large flowers decorating everywhere, it felt like being in a sea of flowers. The gentlemen in formal attire, while not as dazzling as the ladies, were also elegant and splendid.

Oh, this is the summer party of my dream, Pivoine. Everything seems to sparkle and shine!

Most of the guests are current students of Suiran, so the atmosphere is youthful. I’ve attended parties before as the daughter of the Kichijōin family, but those were mainly for the upper-class elderly, which only made me feel exhausted and not at all enjoyable. I usually try to decline as much as possible, saying I’m still a child. My parents seem to want to take me, though.

“Rika? Are you okay?”

Oh no, did my mouth drop open?

I quickly put back on the mask that was about to slip off.

“I’m fine, Onii-sama. But please stay close to me, okay?”

In reality, I firmly gripped the hand that was supposed to lightly rest on his arm. Sorry if I wrinkle your jacket sleeve. But if I let my guard down, I’m confident I’ll get lost in the dazzle.

“Look, Onii-sama. Everything is so sparkling and dazzling.”

“It’s just the reflection of the chandeliers, isn’t it? Thanks to the carefully planned lighting.”

Please don’t ruin a girl’s dream.

The party began, and everyone started chatting with drinks in hand. I immediately invited Onii-sama to see the rose arch before the sun set.

“I really want to see it before the sun sets! It’s your recommendation, right?”

“Sure, sure.”

Escorted by Onii-sama, we stepped out onto the terrace. There, in the Western-style garden with small white fountains and table settings, was the rose arch! It was even cuter than I imagined!

The arch made of red roses was adorned with white chiffon ribbons that fluttered in the wind like a wedding veil. And at the top was a bell! I want to ring it!

“Onii-sama! Could this bell have a superstition that ringing it brings happiness?!”

“Hmm, I’ve never heard of it. – Do you want to ring it?”

“Uh…”

With such a cute bell, who wouldn’t want to ring it? But it might not be a good idea with so many people around. I’d look like a tourist.

“Come on.”

Onii-sama led me to the front of the arch.

“Excuse me. My sister wants to ring the bell. Is that okay?”

Onii-sama asked the senior who was closest to the arch. The senior kindly gave up his spot, and Onii-sama encouraged me with a “Go ahead.” But being the center of attention takes courage! Onii-sama, you’re so brave.

But since it’s such a good opportunity, I might as well take advantage of everyone’s kindness and ring it. I’m a bit embarrassed to do it alone, so Onii-sama should join me. Onii-sama had a slightly awkward expression, but I ignored it. When we rang the bell together, someone said, “Oh, like a newlywed couple at a wedding,” and Onii-sama’s expression became even more awkward. I ignored it.

The elementary school girls saw me ringing the bell and gathered, saying they wanted to ring it too. Of course, they did. They must have wanted to ring it all along. Thanks to me taking the lead and embarrassing myself, they got the chance. Good job, me.

After enjoying the rose arch, we returned indoors, where people were already dancing the waltz in the center!

“Onii-sama.”

Onii-sama, who seemed to sense something, tried to avoid me by heading to the buffet corner. But I held onto his arm and didn’t move.

“Onii-sama, it’s the waltz.”

“I don’t want to.”

He answered immediately.

As part of my upbringing in the upper class, I’ve been trained in social dancing. Onii-sama, although he doesn’t seem to be taking lessons now, has certainly learned it in the past. Since I’ve learned it, I want to have a chance to use it. Otherwise, what’s the point of learning it? Ringing the bell at the rose arch has made me unusually excited. Normally, I’d be too embarrassed to ask to dance.

“Onii-sama, just one song. Please, please.”

For the sake of creating a memorable moment for your cute little sister, say yes.

“Sigh...”

Onii-sama let out a big sigh and dropped his head.

“Just one song.”

Yay!

The waltz played by the orchestra filled the hall.

One, two, three, one, two, three. Stand up straight, don’t drop your arms, yes! One, two, three, one, two, three.

I twirled, remembering the lessons from my teacher. The chandeliers sparkled, and the hem of my favorite dress spread out. Oh, it’s so dreamlike and enjoyable.