Chapter 69

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In the past, in Japan, there was no custom of celebrating birthdays, and everyone was considered to have aged one year on January 1st.

Similarly, in the Kiryuu Empire, it seems that New Year's parties and birthday parties are considered the same for children.

"Sir, the reason you don't know about such things... it's because..."

"Neither New Year's parties nor birthday parties were held, right?"

The honey milk, with honey drizzled into warmed milk, was perfectly adjusted in both temperature and sweetness. The cold body from playing in the snow gradually warmed up, but the atmosphere in the room was gloomy, especially among the adults.

"Sir and Madam attend the New Year's party held at the imperial palace every year, and they have ordered that there is no need for a birthday party for you..."

"Well, that makes sense."

As an employee, it's impossible to go against the employer, especially a powerful one. In the first place, during the New Year, it would be better to go back to the countryside and spend time with family rather than holding a birthday party for the employer's child. I decided to ask about it.

"Rather than that, everyone, what about the New Year's break...?"

"Those who work here, except for Mr. Gensan, have no home to return to."

"Oh, I see... Then, not being able to have a party must have been quite boring, right?"

"No, that's not the case..."

My parents are really something. In this remote rural town, they should at least provide proper benefits. This year, or rather next year, even if we don't have a party, we should at least serve some wine. As I made this decision, I caught Regulus's eye.

"Um, should we have a birthday party for Regulus?"

"Bu, but..."

"Since we are in mourning, should we not have a party? But, your family used to have one every year, right?"

"Yes, that's right... This year, before New Year's, Madam was still well, and when Sir returned from the castle, he gave Regulus a present..."

Mr. Utsunomiya, who was deeply moved, told me about the happy family life at Regulus's home. It was a picture-perfect happy family. Yet, this year, neither his mother nor his father is there. Humans are truly unpredictable. As I gently stroked Regulus's fluffy hair, I noticed Mr. Rottmayr's shoulders shaking at the edge of my vision.

"During the time when you were so ill that your life was in danger, and messengers were sent out repeatedly!?"

Ah, right. I almost died at the end of last year and the beginning of this year. At the sound of the anguished cry, Regulus flinched, and Mr. Utsunomiya's face turned pale.

"I spoke without thinking!" Mr. Utsunomiya bowed deeply, and I waved my hand at him.

"Come now, Mr. Utsunomiya, raise your head. Mr. Rottmayr, please calm down."

"I am sorry..."

"I appreciate Mr. Rottmayr's concern, but I don't want to let my emotions be swayed by those people anymore. When I do, I feel like I become a truly unpleasant person."

"...If that is what you wish, Sir."

I smiled, and Mr. Rottmayr gave me an awkward but genuine smile. The heavy atmosphere in the room lightened a bit. Now, the issue is Regulus's party. In such cases, it's best to consult an adult, someone who knows the world. So, I turned to the three elves.

"I think it's fine to have a New Year's party and a birthday, but in this case, should we still be in mourning?"

"Hmm, I wonder."

"In the year when the Emperor passed away, the New Year's party was more subdued, but it was still held."

"At the family where I was a tutor, it was a bit more subdued, but they still had a party."

"I see."

However, Sō-kun shook his head vigorously.

"At my house, when my grandmother passed away, we didn't have a party."

"The mansions in the capital also did the same, so I thought it would be the same here, Mr. Utsunomiya."

With two conflicting testimonies, I rubbed my chin. It seems this varies from family to family. If so, shouldn't I be able to decide for this house?

"Then, we will have both the party and Regulus's birthday party. Let's do it this year."

The one they said not to have is my birthday, so Regulus's should be fine. The next issue is how to hold the party, but I'm not sure about that. I was told by the princess that I can delegate anything I don't understand. So, I'll delegate it.

"Mr. Rottmayr, I don't know how to organize a party, so I'll leave that to you. But, I would be happy if you could arrange it so that everyone in the mansion can participate."

"Understood."

Mr. Rottmayr, with a beautiful curtsey, took charge of the party preparations. Well, it looks like I'll be a bit busy again. After all, I need to make a birthday present. After lunch, we did a bit of magic practice, and then we dispersed for the day. After that, both Regulus and I had free time. Regulus took a nap, and I started making the birthday present. After all, I only have about a month left.

The materials I need are ribbons, thick paper, lace, fabric, beads, cotton, glue, needles, and thread. I have two types of fabric scraps from the princess, and I bought the ribbons when I went to the capital. I have plenty of beads and glue in storage.

What I'm making is a brooch, similar to a medal, called a rosette. I will pleat the ribbon and sew it into a circle, attach it to a base, and decorate the center with a button or beads, and let a ribbon trail from the back. To make it more interesting, I'll add a tassel or a gold chain.

I spent the time until dinner making the button for the center using thick paper, cotton, and fabric. After dinner, I started making the tassel, called a tail, using ribbon and lace. Then, a firefly entered through the glass window, which should have been closed.

"What is that?"

A beautiful, genderless deity in a military uniform picked up the rosetette parts with a curious look. It seems that deities are very interested in what humans do. I took the parts from the unstable-looking Ice Wheel.

"It's a birthday present."

"A birthday... huh."

"Right. By the way, I have a question."

Should we not have a party during mourning? It would be best to ask the one who oversees death.

The Ice Wheel shook its head in a negative manner.

"Mourning is not for the dead but for the living. Therefore, whether the living choose to be solemn or lively during mourning is their choice, as they have the right to decide."

"Hmm, so it's a matter of personal feeling."

"Ultimately, yes."

"Interesting."

"Rather, let me see that a bit more."

The white hand reached out for the rosette. It seems that deities are unexpectedly curious.

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