Though I’m not a student of the Department of Magic, by now entering its building feels all too familiar to me.
The moment I passed through the entrance, I was greeted by the noticeable difference in temperature compared to the bustling festival outside.
The first person I noticed was Sharon, the receptionist seated at the central information desk in the lobby.
Oh dear, having to work during the festival without any rest—just looking at it makes me feel uneasy, even though I’m technically just a student.
Ironically, even the outsiders who usually have reasons to visit the magic building are taking the festival as an opportunity to relax, so there are hardly any visitors at all. At most, it’s people like me, who rarely visit for errands, always the same faces.
Working on a day when most people are out having fun—there’s nothing more tiresome than that.
To be honest, my own troubles are unimportant. Well, they are important, but comparatively, they aren’t that much.
So what’s the real issue?
The fact that while I’m working, everyone else is out enjoying themselves. Whether it’s a case of twisted personality or just plain envy—jealousy is a natural feeling for anyone, isn’t it?
Oh, I’ve been so engrossed in watching Sharon steadfastly doing her job even during the festival that I’ve inadvertently fixated too much on her.
Me, a mere student, even thinking about working—it’s practically unimaginable.
“It’s been a while, Ms. Sharon.”
“…Ah! Mr. Hero!”
Sure enough, Sharon was leisurely reading a book at her desk. She was so absorbed in it that she only noticed me after I called out her name.
“Attending work during the festival season must be exhausting.”
“Eh, since people don’t really visit anyway, I’m just occupying this seat. You can see, I can even read a book whenever I want. It’s not that tiring, really.”
“Haha…”
Though she claims everything is fine, why does the life fade from Sharon’s eyes?
“Well, well, here—have this to refresh yourself. I stumbled upon something delicious-looking on my way here.”
I handed her the bag I was carrying.
It wasn’t anything grand, just one of the snacks sold at the festival booths.
In fact, I hadn’t originally intended to buy anything to bring since I was planning to head back out with Presia later anyway.
However, I couldn’t help but notice the way a girl with violet hair adorned by a yellow hairpin was enjoying her food so delightfully—it made my mouth water just watching her. Before I knew it, I already had a wrapped snack in my hand.
Well, it’s natural to be curious about a new food, though Presia and I will probably go out to enjoy something later anyway.
For the workers who couldn’t properly enjoy the festival, I could at least show some consideration.
“Aah! You went out of your way for me…”
Though it was more of an accidental purchase that I happened to hand over, I didn’t bother pointing it out.
Sharon was already taking it as a gesture of goodwill, and who was I to ruin that moment by revealing my absent-mindedness?
“Still, you must really love books. You were so absorbed that you didn’t even notice me calling you.”
“Well…normally I wouldn’t be like this, but since there were almost no visitors today, and it happened to be a crucial part of the story…”
“Not at all, not at all! There’s nothing problematic about that. Actually, I love reading books as well, so I understand.”
Of course, the only books I’ve been reading are novels.
“Ah… then, would you mind recommending a book? I’m curious about the ones you read, Mr. Hero.”
Ideally, this would be the time to recommend some intellectual titles, but all I read are novels for entertainment.
“Hmm… Out of the novels I’ve read, When the Lily Blooms was quite good. The characters’ psychology was well-portrayed, and the foreshadowing was effectively done.”
In truth, most of the books I read are recommended by Selian.
I enjoyed them myself, and if Selian recommended them, they must be worth sharing with others.
“Hmm… The title sounds very evocative. I’ll remember it and borrow it from the library next time. Thank you.”
“Well then, I’ll head upstairs. You continue to have a tough day. Ah?”
Turning to head back and rouse Presia, my eyes caught yet another victim of holiday labor.
“Ms. Erin! Ms. Stella!”
Investigator Duo.
I barely knew them beyond a quick introduction, but their names stuck in my mind due to their considerate nature.
But Erin and Stella, having seemingly already completed their business in the magic building, walked past me without noticing and exited in a hurry.
“Hmm… Quite busy compared to Sharon, I see.”
“I guess I shouldn’t be complaining, then. You must be busy, so I’ll head upstairs. Thank you for the unknown delicacy, I’ll enjoy it.”
Sharon, holding the bag of snacks I’d gotten from a festival stand, nodded as she spoke.
I greeted her again and headed towards the 7th floor where Presia was waiting.
Knock knock
“Well, I’m coming in.”
Of course, it was pretty obvious that no response would come from inside after my knock, so my words were more of a courtesy notification as I stepped in.
Hmm?
If Presia were nocturnal, this would be the time she’d be sound asleep on the couch in the inner room. Yet not only was she not asleep, but she was already fully dressed and ready for an outing, waiting in the first room.
Our boss has changed!
I had trusted that Presia was capable of waking up early whenever necessary and was a diligent child.
“Good, you’re here.”
“…Ah! Hello.”
Expecting to wake Presia from her slumber, I anticipated it would take some time before we could head out to explore the festival.
But with her unexpected readiness, I was momentarily taken aback until Presia greeted me.
Meanwhile, Bear was calmly helping Presia with her coat, and Tokki, upon noticing my arrival, immediately rushed toward me, climbed over my feet and up my body, eventually perching on my shoulder in greeting.
“So, Hello there, Bear and Tokki.”
Bear, while helping Presia put on her coat, gave me a nod, and Tokki, full of energy, kept bouncing left and right over my shoulders as his way of responding.
“Um…”
Presia, now properly clothed and bundled up by Bear, called out to me.
“Yes? Is there something you’d like to say?”
“Uh… uh… um…”
Presia mumbled under her breath while nervously fidgeting her fingers in front of her chest.
With her head tilted down, she was glancing up at me shyly, suggesting she had something to say, though it seemed difficult for her to voice it.
So, I quietly waited with a smile, giving her the space to speak her mind.
“…Do I look… uh…”
“Hmm?”
It was too quiet for me to fully catch it, what with her speaking into her chest.
“Do I… look okay?”
“Huh? You’re asking about that?”
Presia, who usually paid little attention to what she wore, appeared in an extra adorable outfit today, enough for her to bring it up first.
The pristine white blouse she wore had delicate frills, adding to her charm, while the wine-red skirt that fell slightly below the waistline was tied with a ribbon at the waist, accentuating her figure and providing a stylish touch.
Meanwhile, the cape Bear had draped around her shoulders was slightly hanging off one side, highlighting her adorable ensemble without concealing it.
Even around her delicate neck was a wine-red choker matching her skirt, subtly suggesting a hidden allure alongside her cuteness.
…How can a sixteen-year-old girl look “sexy”? I must really be losing it these days.
In any case, Presia had clearly put a lot of effort into how she looked today.
“Am I… weird?”
Upon my silence, Presia seemed to lose confidence and sounded a little deflated.
“No, not at all! Quite the opposite actually—I was just surprised by how well everything suited you.”
“Really? Haha…”
“I don’t know who you’re planning to go out with, but whoever it is, they must be incredibly lucky to spend time with such an adorable boss.”
By the way, that lucky person is me.
“Ehehe, am I really that cute?”
“Absolutely. If possible, I’d want to show off such a cute boss to the whole world, but on the other hand, I’d prefer to keep it a secret and enjoy it all to myself.”
This isn’t flattery because Presia is my superior; it’s sincere, if a bit exaggerated.
Presia looked much cuter today than usual.
Tap tap
During my enthusiastic praise of Presia, someone—or rather something—tapped me on the shoulder.
Of course, the only “someone” who could tap me on the shoulder was Tokki, who was already perched there.
Turning my head, I saw that Tokki was gazing at me while tilting his head, as if trying to communicate something.
“Huh? What is it?”
Since Tokki can’t actually speak, I had no idea what he was trying to convey.
In response, the long ears that were perked up folded halfway, seemingly disappointed. But Tokki, rather than pouting, used one hand to hold onto my shoulder, while using the other to gently tap his own head, drawing my attention there.
“Oh!”
It was then that I noticed what Tokki was trying to show me.
There was a red ribbon adorning Tokki’s head where there used to be none.
And around his neck hung a small, thin red scarf, matching the ribbon.
“Did the boss put these on you? You look really good! So cute!”
Tokki, regaining his usual cheer, hopped down and started spinning around happily on the ground.
His previously drooping ears were now fully extended again.
I glanced at Bear out of curiosity, but surprisingly, there were no signs of him being adorned in anything special. His cute little tail remained as we always knew it.
Judging by Bear’s personality, he probably dedicated all his attention to picking out Presia’s outfit instead of decorating himself.
I should probably get Bear a gift later.
“Shall we go then?”
Looking at Presia, whose face was brimming with expectation, I extended my hand toward her.
Presia’s tiny hand placed itself atop my palm.
At the same time, Tokki climbed onto one shoulder and Bear onto the other.
It seems Tokki, like Presia, had dressed up specially for today’s outing.
My hand holding the hand of the cute young girl, Presia, with Tokki and Bear on both shoulders…
Isn’t this perfect?
