Meanwhile, the afternoon became evening.
While Aisha watched, the preparations had been steadily completed.
The dining room was decorated.
In the corner of the room, presents for the two had been stacked, piled like a mountain.
On the table, food was put out to cool.
The main course will be started after Norn returns.
After that, we were only waiting for Norn to return.
I wonder if she's behind schedule.
We'll have to go get her if it gets too late.
Although I thought Norn said she would come home early.
"I'm here!"
Norn was carrying so many gifts she could barely hold them in both of her arms.
She had large bouquets in her left hand.
And she carried a wooden box, a hair ornament, some strangely shaped objects, and a broken bag in her right arm.
"I'm sorry I'm late.
I had a lot of stuff to carry back...
I was going to leave it in my dormitory, but I couldn't fit it in my closet.
While I was bringing everything home, my bag broke on the way..."
At school, she was congratulated by a lot of people, and seems to have gotten a lot of gifts.
It's only natural for so many people at school to celebrate Norn's 15th birthday.
As expected of the Student Council President.
Hopefully she didn't get anything weird.
Like hair-filled cookies...
Anyway, I welcome Norn, now we can start the celebration in full swing.
Part 5
The flow of the party was the same as the dual birthday party they had a few years ago.
I had a few opening remarks.
I gave a short speech about how after their 15th birthday the world will recognize them as adults.
I didn't think I'd ever give that sort of speech, but that's what I ended up doing.
I slipped and carelessly said something bossy.
Mostly, I talked about the [Attitude of an Adult].
You may not have to ask permission to do things from now on, but you have to be responsible, like Sylphy.
You mustn't forget to keep learning, like Roxy.
And to have a goal, like Eris.[4]
Then Lilia talked about when Paul and Zenith were young, and when Norn and Aisha were born. When Zenith patted her on the head halfway through, she was almost on the brink of tears.
After that, we presented their gifts.
Opening her gifts, Norn smiled like a blooming flower.
She especially liked the armor Roxy had custom made for her.
Roxy had the armor modeled after Paul's old armor that's on display in Zenith's room.
Its size was adjusted to fit Norn, and the chest was altered for a woman to comfortably wear.
Together with Eris's sword belt, and Paul's beloved sword at her waist, she looked like a swordsman from head to toe.
Roxy and Eris must have remembered Norn asking about becoming an adventurer before.
The figurine I made of Paul was given last.
It's my masterpiece, standing at 30cm tall, you can even see the emotion on his face.
I had to make it from my memory, in a modern Japanese sense it might be classified as [Something I can't afford to mess up.][5]
This world doesn't have photographs.
Just by looking at the figurine, you couldn't help but remember Paul, Norn received him with tears in her eyes.
Then after receiving the gift, Norn said.
"For this, thank you. From now on I'm an adult, I'll continue working hard. Please continue to support me in the future."
Our chests welled up with emotion, this is good.
Lilia also burst into tears.
Norn, you've become really excellent...
Now, Norn was happy, but what about Aisha?
Aisha was also joyful.
But, watching her, I felt something was strange.
Of course, she's not blatantly frowning.
Every time doesn't have to be [Wow, amazing! Cute! Thank you!] or [Just what I wanted!] overflowing with joy.
On the surface is the usually bright Aisha, who seems to have enjoyed the party.
However, I wonder.
Something was still strange.
The Aisha reflected in my eyes seemed to have cooled down in some way.
She was acting almost like she was in a performance, with fake smiles and laughter.
I think, maybe because she was watching the preparations...
My gift to Aisha, was a pendant.
A Migurd pendant.
... This, because Ruijerd has the original, is a replica.
It's not something expensive or genuine, I handmade it.
"Aisha, this pendant, gave me the chance to grow.
Although it may not have any meaning to you,
I'm giving it to you as proof that you're an adult."
I felt happy when I received mine.
So I wanted to give it to Aisha. But, why not Norn...
I don't know why.
Just, this was something important to me, so it seemed natural.
"... Thank you."
Aisha didn't show her 'happy face'.
She had a blank expression.
And, as if thinking deeply, she stared at the pendant.