That night we hosted a banquet.
Pursena and Rinia are gone.
But Roxy and Norn sub in for them.
By count, only Badigadi is short.
Lost a few lively folks, but gain a few more family.
The mood is different, but that's not a bad thing.
Nanahoshi chugs down mugs of beer on one hand, holding Julie like a doll on her lap with her other, while chatting with Elinalise.
Elinalise has a loving smile as she listens to Nanahoshi.
Zanoba and Cliff are busy discussing something with Roxy.
From the look on their faces, they're talking about the research.
"Okay, here Rudi."
"Ah, thank you, Sylphy."
Sitting besides me, Sylphy pours me a drink.
"Sylphy's not drinking today?"
"I'm weird when I'm drunk, so I'm going to hold back today."
"... Really?"
"We're not staying out tonight, and I need to say goodnight with Lucy afterwards."
"I understand."
But I think Sylphy is so cute when she's drunk.
That uninhibited flirting.
But that kind of self control shows off her motherly side too.
As I think and flirt with Sylphy, Roxy comes over.
"Rudi, may I?"
"Em?"
"Pull out a chair for me?"
Following her instructions I pull out a chair, but instead she decides to sit on my lap.
Her hair before my eyes.
I can feel her butt on my thighs.
This. How wonderful.
Ah, this is bad.
"Roxy, are you drunk?"
Sylphy asks with a forced smile.
"A little."
Looking carefully, Roxy looks a little flush.
She usually doesn't drink at all, how strange.
Am I witnessing a rare moment when Roxy lets loose?
"Phew~"
Roxy leans against me.
Pushing her weight gently on my chest.
I can hear her heart beating.
Amazing, from this angle, if I pull just a little on her robe I might see what's inside.
What should I do?
I want to see.
Let's get her a little more drunk.
"How nice... I want a turn."
"Of course, Sylphy."
If not, Roxy on my left, and Sylphy on my right works too.
Few days ago when we're sleeping together. It was also Roxy left, Sylphy right. That was amazing.
Happiness overflowing from both hands kind of feeling.
"... Brother."
Oops, with my perverted thoughts exposed, Norn has been staring.
No good, no good.
Without realizing it, I have been neglecting Norn.
She's not familiar with many in this circle.
She probably met everyone already, but I doubt they have had many conversations.
All she did was stare quietly at me from the start.
"Sorry, Norn. You're probably not used to this."
"No, it's fine. I have something I need to talk about, can I?"
"Ah, sure."
I sit Roxy on the chair nearby and turn to face Norn.
"Em. Well, it's about the Student Council."
"Oh, that thing."
On Graduation Day.
Norn was sitting at the back seat for the Student Council.
Norn looked troubled when I spotted her. It made an impression.
"Ariel-sama invited me. She said although my grades are not spectacular, I have the drive."
"So that's what happened... Does Sylphy know about this?"
"Yes. I'm aware."
I ask Sylphy and she nods to confirm.
I guess she knew.
If I have to guess, Roxy should know too. When I turn to check, Roxy purposely looked away. So she knew too!
The only one that doesn't is me.
What the heck?
"Sorry. Norn-chan said she wanted to tell you herself, so I kept quiet."
"Is that so?"
Sylphy looks troubled as she apologizes.
Maybe she's not drinking precisely for this.
Norn continues with a troubled expression.
"So, brother. May I officially join the Student Council?"
Of course.
I was just about to answer when I stop myself.
Norn is already busy with two things.
Sword training and writing.
The book doesn't have to be hurried, just once a week is enough. We can even take a break and start again in a few years, but sword training needs to be done daily.
Sword training and regular studies.
And Student Council on top of that, can Norn handle all that?
Norn isn't worse than others, but she isn't particularly good either.
Can she juggle 3-4 things at once?
"Norn."
"Yes."
"Can you handle so many things at once?"
"..."
Norn bites her lips.
Maybe she realizes herself that it might be too much pressure.
"I'm not against you joining the Student Council, but will you give up halfway?"
"I won't."
"You started writing and sword training on your own too. Well, writing was originally my job, so let's ignore that. What about sword training then? School too, third year will be even harder."
"I'll work hard at school and sword training too."
Easier said than done.
But doing so many things at once.
If you chase two rabbits, you will surely lose them both.
"Rudi."
Sylphy looks at me worriedly.
"Norn-chan. She has done well up to now."
Really?
Up to now. Indeed.
But what about in the long term?
Will she crash and burn?
"Say, how long has she been helping?"
"Over a year at the Student Council. I remember since it was when Rudi left on his journey."
"Eh? Wow, that's a long time."
During my journey.
In other words, even before sword training with me?
... Eh?
"Don't worry, Rudi. I guarantee it. Even after Norn-chan becomes an official member of the Student Council, she can do it all, and she won't cave halfway."