Sylphy said that with a laugh.
Maybe so, but that's why.
That's exactly why, I want to give her something especially good.
... Better yet, I could get her something expensive that she can't afford.
Like a 100,000 carat diamond.
If I ask Orsted, he should know a place.
I wouldn't even hesitate to go into the belly of a behemoth.
"My gift to Rudy was the best thing I'd ever received."
Roxy's statement was sobering.
You're right!
"I see... I'll try that..."
I got my answer, and nodded deeply.
My gift was decided.
Part 3
Then, over several meetings, preparations advanced at a steady pace.
We've planned the day and asked Aisha and Norn to keep their schedules open.
They were delighted to have a birthday party.
Although I thought Norn would say [That's too much!],
She honestly said [Thank you!] and lowered her head.
This honest attitude was rare for Norn... Come to think of it, Norn is normally distant, but that's only at school.
Because of her position at school, that may be unavoidable.
Aisha's reaction was [Great!] with an excited face.
At least that's what I expected, but her reaction was different. She had a surprised expression and muttered [I see, so I'm an adult now...] as if I only just noticed.
Because she was so clever, I wonder if she always thought of herself as an adult.
If you'd like, I can tell you that you've always been mature...
No, stop that.
I am not an adult who can call other people adults with confidence.
If I say something bossy here, I'll likely be ashamed in the future.
Anyway, they've been notified, now they just have to wait.
Part 4
The day of the event.
Norn went to school as usual.
"I'll return as soon as possible."
Norn seems to be looking forward to it.
Aisha also left for the mercenary office early that morning.
... Although, she returned before noon.
She seems to have finished most of her work ahead of time.
I thought she would come back with gifts from the employees, but she was empty handed.
"Did they give you anything?"
"I-, they congratulated me for my birthday. But the Beast Race doesn't have that kind of custom."
However, various people congratulated her, so she seems to be in a good mood.
I wonder if her acquaintances in the shopping district did anything for her.
Well, she is just a customer...
Generally, you wouldn't hold a celebration for a customer.
What's important is the spirit.
It's important to congratulate.
"Hey, Onii-san. Can I watch the preparations?"
"Oh, of course."
I went to help in the dining room, while Aisha watched our preparations come together.
Lilia and Sylphy moving between the kitchen and dining room.
Eris and Roxy bringing back mountains of ingredients.
Me putting up decorations in between helping them.
Silently, Aisha watched.
Today is her day, so she can enjoy watching; and although it's hard to tell while we're still in the middle of the preparations, everything should be done by the evening.
She's just watching.
As if to keep herself from interfering, Aisha watched expressionlessly.
Midway through, Zenith sat down next to her, and silently patted her head.
Leo also came and laid his head on Aisha's knee.
Every now and then someone would leave to tend to Arus when he cried, then return.
Lucy came and asked [Aisha-nee, want to play?], and Aisha smiled saying [I-, I'm sorry, I'm actually a little busy.]
With absolute patience, without moving, she watched.
I don't know what she's thinking about.
Maybe she's thinking about what it means to be an adult.
Or maybe she's thinking [What bad skills.]
I don't know.