Chapter 157, Preventing the Consequences in Advance as a Result of Receiving Advice (:Grey)

Translator: Nonon

Proofreader: Silavin

 

POV: Gray

 

We held a surprise birthday party for Lord Clo in a room at the lodging where we were staying.

The plan itself was simple: we would return as calmly as possible as calmly as possible, and after light was turned on in Lord Clo’s darkened room with the lightning magic, Lady Apricot and Lady Cyan would present a cake in front of Lord Clo , everyone would say ‘Happy Birthday!’, and Lady Robot would pop the cracker. By the way, it seemed like Lady Robot had been busy fighting off the remnants of the drug cartel that were out for revenge until the very last moment. However, she managed to clean them up in time, desperate to make it.

This surprise birthday party plan was a result of our conclusion that overcomplicating things would be bad, and the idea that we couldn’t act as freely like we did in Shiki while we were staying at the capital.

The surprise went well and we first wanted Lord Clo wear something more fitting for the main character, but…

 

“… Cyan, what’s this?”

“A mask from some tribe… I’ve heard it’s good to wear it on your birthday.”

“… Apricot, what’s this?”

“A full bodysuit. You can still show your face though. It’s warm.”

“… Robot, what’s this?”

“It. Is. Called. A. Bikini. Armor. And. It. Is. A. Costume. From. A. Foreign. Country. It. Seems. To. Be. A. Tradition. Costume.”

“… What do you want me to do with it?”

“You’re today’s star, so wear it.”

“You are today’s star, so you should put it on.”

“You. Are. Today’s. Star. So. Please. Put. It. On.”

“Don’t mess with me!!”

 

Lord Clo was hesitant to wear the costume that had been specially prepared for him. I wonder why.

That mask was apparently a sacred mask worn by a certain tribe when they turned 20 and bikini armor was said to be a traditional outfit with a long history. The full bodysuit was exactly… exactly… Lady Apricot recommended it so it had to be good. It had to be.

 

“Hmm, if Mr. Clo is not going to wear it, then I want somebody else to wear it… I thought it would be perfect to liven things up.”

“It can’t be helped, Lady Apricot. If Lord Clo is not going to wear it, I will put it on in his place. If I remember correctly, it’s made from a stretchy material and fits all sizes, right?”

 

That’s why I decided to willingly wear it.

I am curious about the outfit Lady Apricot chose.

 

“Gray, this is probably just a joke, so you don’t have to worry about it…”

“When I went to buy the seasonings, I found it and bam! I was struck by an epiphany. But if Mr. Clo won’t wear it, it can’t be helped.  Will you wear it, my disciple? I think it will suit you.”

“Huh? You really thought it was a good idea…?! You didn’t mistake it for undergarments or anything, you actually meant this…?!”

 

For some reason, Lord Clo muttered something under his breath with a horrified look on his face as he looked back and forth between the full bodysuit and Lady Apricot holding it.

Lord Clo was usually quite interested in anything related to fashion, but it seemed that this particular outfit didn’t meet his approval. What a shame.

 

“I even went through the trouble to prepare a female version too so you and your wife could wear it together…”

“What?  You want me to put that on…? Matching with Lord Clo… no, the lines would be …”

“Lady Violet will… no, stop it. There are too many issues with that.”

 

It seemed that she had also prepared a second full bodysuit, but Lady Violet seemed hesitant to wear it. Given the opportunity, I would have loved to see them in matching outfits… but if they’re hesitant, it can’t be helped. Lord Clo looked like he wanted to see it, but it didn’t seem like it was going to happen.

 

“It can’t be helped, we shall wear it together, my disciple. Let’s head to your room next door! We’ll make our grand entrance wearing these and liven up the party!”

“Yes, I will accompany you!”

“Alright, have fun! Can you bring some extra drinks on your way? I think they’re in Ray’s room.”

“Yes ma’am.”

 

After agreeing to Lady Cyan’s request and responding with a nod, I bowed and followed the cheerful Lady Apricot out of the room. It seemed like Lady Apricot also wanted to wear this outfit (?). However, she was willing to yield because Lord Clo was today’s main star.

As expected of Lady Apricot. She’s always kind to others.

 

“… Huh? Brother, is it okay to let Gray and Apricot go?”

“? Oh, because they would have to take off all their clothes? They’ll probably change separately or with their backs turned. They’re both at such ages, after all.”

“Yeah, you’re right,

 

As I was leaving, I heard Lord Burnt and Lady Amber say something, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying due to Lady Cyan’s drunken ramblings and Lady Robot’s Revolution Rainbow Little Flower.

Lady Apricot and I left the room and moved to the room next door where I was staying. After unlocking the door and entering the room, Lady Apricot eagerly began changing into the outfit.

 

“Let’s change quickly, my disciple. If you’re having trouble, I’ll help you put it on.”

“Thank you very much, but I’m fine. Let’s get changed… by the way, I wonder if this is supposed to be worn over underwear?”

“Naturally it has to be All Naked. You put it on after fully undressing, then wear clothes over it.”

“Understood.”

 

Lady Apricot took off her witch hat while explaining. As she did, her black hair spilled out, and the atmosphere in the room seemed to brighten up a little. Still, her hair is as beautiful as ever. It’s just as beautiful as Lady Violet’s, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that her hair has the nobility of an aristocrat.

Then she took off her cloak, leaving her only in a one-piece dress.

Though her witch clothes are decorated to a certain extent, its structure is simpler than expected, making it easy to put on and take off. I need to quickly change too, or I’ll be late.

Oh, speaking of witch clothes…

 

“Oh right. May I have a moment, Lady Apricot?”

“Hm? What’s wrong, my disciple?”

 

I suddenly remembered something, and after preparing what I needed, I approached Lady Apricot who was still undressing.

 

“… Non-alcoholic champagne? It seems to be enough for the two of us… why now all of a sudden?”

 

Yes, I was holding champagne.

I know it’s not good to open it without permission, but I remembered what Lady Vert said earlier and thought I could carry it now.

 

“Yes, well, I was taught by someone I met at the party that I should ‘give champagne to the girl I’m interested in’.”

“A girl you’re interested in?”

“Yes, apparently it’s a good way to start a conversation with the person you like, and that just happens to be Lady Apricot for me.”

 

I felt like Lady Violet was not the right choice because she’s a family, so I excluded her. Therefore, the girl I’m interested in… the one I like, is Lady Apricot. That’s why I decided to try it out.

Okay, I think I’ve successfully applied the advice. Lady Violet and Lord Clo have told me to be more selective in what I listen to when others give me advice, but if I can make most of it like this time, it should be good enough. This way they won’t have to worry about it.

 

“H-hmm, I don’t really understand, but I’ll accept it… still, are you not supposed to give this during the banquet? And to start a conversation… in other words, to create an opportunity for a conversation is meaningless with somebody who you can talk to naturally like right now.”

“-Oh! I see?!”

“You’re still the same as ever, my disciple.”

 

Oops. Lady Vert also gave me advice about what to be careful of during the party. While it’s true that there is an ongoing party, there’s no point in giving it to her at the moment, right?

This is just me doing something just because I was told to do it. It makes it seem as if I’m easily influenced even though that’s not the case at all.

 

“Hmm, a girl you’re interested in, huh… right now it’s me because I’m your master and a girl, but eventually…”

“Is something wrong, Lady Apricot?”

“No, it’s nothing. You will also be interested in somebody eventually… don’t mind me, let’s get changed.”

“…?”

 

For some reason she hesitated to continue this topic.

… Why did she say that? I don’t really understand what Lady Apricot is feeling right now.  It’s like she’s looking off in the distance…? For some reason I was curious about why I couldn’t understand her emotions— can’t understand her emotions? In that case….

 

“Um, can I say one more thing?”

“What’s wrong this time?”

 

I remembered something else, and I made a suggestion even though I knew it would be considered rude.

 

“Earlier I realized that as a servant I’m not very perceptive of other people’s feelings. I heard that there is a good way to understand others’ emotions… Would it be okay if I tried it out?”

“Hmm? I don’t fully understand it but… this is a Quest that comes from the dedication of my disciple. Come at me with confidence.”

 

Although Lady Apricot had doubts about my words, she stood proudly and accepted my proposal without asking for details. As expected of her. What a broad-minded person.

I placed the full bodysuit I was holding nearby, excused myself, and stood in front of Lady Apricot, who was slightly taller than me.

However, as expected, even at this distance, I couldn’t grasp Lady Apricot’s emotions from her sound … I guess I have no other choice but to do it.

 

“Excuse me, Lady Apricot.”

“Mm, what are you—huh?”

 

I slightly bent down, embraced Lady Apricot, and brought my head close to her body. Then, I focused intently, trying to listen for any sounds that could have been audible.

 

“… May I ask what are you doing, my disciple?”

“Yes. I heard from Lord Burnt that it’s possible to understand the emotions of others by their sounds. So I thought I would try to see if I could sense any of your emotions by picking up on even the smallest sounds.”

 

However, while I could hear her heartbeat, I couldn’t read her emotions. …As expected, maybe I am lacking in my training as a servant.

I thought I might as well try to read Lady Apricot’s emotions given the opportunity, but alas…

 

“Okay, I understand the situation. However, those siblings are too abnormal. You should not use them as a reference.”

“Huh, why is that?”

“It’s hard to explain, but that’s something special which utilizes their strengths. Your strength lies in something else, so you should find another way to understand the subtle nuances.”

“I see… I was thinking of doing the same thing with Lady Cyan and Lord Bligh, but maybe I should refrain?”

“Absolutely don’t do it with Mr. Bligh. He’s already enduring as it is, but after that it’ll be impossible to curb him.”

 

I wonder what she means… What does ‘curb’ mean?

In any case, if Lady Apricot is warning me against it, I should listen to her.

I don’t understand what my strengths are, but I believe Lady Apricot is saying that I should find them myself and make the most of them.

 

“… Also, it’s about time you moved away, my disciple. It’s hard to move when you’re pressed against my skin.”

“Ah, my apologies.

 

I stopped the embrace, pulled away, straightened my posture, and bowed.

Indeed, it’s not good to be too close. Lady Apricot was in the middle of changing clothes, and her attire was disheveled, so it must have been difficult for her to get into a proper stance. Moreover, for some reason, my heartbeat was more intense than usual, so I also needed to steady my breathing

 

“… Phew. I need to get my breathing in order too……. Why is my breathing disrupted?”

 

I felt that Lady Apricot’s breathing was also more erratic than usual, just like mine, but I was so focused on steadying my own breathing that, for some reason, I couldn’t ask her why.

 

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Author’s note:

A Mask from Some Tribe

A rather venerable mask. When worn on your birthday, it is said to bring (the illusions of) blessed marital harmony and a long, healthy life

 

Bikini Armor

basically a magical underwear. Worn under your costume. It is not a standalone outfit.

 

Full bodysuit

A stretchy inner garment. A warm, cold-resistant piece of clothing, even in winter. It is not a standalone outfit.

 

Revolutionary Seven-colored Firework (Read: Revolution Rainbow Little Flower)

A flashy cracker with a mysterious feature that prevents any sound or light from leaking outside its range. Even Robot doesn’t know how it works.