Chapter 44: One Petal-Class

Afternoon the next day.

We reached a lakeside town.

From the station on the hill, you can see the beautiful lake and the lush green cityscape.

I was nervous just before we arrived, but looking at the peaceful and idyllic scenery calmed me down.

“This is the town where I was born and raised.” (Garnet)

“It’s such a beautiful place~!” (Dorami)

“The air is so fresh!” (Jade)

“It has a flavor?! Nom nom, munch munch… W-what kind of flavor is it…?” (Dorami) [1]

“It doesn’t taste like anything. It just means the air is clear.” (Jade)

“Ooh! Dorami doesn’t really understand, but the air is delicious! If it’s this delicious, the food must be even more delicious!” (Dorami)

“The town’s specialties are mountain vegetable dishes and fish. I’ll make you some delicious ones.” (Garnet)

“Uooo! Dorami can’t wait!!” (Jade)

Dorami ran down the stairs in high spirits.

We chased after her and headed to the town below.

I already knew because we saw it from a higher place but the city really is full of greenery.

There are trees everywhere, ivy growing on the walls of the houses, and flower beds, and some of the houses even have fruit trees.

Dorami suddenly cooled down when she saw the town being integrated with nature.

She hugged the flower pot tightly and sighed.

“There are so many splendid fruit trees…. She might not be surprised if Dorami shows her Momochi…” (Dorami)

Is that why she’s feeling down?

I guess she was just looking forward to surprising Marin-chan.

It’s true that unlike in the capital, peach trees may not be all that uncommon here, but…

“You’re raising it properly so be sure to show it with pride.” (Jade)

“I’m sure Marin will be happy about it too. Momochi is very cute.” (Garnet)

“W-will she really?” (Dorami)

“Of course. To give you an example, what would you do if Marin-chan told you that she mastered ‘Little Star’ for you?” (Jade)

T/N: Henceforth, ‘Twinkle, twinkle, little star’ will be just ‘Little Star’, it appears way too often to keep saying the whole title. We could also use Glittering Star or something if anyone wants that.

“Dorami will be happy!” (Dorami)

“Even though you can also play it?” (Jade)

“This is this and that is that! Dorami will be happy because Marin practiced it for her! Just that alone makes her happy!” (Dorami)

“That’s right. That’s why I think that Marin-chan will feel the same when she sees Momochi.” (Jade)

“Uooo! Dorami wants to show it to Marin as soon as possible~!” (Dorami)

Dorami has completely recovered.

She ran off, stopped, then slowly turned around.

“Where is Garnet’s house…?” (Dorami)

“Over here.” (Garnet)

With Garnet-san’s guidance, we arrived at the square.

The square is filled with delicious smells due to the bustling number of people eating.

Dorami shook her head to chase away the temptation and followed us.

Though the town looked calm, the main street was energetic.

There were many shops lined up that Dorami was very interested in.

She almost unknowingly stumbled into a store and shook her head once more to ward off the temptation.

She usually can’t resist in times like these but… I guess she really wants to see Marin-chan.

“We’re almost there.” (Garnet)

“S-so it’s time…!” (Dorami)

Dorami looks happy.

She could resist the temptation and continued walking until we finally arrived.

It’s an ordinary wooden house.

There were ivy on the walls, a tended flower bed in the garden, and laundry flapping in the wind.

“So this is Garnet-san’s…” (Jade)

I was on the verge of tears.

After all, the house of the person I love is right in front of me!

Yahoo! The day has finally come!

To visit my lover’s house…! It’s not that I haven’t realized it already but… I’m really dating Garnet-san.

“Come inside.” (Garnet)

“Sorry for the disturbance~” (Dorami)

They left me—who was overwhelmed by emotion—behind. I recalled the days leading up to my relationship with Garnet-san as Dorami entered the house lightheartedly.

A-amazing. She can do it so naturally…

“Why are you just standing there?” (Garnet)

“My heart is pounding. Garnet-san’s parents’ house is a special place for me…” (Jade)

“You don’t have to be nervous. It’s just a normal house.” (Garnet)

To soothe my tension, Garnet-san reached out her hand.

As I gently squeezed that hand—

I’ve finally set foot in my lover’s house!

There was a well-polished floor, a large wooden table and chairs, and a well-used cupboard. There was a fireplace by the wall and I could see the kitchen through an open door.

There was a staircase in the corner of the room and Dorami was fidgeting while looking over there.

“Is Marin sleeping on the second floor?” (Dorami)

“She’s probably out. This is the day she has her weekly study group.” (Garnet)

“Heeh, so she’s participating in a study group.” (Jade)

“What do you do in a study group?” (Dorami)

“You learn to read, write, and do simple arithmetic.” (Garnet)

“If you’re interested in a study group, there’s one in the capital. Do you want to join them, Dorami?” (Jade)

“Dorami will refrain. Dorami can’t read, write, or calculate…” (Dorami)

“That’s the reason you participate though.” (Jade)

“Dorami’s dignified image will collapse…” (Dorami)

“I don’t think anyone will be disappointed just because you can’t read or write…” (Jade)

But, I see. I didn’t know Dorami couldn’t read or write.

I was able to understand the language so I always had the image of being able to read or write.

…But, who was the one who taught Dorami the human language in the first place?

“If Dorami needs to study, she can just learn from Jade.” (Dorami)

“I’m not that good either but if you don’t mind, I can teach you.” (Jade)

“Then, Dorami will count on you~ So, when is Marin gonna return?” (Dorami)

“It looks like your mother isn’t here either…” (Jade)

“My mother won’t be home until evening because she has work. Marin should be home soon. I’ll go make some tea so you two can relax.” (Garnet)

“Thank you!” (Jade)

I sat down on a chair and looked around the room.

There were faded portraits on the walls.

That’s Onyx-san, isn’t it? And that one’s… Garnet-san’s mother?

It’s a picture drawn by a child so I don’t know if the faces are correct, but I’m sure she’s a beautiful person similar to Garnet-san.

Then, Garnet-san brought us a cup of tea.

“Thank you very much!” (Jade)

“Can Dorami use some sugar?” (Dorami)

“Yes, you can use as much as you like.” (Garnet)

I took a sip of the black tea while glancing at Dorami pouring the sugar in from the side.

Yep, it’s delicious!

As I was enjoying the taste and aroma of the world’s most delicious black tea, the door swung open.

“Uwaa?! Dorami-chan was here?!” (Marin)

It was Marin-chan.

Her sharp eyes were wide open.

“Onee-chan and Jade-kun too?!” (Marin)

“We’re all here to see you!” (Dorami)

“It’s so good to see you again~!” (Marin)

A firm handshake followed by a hug.

They’re really good friends.

“Huh? Dorami-chan, have you grown a little?” (Marin)

“Dorami is in her growth period! What’s more, she has become more awe-inspiring after going through adventures…!” (Dorami)

“A-amazing…! I want to hear about Dorami-chan’s adventures!” (Marin)

 “Dorami will tell you!” (Dorami)

Dorami began to passionately recount her adventures with gestures.

She started with the commercial city episode.

“Dorami and the others, who had defeated the Ghost, arrived at the commercial city—and there was a fateful encounter waiting!” (Dorami)

“W-who did you meet?!” (Marin)

“It’s Momochi!” (Dorami)

Dorami proudly showed off her flower pot.

“Momochi is a peach! Apparently, they are grown from seeds!” (Dorami)

“A-amazing!” (Marin)

“When the peach ripens, let’s eat them together!” (Dorami)

“I’m looking forward to it~!” (Marin)

Next is the capital episode.

Marin-chan—who was nervous at the story of the Nightmare—became all smiles when she heard about the Cute Contest.

“That was really something… Next time, Dorami will introduce you to Delmo!” (Dorami)

“Yay! But, but, I also want to hear Dorami-chan’s ‘Little Star’!” (Marin)

“Dorami will let you have it!” (Dorami)

Dorami started playing ‘Little Star’.

She had been practicing for this day. She seemed a bit nervous about her performance but she was able to play well.

“Fuu. How was it?” (Dorami)

“I-it was amazing…!” (Marin)

“It’s not that big of a deal…” (Dorami)

Dorami scratched her cheek in embarrassment at Marin-chan’s praise.

“After entering the contest, Dorami received a ribbon! Hmm, it was over… here!” (Dorami)

“Waa! It’s a cute ribbon!” (Marin)

“Dorami is giving this to you!” (Dorami)

“Eh? Are you sure?!” (Marin)

“It’s proof of our friendship~” (Dorami)

“Thank you! Oh right, wait here for a second!” (Marin)

Marin-chan ran up the stairs.

When she came back down, she handed Dorami a pebble.

“I-it’s too pretty…” (Dorami)

“I got it during a quest!” (Marin)

“Ooh! So you’re taking quests here too?” (Dorami)

“Yes! And as for Marin—tadah!” (Marin)

T/N: Third person.

Marin-chan showed the back of her hand.

There was a floral pattern floating there.

“A-amazing…!” (Dorami)

“Marin-chan, you’ve gotten a petal.” (Jade)

“When I looked at it, the pattern changed! I was so surprised…” (Marin)

“I get it. The pattern changing is a big event for adventurers.” (Jade)

“I will continue to receive quests and grow!” (Marin)

“It’s fine to accept quests, but can you do it without getting hurt?” (Garnet)

“Like Onee-chan told me, I don’t take quests after the evening!” (Marin)

“It’s good that you kept your promise.” (Garnet)

Marin-chan is happy to have her head stroked.

After a moment of hesitation, she asked while smiling.

“If you don’t mind, can you accompany me on a quest?” (Marin)

“Dorami wants to! …Is it okay?” (Dorami)

Dorami looked at Garnet-san’s and my faces.

They got lost during a quest and had a dangerous experience before.

They were able to reunite so I want them to go on adventures together and make fun memories.

Of course, I can’t have Garnet-san be worried. There’s still time until her mother comes back so—

“Garnet-san, are you sleepy?” (Jade)

“Just a bit.” (Garnet)

She probably had a hard time falling asleep because she was in an unfamiliar bed. Garnet-san has looked sleepy since this morning.

I also couldn’t sleep last night but because I’m used to it, I didn’t have any problems.

“I’ll take responsibility and watch over them so you can go to sleep, Garnet-san.” (Jade)

“Thank you. I’ll leave them to you.” (Garnet)

With Garnet-san’s permission secured, Dorami and Marin-chan cheered.

======================================

Translator’s Corner:

[1] – Jade says 美味しい (oishii), which, you’ve guessed it, means delicious. Dorami isn’t wrong, she just doesn’t know what the other meaning is. Kuuki ga oishii is something people say to mean that the air is fresh.

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