Side Story 4. A Good Day

Though two more years passed, Kana and Kiriel’s life with their children remained peaceful and smooth.

While they usually kept their daily routine similar, this time they had to skip their regular family tea time due to visiting the imperial palace for official business.

In the carriage returning to the Curtis mansion after moving to the south using the capital’s long-distance magic formation. Kana shifted her gaze from the pocket watch she was holding to her husband and carefully opened the conversation.

“We’ve been unintentionally skipping our regular family tea time lately.”

“It can’t be helped. We’ve been so busy recently. The children seem a bit disappointed too.”

Kiriel responded to his wife’s words with an uncharacteristically awkward smile. Kana agreed and spoke calmly.

“Yes. Though it’s a time when they should be enjoying playing with their newly made friends of the same age, they seem to like spending time with us.”

“Well that’s something to be grateful for but also sorry about. Now that we’ve handled most of the big tasks, we should have more free time. Shall we start again then?”

“That’s right.”

Kana smiled back and nodded.

* * *

Around when the couple arrived at the Curtis mansion, Dahlia with flushed cheeks came running quickly to them despite wearing a dress.

“Mother, Father! You’re finally here. I’ve been waiting!”

“Yes, Dahlia. Our daughter is always energetic.”

“Yes, we’re back safely as you can see. But where’s Ridel?”

Kana gently caught her rushing daughter while soothing her and Kiriel tilted his head wondering. Dahlia straightened her shoulders proudly and sparkled her eyes as if she had been waiting.

“Actually, I have something I want to tell you about Ridel. Come on, both of you hurry and follow me to the garden.”

“Huh?”

Kana and Kiriel ended up being pulled by the arms to the garden by their daughter. The garden was beautiful as always with various flowers blooming abundantly.

Through them, they spotted Ridel sitting in front of the fountain. Dahlia made a hand megaphone and shouted loudly toward her brother.

“Ridel, look here! Mother and Father came too!”

Ridel immediately turned around at his sister’s voice. His face was full of happiness and a touched smile.

Just like when Kana first contracted with Celia. While feeling the familiar atmosphere, she also detected an unfamiliar spirit energy. Kana’s eyes slowly narrowed.

“Ah, could this be……”

“Did you feel it too?”

“Yes, it feels like spirit energy.”

Kana exchanged quick glances with Kiriel and nodded. The two approached Ridel with Dahlia.

Amidst water springing from the four-tiered tower-like fountain, a translucent blue sphere could be faintly seen floating on the water surface. Ridel’s hand was lightly touching that form.

Kana and Kiriel immediately recognized the spirit’s rank and attribute. She murmured softly.

“A low-rank water spirit.”

“That’s right, Mother. It’s the spirit I contracted with. Oh right, I named it Lily!”

Ridel chattered excitedly. Following his mood, the translucent blue sphere also tilted its body back and forth. The water spirit’s mouth opened slightly and its round eyes curved into crescents.

Anyone could see they were a well-matched spirit summoner and spirit. Kana smiled gently at the sight while softly patting her son’s back.

“Congratulations, Ridel. You met a good partner.”

“Wow, that’s great. See, some things come true if you wait.”

“Yes, I want to work hard and get along well with Lily like Mother.”

Ridel smiled shyly while receiving congratulations and encouragement from his parents.

He seemed especially happy after having struggled internally with the mana issue. Though she and Kiriel had told him it was fine, he seemed unable to lift the burden from his heart, but now he finally appeared to have resolved his anxiety.

‘Well, it’s not that I don’t understand that feeling.’

It resonated more with Kana since it was an emotion she had kept hidden in a corner of her heart whenever working as a supporting character.

Then Dahlia, who seemed even more proud than the one who actually contracted with the spirit, jumped up and down while smiling brightly.

“Me and Father are mages, Mother and Ridel are spirit summoners. It’s a perfect golden ratio with the family split evenly. How wonderful!”

“Yes, Dahlia is right.”

Kana chuckled while gently stroking her lively daughter’s head. Kiriel, who had been watching his wife and children contentedly, couldn’t contain his curiosity and asked.

“By the way Ridel, how did you end up contracting with the spirit?”

“Actually Lily still dazed so I can’t explain exactly. I was playing in the garden with Sister when I saw a small whitish form near the fountain. When I went to look, Liri was there.”

“Wow, it was just fate then. Spirits leave right away if they’re not interested, you know. They probably judged you’d be a good match.”

Kana smiled kindly. This was something she had heard before from Celia and Gnome so she was certain. Ridel tilted his head but quickly accepted it.

“I guess so. Anyway while we were together like that, Lily came onto my palm first and we contracted instantly. It felt similar to what Mother described.”

“Of course, I know well. Along with the spirit’s unique energy, your heart feels filled like you have the whole world and you feel happy.”

“Yes, exactly!”

Ridel nodded vigorously. Meanwhile Kiriel, who had been fixing his daughter’s disheveled hair, suddenly joined their conversation.

“Hmm, we should hold a small family party to celebrate Ridel contracting with a spirit.”

“That’s a good idea.”

Kana agreed immediately. They had done it when their daughter first manifested mana and implemented magic, so they should do it for their son too.

Then Ridel dismissed the low-rank water spirit and glanced at her face. Kana blinked in confusion.

“Ridel, do you have something to tell me? Feel free to speak.”

“Yes. Did you also have a celebration party when you first contracted with a spirit, Mother?”

“……No? My parents said they would throw one but I just declined.”

Kana fidgeted with her dress hem and smiled awkwardly.

Both when she fake contracted with Celia and contracted with Gnome. The Viscount and Viscountess Round were very disappointed. Well, it wasn’t really the situation for that at the time.

Ridel and Dahlia’s eyes became round. Their heads tilted simultaneously and their questions overlapped.

“Why?”

“Well, back then I didn’t really like noisy things. I thought simple congratulations were enough.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Right, Mother always liked quiet atmospheres.”

Ridel and Dahlia nodded understanding even her casually made up excuse.

* * *

That evening. A small party celebrating Ridel’s spirit contract was held at the Curtis mansion. Kana and Kiriel spent good time with the excited children.

Suddenly Dahlia, who had been biting into dessert, spoke up.

“Ridel, I have something to say.”

“What is it, Sister?”

“When Aunt comes next time, let’s show off Lily to her too!”

“Okay.”

Though slightly shy, Ridel happily accepted. Dahlia already seemed to recognize Lily as her brother’s sibling. She lightly pulled her brother’s sleeve and carefully requested.

“Since we mentioned it, summon Lily to join this party too.”

“Alright.”

When Ridel summoned the water spirit, Dahlia used magic with a broad smile. Mana flowers bloomed surrounding Ridel and Lily, and mana petals scattered around.

The water spirit responded by floating round water droplets. Kiriel and Kana quietly applauded with pleased smiles.

The party reached its peak with cheerful music, delicious food, visually pleasing displays and everyone’s laughter.

After the party ended, after sending the children to their rooms first, only Kana and Kiriel remained. The two walked hand in hand down the quiet corridor.

Moonlight poured through the large windows and settled on their faces. Kana looked at her husband and opened the conversation.

“Kiriel, though we were busy moving around until late today, rather than being tired I feel energized.”

“Maybe because we heard good news right after returning to the mansion.”

“Yes. When I gauged Ridel’s energy I thought it would take longer, so I was surprised he contracted with a spirit earlier than expected. Most of all, I’m glad the shadow disappeared from Ridel and Dahlia is happy too.”

“Yes, I agree.”

The two looked at each other and grinned before breaking into laughter. When their clear laughter subsided, silence fell.

What broke the quiet atmosphere was Kiriel’s voice as he casually stroked her cheek.

“Why is my wife so lovable?”

“Kiriel, you’re saying such things even in this atmosphere? I’m pretty sure I heard the same thing this morning.”

“I know. But that’s how much I like you. You’re the most precious person in the world to me. Shouldn’t you be getting used to it by now?”

Kiriel countered rather smoothly.

His attitude had been consistent since marriage, so his words had a point. Honestly, being showered with affection made her heart tickle while giving a warm feeling. Kana chuckled and shook her head.

“……You’re really hopeless.”

“Of course this slightly shy appearance is cute too. I love you, Kana.”

“Yes, I love you too.”

Kiriel heard his wife’s soft reply and smiled happily. He lightly kissed her forehead. The moonlight gently wrapped around the two people. It was a peaceful and happy time as always.

Side Story Fin.