The hardworking ones.
I wondered why someone was crying so much, and it turned out to be our own Jash. Gator was flustered. His face looks scary, but he’s so kind.
“Ojoushamaaa… you’re so beautifuuuuuuul…”
Jash was crying so hard it was a mess. Gator was wiping his tears for him. His face is scary, but he really is gentle. Looks like his wife is starting to want some attention, though.
“Thank you, Jash.”
“Congratulations, Ojousama. That wedding the other day was really something.”
“... Thank you, Gator. Seriously. I mean, come on—was that a celebration or a curse?! It was practically harassment!!”
“Well, yeah. I wouldn’t call it a curse exactly, but… yeah.”
Gator gave a wry smile. Both Jash and Gator were enemies at first. If I had taken one wrong step, I might’ve ended up killing them with my own hands. I’m glad we’ve come far enough to laugh together like this.
“Now if only Jash could find himself a nice partner.”
“Huh!?”
“Gator, on the other hand, totally scored himself a partner~”
“Right~”
Gator’s wife, Hilda, was once one of the children placed in Walse’s care. So we’ve kept in touch over the years. Hilda is very smart, but also just a little bit silly. That part of her makes her all the more adorable.
“Ah, um… sorry.”
“About what? If you’re happy, then both my brother and I are happy too. Isn’t Hilda expecting a baby soon?”
“Yeah! She’s sure to give birth to a super cute fluffy one, so make sure to come hold it, okay?”
“For real!? I’m definitely coming over! I’ll bring tons of souvenirs and presents! I can’t wait!!”
Where there’s fluff, there’s Rosarin! To be allowed to hold a fluffy baby—what a dream!! I’ll crawl there if I have to!
The two of them nodded happily. They asked me to go easy on the souvenirs and presents so they could repay the favor, but I pretended not to hear that.
“Jash, aren’t you going to have a baby?”
“I will not!! I mean, I can’t!!”
“Ahaha. I know. But maybe the Magic Court could—”
“I said I won’t and I can’t!!”
Jash really is fun to tease. Alright, enough joking around. Time for a slightly more serious talk.
“Jash.”
“Yes?”
“I have just one request.”
“If it’s something I can do, I’ll do anything.”
You said it. Then I won’t hold back. I gave him a beaming smile and said:
“Be happy.”
“Huh?”
“I said, please. Be just as happy—no, even happier—than I am now.”
I know he’s still dwelling on things. Both Gator and Jash are very much alike. They keep dragging around the sins of their past, unable to let go, averting their eyes from happiness.
But Gator has Hilda now, so he’ll be okay. She’ll forcibly make him happy, I’m sure. And Gator *does* look happy now. That’s the difference between him and Jash. Jash hasn’t found his partner yet, and even when girls come onto him, he refuses to respond.
“You said you’d do anything I asked!”
Ever since I got married, we’ve clearly had less interaction. Compared to back when he was still Jasper, I’m sure he’s happier now. But it’s not enough.
“No, but… I already feel more blessed than I deserve…”
“Still not enough. I want you to be *even* happier. I’m going my own way, you know—I can’t look after you forever. It’s time you started forgiving yourself a little.”
On his days off, Jash bakes tons of sweets for the little ones like Lulan, Kou, and Haku. He also actively volunteers at the orphanage and in Wolfanea. He’s constantly punishing himself, refusing to forgive.
“At the very least, *I’ve* forgiven you. I’m not angry anymore… and I sincerely want my precious attendant to be happy. I can rest easy knowing Hilda will bring happiness to Gator, but with you, Jash, I’m worried what might happen once I’m gone.”
No matter what anyone says, he remains stubborn. But I want to believe my words will reach him now.
“Gator. Jash.”
Father looked straight at the two of them.
“There is no one who holds a grudge against you. I ask this of you as well. To me, you are like family. It’s only natural for a father to wish for the happiness of his beloved sons. Be happier than anyone. Stop blaming yourselves, and walk the path you’re meant to follow.”
““Master…””
The two of them started crying again. That’s Father for you. Since he’s usually so quiet, when he does speak, the impact is explosive! Still, I kinda feel like he stole the show. Like when Aldin-sama swooped in and stole the spotlight.
But oh well. If my words and Father’s both reached them, and those two important people can find happiness, then that’s all that matters.
What do you think about this chapter?
