New Year's Eve Party
In Japan, this would be called Omisoka.
Since morning, the mansion had been bustling with preparations for the party in the evening. Maids and members of the private army were coming and going from the first-floor party room.
Sitting on the stairs with her chin resting on her hand, Joan absentmindedly watched the scene.
I had assumed that space was just a training ground, but it turns out there's an actual party room. I didn't know that.
Gray said it could easily fit 200 people. Apparently, some nobles in the royal capital have even bigger party rooms, but do they really have that many parties? Are they that free?
Back in the bubble era, people would go to the disco every Friday night. Maybe it's like that?
Still, I’m so bored.
"Ah, there you are. Joan, what are you doing?"
Vee came over.
"Nothing at all. I'm just watching everyone prepare because I'm bored. What's up?"
"Well, I'm bored too."
"What about our brothers?"
"Oh, they are working on their academy assignments."
"Sounds tough being in the academy."
"Tell me about it. I’ll be there starting next year… Anyway, let’s do something."
"Hmm… What should we do? If we stay inside, we'll just be in the way… Oh! Let's make snow lanterns!"
"Snow lanterns? What’s that?"
"Well, you pack snow into a bucket, flip it over, and dig a little hole in it. Then you put a candle inside and light it up. At night, it looks really pretty."
"Sounds cool! Let's do it!"
First, the two of us went to Gray to get some used candles. Then we went to Old Tom the gardener to borrow some buckets and shovels. Mike asked what we were doing, so I explained the snow lanterns to him. He got interested and decided to help.
The three of us quietly worked our way from the entrance toward the gate, making the lanterns. Before long, the three brothers, having finished their assignments, joined in.
After a lunch break, we finished a lot of snow lanterns by late afternoon. The candles were set, and all that was left was to light them.
As we took a break and hydrated, Grandfather and Grandmother came over.
"Oh, it's done?"
"Everyone worked hard."
We had explained what we were doing at lunch, so they had been watching from inside the mansion, curious.
"Wow, you made so many!"
"This is amazing."
Aunt Juliette, Uncle Gilbert, and behind them, my father escorting my heavily pregnant mother to prevent her from slipping, also arrived.
"Alright, let’s light them up!"
I said, but they told me it was too dangerous, so I just watched. Instead, Grandfather and Uncle Gilbert helped, and soon, all the snow lanterns were glowing.
[Whoa, this is incredible!!!]My brothers cheered.
"This is quite a sight.” Said Grandpa.
"Yes, it's so magical.” Said Grandma.
"It’s really beautiful.” Aunt Juliette said, while Uncle Gilbert nodded silently.
"Thank you, everyone. It’s so lovely.” Father said.
"It really is. Thank you.” Mother added, tears streaming down her face.
"Mother, are you okay? Does something hurt?"
I rushed over and took her hand.
"No, I’m fine. These are just… tears of overwhelming emotion. Thank you, Joan."
She gently stroked my cheek and smiled softly.
"Mother~"
I hugged her gently so as not to put pressure on her belly.
As I did, Father patted my head kindly and said,
"Alright, let’s start the party."
When we entered the party room, the servants and the private army members staying behind were waiting. Mr. Abe noticed me and walked over.
"Oh, Missy. You finally made it. Time to bring out the food from storage… Wait, you're freezing! What were you doing?"
As he lifted me up, he realized how cold I had gotten.
"Hehehe. We were making snow lanterns. You should check them out later."
"Oh, I see. I’ll take a look later. But first, the food. Everyone’s waiting."
At the table filled with dishes, I took out the pre-prepared cream stew and other dishes from storage. Of course, the large pot of cream stew was handled by Mr. Abe.
"Alright, everything’s ready. Does everyone have a drink? … Then let’s begin.
This year, you all worked hard for the Lampail family. Tonight, eat and drink to your heart’s content. And let’s make next year a good one too.
To the Lampail family and to all of you—cheers!"
[Cheers!!!]Everyone excitedly took their food and sat at nearby tables.
"Mmm, this cream stew is delicious!"
"This fried chicken is amazing!"
"No way, the roast beef is the best!"
"No, pizza toast is where it's at!"
Seeing everyone enjoying the food made me smile.
"Jo, are you eating? I brought you some pizza toast."
Brother Noel brought me some.
"And some cream stew too."
Brother Geneadded.
"Thank you, Brother Noel, Brother Gene."
"You worked really hard this year, Joan. Thanks to your cooking, no one got sick.”
Said Father.
"Yes, you made this year so much fun… though there were some nerve-wracking moments. Next year, you’ll be a big sister. I wonder what kind of sister you’ll be?"
Mother smiled.
"Ahaha~… I’ll be careful."
I didn’t expect to be warned at the very end.
Mother is terrifying.
"You can’t win against Mother.”
Brother Gene whispered, and Brother Noel and I silently nodded in agreement.
"Gene.”
Mother called out.
"Yes, sorry."
Brother Gene immediately apologized.
Mothers are strong, no matter the world.
But I’m going to have a little brother or sister… which will it be?
I wish we knew soon.
I can’t wait.
The party lasted late into the night, with the adults eventually switching to alcohol. Everyone had a great time.
I wanted to stay up until the New Year, but as my eyes started to close, Brother Noel picked me up and carried me to my room, where I drifted off into the world of dreams.
What do you think about this chapter?
