Chapter 26: White Castle

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Translator: Soafp

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“Yay! I'm done with my thesis! Just need to submit it now!” (Natsu)

“Let's hope it gets approved.” (Haru)

“Hey, Haru-kun, stop trying to jinx it!” (Natsu)

“It'll be fine. If it's you, there's no problem. Sure, you might mess up occasionally, but when it counts, you're strong.” (Haru)

You do have your moments of being a bit forgetful.

(But it's part of my charm.)

That's why you're popular with everyone, regardless of gender.

(What do you mean?)

If you're too perfect, it can come off as aloof, but having a few flaws makes you more approachable.

(I see now.)

You got it?

(So you were trying to trap me?)

Not at all!

“Anyway, now that the toughest part is done, I've got something to discuss.” (Natsu)

“Why the serious tone?” (Haru)

“Actually, Yuki invited me to join her and the others for a graduation trip.” (Natsu)

“Oh, that's pretty common. Where are you thinking of going?” (Haru)

“We haven't decided yet, but we're talking about going abroad since it's a special occasion.” (Natsu)

“That sounds pretty fancy.” (Haru)

“Yeah, but we're trying to keep costs down by sticking to walking tours and finding ways to save on expenses.” (Natsu)

“Na-chan?” (Haru)

“I'll make sure to prepare frozen meals so we can just heat them up during the trip.” (Natsu)

“Oh, you thought I might object?” (Haru)

“…You won't?” (Natsu)

“Nope. You haven't been to many parties since we started dating, and people have already given you a hard time about it. Don't worry about the graduation trip, just enjoy it.” (Haru)

“Have I really given people a hard time?” (Natsu)

“Yeah, because of me. They say you are not socializing enough.” (Haru)

“Those aren't true friends then. Communication can happen in many ways. I'm still meeting with my close friends for tea during the day.” (Natsu)

You were quite popular, after all.

(Though you had a few secret admirers too.)

If they're secret, how would I know?

(You should be more open about it, like me.)

Holding hands?

(That's just the beginning.)

Linking arms?

(It's a way of showing affection.)

Leaving love bites?

(That's a privilege.)

Is that so?

(Didn't you know?)

Sorry!

(It's good that you understand now.)

“Anyway, enjoy your trip. Don't worry about the food—” (Haru)

“I want to make it. If you prefer to eat out, that's fine, but I'd like to cook as much as possible. Is that okay?” (Natsu)

“…Well, I don't really feel like eating out anyway.” (Haru)

“Great! Then I'll do it my way.” (Natsu)

“You're not going to listen to me anyway.” (Haru)

“Is that so? You can tell me if you don't like it.” (Natsu)

“Wouldn't you just end up crying if I said I didn't like it?” (Haru)

“Of course I would! So don't say anything.” (Natsu)

Stubborn as always.

(Well, I know that already.)

“Alright. Also, don't be too shy about the money. Since we live together, don't hold back too much. It's a special graduation trip, so at least match what everyone else is doing.” (Haru)

“Hmm? Okay. I'll just scrimp on buying souvenirs for you.” (Natsu)

“Oh, that's a clever idea.” (Haru)

“Right? Trust my taste.” (Natsu)

That smug face.

(Is it cute?)

Of course.

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“So, are you able to go?” (Yuki)

“Yes, it's fine.” (Natsu)

“I knew it. I wouldn't think Haruto-kun would say no. You've even restricted yourself from drinking parties.” (Yuki)

“Well, that's true.” (Natsu)

“Haruto-kun's meals during the trip will be prepared in advance, right?” (Yuki)

“You're spot on, Yuki. I've made sure everything's arranged the way I want.” (Natsu)

“Heavy” (Yuki)

“Rude! I confirmed everything! I was told I could do it how I wanted!” (Natsu)

“‘How I wanted'… Just how much do you like Haruto-kun?” (Yuki)

“Is there a way to express it enough?” (Natsu)

“What’s scary is that it doesn’t seem like an exaggeration at all.” (Yuki)

“Alright, alright. Let's save the comedy for later and talk about the trip.” (Natsu)

“Eh? Since when has Ryoko been here?” (Yuki)

“I just arrived. Satomi will be here soon too.” (Natsu)

“Did you call her? Sorry for being late.” (Yuki)

(Ryoko, Satomi, and our familiar Yuki.)

Troublemakers, huh?

(I'm not denying it.)

“Well then, now that everyone's here, shall we start the meeting?” (Satomi)

“Chairwoman Yuki, may I have the floor?” (Ryoko)

“Yes, Ryoko, you have the floor.” (Yuki)

Is this usual?

(I'd say it’s more of an emergency meeting.)

Need some heckling?

(It's like a show you wouldn't want kids to watch.)

“Natsuki's participation—full time or part time?” (Ryoko)

“Of course, full time! And how long are we going to keep up this mock parliament?” (Natsu)

“Ahahaha. There's a chance Yuki might end up involved in council operations. So I thought I'd humor her a bit.” (Ryoko)

“Yuki as a public servant? Is she going to work at that old city hall?” (Natsu)

“Who knows? She might be at some branch office.” (Ryoko)

“Actually, I think a serious Yuki suits her well.” (Natsu)

“Hey, Natsu, saying ‘surprising' is rude.” (Yuki)

“I agree with Natsu's opinion though.” (Satomi)

“Satomi? Have you been influenced by Natsu?” (Yuki)

“Okay, okay. Let's get back to the topic.” (Ryoko)

“Ryoko, you're the cause of this, right?” (Yuki)

“Yeah, I'd love to go to Europe.” (Ryoko)

“You ignored that, didn't you?” (Yuki)

“Europe, huh? Prague would be lovely.” (Satomi)

“As expected of Satomi, nice choice. I'd prefer the classic Paris.” (Ryoko)

“Got it. I want Prague, Ryoko wants Paris. What about you, Natsu?” (Satomi)

“I'd choose the white castle.” (Natsu)

“I see. The princess wants Cinderella Castle… or rather, Neuschwanstein Castle. I'd like to visit Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn.” (Satomi)

“Quite the variety.” (Yuki)

“Well, let's not worry. We'll harmonize everyone's opinions and decide the destination.” (Ryoko)

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“I see. So you ended up joining the whirlwind tour of Germany and France.”(Haru)

“Yes, it turns out that a tour is more cost-effective. Both Neuschwanstein Castle and Mont Saint-Michel are included in the tour.” (Natsu)

“Wow, a 3-night, 7-day trip sounds pretty intense.”(Haru)

“While we're young, right? Let's take it slow on our honeymoon.” (Natsu)

“You're getting ahead of yourself.” (Haru)

“I don't want to hear that from someone who already booked the wedding venue.” (Natsu)

True.

(…A European trip.)

Hmm?

(Walking down the Champs-Élysées with you.)

On our honeymoon…?

(We'd be linking arms.)

Isn't that holding hands?

(Not enough.)

(Not nearly enough.)

“I'll drive you to the airport.” (Haru)

“Really?” (Natsu)

“Yes, I'll pick you up when you come back too.” (Haru)

“Thank you. Fufufu, I'm looking forward to the trip and to what's beyond it.” (Natsu)