Then we gathered Houma and her companions and headed back to the old Barba building.
Using the spare key Griffo entrusted to us, we entered the room.
As we stepped through the door—
For just a moment, I felt as if I crossed paths with a ghostly shadow of my former, worn-down self.
But what actually came into view was the cluttered room, with cats scattering to do as they pleased—and Almoa—hey, hold up.
“Hey, hey. If you lie down there, you’re going to get dirty.”
“It’s already dirty enough, so it’s fine.”
A silver-haired girl sprawled on a pile of documents on the floor, lying with the cats. She looked so happy, not paying attention at all.
“Heh.”
“You’re in a good mood, Isto. Why is that?”
Houma, perched skillfully on my shoulder, asked.
I didn’t explain, just said, “Thanks to you all.”
After enjoying the atmosphere with the cats, Almoa and I left Houma’s group and returned to Griffo’s mansion. I think it was a good break for both of us.
Well, it was only fair that Mitera scolded us a bit for getting our clothes so dirty.
The next day.
I returned to the old Barba building, this time with the children from Elpida.
After checking out the building yesterday, I figured it could be useful for the kids, so I decided to bring everyone here to help clean up.
“Aww, why do I have to do this, Sensei…?” Regin grumbled, handling a feather duster carelessly.
Before I could say anything, Gloza tapped this mischievous kid on the back of his head.
“Regin. Move your hands instead of your mouth. Isto-sensei went out of his way to prepare this building for us.”
“That’s right! This will be our shop one day, so we have to keep it clean from the start!”
Even Sutei, who usually rivals Regin in laziness, sided with Gloza this time. She seemed especially taken by the thought of having “our own shop.”
Aside from those two, someone else was particularly enthusiastic: Eiri.
“Isto-sensei, is there a layout of this building somewhere?”
Elpida’s tool keeper had a satisfied look. I wiped a smudge off her cheek with a towel and pointed to the archive room.
“It’s over there. Let’s go look together.”
“Okay!”
And so—
The old Barba building was lively.
Not just with the Elpida members, but with the cats who’d started using this place as their home since the other day. Every time we met their eyes, they’d respond with cheerful meows.
“Working hard, huh?” “Little loud here; I’m going up.” “I’m hungry.”
The cats were as independent as ever. But since Houma had apparently told them about us, they were all friendly.
“Aww, Almoa-oneechan, that’s not fair! I want to cuddle too!”
“…There’s space next to me.”
“Yay!”
Two children were happily petting the cats at the foot of the stairs.
Ah, Almoa-san?
You really like this new cat house, don’t you?
According to Sutei’s rather loose plan, the first floor will be a café where people can relax with the cats. If it’s completed, Almoa might end up spending all day there.
With this pace, of course, the cleaning never got done.
Well, I figured as much from the start. Today would be more of an “open house” for the building.
I stopped the cleaning at a good point and led the children—now covered in dust—out of my old workplace.
This time, Redelia was with us as well. She seemed a little more pleased than usual, seeing the children’s excited chatter as they clambered into the metal carriage.
I called over to Mitera, who was double-checking that the building was locked up.
“Everything all set?”
“…”
“Mitera?”
“Oh, sorry. I was spacing out. What is it, Isto?”
“Got quite dirty two days in a row, didn’t we? Don’t be too hard on the kids. It was my idea, after all.”
“I’m not worried.”
…Hmm. What’s wrong? Mitera doesn’t seem herself.
Her movement as she locked up was slower than usual. Though she’s usually a bit relaxed, she’s always quick when working.
I looked up at the building.
—Come to think of it, so many things have happened since we left Barba.
It’d be impossible for her not to be exhausted after everything we’ve been through together.
“Mitera.”
I called out from behind.
As she turned, her hair was a bit mussed, and the face of the usually bustling girl who once worked tirelessly in Barba had traces of fatigue.
“Are you feeling okay? You don’t look like you’ve been getting much sleep.”
“I’m fine, Isto. It’s not like I have a cold or anything. Besides, we should hurry back to the kids.”
“Mitera.”
I stopped her in her tracks again as she started walking off.
I put my hands on my hips and spoke clearly.
“Tomorrow. Clear some time for me.”
“Huh?”
“Let’s go on a date, just the two of us.”
What Mitera needs is rest.
I’d been focusing only on the kids, but Mitera’s family to me too. I couldn’t just stand by while she’s worn out.
Let’s give her a day off from her duties with the kids.
“Tomorrow’s a holiday. Let’s let loose and enjoy ourselves.”
I suggested with a smile.
—But, for some reason, Mitera hasn’t budged an inch.
When she finally did move, she placed a finger under her chin, looking thoughtful. With her beauty and her great figure, it was quite a sight.
Her expression was so serious that I started getting nervous.
Did I say something wrong…?
“Isto.”
“Y-yeah?”
“Do you… still need an allowance?”
Hey.
Hey, my dear older sister.
Was that serious look earlier wondering if you’d failed to raise me right as an older sister? That’s rude.
“I’m not just buttering you up.”
I gave her a little tap on the head.
—Come to think of it, this might be the first time I’ve acted like this toward Mitera.
