I WAS CAUGHT UP IN A HERO SUMMONING, BUT THAT WORLD IS AT PEACE

I played games with Aoi-chan and Hina-chan, then after dinner, I called Aoi-chan to my room again. Fortunately, since we had been playing games together just a while ago, it felt natural to invite her by saying “Since we’re here, let’s play another game together as the three of us.”

Since Aoi-chan is sharp, I was worried she might catch on to the surprise. But more than that, the game we played earlier had been a pretty close match for a while, but I ended up winning by a landslide. That must have triggered her competitive side, because she was all fired up, saying “I won’t lose next time!”, so she didn’t seem to suspect anything.

[What should we play next? If it’s a sugoroku game, Kaito-san is really strong, so maybe something with action elements……]

[Aoi-chan, that sounds good but…… before that, there’s something I want you to see.]

[Eh? Something you want me to see?]

[Yes! And that is…… this!!!]

[ ! ? ]

At the exact moment I called out to Aoi-chan and she turned toward me, Hina-chan swiftly pulled a cake out of her magic box and placed it on the table.

Using the magic box to its fullest potential, we had pre-lit the candles and stored it, so the moment it was taken out, it was already perfectly prepared.

Aoi-chan was clearly caught off guard, her expression showed pure surprise. Taking advantage of that moment, I adjusted the lighting and dimmed the room.

[It’s a little early, but consider this a small celebration from me and Hina-chan…… Happy birthday, Aoi-chan.]

[I heard you’re planning to still be considered 17 this year, but for now, happy birthday, Aoi-senpai!]

[……Ah, eh? T- Thank you…… Y- You went out of your way to prepare a cake for me……?]

Aoi-chan seemed a bit overwhelmed, as if her thoughts couldn’t keep up, but I could see a faint shimmer of tears in her eyes, and the emotions I felt through Sympathy Magic suggested she was deeply moved.

[To put things simply, Hina-chan and I wanted to do something to celebrate, so we put this together.]

[Yeah! Well, Aoi-senpai…… for now, go ahead and blow out the candles.]

[Ah, u- unn.]

Encouraged by Hina-chan, Aoi-chan blew out the candles. As soon as they went out, I turned the lights back on, and Hina-chan and I clapped together.

Aoi-chan, finally catching up with her emotions, let out a smile filled with a mix of happiness and slight embarrassment.

[Alright, Aoi-chan, take a seat so we can cut and eat the cake.]

[Ah, yes…… Kaito-san, thank you. Really, this makes me so happy. This is the first time I’ve ever had my birthday celebrated like this…… My heart feels so full.]

[Eh? Really!? Aoi-senpai, not even back home……?]

[They did throw something like a party, but it was just in name only———- It’s more like a formal event marking my birth anniversary. In reality, it was full of political dealings and ulterior motives. Everyone was either blatantly flattering me or had obvious ulterior motives…… This is the first time I’ve ever been able to just feel purely happy.]

Aoi-chan spoke with open disdain toward her family, making it clear that she truly despised her home.

Well, considering she’s planning to cut ties with them the moment she becomes an adult with Makina-san’s help, it’s not surprising…… I can only imagine how terrible her environment must have been.

That’s exactly why, on a day like this, I want her to forget those painful memories and just enjoy herself.

As I thought that, I cut the cake and placed it in front of Aoi-chan, along with a chocolate plate that had “Happy Birthday” written on it. Her eyes sparkled with delight.

[Cakes like this, the kind that just scream “birthday cake”, are so fun to look at. It almost feels like a waste to eat it.]

[Ahaha, hearing that makes all the effort worth it. But don’t hold back, there’ll be another celebration next year, and the year after that, so there’s no need to hesitate. Eat as much as you like. If there’s any left over, we can just store it in the magic box……]

[Okay!]

Seeing Aoi-chan nod with a beaming smile, both Hina-chan and I couldn’t help but smile as well. After all, while we had planned this as a surprise, we never expected her to be this happy.

[I’m glad Aoi-senpai is enjoying herself so much, but at the same time, it makes me wonder just how many gray, joyless birthdays she’s had until now. My family always made sure to celebrate mine, at least……]

[……I hate that house.]

[That was a serious tone…… W- Well, let’s not think about that and just have fun! After the cake, Kaito-senpai and I have presents for you too!]

[Really? I can’t wait…… Hina-chan too, thank you for everything.]

This turned out even better than expected. Now, I’m looking forward to giving her our birthday presents.

---

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [Hina’s family, well, she says they’re strict, but they seem to have a good relationship…… They’re probably just careful not to spoil her too much while still showing real love and care. Aoi’s family, on the other hand…… they seriously give off the vibe that they see her as nothing more than a component———– just the “daughter of the head”, nothing else.]

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