Magic Gems Gourmet

Side Story

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ED: LonelyMatter

Special Christmas Edition: This Time, It’s About the Givers

“All right, everyone, gather up-nya! Got it-nya? Anyone who shows up late is a traitor-nya, so we’ll just toss them aside-nya!”

Smack! Smack! Clad in a bright red outfit, Katima yelled as she smacked Ememe’s feet.

“Wh-whoa! That hurts, I tell you! Even my master only hits my feet!”

“And so it’s come around again this year-nya… that fateful day of deep karma-nya!”

“Ah, Katima-sama, did you know? They say that the meaning of good and evil can easily change depending on the observer’s perspective. Not that I know, mind you.”

“What are you saying, acting all smart-nya? Good grief!”

Two girls listened to the mysterious exchange between Cait Sith and the Harpy.

Naturally, they were also dressed in bright red outfits, though their skirts were shorter than Katima’s, making them look cold. One shook her silver-blue hair to the left in exasperation while the other sighed and let her golden-threaded hair fall.

Everyone had gathered on a small sandy beach behind White Knight Castle at the center of the royal capital, Kingsland.

Just hours ago, a lavish party was held in the grand hall and attended only by the castle’s staff. After the party ended late into the night, when everyone was likely asleep, Katima led these four here.

Krone, the one with the silver-blue hair, spoke up.

“…I do have to ask, is it really okay to sneak in like this? Even if the goal is Ain’s room?”

“No problem-nya. They wouldn’t blame us in the first place-nya. Just in case, I told Dill to turn a blind eye-nya. Chris should have ordered the Royal Knights, too, right-nya?”

“I-I did order them… but this outfit… it’s embarrassing!”

Chris rubbed her knees together, her white thighs exposed, and flushed. Although she wore skirts more often than before, she never imagined that she would be dressed like Santa Claus.

Standing beside her, Krone’s imposing posture prompted Chris to ask, with a hint of resentment.

“You seem so relaxed, Krone-san. Do you have any tips? I mean, I’ve never worn anything like this before.”

“Um… I’ve never worn one either. But I know exactly who I’m showing it to. If Ain thinks it’s cute, that’s all that matters.”

“—I see! So I just need to think about Ain-sama!”

“Uh, yeah. I’m sure that’s it.”

It was late at night, yet the place was bustling. The gentle sound of waves lapping against the sandy shore gradually lifted their spirits.

“Ehehe, these four lovely legs are sure to catch the eyes of many men-nya. Though the only one allowed to worship them is Ain-nya.”

“Whoa… isn’t that kinda… like something a middle-aged adventurer would say?”

“NYAAAAAAAH!? I’m still young-nya!”

“Ah, so that’s what you’re mad about. Whoops, whoops! Almost missed it while we were chatting, it’s gotta be a good time now!”

“Mmh!? It’s time to execute the plan-nya!”

“Katima-sama? We did give out presents before, including to His Highness and Lili-san, but aren’t we giving them out this year?”

“No need to worry-nya. I’ve already taken care of it-nya.”

Apparently, first-class maid Martha had been entrusted with it.

Well, that made sense. Even though Ememe gave a clueless reply, the group led by Katima stepped into the castle grounds.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

Katima stopped at the upper floor of the castle, just before the bedrooms of Sylvird and Laralua.

“Well, then. I’ll let Ememe carry me in from outside-nya. You two, make sure you go to Ain’s room-nya.”

Katima and Ememe depart without further ado.

They open the window and leap out into the White Christmas night sky, their figures somehow heroic. Yet this was certainly not the sort of action one would expect from the First Princess.

“…Shall we go too?”

“Y-yes… I suppose we should…”

Chris responded weakly to Krone’s voice. As usual, the two of them walked through the castle in their short skirts. It was late at night, and the castle was dead silent, only the sound of their footsteps echoing on the carpet.

Just one floor down was Ain’s room.

They both felt their hearts racing with nervousness, especially Chris, but they weren’t about to back out now.

Knowing how nervous she was, Krone asked,

“What did you decide to give, Chris-san?”

“I’m giving a scarf, like last time. What about you, Krone-san?”

“I saw Ain break a pen the other day, so I picked out a few. Since he started working at Strom, his paperwork has increased, so I figured he needed them…”

Chris nodded in understanding at Krone’s choice.

They soon descended the stairs and approached the spot just before Ain’s room.

They came to an abrupt halt at the unexpected sight of someone already there. Their eyes met.

“W-wait. This is a token of appreciation for Ain, who pours his heart and soul into his duties as lord.”

The only person who would address Ain so bluntly, using his first name and speaking in such a stiff tone, was him.

If he were inside the castle and could roam freely late at night, that would be even more significant.

Chris spoke before Krone could.

“Your Majesty, that outfit…”

“No, Chris! This outfit was prepared by Lalarua. I did not choose it myself!”

“It… suits you, though I suppose I shouldn’t say that.”

“Hmmm. Yes. It would be helpful if you could pretend you didn’t see it.”

The beard was natural, but the bright red outfit was unmistakably Santa Claus.

She couldn’t tell anyone, even if her mouth split open, that the king of the great nation of Ishtalika was dressed like this for one grandson. It was probably Queen Lalarua’s doing, but the circumstances mattered less than the fact that he was dressed like this.

Sylvird didn’t try to enter Ain’s room. He placed the white box with the red ribbon in front of it and was about to leave.

“Well then, I suppose I’ll be taking my leave.”

“If you return now, I believe Katima-sama will be there.”

“I know. Lalarua must have noticed and is waiting.”

Lightly responding to Chris’s words, he turned and departed, revealing a surprisingly cheerful back.

Chris and Krone, who had been listening to their conversation, spoke up.

“He probably wanted to give Ain a gift, but it was likely Lalarua-sama’s thoughtful gesture.”

“…You mean she gave His Majesty an excuse?”

“I believe so. With an excuse, it’s easier for him to act, given his position as king and grandfather.”

“Ahaha…yes. She’s a clever one. Lalarua-sama.”

Suddenly, the two women’s hands, which were both on the door handle, touched.

Their eyes widened as they looked at each other. After a few seconds, they smiled at each other and opened the door. The door connecting the living room and bedroom opened almost simultaneously as they entered.

Had Ain woken up? Their flustered moment was brief, for who appeared was…

“Ara.”

Could any woman be more alluring than her? Her vivid red attire suited her perfectly, concealing her captivating figure.

Unlike Sylvird, however, she showed no fluster. Smiling as usual, she addressed the pair.

This time, Krone spoke to her instead of Chris.

“Olivia-sama, that outfit… Could it be a gift for Ain?”

“Fufu—yes, that’s right. I received this dress from my older sister some time ago, but it would be a waste to never wear it.”

Krone couldn’t help but look Olivia up and down.

Her large bust and slender waist were impossible to look away from. Olivia, the object of her childhood admiration, remained as beautiful as ever, her flawless skin and silky hair radiating beauty.

The thought that Olivia’s affection was still directed solely at Ain made one feel a certain awe.

As she began walking and passed them, the two were intoxicated by the sweet, pheromone-like scent wafting from her.

“Ain is sleeping soundly. You two should go too. Martha should be back soon, so I’ll relax in my room.”

Merry Christmas!

Olivia said this near their ears before leaving. Left behind, the two were overwhelmed by emotions different from those they felt with Sylvird.

“The first time I met Olivia-sama was at a party held at Grand Duke Augusto’s residence. She was wonderful then, but I feel she’s become even more wonderful now.”

“Um… well… she just seems to shine brighter here in Ishtalika…”

Even her lingering scent felt luxurious. The two stopped, then started walking again a little while later.

Taking care to not make a sound, they slowly opened the door to Ain’s bedroom. On the small desk beside his bed, they saw a gift likely left by Olivia. It was wrapped, so they couldn’t see what was inside.

First, Krone placed her gift just as Olivia had done. Then, Chris placed hers beside it. They could have left then, but seeing Ain sleeping peacefully with a gentle breath, the two of them instinctively drew closer to the bedside.

Krone chuckled softly.

“Honestly, he’s still adorable, but he’s become so dignified compared to before.”

The most noticeable turning point was when he became the Demon King, but he would have taken on this appearance sooner or later anyway.

Krone gently brushed a strand of hair away from Ain’s cheek. Seeing him squirm as if he were tickled, she smiled again.

“Even if I borrow your present early, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind, right?”

Krone leaned onto the bed where Ain lay, bringing her face close to his neck and inhaling deeply. With an ecstatic expression, she breathed in deeply the scent of her beloved, looking blissfully happy.

Chris, who was watching right beside them, was startled.

“Th-that’s bold… Krone-san.”

“Fufu. Restraint is important, but there’s no need to deliberately restrain yourself over something no one will blame you for.”

Though Krone praised Olivia, Chris thought Krone was equally special. Chris had known Krone since childhood, but the grown woman was now a jewel that made any young lady pale in comparison.

“Mmm…”

Ain’s face, writhing as if tickled, came right up to Chris’s.

“Ah—uh, um…”

Today was Christmas.

There was no need to hold back. The words Krone had just spoken echoed like a devil’s whisper.

“Ain-sama… I must excuse myself…”

Whoosh! Without much force, her short skirt flipped up, almost revealing her undergarments. At that moment, Krone also gazed at Chris’s profile.

With her hair tied in a ponytail, she looked dignified. With her hair flowing naturally, however, she resembled a beautiful lady more than a knight. She possessed an innate grace and elegance that most women couldn’t match—a natural radiance.

The stories heard about her at the Balt party said she was as beautiful as an angel from a book, rivaling Olivia herself.

That same Chris buried her face in Ain’s neck as if seeking comfort.

“Ah, ahh…”

Despite having initiated this herself, Chris’s cheeks flushed a pale crimson.

Contrasting with her poised, beautiful appearance were her inexperienced, delicate gestures, which drew a gentle smile from Krone.

To an outsider, however, their actions diverged from societal expectations, making Chris appear simply like a woman elated to be near her beloved.

Though they had intended to return to their rooms afterward, Krone suddenly moved toward the opposite side of the bed with light steps. Just as one wondered what she would do, she burrowed under the covers and wrapped her arms around Ain’s back.

“It’s Christmas, so I don’t think you’ll be too angry about this. Though, I don’t think you’d get angry normally either…”

Having made up her mind, Krone pressed herself tightly against Ain’s back.

“K-Krone-san!?”

“I’ve already taken a bath, so it’s fine, right?”

“That’s not the issue. B-but—”

Envy overpowered Chris’ sense of right and wrong.

“Would I also not get scolded if I slept with Ain-sama?”

Well, that was true. Krone answered with a smile.

“Ain-sama, excuse me…”

She slipped into his chest, sandwiching him between herself and Krone. Ain didn’t stir; he was breathing peacefully in his sleep. Chris felt a mixture of embarrassment and delight in the warmth of the bed.

“U-uwaa… Right now, I feel like I could do anything.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“But… it’s not right to disturb him while he’s resting, is it?”

“Huh? I was planning to spend the night like this.”

A bolt from the blue. Chris’s entire body trembled once. Could such a thing be allowed? Oh, right, it was Christmas today. Only convenient excuses occupied her mind.

Krone’s words were simply too enticing.

“Christmas is such a wonderful day, isn’t it!”

“Fufu…it seems so.”

The two changed their plans, leaving their gifts behind, and instead spent the night with Ain.

The three slept peacefully, occasionally shifting but staying close together.

—And then dawn broke.

Morning came, and Ain, waking first, sat up.

“Huh?”

Both of his arms were being pulled. He looked left and right, wondering why, and found the familiar women sleeping beside him.

With each soft snore, his arms tingled.

“Huh—!? Eh, uh…!? Wh-why…!?”

He went to bed shortly after the party last night.

He had no memory of how he got there, nor any idea why Krone and Chris were beside him.

But he figured out the reason surprisingly quickly. It was thanks to their bright red outfits.

“Ah, I see. So Santa came twice.”

Looking at the table beside the bed, he saw three presents.

He immediately guessed that the remaining one was from Olivia. Ain smiled as he looked out the window at the morning sun and the snow that had just started falling.

He shifted his gaze back to the bed and murmured,

“So this is why Katima-san didn’t invite me this year.”

He would give them their presents when they woke up. With this thought, Ain spent the next few minutes relaxing until they finally stirred.

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