MCFATTKM

181

"Yes, congratulations."

Contrary to her expectations, the first to congratulate was Griffith. He spoke plainly with an insincere look.

"Congratulations, Lelia!"

Romeo also smiled and congratulated her. Unlike Griffith, it was a tone that truly wished for Lelia's happiness.

"......."

But Kalix didn't say anything and just stared at Lelia.

Lelia bowed her head to turn away from the gaze. She was both embarrassed and sorry to see her friends.

'Well, to Oscar...'

She was going to confess honestly that she fell in love with Oscar.

Clatter!

Lelia shrank her shoulders in surprise at the sudden loud noise.

It was the sound from Kalix's chair falling down as he, who was seated calmly, jumped up.

"..."

Kalix looked at Lelia and Oscar with a big frown, and soon turned his back away.

"Kalix!"

Lelia tried to follow him, but Oscar grabbed her hand.

"..."

"Wow, this time he got it at once, right? How did this happen?"

When Lelia sat down again and sighed, Romeo said in a tone of wonder.

"..."

Despite Romeo's light joke, Lelia felt mixed emotions. Perhaps she wouldn't be able to see Kalix's face again for a few days.

Griffith, who was glancing at Lelia with a dark face, said, "Lelia, don't worry. He'll accept reality soon."

"..."

Kalix's response was not very different from what she had expected.

But Griffith's response was really unexpected.

"And even if you get married, we'll continue to stay here by your side. As your friends."

"...Griffith."

Lelia choked up at the feeling washing over her like a wave. It was a complex feeling, with gratitude and remorse mixed together.

Griffith showed a friendly smile as if not to worry about anything.

Oscar's hand, which was holding the back of her hand under the table, gripped her hand harder.

After a while.

This was after Lelia and Oscar had left.

As soon as the two left the greenhouse to see her grandmother together, Romeo put his head on the table immediately.

"Oh my god... Oscar that punk...I should have been wary of him when I was young, since he kept acting like an attention seeker..."

Griffith looked downwards unwillingly at Romeo, who was lying on the table.

Romeo seemed to be crying.

"If you're interested, would you like to hear about my plan?"

Griffith, who was already planning for the distant future, asked calmly.

Romeo, who had been sniffling for a while, lifted his red face and shouted.

"I won't! I think I'll be persuaded if I listen to it now".

"...Whatever."

"I'm different from trash like you. I really hope for Lelia's happiness!"

"...We'll have a chance, too. Lelia will be even happier."