𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 | 𝐓𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐅𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐨

- Chapter 23 -

The days pass by, and slowly but surely, Helia notices a gradual improvement in her health. The medicine Toji sent her does its job, and she begins to feel more energized and less unwell.

Encouraged by her progress, she finally decides that she's well enough to return to her duties as a maid.

While working, Helia hears whispers and excited chatter about the upcoming fireworks display.

Today is the day of the annual fireworks event, a tradition organized by the Zenin clan to celebrate the upcoming birthday of the current head, Naobito.

It's usually held a month before his birthday, where a very large party is thrown, reuniting the most important people of the sorcerer's world.

The whole clan is buzzing with anticipation, the children in particular, excited for the colorful spectacle that is about to unfold in the night sky.

Helia notices the excitement on the faces of the clan members. However, the maids are all too familiar with the fact that they won't be able to enjoy the spectacle themselves.

The tradition dictates that only the clan members are allowed to view the display, and Helia and the other maids are not allowed to watch the fireworks.

Helia tries to push the disappointment and frustration aside, as she knows that it's pointless to think about the fact that she's not allowed to watch the fireworks.

As a maid, she is expected to accept her role and duties without complaint, and she has grown used to the hierarchical structure of the clan.

However, a pang of sadness and longing still tugs at her heart as she knows tonight is supposed to be a night of joy and celebration, but she'll be spending it in her room, never enjoying the beauty of the fireworks herself.

With a resigned sigh, Helia makes her way towards the Toji's room, tasked with cleaning his toilets once again. The thought of having to tidy up after him once more puts a slight frown on her face.

When she heads towards Toji's rooms, she reminds herself of the possibility that he might have been the one to send her the medicine.

The thought brings a small flicker gratitude to her heart, making her slightly more cheerful than usual.

She tries to ignore the usual annoyance she feels for him and focus on the idea that he might have cared enough to send her medicine when she was ill.

But, despite trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, a stubborn part of Helia still resents him for his arrogant and irritating behavior.

She reminds herself about the whipping she had to endure because of him and that simply sending her medicine doesn't automatically make him a good person or take away the fact that he is still a pain in the ass to deal with.

She continues walking, her good mood slightly reduced.

She finally arrives at Toji's room. She takes a deep breath and knocks on his door. "It's Helia, I'm here for your toilets."

Almost immediately, she hears Toji's voice call from inside the room.

"It's unlocked. Come in."

She enters the room, and her eyes fall upon Toji, who's casually laying on his bed, reading a book.

He looks up as Helia enters, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment before returning to his book. He acknowledges her presence with a disinterested nod, barely sparing her a glance.

She makes her way to his bathroom, noting the unusual silence in the room. Without any snarky remarks or constant observation like usual, Toji seems oddly quiet.